Understanding Santa Margarita High School Tuition
Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS), established in 1987 under the Diocese of Orange, is a coeducational, college-preparatory institution. Nestled in Rancho Santa Margarita, against the Saddleback Valley Mountains, the 42-acre campus serves over 1,700 students. Recognized by The Washington Post as a top private school, SMCHS offers a comprehensive academic program, including the International Baccalaureate diploma. The school is known for its innovative technology, student-centered classrooms, and strong programs in academics, athletics, arts, service, and social justice, all within a Christ-centered environment.
A Holistic Educational Experience
Santa Margarita provides a holistic educational experience in a Christ-centered environment. SMCHS strives to develop students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of our world. The school emphasizes the formation of the entire person, socially and morally
Academics and Faculty
SMCHS has 109 classroom teachers. A significant portion of the faculty, 71%, holds master's degrees or higher. The average class size is 22 students, fostering a personalized learning environment. The school offers 24 AP courses, providing students with rigorous academic challenges and opportunities for college credit. In recent years, 31 students scored 4 and 5 in AP exams.
The school offers 24 AP/Advanced Courses:
- AP Art History
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Computer Science A
- AP English Language & Comp.
- AP European History
- AP French Language
- AP Government/Politics US
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Music Theory
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics C
- AP Psychology
- AP Spanish Language
- AP Statistics
- AP United States History
- AP World History
SMCHS also provides learning difference programs, supporting students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other learning challenges.
Read also: A Guide to Santa Clara University Academics
Athletics
Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers 21 interscholastic sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheering
- Cross Country
- Dance
- Diving
- Equestrian
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Surf Team
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Winter Track
- Wrestling
Tuition and Fees
Tuition at Santa Margarita Catholic High School covers registration, technology, STEAM/Art, school supplies, classroom fees, field trip fees and plant maintenance assessments. Eighth grade graduation event fee, yearbook, and overnight field trips are invoiced separately. SMCHS uses FACTS Tuition Management for the collection of tuition and other fees. During registration you will be directed to set up your tuition payment account with FACTS. At that time you will also pay your registration fee.
Payment Options
St. Junipero Serra Catholic School offers several payment options to our families, allowing for maximum flexibility. After the non-refundable deposit (and new student fee, if applicable), the balance may be paid using one of the following installment plans.
- Annual: One payment by May 31 to be eligible for discount.
In the event of a student withdraw, the Business Office will refund any potential tuition payments if the family had already paid for future months. The registration fee is nonrefundable and after July 1, the technology fee is non-refundable/non-transferable. When a student terminates his/her attendance at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, all unpaid tuition, fees, and other school charges become immediately due and payable.
Tuition Assistance and Scholarships
At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, it is our desire that every student have the opportunity to receive a well-rounded Catholic education. Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers awards in the form of tuition assistance and scholarships - these are awards that do not have to be repaid. Tuition assistance awards are based on financial need. Additionally, privately-funded scholarships are awarded to students based on need, academic excellence, leadership, service, talent and other criteria. Tuition assistance combined with privately funded scholarships can provide up to 50 percent of the cost of tuition at SMCHS.
Read also: Explore Santa Clara University
The Santa Margarita Eagle Foundation offers SMCHS tuition and college scholarships through the generosity of our donors.
Discounts
Discounts are not available to those receiving tuition assistance except for the Catholic discount. The Catholic discount is for those registered in a local Orange County parish within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.
Additional Fees
A yearly mandatory, non-refundable technology fee is required for all enrolled students.
529 Education Savings Plan
As of 2018, you can withdraw from your 529 plan for “qualified higher education expense”.
Scrip Rebate Program
You can reduce your tuition cost through our Scrip Rebate program. Families receive 50% of EVERY scrip rebate dollar as a credit toward tuition costs. Additionally, the remaining 50% of EVERY scrip rebate dollar will be recognized as a tax-deductible donation to St. Junipero Serra Catholic School. There is no limit to earned rebates which equates to extensive savings for our families!
Read also: A Deep Dive into SCU's Undergraduate Enrollment
Community Involvement
Our dynamic St. Serra community thrives on our parents' time, talent, and treasure. Families with at least one student in grades TK through 8 are required to perform forty (40) hours of volunteer service per school year; preschool families' required volunteer hours is based on the program in which your [oldest] child is enrolled. There are a multitude of volunteer opportunities which meet this requirement and allow you to get involved in our wonderful school community. Each family is responsible for recording their service hours online via the FACTS SIS system.
School Overview
Santa Margarita Catholic High School is a co-ed private day school located in California, US.
Location
Santa Margarita Catholic High School is located in the State of California of USA. The closest major city is Long Beach, which is about 40 miles away from school. Long Beach, a coastal city in Southern California, is known for its vibrant waterfront and cultural attractions. The iconic RMS Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner, serves as a museum docked in Queensway Bay. The Aquarium of the Pacific offers interactive exhibits, including touch tanks and a shark lagoon. The Museum of Latin American Art showcases modern and contemporary art, while Rancho Los Cerritos, a historic 19th-century adobe home, provides a glimpse into the past amidst beautiful gardens.
History
When Santa Margarita High School opened its doors on Sept. 2, it was the first Catholic high school to be build in the nation in the past decade and the first in Orange County in the past 22 years. There are now seven Catholic high schools in the county, with annual tuition ranging from $2,300 to $4,950.
| Name of School | City | Ages | Sex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornelia Connelly School of Holy Child | Anaheim | 9-12 | girls only |
| Santa Margarita Catholic High School | Rancho Santa Margarita | 9-12 | coed |
| Mater Dei High School | Santa Ana | 9-12 | coed |
| St. Michael’s College Prep High School | El Toro | 8-12 | boys only |
| Rosary High School | Fullerton | 9-12 | girls only |
| Servite High School | Anaheim | 9-12 | boys only |
| Name of School | Enrollment | Foun | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornelia Connelly School of Holy Child | about 300 | 1963 | $4,950 |
| Santa Margarita Catholic High School | 300 | 1987 | $2,500 |
| Mater Dei High School | 2,200 | 1950 | $2,500 |
| St. Michael’s College Prep High School | St. Michael’s Abbey of Norbertine Fathers | ||
| Rosary High School | Catholic Diocese of Orange | ||
| Servite High School | Servite Fathers and Brothers |
Positive Feedback
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!
SMCHS - wonderful school and I'm so glad we made the investment. My oldest graduated and is now at University of Notre Dame. My middle child is a sophomore and my third child will join the SM ranks in two years. This school is fabulous - there is something for everyone (sports, academics, etc.), the teachers are compassionate, kids are taught respect and kindness, the college counseling department rocks and there is great diversity. I would highly recommend this school and feel like I've given my kids a great well-rounded, faith-based high school education.
The one thing I can say about Santa Margarita Catholic High School is that whenever I walk onto campus, it makes me smile! It is such a beautiful campus, so welcoming! My daughter has participated in golf, Talon Theater and cheer and LOVED every activity! Our son is in the Robotics program and can't stop talking about it! The curriculum is rigorous, but look at the universities that our alumni attend! And what can I say about the faculty and staff! Always ready to answer any questions or assist in any way.
I work at SM and everyone here is awesome. Everyone is friendly, caring and fun! People here truly believe in the SM education and the value we provide to our families, which is why SM is so successful in producing kind, caring and hard working students.
SM is a wonderful school. We look at other high schools in the area, but SM was the right fit for us. Never thought I would say, "My daughter loves going to school". Yes, there are challenges, every school has them. However the teachers and community are so very supportive and the spirituality has really made a difference in my daughters life. I am truly grateful for the education and spiritual development my daughter is receiving at SM. Go Eagles!
My daughter thrives here. The community and teachers are amazing. If you are looking for a Catholic education, this is the place to be!
Santa Margarita Catholic High School has changed my life. I made friends before my first day as a freshmen during the orientation. I was worried that I wouldn't make friends quickly, but I shouldn't have been worried. The teachers care about my successes, and if I need extra help, they don't hesitate to stay after school or come in early. The student body is one big community. The school spirit during the pep rallies, spirit weeks, and sports games make me feel as if I am part of a big family. The faith is so strong, it can move mountains. Caritas Christi!
I am a parent at SM and am so grateful we decided to send our kids to school there. Currently we have 2 children there and my youngest is in 6th grade and already excited to be an Eagle! The entire staff works hard to help the students achieve their best -and prepares them to continue achieving after high school. When I walk on campus, I am overwhelmed with joy knowing our children are learning about much more than what`s taught from books. So thankful they get to embrace religion in such an unsettling world too. Truly blessed to be an Eagle Family!
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