Santa Margarita Catholic High School
- A+Overall Grade
- Private, Catholic
- 9-12
- Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- 306 reviews
COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:
The 2020-2021 school year is comprised of four unique schedules to support health, safety and learning: Virtual, Blended Plus, Transitional Block and Full Block. Learn More
- AcademicsA+
- DiversityA
- TeachersA-
- College PrepA+
- Clubs & ActivitiesA+
- SportsA
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Tuition
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
Santa Margarita Catholic High School Fast Facts
SMCHS offers a co-educational college preparatory education while developing faithful, skilled, lifelong learners who are involved citizens of the world.
Culture & Safety
- 89%
- of students agree that they feel safe at their school.36 responses
- 78%
- of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.36 responses
Students
- 91%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.43 responses
- 81%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.43 responses
- 93%
- of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.43 responses
Teachers
- 71%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.56 responses
- 82%
- of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.56 responses
Clubs & Activities
- 97%
- of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.29 responses
- 66%
- of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.29 responses
- 79%
- of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.29 responses
- Cost of LivingD+
- Good for FamiliesA
- HousingC
Santa Margarita Catholic High School Reviews
Classes are varied for diverse learning and divergent thinking. SMCHS orchestra, steel drums, band, guitar, theatre, dance & art need to be applauded. Sports, robotics, ETV, journalism, many clubs and retreats invite learning and growing. The feeling on campus is a positive. Students are smiling and having conversations with each other.
AP/ Honors require lots of work. Room for improvement: to get grades posted in a timely manner. Quicker feedback allows students to know if they grasped information correctly, providing time to discuss unclear concepts with the instructors. Through Covid-19, classes were not missed/work required. SMCHS-a positive learning environment.
As a Catholic, I wanted my sons' faith to be part of EVERYDAY and not just on Sunday. Faith is part of all aspects of the students' days at SMCHS.
Both boys really enjoyed their chosen sport. One also loved choir.
Both made good friends.
Teachers CARE! As a parent, I reached out to teachers about my sons' performance. EVERY teacher responded and we worked out plans for my sons.
Story: My son left his pc in class on Fri. At the Welcome dance that night, the teacher / chaperone told him the pc was charged and safe. The teacher returned the pc to my son at the end of the dance. SO KIND!
Sports - balance with academics is tough, but teachs prioritization and time management.
School culture - every high school deals with social media issues. SMCHS tries to provide parents and students the tools to navigate what can be a 24/7 barrage.