Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a coeducational, college-preparatory education developing students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of the world.
Founded in 1987 under the leadership of the Diocese of Orange, the school`s 42-acre campus is nestled against the picturesque Saddleback Valley Mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita.Ranked as one of the top private schools in the nation by The Washington Post, the school is home to more than 1,700 students. Known for its breadth of academic programs including the International Baccalaureate diploma program; innovative technology; student-centered classrooms; top-ranked academic and athletic programs; emphasis on service and social justice; award-winning arts programs and active student body, Santa Margarita provides a holistic educational experience in a Christ-centered environment. For more information visit smhs.org.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,701 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,435
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Santa Margarita Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Some of the common areas of expertise are Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia, but our staff is qualified to support a wide range of learning challenges.
Year Founded
1987
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
1,701 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Santa Margarita Catholic High School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
71%
Average Class Size
22 students
Number of AP Courses
21 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language & Comp., AP European History, AP French Language, AP Government/Politics US, AP Macroeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP United States History, AP World History
Average SAT score
1269
Average ACT score
27
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
plaid skirts, khaki pants, and

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$16,435 is Catholic rate for 2020-2021 $18,275 is non-Catholic rate for 2020-2021

Sports

School Notes

  • Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a coeducational, college-preparatory education developing students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of the world.
  • Founded in 1987 under the leadership of the Diocese of Orange, the school`s 42-acre campus is nestled against the picturesque Saddleback Valley Mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita.Ranked as one of the top private schools in the nation by The Washington Post, the school is home to more than 1,700 students. Known for its breadth of academic programs including the International Baccalaureate diploma program; innovative technology; student-centered classrooms; top-ranked academic and athletic programs; emphasis on service and social justice; award-winning arts programs and active student body, Santa Margarita provides a holistic educational experience in a Christ-centered environment. For more information visit smhs.org.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Santa Margarita Catholic High School cost?
Santa Margarita Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $16,435 for private students.
What sports does Santa Margarita Catholic High School offer?
Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. Santa Margarita Catholic High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Santa Margarita Catholic High School's ranking?
Santa Margarita Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Santa Margarita Catholic High School?
The application deadline for Santa Margarita Catholic High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
I went here for one academic year about 15 years ago. I left because it was very academic challenging and I felt very constrained.I transferred to a public school where I felt I wasn`t stimulated enough. Looking back I regret leaving and likely if I have kids I would send them to sm. Maybe it`s changed since but when I was there it was a bit of a party school and I know they changed principals since then. I must say as a Jew, I felt very welcome at sm. The environment is very welcoming towards non-Catholics and non-Christians.
- Posted by
5  
SMCHS - wonderful school and I'm so glad we made the investment. My oldest graduated and is now at University of Notre Dame. My middle child is a sophomore and my third child will join the SM ranks in two years. This school is fabulous - there is something for everyone (sports, academics, etc.), the teachers are compassionate, kids are taught respect and kindness, the college counseling department rocks and there is great diversity. I would highly recommend this school and feel like I've given my kids a great well-rounded, faith-based high school education.
- Posted by
5  
SM gave our daughter Samantha so much more than we bargained for - not only rigorous academics, but fostering personal growth spiritually, emotionally, and socially. It is the close personal connections between faculty, staff, and students that set this school apart, and create a caring and supportive community based on Caritas Christi. We are forever grateful to have been part of the SM family!
- Posted by
5  
The one thing I can say about Santa Margarita Catholic High School is that whenever I walk onto campus, it makes me smile! It is such a beautiful campus, so welcoming! My daughter has participated in golf, Talon Theater and cheer and LOVED every activity! Our son is in the Robotics program and can't stop talking about it! The curriculum is rigorous, but look at the universities that our alumni attend! And what can I say about the faculty and staff! Always ready to answer any questions or assist in any way.
- Posted by
5  
I work at SM and everyone here is awesome. Everyone is friendly, caring and fun! People here truly believe in the SM education and the value we provide to our families, which is why SM is so successful in producing kind, caring and hard working students.
- Posted by
5  
SM is a wonderful school. We look at other high schools in the area, but SM was the right fit for us. Never thought I would say, "My daughter loves going to school". Yes, there are challenges, every school has them. However the teachers and community are so very supportive and the spirituality has really made a difference in my daughters life. I am truly grateful for the education and spiritual development my daughter is receiving at SM. Go Eagles!
- Posted by
5  
My daughter thrives here. The community and teachers are amazing. If you are looking for a Catholic education, this is the place to be!
- Posted by
5  
Santa Margarita Catholic High School has changed my life. I made friends before my first day as a freshmen during the orientation. I was worried that I wouldn't make friends quickly, but I shouldn't have been worried. The teachers care about my successes, and if I need extra help, they don't hesitate to stay after school or come in early. The student body is one big community. The school spirit during the pep rallies, spirit weeks, and sports games make me feel as if I am part of a big family. The faith is so strong, it can move mountains. Caritas Christi!
- Posted by
5  
I am a parent at SM and am so grateful we decided to send our kids to school there. Currently we have 2 children there and my youngest is in 6th grade and already excited to be an Eagle! The entire staff works hard to help the students achieve their best -and prepares them to continue achieving after high school. When I walk on campus, I am overwhelmed with joy knowing our children are learning about much more than what`s taught from books. So thankful they get to embrace religion in such an unsettling world too. Truly blessed to be an Eagle Family!
- Posted by
5  
I am currently a sophomore at Santa Margarita, from the experiences I have thus had so far, it's alright. The schools academics are rigorous, most of that depends on what classes you are taking though. The teachers and faculty are always supportive, encouraging students to doing their best and providing them with good educational support. In comparison, the schools Athletics are just as competitive as it's academics as Santa Margarita has won numerous CIF division titles. The one problem I am having with the school is the great amount of competitiveness, which can help to drive someone, but also can be annoying.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,701 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,435
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Orange County, CA is $11,040 for elementary schools and $16,459 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Orange County, CA is 90% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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