Catholic School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

#9 in Best Private High Schools in Orange County

grade A+
Overall Grade
Private, Catholic
9-12
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA
Rating 4.16 out of 5 344 reviews

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A+

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Academics
grade A+
Diversity
grade A
Teachers
grade B+
College Prep
grade A+
Clubs & Activities
grade A+
Sports
grade A+

smhs.org

(949) 766-6000

22062 ANTONIO PARKWAY
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA 92688

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About Santa Margarita Catholic High School...

Applying

Application Deadline

November 17

Application Fee

$60

Interview Required

Required/Recommended Tests

HSPT

Tuition

Yearly Tuition

$20,650

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

30%

Average Financial Aid

$7,500

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 three 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.

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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.

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Academics

Average Graduation Rate

100%

Average SAT

1330

323 responses

Average ACT

315 responses

Niche College Admissions Calculator

Popular Colleges

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

grade A+
University of California - Los Angeles
335 Students
grade A+
University of Southern California
274 Students
grade A+
University of California - San Diego
207 Students
grade A
University of San Diego
206 Students
grade A minus
San Diego State University
199 Students
grade A+
University of California - Berkeley
193 Students
grade A+
University of California - Santa Barbara
190 Students
grade A minus
Loyola Marymount University
182 Students
grade A minus
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
174 Students
grade A+
University of California - Irvine
162 Students

More About Santa Margarita Catholic High School Academics

Eagle Online Academy

Does a traditional bell schedule not meet your student’s unique educational needs? If you are looking for a world class high school in an online format that doesn’t sacrifice the academic rigor and faith-based core values of a school like SMCHS, then the Eagle Online Academy may be for you. Students have access to SM support services and can participate in all campus activities and athletics.

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Culture & Safety

Poll

90%

of students agree that they feel safe at their school. 42 responses

Poll

81%

of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there. 42 responses

Poll

What are your favorite school events or traditions?

Based on 156 responses

Sports games, dance / drama events
23%
Dances
15%
Basketball games
12%
Football Games
12%
Kairos retreats are amazing
11%
Spirit Week
9%
Homecoming
4%

Students

Diversity

Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.

Students

1,746

90%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive. 49 responses

80%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy. 49 responses

92%

of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic. 49 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

16:1

National

17:1

Poll

77%

of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons. 62 responses

Poll

73%

of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students. 62 responses

Poll

84%

of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom. 62 responses

Map

Homes For Sale

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Clubs & Activities

A+

Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.

Girls Athletic Participation

Very High

Boys Athletic Participation

High

94%

of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. 35 responses

66%

of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need. 35 responses

80%

of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations. 35 responses

Overall Niche Grade

How are grades calculated?Data Sources

Cost of Living
grade C minus
Good for Families
grade A
Housing
grade C

Median Household Income

$150,146

National

$75,149

Median Rent

$2,441

National

$1,268

Median Home Value

$861,100

National

$281,900

Santa Margarita Catholic High School Reviews

344 reviews

One of the things I love about SMCHS are the many opportunities to become involved with student life. There are exceptional academic opportunities, top tier sports teams, and so many clubs to join or start! One thing that I think could be improved is the cost of things (such as events like dances, food for lunch, books for class, etc.). It is required to purchase these things in addition to the already expensive tuition. Another thing that is noticable is the mediocre diversity on campus.

Review Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita High School has been so good to me. Academically, athletically, and socially, the opportunities and amount of growth the school has offered and provided is truly so special. I have been challenged in every class and it has been so encouraging to be able to know that each teacher is there to support me and help me to be a better thinker and person. The counseling department is also incredible with their level of resources and experience in the field. On the sports side, SM is very team-oriented and to be a part of a community that is not only greatly competitive but that is also family driven is so so fun. I would like to see change in the lunch dining and homework load on campus.

I am currently a junior at this school and I can't say enough about how grateful I am to have had such an incredible high school experience. The academics are top-notch, but the workload is manageable and if you ever are stressed or struggling with a lesson there are teachers, counselors, and endless resources to help you. Teachers are kind, understanding, and give engaging lessons while truly caring about their students. I played tennis my first two years and track & field all three, and the coaches are amazing and will help you become the best athlete you can be while still maintaining a gentle and encouraging coaching style. We are also nationally recognized for our sports teams and have several students going to college on sport scholarships. The food is pretty good and also affordable. I am in choir and our performances are breathtaking and super fun to be a part of. Overall, I am so impressed with my experience at SMCHS and am going to be bummed when I graduate. Thank you SM!!

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Santa Margarita Catholic High School Reviews

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