Admission

FAQ

Q. How many students attend St. Margaret's ?

A. There are approximately 1,230 students from Preschool through Grade 12.

Q. What is the class size?

A. Class size varies by division as follows:

• Early Childhood Development Center (preschool): 12
• Lower School (kindergarten through grade 5): 22
• Middle School (grades 6-8): 18 (average)
• Upper School (grades 9-12): 16 (average)

What is the student/teacher ratio in the Preschool and Lower School?

A: Student to faculty ratios of 6 to 1 in the Preschool and 11 to 1 in the Lower School nurture the learning and social development of our youngest students.

Q. How many admission spaces are available each year?

A. St. Margaret's enrolls approximately 50 new students in the Early Childhood Development Center (preschool) each year. Approximately 10 to 15 new students are enrolled in Kindergarten. Because of our high retention rate, space in grades 1 through 5 is limited to replacing students who leave. We add approximately 25 students in grade 6 and approximately 30 students in grade 9. New students are added at other grade levels on a limited, space available basis.

These numbers are estimations as it is difficult to predetermine the availability of spaces in a given year. Even so, we welcome applications in any grade from families who feel St. Margaret's is the right match for their child's education.

Q. How many people apply for the available spaces?

A. There are currently more families interested in St. Margaret's than the number of spaces available. We receive approximately three applications for every available enrollment space.

Q. What are admission decisions based on?

A. The admission process is rooted in finding the best match between prospective students and St. Margaret's Episcopal School. A number of factors are considered in each admission decision, including academic records, teacher recommendations, assessment results and interviews.

Q. Does St. Margaret's give special consideration to siblings?

A. We take pride in being a family-oriented school and therefore give special consideration to sibling applicants in the admission process. As in all admission decisions, the academic match between the student and St. Margaret's is of primary importance.

Q. Are you required to be Episcopalian in order to attend St. Margaret's?

A. No, St. Margaret's welcomes students from all faiths.

Q. How much of a commute do your students make?

A. St. Margaret's students come from 33 different communities. About 50% of our students live within a 10 mile radius.

Q. What kind of transportation is provided for students?

A. Bus service is provided to and from Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Ranch. Many families carpool to and from school.

Q. How far in advance do I need to apply?

A. The application process for competitive independent schools such as St. Margaret's occurs during the school year prior to enrollment. Application materials are made available on September 24, 2012. FORM 1 must be received by January 18, 2013 in order to be considered in the first round of admissions decisions. All remaining documents required to complete an application must be received by Wednesday, February 1, 2013. Admission decisions are mailed in March 2013. Applications completed after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis.

Q. Is financial aid available?

A. Absolutely. A family's ability to pay tuition is not a factor in the admission decision. Financial aid is offered to students who have earned admission and who qualify for need-based financial aid grants by applying through the School and Student Services for Financial Aid. St. Margaret's makes every attempt to assist all qualified families who have applied for aid. However, on occasion, family need may be greater than the school's financial resources. Please see the Tuition/Financial Aid section of our website for details on how to apply financial aid.