Catholic School
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
- A+Overall Grade
- Private, Catholic
- 9-12
- Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- 261 reviews
- AcademicsA+
- DiversityA-
- TeachersA-
- College PrepA+
- Clubs & ActivitiesA+
- SportsA+
Applying
Tuition
Yearly Tuition
$15,650
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.
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
Culture & Safety
Poll
- 84%
- of students agree that they feel safe at their school.25 responses
Poll
- 76%
- of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.25 responses
Students
Diversity
A-
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,670
- 94%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.32 responses
- 75%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.32 responses
- 91%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.32 responses
Teachers
Poll
- 71%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.45 responses
Poll
- 80%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.45 responses
Clubs & Activities
Clubs & Activities
A+
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low
- 94%
- of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.18 responses
- 72%
- of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.18 responses
- 83%
- of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.18 responses
- Cost of LivingD+
- Good for FamiliesA
- HousingC
Area Feel
Suburban
Median Household Income
$106,939
National
$55,322Median Rent
$1,812
National
$949Median Home Value
$619,200
National
$184,700Santa Margarita Catholic High School Reviews
261 reviews
All Categories
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!
Santa Margarita Catholic has incredible academic programs, athletic teams, and performing arts. With different academic levels being offered, almost all students be well-nurtured in their classes. SM also provides support for students who struggle in their classes, which is helpful. SM offers many unique sports teams and give students the opportunity to be a part of a team. For the performing arts, students are able to nurture their artistic ability despite their previous level of activity in the arts. However, it's Catholic faith is not very strong. The majority of students at the school are not Catholic and only attend for the strong academics. The administration doesn't reflect Catholic beliefs as a group, either. The overall culture of the school revolves around how high one's academic achievement is and whether or not one plays a sport. If a student does not achieve high grades or takes part in a sport, they will probably experience difficulty in the social aspect of the school.
SM offers great courses; however, the goal of students and teachers is to learn to get an A. In many honors classes, the testing schedule is so extremely fast to the point where teachers are testing us on topics we haven’t discussed. I’ve taught myself material multiple times due to my teachers' irresponsibility. Also, I sit in other classes wishing I could be home where I'm much more productive. I feel like half of my classes are wastes of my time while the other half are insanely rushed. It’s only now, as I'm preparing for finals, that I have the time to realize how interesting the material is. Also, the Catholic faith at SM is low. Thank God for our adults in Campus Ministry who plan retreats and fun lunches for everyone. Unfortunately, Administration does not reflect the Christian faith. The athletics and performing arts at SM are exceptional. Having choir as my elective is one of my best decisions, as Mr. Calvo and Mr. Winn are the most compassionate and talented men.