Skip to Main Content
Catholic School0

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

#1 in Best Catholic High Schools in Orange County
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Private, Catholic
  • 9-12
  • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
  • 277 reviews
    Apply NowVisit Campus
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Diversity
      A
    3. Teachers
      A-
    4. College Prep
      A+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      A+
    6. Sports
      A+
    Address
    22062 Antonio Parkway
    Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
    Telephone
    (949) 766-6000
    Website
    smhs.org

    Applying

    Application Deadline
    Rolling Admissions
    Application Fee
    $60
    Interview Required
    No
    Required/Recommended Tests
    HSPT

    Tuition

    Yearly Tuition
    $16,435
    Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.
    Received Financial Aid
    25%
    Average Financial Aid
    $5,030
    From 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. The school’s 42-acre campus is nestled against the Saddleback Valley Mountains. Bus transportation and an active carpool group are available for any easy commute to campus.

    Known for the breadth and quality of its academic programs, innovative technology, student-centered classrooms, emphasis on social service and social justice, nationally-recognized athletic program, award winning arts programs and active student body – Santa Margarita provides a well-rounded educational experience. Students go on to attend universities across the globe with the majority of students earning scholarships. One in every four students at SMCHS receives tuition assistance. We invite you to visit campus and see for yourself why SMCHS is ranked among the nation’s best private high schools.

    Upcoming Events

    Santa Margarita Catholic High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Average Graduation Rate
    100%
    Average SAT
    1280
    285 responses
    Average ACT
    29
    356 responses
    Niche College Admissions Calculator
    Popular Colleges

    Niche users from this school are most interested in the following colleges.

    Culture & Safety

    Poll
    85%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.27 responses
    Poll
    78%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.27 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 92 responses
    Report
    • Sports games, dance / drama events
      27%
    • Dances
      16%
    • Basketball games
      14%
    • Kairos retreats are amazing
      14%
    • Football Games
      11%
    • Rock For Peace
      5%
    • Rally
      4%

      Students

      Diversity
      A
      Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
      Students
      1,638
      91%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.34 responses
      76%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.34 responses
      91%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.34 responses

      Teachers

      Student-Teacher Ratio
      16:1
      National
      17:1
      Poll
      77%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.47 responses
      Poll
      70%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.47 responses
      Poll
      81%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.47 responses

      Clubs & Activities

      Clubs & Activities
      A+
      Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
      Girls Athletic Participation
      Low
      Boys Athletic Participation
      Average
      95%
      of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.20 responses
      75%
      of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.20 responses
      80%
      of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.20 responses
      Living in the Area
      A
      Overall Niche Grade
      How are grades calculated?
      1. Cost of Living
        D
      2. Good for Families
        A
      3. Housing
        C
      Area Feel
      Dense Suburban
      Median Household Income
      $106,939
      National
      $55,322
      Median Rent
      $1,812
      National
      $949
      Median Home Value
      $619,200
      National
      $184,700

      Santa Margarita Catholic High School Reviews

      277 reviews
      All Categories
      SMCHS is an amazing high school experience with an emphasis on academics, athletics, well-being, safety, and community. Highly recommend! From freshman orientation to these final days of high school, I have enjoyed my teachers, coaches, club leaders, campus ministry, and administration. Top notch! I learned and experienced something new every year with an engaging classroom experience, strong swim team and water polo teams, diverse clubs and programming that offers something for everyone. SMCHS promotes a strong and positive community filled with respect, kindness, and love for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. I truly enjoyed my high school experience. It’s always a great day to be an Eagle!
      Start Your Review of Santa Margarita Catholic High School
      Rate It!
      I loved Santa Margarita Catholic High School. The staff was very friendly and professional. The teachers genuinely care about your success and are willing to help you whenever needed. As a first year college student undergoing Baylor University's rigorous medical program, I believe SMCHS prepared me to the best of their abilities. I highly recommend SMCHS to any individual considering it! The biggest shortcomings I experienced at SMCHS was cost of attendance and lack of scholarships. As a private school, we are expected to see large tuition fees, yet I struggled to find scholarships through the institution. Other than this, SMCHS treated me very well and I am grateful to have attended an amazing school.
      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!