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Catholic School

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
  • 250 reviews
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+
About Santa Margarita Catholic High School...
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Address
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Telephone
(949) 766-6000
Website
smhs.org

Applying

Application Deadline
January 27
Application Fee
$60
Interview Required
No
Required/Recommended Tests
HSPT

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

Average Graduation Rate
99%
Average SAT
1270
242 responses
Average ACT
29
293 responses
Niche College Admissions Calculator
Popular Colleges

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

Culture & Safety

Poll
83%
of students agree that they feel safe at their school.23 responses
Poll
78%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.23 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 78 responses
Report
  • Sports games, dance / drama events
    28%
  • Dances
    17%
  • Basketball games
    15%
  • Kairos retreats are amazing
    14%
  • Football Games
    10%
  • Rock For Peace
    6%
  • Rally
    4%

Students

Diversity
A-
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,670
93%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.30 responses
73%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.30 responses
90%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.30 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
National
17:1
Poll
79%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.43 responses
Poll
70%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.43 responses
Poll
81%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.43 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.16 responses
75%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.16 responses
88%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.16 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
Suburban
Median Household Income
$104,556
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$1,741
National
$949
Median Home Value
$584,000
National
$184,700

Santa Margarita Catholic High School Reviews

250 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!
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Decent, but many aspect still need to improve. People are very very friendly since many are Catholic. As a agnostic, it is really annoys me that I need to pay extra money while doing the exact thing as a Catholic like go to a 2hour mass every month, do prayer every morning, having religion class which counted in my GPA and. I would say SMCHS is definitely a perfect school for you if your family focus a lot on academic. Grades is a good deal in SMCHS, as well as sports. However, everyone is so driven by college admissions.
Disregard the tuition each year, there are many other extra money that we need to spend during the period of 4 years. Like textbook, uniforms, lunch and extra activities.
Absolutely love SM! The teachers are great, students are friendly, and the use of technology has really helped me learn! Only downside is the limited school lunch options, but it is still good for school lunch.