Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Child's Future Starts Here: College-Preparatory Education at St Margaret's Episcopal School
St Margaret's Episcopal School Episcopal School is a college-preparatory institution dedicated to educating the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership, and service. Founded in 1979, our vibrant learning community fosters academic excellence rooted in vigor, choice, and relevance, supported by a faculty committed to innovation and best practices. With small class sizes, personalized attention, and a focus on STEAM, arts, and athletics, we nurture holistic development from preschool through grade 12. Our mission-driven environment emphasizes character, community, and equity, preparing students to thrive in college and beyond while making meaningful contributions to society. 
Services
Academic Programs
College Counseling
Arts Education
Athletics
Service Learning
Summer Camps
Admissions Tours
Chapel Programs
Alumni Support
Experiential Learning
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized learning in small classes with dedicated, expert faculty.
- Our STEAM and arts integration fosters creativity and critical thinking.
- 100% college matriculation with comprehensive college counseling support.
- A supportive, inclusive community emphasizing character and leadership development.
- State-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs for holistic student growth.
What people say
Loves the community
Supportive environment
Thriving students
Excellent faculty
Holistic growth
Services
Academic Programs
St Margaret's Episcopal School offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum spanning preschool to grade 12, emphasizing academic excellence through inquiry-based learning, STEAM integration, and personalized instruction. Our programs foster critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, preparing students for higher education and lifelong success. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, we ensure individualized attention and academic growth for every student.
College Counseling
Our comprehensive college counseling program guides students through every step of the admissions process, from course selection to application strategy. With 100% college matriculation, we provide personalized advising, essay workshops, and partnerships with institutions to ensure students find the best fit for their goals. Our counselors prioritize student well-being and academic alignment with future aspirations.
Arts Education
The arts program nurtures creativity through visual arts, music, theater, and dance, offering students opportunities to explore and refine their talents. From Lower School performances to Upper School productions, we emphasize artistic expression, technical skill development, and collaborative projects. State-of-the-art facilities and professional faculty ensure a dynamic, inspiring arts education.
Athletics
St Margaret's Episcopal School athletic teams compete in 25 varsity and 12 middle school sports, promoting teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Our facilities include advanced training technology and dedicated coaching staff focused on athlete development and safety. With over 80% student participation, athletics foster school spirit and lifelong healthy habits.
Service Learning
Service learning integrates community service with academic goals, teaching empathy, responsibility, and leadership. Students participate in local and global initiatives, from environmental projects to outreach programs, aligning with our mission to educate for lives of service. These experiences deepen social awareness and civic engagement.
People
Dr. Jeneen D. Graham
Head of School
Dr. Graham brings over 20 years of leadership experience at St Margaret's Episcopal School, including roles as Upper School Principal and Academic Dean. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has collaborated with edX on high school MOOCs. Her focus on data-driven improvement and student well-being shapes the school's strategic vision.
Mr. Bendzick
Assistant Head of School for Health & Well-Being
Mr. Bendzick oversees athletics, counseling, and wellness programs, combining exercise science and social-emotional learning to enhance student potential. A former collegiate athlete and Orange County Coach of the Year, he emphasizes holistic development and physical wellness.
Jennifer Blount
Lower School Principal
With over 20 years in education, Mrs. Blount has served as teacher, administrator, and mentor. Recognized as Teacher of the Year multiple times, she focuses on literacy, positive behavior support, and inclusive learning environments for early childhood through grade 5.
Victor Cota
Director of Equity and Inclusion
Mr. Cota leads diversity initiatives and previously directed the Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano program. A former Teach for America member and school principal, he specializes in designing equitable systems to ensure all students feel valued and supported.
Dan Pacheco
Director of Performing Arts
Mr. Pacheco brings professional theater experience to St Margaret's Episcopal School, having performed on Broadway and in international tours. He oversees theater, music, and dance programs, integrating arts into social-emotional learning and STEAM education.
Questions
What grades does St. Margaret's Episcopal School serve?
St. Margaret's serves students from preschool (age 3) through grade 12 in a college-preparatory environment.
What is the school's approach to college counseling?
Our college counseling program offers personalized guidance, essay workshops, and partnerships with institutions to ensure 100% college matriculation.
Are there opportunities for arts and athletics?
Yes! We offer 17 annual performing arts productions, 25 varsity sports, and 12 middle school sports with state-of-the-art facilities.
How does the school support diversity and inclusion?
We prioritize equity through dedicated programs, cultural competency training, and a 59% student-of-color population.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, with faculty who know each student's strengths and growth areas.
Does the school offer financial aid?
Yes, we provide need-based financial support to ensure accessibility for qualified students.
