St. John's Episcopal School is an independent, church-affiliated school enrolling boys and girls from 8 weeks old to 8th Grade. Located in Orange County about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Rancho Santa Margarita is a picturesque, Spanish-style town a short distance from the Santa Ana Mountains and vast expanses of national forest.
Grounded in the rich history of diversity and excellence in Episcopal education, St. John`s fosters every child`s full intellectual, physical, and spiritual development.
A nurturing learning environment and programs built on an ideal balance of tradition and innovation encourage our students to pursue lives of service and purpose.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 568 students
- Yearly Tuition: $17,000
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 26 / Feb. 23 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Johns Episcopal School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
568 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
32%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
24%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 26 / Feb. 23 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$17,000
Tuition Notes
There are graduated-tuition levels according to grade; Early Childhood Division, Elementary Division, or Middle Division.
Admissions Director
Heather Doddridge
Admissions Associate
Seaby Rodriguez
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Chess, After School Art Lessons, After School Golf Lessons, Boy Scouts, Bricks 4 Kidz, cooking club, Peer Assistant Leadership (PAL), Student Government Grades 3-8
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Dance, Elementary Division Musical Theater, Instrumental Music, Middle Division Musical Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cheerleading, Tennis
Academic Chess, After School Art Lessons, After School Golf Lessons, Boy Scouts, Bricks 4 Kidz, cooking club, Peer Assistant Leadership (PAL), Student Government Grades 3-8
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Dance, Elementary Division Musical Theater, Instrumental Music, Middle Division Musical Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cheerleading, Tennis
School Notes
- As an independent school, we are able to determine our own mission and values, and to create programs and approaches to learning that best serve our students. Through an ideal balance of tradition and innovation, we prepare every student for success in education and life beyond St. John`s. A strong character education program, grounded in the Episcopal heritage, equips our students with a strong moral compass and a commitment to service. Similarly, our highly acclaimed STEAM program provides the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind that enable our students to flourish academically in high school and college.
- All this is accomplished in a nurturing learning environment, where every student is well known and valued. Our size is ideal: we are big enough to offer a wide range of opportunities in athletics, fine and performing arts, and clubs and activities; and we are small enough to ensure that we know how every student learns best and what motivates them to learn. We work in close partnership with parents to bring out the best in every child entrusted to us.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Johns Episcopal School cost?
St. Johns Episcopal School's tuition is approximately $17,000 for private students.
What sports does St. Johns Episcopal School offer?
St. Johns Episcopal School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball. St. Johns Episcopal School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is St. Johns Episcopal School's ranking?
St. Johns Episcopal School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for St. Johns Episcopal School?
The application deadline for St. Johns Episcopal School is Jan. 26 / Feb. 23 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 26 / Feb. 23 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 4/6/2019
St. John`s is a spectacular school! They offer schooling for early childhood to 8th, which is great for homes that have two working parents. Their STEAM Program gives my girls a ton of opportunities to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Even in the Early Childhood Center kids are introduced to each of these in a fun way. More importantly, my kids are taught to cooperate, follow directions, and that they are capable. The school also values character development, showing kids that it is just as important to be a good person as it is to be intelligent. The staff is filled with caring, enthusiastic, gifted, and creative people. The class ratios are lower than most private schools, so my girls get a ton of guidance. They truly love going to school and often stall at pick-up time so they can stay a little longer. The school does a great job of promoting family bonding. The parents are involved in the school`s success and supportive of one another, which translates to deeper friendships with our children and an overall family-feel at St. John`s. You and your children will love it here!
5 7/21/2018
This school has been amazing for our family. Our children all have unique needs, talents and interests. The school truly cares about the whole child and it is evident in the concern the teachers show for their students. The Resource program has been an amazing support for our child with reading difficulties. And the differentiated learning for math and reading provides the perfect challenge for our child reading above grade level. The STEAM education has also given our kids the tools and skills to work collaboratively and think critically. We couldn't be happier at this school.
5 5/17/2016
My son graduated from St. John's and was very well prepared for high school. They have a Spanish program that is nothing short of amazing! My son started in Spanish 2 Honors as a Freshman.
5 5/17/2016
My daughter graduated from St. John's and recently graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors from Chapman University. The excellent foundation in English and Math she received at St. John's created the ability for her to succeed in Advanced Placement classes in high school and continue to excel at the University.
5 6/9/2015
We moved from public school last year and are very impressed with the emphasis on good study habits and accountability. The STEAM curriculum is excellent too. The children are engaged - tuned in and turned on. Teachers explore topics from multiple angles, and the learning style is very hands-on. Overall a very progressive school that has not lost sight of the basics.
5 4/20/2015
Parent of two children and would absolutely recommend this school to anyone in the area. Best value for private education in South Orange County. Excellent elementary and middle school program with innovative STEM/STEAM program (technology, robotics, etc.). New language program to include Mandarin has been a big hit. Focus on individualized attention per student is clear given focus on class size.
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