FAQs

List of 8 items.

• What are the important Admission Deadlines to be aware of when applying to St. Margaret’s?

  Applicants for all grades (Early School through Grade 11) must complete all Application Steps by the standard Application Deadline of February 1. Families submitting all Forms by February 1 would receive their Admission Decision by early March. Please visit our Apply page for more information about our application process.

• Does St. Margaret’s offer an early admission review process?

  Yes we do. 

   

  Motivated Middle School applicants have the option to participate in Early Admission Review, an opportunity to receive an admission decision before the standard notification timeline.

  
  To be considered for Early Admission Review, families must opt in by November 15 by emailing admission@smes.org. All application requirements, including the online application, supporting materials, interview, and ISEE scores, must be completed and received by December 1.

  
  Applicants who complete the Early Admission Review process will receive an admission decision in mid-December.

• Does St. Margaret’s have date of birth guidelines within their Admissions Process for Early School and Kindergarten?

  Yes we do. This year, all applicants for Early School and Kindergarten will need to align with the following:
  
  Kindergarten: Applicants to Kindergarten need to be 5 years old prior to July 1.

  
  Early School: Applicants to Early School need to be 3 years old prior to November 1*.

  
  *Early school has three different entry levels (Early School Twos, Threes, and Fours). For families with younger children turning three years after July 1st through the fall months, there is a three-year Early School commitment before moving to Kindergarten. 

• Does St. Margaret’s have a strong financial aid program?

  Yes. Each year, St. Margaret’s offers over 6 million dollars in need-based grants to eligible families from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Interested families must complete the online Clarity financial aid application by the Financial Aid Deadline of February 15th. All financial aid application steps are listed here on the Tuition and Financial Support page. Families meeting the February 15 financial aid deadline will be given priority review.

• Are relocating families required to visit St. Margaret's during the application process?

  Yes. For families considering St. Margaret’s living beyond Orange County, CA, we do require an in-person campus visit or in-person applicant interview during the St. Margaret’s Application Process. This step would be necessary in order to complete one’s Application. For more information, please see the "For Relocating Families" sidebar on this page.
  
  **Students should also have at least two full years of an English-based curriculum prior to applying. 

• What are the primary entry points for New Student Admission?

  Early School, Kindergarten, Grade 6 and Grade 9 are the most sought-after entry years. Many students also consider applying at other grade levels, as well, although space may be limited. The Office of Admission works closely with all families as they make plans to consider St. Margaret’s and apply.

• Does St. Margaret’s offer transportation or bus options for families?

  Yes. St. Margaret’s transportation program serves nearly 200 students in kindergarten through grade 12. Our home-to-school bus system operates in 20 different neighborhoods. With multiple routes in Irvine, Newport, Laguna and more, including an evening bus for Upper School Students who participate in Arts and Athletics, our bus program is a safe and convenient way for your student to travel to and from school!

• Is there an event or opportunity for families who are not planning to apply this school year but want to look ahead and learn more about St. Margaret's?

  We look forward to working with all “future interest families” during the spring. For parents who have a child that does not yet meet the age requirements to apply for the current application season, we welcome having you visit in May. Please take a moment to complete our inquiry form for the entry year you are interested in in order to receive information about the admissions process and events.