St. Margaret's Episcopal School Viewbook

ST. MARGARET’S EPI S COPAL

S CHOOL

St. Margaret’s

and lifelong bonds are formed.

is a place where character is shaped

WELCOME ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Welcome to St. Margaret’s, a place where students thrive. There is a reason families come from all over Southern California to be part of our nurturing, close-knit community. Our dedicated teachers and caring parents come together in shared purpose to prepare our students to be productive, healthy and happy children today and moral citizens tomorrow. Guided by our Episcopal identity, our students are recognized as much for their honor, responsibility and principled behavior as they are for their academic, artistic and athletic achievement. Our rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum offers a thoughtful balance and breadth of challenging experiences for every student. St. Margaret’s is not just an education; it is a vibrant community that becomes part of your family, your lives and who you are. We invite you to visit and learn more about us.

Our curriculum is exceptional.

Our teachers are renowned.

St. Margaret’s is the premier preschool through grade 12 independent school in Orange County. Our program is known and respected for its depth and quality, leading more than 100 colleges and universities from across the country to visit St. Margaret’s every year to recruit our graduates. Our 21st-century curriculum and passionate, experienced teachers nurture the unique talents of every student and prepare them for an ever-changing world. The academic program is rooted in a strong foundation of educational expertise, leading pedagogy and best practice. Through emphasis on enduring understandings, collaboration, leadership, critical thinking and lifelong learning, our students build skills from preschool through graduation and are prepared to excel in college and in life. The hallmark of a St. Margaret’s education is the many faculty members who are engaged and involved in the life of each student. Our students are supported by a team of teachers, advisors, college counselors, chaplains and coaches. Small classes and a framework of guidance and support ensure that every student is known and loved.

Early Childhood Education We know that no child develops at the same pace or in the same way. At St. Margaret’s, we meet every young child where they are and nurture his or her unique development. Our earlychildhood approach focuses on cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative growth. Educating the whole child best prepares our youngest students for future academic and social success. Our Preschool curriculum fosters exploration and foundation skills and has received the highest level of recognition and praise from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This philosophy evolves into a dynamic academic classroom experience in kindergarten through grade 2. The academic program focuses on establishing a strong foundation in reading, writing and math, as well as science, social studies, world languages, physical education and art.

Students explore and celebrate the arts as an integral part of the human experience.

We do not draw lines between students who excel in academics, athletics or arts. We encourage and enable students to pursue all areas of interest through our broad program offerings. The lacrosse team captain is likely to also be in the school musical. The president of the student body may be taking Advanced Placement studio art. A saxophone performer in the annual Coffee House Cabaret might also be the president of the Academic Chess Club. Arts education provides a humanizing influence and contributes balance to our curriculum in the development of the whole student.

Students who study the arts are also more likely to display originality, self-expression and better communication skills. Classes in theatre, dance, orchestra, band and choir challenge students to be creative thinkers and problem-solvers. Our faculty members, who are professional artists, empower students to embrace their artistic journey and deepen their own voice and sense of self. For students with special interest, our program challenges and cultivates an increased mastery of the craft and deepens their unique artistic points of view.

Beyond the classroom, athletics foster healthy lives, integrity and high expectations.

At St. Margaret’s, students have the opportunity to develop mind and body, to learn and grow in and out of the classroom. The St. Margaret’s physical education and athletic program reflects a balanced approach, emphasizing active and healthy living, integrity, teamwork, high expectations and mutual respect. From gross motor development in Preschool and house leagues in the Lower School, to team sports in Middle School and 24 varsity sports in the Upper School, we view the playground, gymnasiums and athletic fields as extensions of the classroom. St. Margaret’s teachers, advisors, deans and chaplains are also coaches, enabling the guidance of our faculty to extend throughout our students’ lives. With high levels of student participation, our teachers are able to interact with

students in multiple settings and, as a result, better understand them, their passions, strengths and areas of needed support. We expect the best from our students in every arena of their St. Margaret’s lives and measure it in athletics through spirited competition, fair play and sportsmanship. Our student-athletes and teacher-coaches give their all on the field as evidenced by dozens of Academy League Championships, more than 20 CIF Championships and numerous State Championships. Our community, the Home of the Tartans, comes together as one to support our student-athletes and to honor our school.

Our Episcopal identity guides us as we value all people and serve our community.

Our Episcopal identity is at the heart of who we are. We are not, however, a school community comprised of only Episcopalians. In the true spirit of the Episcopal tradition, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive community of people from all faiths and backgrounds. We represent nearly 20 faiths and more than 30 surrounding communities. We value both faith and reason and emphasize the spiritual and intellectual development of each child. We welcome ideas and debate, and we believe our differences make us a stronger community, help us to learn and grow, and ultimately guide us in lives of respect, understanding and service to one another.

Alongside rigorous academics and a breadth of student programs, we emphasize and foster moral integrity, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others.

A true community working together in shared vision.

Being a member of the St. Margaret’s community offers a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves. At St. Margaret’s, students, families and educators come together and participate in a shared vision. We often hear that our students and alumni are easily recognized for their integrity, leadership, character and values. This is what drew many of us to St. Margaret’s and what motivates each of us to contribute and carry forward this legacy. At St. Margaret’s, character is forged, futures are framed, lifelong connections are made and the lives of students, faculty and families are forever changed for the good. Together we inspire students and allow them to explore and cultivate who they are today, and ultimately prepare them to pursue their dreams tomorrow. We invite you to explore our school for your child and family.

ST. MARGARET ’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

WHERE STUDE N T S THRIVE

M I SSION STATE M E N T ST. MARGARET ’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Our mission at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership and service.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School 31641 La Novia Avenue, San Juan Capistrano, California 92675 Phone: 949.661.0108 Fax: 949.661.8637 www.smes.org St. Margaret’s Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, hiring and athletic policies or in other school-administered programs.