Resources and FAQ's

Early, Lower and Middle School students: 

Upper School students: 

Financial support is available only for current St. Margaret's students who received financial support in the 2024-2025 school year, or who have been awarded financial support for 2025-26.

 

To apply for summer school financial support, email Melissa Norwood with the following details:

Contact: Melissa Norwood at billing@smes.org for any questions about the process. 

The grades listed for each summer camp program refer to the grade your child will be entering in the Fall of 2025. 

For example, a camp listed for Grade 4 is specifically designed for children who will be entering Grade 4 in August/September 2025.

Summer camp readiness depends on several key factors that demonstrate a child's emotional and practical preparedness. 

A camp-ready child typically shows strong communication skills, can express emotions appropriately, and interact confidently with adults and peers. Children should demonstrate independence by following directions, making personal decisions, and managing basic self-care tasks. 

Equally important is the child's genuine enthusiasm about camp - showing curiosity, asking questions, and expressing excitement about the upcoming experience. 

Parents can support camp readiness by practicing essential skills like packing independently, wearing appropriate clothing, understanding camp guidelines, and building social confidence through role-playing potential scenarios. 

By assessing these indicators and providing supportive preparation, parents can help ensure their child has a positive, enriching summer camp experience.

Yes, some of our camps are open to the public. Camps fall into two main categories: Open Enrollment Camps and For SMES Students.

By offering both types of programs, we aim to provide enriching experiences for our school community while also extending opportunities to the wider public. This approach allows us to maintain the integrity of our academic programs while fostering a diverse and inclusive summer environment.

Students must be fluent in English to effectively communicate with teachers, peers, and administrators.

These guidelines ensure that all participants are well-prepared to engage fully in the enriching experiences offered throughout the summer program. 

Late pick-ups will be assessed the following fees:

Important Notes:

Our late pick-up policy ensures we can maintain appropriate staffing and care for all children in our summer programs. We appreciate your understanding and punctuality.

Payment is due in full at the time of registration.

NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to the payment requirement.

We do not accept cash, checks, or alternative payment methods.

Registration for Early, Lower, and Middle School programs opens at 7:00 p.m. on March 19.

Registration for Upper School programs opens at 7:00 p.m. on April 7.

We encourage you not to wait until the last minute to register, as late registrations may not be accepted. Once registration is closed, no exceptions will be made.

Registration for each camp or class closes at least two weeks prior to the program's start date. 

This timeline ensures that our administrators and teachers have sufficient time to prepare for a successful first day of camp.

There are specific requirements and prerequisites for attending Summer at St. Margaret's. 

Students must be fluent in English to effectively communicate with teachers, peers, and administrators. Families must also familiarize themselves with the school's Mission and Core Values, as these guide all programming.

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.

Core Values

Our community places a high value on the following qualities:

Balance and Breadth - We believe personal growth, balance and well-being are fostered through a broad range of academic, artistic, athletic and co-curricular opportunities.

Character - We emphasize integrity, spirituality, empathy, perseverance and responsibility.

Community - We champion mutual respect, engagement, collaboration, service learning and a commitment to the common good.

Equity and Inclusion - We embrace and celebrate the identity of every human being, and advocate for equity, inclusion and justice.

High Expectations - We prepare and empower our students to discover and develop their unique gifts and talents to achieve their full potential.

Summer at St. Margaret's is committed to providing a safe environment for all campers. All of our summer staff undergo rigorous screening and training to ensure the highest standards of child care and safety. Every staff member is required to complete a comprehensive background check, fingerprinting, First Aid certification, CPR training, and mandatory child safety trainings. 

Our hiring process prioritizes candidates with experience working with children, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for creating positive, engaging summer experiences. We carefully select staff who demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and the ability to provide a nurturing environment for campers of all ages.

By implementing these strict qualification standards, we ensure that parents can feel confident in the care and supervision their children will receive during our summer programs.

If a camp or class is full, you may place your child on a waitlist at no cost. 

Waitlists are managed on a first-come, first-served basis, and you will receive an email notification if a spot opens up. 

To secure the spot, payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. 

We kindly request that you inform us as soon as possible if you decide to decline the spot, allowing us to offer it to the next family on the waitlist. 

Our goal is to maximize camp access and provide transparent communication throughout the waitlist process. 

These camps are open to all students, including those from other schools and international participants. We welcome everyone to experience the St. Margaret's spirit through:  

Children should wear comfortable, washable clothes and closed-toed shoes for safety.

Campers should wear Summer at St. Margaret's T-Shirts for off-campus activities. 

For beach and water days, campers must wear SMES rash guards. 

T-shirts and rash guards are provided by the camp. 

Extra shirts can be purchased in the student store starting at the beginning of summer.

Summer at St. Margaret's is committed to creating a supportive learning environment that emphasizes character development, respect, and positive behavioral choices. 

Our goal is to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Treat others with kindness and respect.

Follow camp and classroom behavior guidelines.

Take responsibility for personal actions and belongings.

Participate actively and positively in camp activities.

Respect: Demonstrate respect for staff, fellow campers, and camp property.

Conflict Resolution: Use problem-solving skills to address interpersonal challenges.

Safety: Maintain a safe environment for all participants.

Our approach focuses on teaching and guiding rather than punishment. When behavioral issues arise, we will:

Provide clear explanations of expected behavior

Use logical consequences

Support children in understanding the impact of their actions

Communicate with parents when necessary. Parents are essential partners in supporting positive behavior and camp success.

Behavioral interventions may include:

Location: The Health Office is located behind the Fountain Courtyard and Memorial Garden, centrally located on campus. 

Hours: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM during summer programs. 

Services Provided: Staffed by a Registered Nurse at all times to assist students who are ill, injured, or have any medical concerns.

Students will receive prompt attention and care in a supportive environment.

Communication with Parents: Parents will be notified if their child visits the Health Office.

If further medical attention is required, parents will receive clear instructions, which may include referrals to their physician or a hospital.

This ensures that students have access to necessary medical support while participating in summer programs, prioritizing their health and well-being. 

Students who are ill, injured, or have a medical concern are seen by the school nurse. Parents are notified of the visit and receive instructions if a student needs further medical attention such as referral to their physician or hospital.

Complete the medical information as part of your camper's registration.

Include all pertinent medical information asked for such as allergies, asthma, other relevant health conditionsand provide emergency contact information.

These requirements ensure that the school has up-to-date health information for all participants in summer programs, promoting a safe and prepared environment. 

Update and complete medical information in the Magnus Health online system. Do this PRIOR to participating in summer programs

These requirements ensure that the school has up-to-date health information for all participants in summer programs, promoting a safe and prepared environment. 

St. Margaret's is a peanut-free campus. 

The Early School is completely nut-free. 

This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all students, particularly those with nut allergies. You will be contacted and asked to bring an alternative lunch if peanut products are sent with your child. 

By following these sun safety guidelines, you can help ensure your camper has a fun and safe experience at camp! 

These guidelines help ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff during summer programs. 

Symptoms are improving, child feels better and can meaningfully participate in camp activities. 

These guidelines help ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff during summer programs. 

YES, you must provide lunch and snacks unless otherwise indicated in camp description. Pack a nutritious lunch and one or two snacks daily, including a refillable water bottle. Pack items your child can open themselves. Label all containers. 

Safety Guidelines:

Peanut-free campus (peanut products will be disposed of and you will be contacted) 

Avoid choking hazards for children under 4, including: whole hot dogs, whole grapes (cut in half), popcorn, hard pretzels, large chunks of raw vegetables. 

Friday lunches are available for pre-order and provided by an outside vendor, such as TK Burger or Grinderz Food Trucks. 

Summer at St. Margaret's understands that families need flexible childcare options. Morning Care and Extended Day programs are designed to provide a fun, safe, and enriching environment for children beyond their scheduled camp activities.

*Note: Not available for Early School students.

Program Highlights:

Morning Care:

Summer at St. Margaret's understands that families need flexible childcare options. Our Morning Care and Extended Day programs are designed to provide a fun, safe, and enriching environment for children beyond their scheduled camp activities.

*Note: Not available for Early School students.

Program Highlights:

Extended Day:

Late pick-ups will be assessed the following fees:

Important Notes:

Our late pick-up policy ensures we can maintain appropriate staffing and care for all children in our summer programs. We appreciate your understanding and punctuality.

We must have the names on file (in writing) of each person over the age of 18 years old authorized to pick up your child. 

No child will be released to a person not authorized by you in writing. 

You can submit a request to the Early School Summer Site Supervisor, Sharon Benedetto at Sharon.Benedetto@smes.org with your friends name and we will make an effort to place the children together but do not promise. 

Yes! Parents must sign their child in and out of the Early School every day, no exceptions. Please allow ample time to park and walk to the Early School. 

According to licensing regulations of the State of California, Department of Social Services, children must be signed in and signed out by an adult over 18 years old. They must be dropped off and picked up at the Early School by an adult with the "signature" process with Early School staff. 

YES! Children have to be fully potty trained. We understand accidents happen but are not equipped for diaper changes and training pants.

Yes, the Early School is licensed by California Community Care Licensing.

Late pick-ups will be assessed the following fees:

Important Notes:

Our late pick-up policy ensures we can maintain appropriate staffing and care for all children in our summer programs. We appreciate your understanding and punctuality.

Due to the condensed nature of summer courses, attendance is strictly enforced. 

Semester-long Classes: 

All science classes (Biology, Chemistry Honors, and Physics) have specific prerequisites that must be met.

Upper School Athletic Camps are available exclusively for current and accepted St. Margaret's students and are not open to the public. 

These camps are designed for students in Grades 9 to 12.

Students can participate in both a summer athletic camp and an Upper School Academic class. Coaches are aware of the academic summer schedule and will adjust their practices accordingly.

The summer dead period for this year is from June 22 to July 6, 2025.

For more information, please reach out to the Head Coach of your specific program or contact Lori Fava, Assistant Athletic Director, at Lori.Fava@smes.org. 

Here are the specific contacts for various sports:

The Upper School is excited to preview our programs for the summer of 2025. 

For many Upper School students, summer classes are an important part of a St. Margaret's education. Our professional community works diligently to craft vigorous and engaging curricula that leverages the unique opportunity of the summer schedule while also providing a commensurate experience with our classes from the regular academic year. 

 

This year, we are also excited to announce the inauguration of the St. Margaret's Summer Scholars Program. For the first time, the Upper School will be offering week-long, interdisciplinary courses in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Rooted in our mission to engage the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership, and service, the program will afford our students the opportunity to explore topics beyond the traditional curriculum and put into practice the skills and habits of mind that they cultivate during the year. 

 

These experiential courses, while not for credit, will inspire curiosity and ignite new passions, while also helping students to distinguish themselves as scholars and practitioners of the arts, humanities, sciences, or social sciences. 

 

We look forward to sharing more details about 2025 summer offerings next week. 

 

Dates: 

The use of a mobile phone is prohibited in academic classes, unless authorized by teachers. Students who violate this policy will have their phone confiscated for the remainder of the day. 

Upper School students are expected to be thoughtful and engaged members of the community and should thus be mindful of their cell phone usage. Students must ensure that their use of these devices does not distract from connecting and communicating with others.

General questions: Eva.Kammerer@smes.org

Early School Camps: Sharon.Benedetto@smes.org 

Gear-Up Classes: David.Beshk@smes.org

Upper School: Ryan.Carey@smes.org

Health Office: healthoffice@smes.org

Financial Aid (SMES students): Billing@smes.org