Admission

Welcome

Welcome to the St. Margaret's Episcopal School admission page! As you consider the opportunity of St. Margaret’s for your child, we look forward to working with you and sharing all of the exciting offerings of SMES. Staying in close communication with us is the best way to become familiar with our dynamic Early Childhood - Grade 12 program.
 
Our mission, to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership and service, is rooted in our Episcopal identity. This mission, drives all of our programs and creates the strong, positive school environment that is St. Margaret's. From age three to Senior year, we emphasize maintaining a healthy school culture committed to balance, integrity and academic challenge. As you consider options for early childhood, elementary, middle and high school, we invite you to learn more about us by exploring our website, visiting campus and connecting with our Admission Office. We also encourage you to review the latest online news for additional information about our programs and the fun student life at St. Margaret's.
 
Identifying the independent school that is best for your child, one that will provide intellectual, emotional, artistic, athletic and spiritual growth, can be a challenging task. We look forward to helping you navigate this process. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be helpful to you in any way.
 
Warm Wishes,
Phoebe F. Larson
Director of Enrollment Management

Middle School Parent

“I love how deeply personal the staff and teachers are with each child. I feel that they really strive to get to know our children for their strengths and growth points. St. Margaret’s fosters a kind and supportive environment like no other school.”

Admission Application Timeline

Early Childhood and
Lower School		 Middle School and
Upper School
September- November
Inquire, Research Website, Attend Events!
Online Application available Oct. 1
Financial Aid Application (currently enrolled families) Nov. 15
December
  • Submit Form I of the Application
  • Register for Assessment
  • Delegate Online Teacher Comment Form(s)
  • Submit Form I of the Application
  • Register for In-Person Interview
  • Register for ISEE
  • Delegate Online Teacher Comment Form(s)
January
  • Complete Assessments (Early and Lower School) 
  • Submit all Online Application Forms
  • Complete Applicants Interview
  • Submit ISEE Scores
  • Submit all Online Application Forms
February Application Deadline: February 1
Financial Aid Application: February 15
March Decisions released the first week of March

Admission Philosophy

St. Margaret's Episcopal School seeks students of exemplary character who demonstrate the ability to thrive in an academically challenging program, who show potential for engagement in leadership and service opportunities and whose parents' goals align with those of the school. The Admission Committee evaluates each applicant on a variety of factors, including academic records from current schools, student and parent questionnaires, recommendations from current teachers, interviews and performance on standardized assessments. Children applying to Early Childhood School, Kindergarten and Grade 1 participate in a developmental screening and playgroup. In all divisions, the admission process is rooted in finding the best match between prospective families and St. Margaret's Episcopal School.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
 
Office of Admission
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
31641 La Novia Avenue
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2752
Telephone: (949) 661-0108 ext. 1248
admission@smes.org

Next Admission Events:

List of 3 events.

Meet the Admission Team

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Phoebe Larson

    Phoebe Larson 

    Director of Enrollment Management
    (949) 661-0108 x1251

  • Elizabeth "Beth" Carey 

    Associate Director of Admission
    (949) 661-0108 x1250
  • Photo of Casey Comeau

    Casey Comeau 

    Admission Assistant For External Affairs
    (949) 661-0108 x1248
  • Photo of Julie Noll

    Julie Noll 

    Assistant for Internal Admission Operations
    (949) 661-0108 x1312

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

31641 La Novia Avenue
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-0108
 
Translation? ¿Traducción? 翻译?:

An Independent Preschool Through Grade 12 College-Preparatory Day School in Orange County California

Non-Discrimination Policy
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.