Nestled against the Saddleback Mountains, Santa Margarita Catholic High School began as a dream of the late Bishop William R. Johnson, who saw the need and potential for a Catholic high school in South Orange County. In 1985, Bishop Johnson's enthusiasm caught the attention of religious and business leaders and soon plans were under way to fund and build an extraordinary school.
With dedicated community and church leaders and the generosity of donors, Santa Margarita Catholic High School established its roots. The school opened its doors in the fall of 1987 and the charter class of 216 students graduated in June of 1991. Now home to more than 1,600 students each year, Santa Margarita boasts a dedicated faculty and staff, unmatched academic programs, faith-filled activities and competitive athletics.
With dedicated community and church leaders and the generosity of donors, Santa Margarita Catholic High School established its roots. The school opened its doors in the fall of 1987 and the charter class of 216 students graduated in June of 1991. Now home to more than 1,600 students each year, Santa Margarita boasts a dedicated faculty and staff, unmatched academic programs, faith-filled activities and competitive athletics.
Services
The Administrative Board is made up of the President, Principal, Vice Presidents, Assistant Principals and Athletic Director. Various directors of departments report to the Board on a regular basis along with an elected representative who brings issues of concern from members of the faculty and staff.
Tuition: $16,435 for Catholic families and $18,275 for non-Catholic families, discounted rate offered for additional students. Accreditation: Accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Certified as an International Baccalaureate World School (IB), Member of the College Board.
The SMCHS Office of Communications collaborates to heighten the awareness of our school's mission, storied past, current endeavors, future aspirations and the value of the school's educational experience. The office works to maintain and protect Santa Margarita Catholic High School's identity and communicates with the school's various constituencies and communities: parents, alumni, students, prospective families and the public at large.
As a parent, you owe it to yourself and your child to explore all the different high schools available to you in the area. We value the trust you place in our team as we are dedicated to helping each family make an educated decision regarding the best high school for your child. Santa Margarita is more than a school, but a close-knit, nurturing community.
There is a $60 non-refundable application fee that is paid through your personal admissions page once logged in. Payment of the application fee automatically signs up your student for the placement test date to be determined. The placement exam is only for incoming freshmen. If you missed the testing date or are applying after the test date has passed, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@smhs.org or 949-766-6076.
Reviews (10)
Patrick Visconti
Dec 25, 2018
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User
Sep 07, 2018
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The school masses, sports masses, and religion classes absolutely ruin the school experience. Very few people want to go to the masses but are forced to go anyway. The school knows that almost everyone would skip the masses if they made them early or late in the day, so they make them in the middle of the day. They also think for some reason that forcing the students to sit through mass is more important than allowing the students to get an extra hour of sleep after staying up late working and studying, so they take away all the late starts on mass weeks. The religion classes are also a complete
Jordan Rodriguez
Aug 09, 2018
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Elissa
Jan 05, 2018
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Ronny Mohtar
Aug 23, 2017
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Garrett Domier
Jul 10, 2017
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I am proud to have spent four years at Santa Margarita. SM has provided an environment with academic rigor, vibrant faith, incomparable athletics, abundant extra curricular activities/clubs, and more school spirit than I have seen at any high school. I have no doubt that SM has prepared me for college and beyond. To anyone considering attending: SM is 100% worth it.
Howdareyoulenny
Aug 28, 2016
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Corrine Perkins
Jun 23, 2015
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An amazing school! Small class sizes, teachers, administrators, and coaches all care deeply about their students/athletes. Caritas Christi (love of Christ) is shown daily on this campus. Rigorous academics, athletics that push student athletes to do their best, and great atmosphere where technology is used as a tool on a daily basis will prepare all these kids for what lies ahead.
Bp Cars
Sep 15, 2014
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Riley Campbell
Dec 11, 2013
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