Class of 2029 & New Student Welcome Information

Please submit this form to your child’s current school registrar.

Download Form Here

📅 Monday, March 31
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 Moiso Pavilion (SM Gym) – On Campus

This mandatory event is designed for all registered incoming freshmen and their parents to help prepare for a successful transition to high school. You’ll gain insights into SM's academic philosophy, course selection process and student experience while having the opportunity to meet with department chairs, counselors, and athletics staff to ask questions before finalizing schedules.

Guest Speaker
We are thrilled to welcome Margaret Dunlap from Stanford University’s Challenge Success program as our keynote speaker. Challenge Success is a research-based initiative focused on creating a well-balanced student experience that aligns with SM’s mission to nurture the whole child—academically, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Schedule
6 p.m. – Check-in & Reception
6:30 p.m. – MUN Information Session (Moiso Family Pavilion)
Interested in our award-winning Model United Nations program? Join a short presentation to learn more. Additional details about our MUN program are available in the elective brochure.
7:00 p.m. – Scheduling Presentation
6:00-7:30 p.m. - Eagles Nest Store Open – (Uniform sales are not available at this event.)

Course Selection Process
At the event, students will submit their class schedule requests, selecting their theology, world language, social studies and elective classes. 

Download the Elective Brochure

For questions, please contact SMCHS Registrar Roza McCartan.

All students are assigned to a school (academic/social-emotional) counselor at Scheduling Night who will provide support throughout the student's four years.

During the second semester of their junior year, students acquire an additional college counselor who walks them through the entire college application process.

For more information, visit the counseling office website:

Counseling Website 

Every student must go through our mandatory tablet training with various dates offered throughout the summer to accommodate schedules. Dates will be released in the coming months. 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School uses eCampus as our official textbook provider. Book sales will be available beginning in July.

More information coming soon.

This section will be updated as information becomes available. 

Course Description Book

Elective Book

When you log in to purchase your books during the summer, you will see your student's class list. Your student's finalized schedule with teacher assignments and periods will be distributed to students prior to the first day of school. New students will do a trial run to find their classes on campus during SOARientation in August. 

July 7 – July 24, Monday through Thursday

• Freshman Prep is open to incoming freshman students who are looking to strengthen their Language Arts (English), Algebra, or Executive Function skills prior to beginning their freshman year.
• Students can take one, two or three classes. Cost is dependent on number of classes taken ($250, $450, $650).  
• Due to differences in curriculum, students who are taking English 1 H, Algebra 1 H, Algebra 2, or Algebra 2 H cannot participate in the Language Arts or Algebra Skills courses.
• Courses are in person and daily attendance is required over the three week session. 

Click here for more information. 

This summer school class is open to current SM students who have not yet completed their health graduation requirement, incoming freshmen who are 100% committed to participating in the MUN program and enrolled Auxiliary Studies Program students.  If an incoming freshman takes Health and drops MUN, they will repeat the Health Seminar in the school year.
 

Cost: $735

Attendance

• Attendance is MANDATORY for the first and last day of class.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  
• Health is offered in a blended/online format.

Orientation

Section 1: 8:00am

Section 2: 9:30am

Section 3: 11:00am

Orientation is approximately 1 hour.

Note: In-class final meeting time corresponds to orientation meeting time.

Course Description

Summer School health is offered in a blended/online format. In person attendance is MANDATORY for the first and last day of the session.  All other coursework will be completed online.

Book Information

The cost of the textbook is included in the price of the course. 

View registration information. 

This exam is only for students who have completed a full year of Algebra 1 (with B's or better) and would like to advance to Algebra 2. 

This is not an honors placement test. Placement into honors is based on HSPT scores. Level placement is based on the Math Placement Test. More information will be shared at Freshman Scheduling Night.

Sign Up for the Math Placement Exam

Students should bring their assigned computer username and password with them to the placement test. These credentials will be distributed at Freshman Scheduling Night. If you don't have your credentials with you, your test proctor will provide assistance. Students do not need to bring any other supplies with them to the exam. Calculators are not permitted. 

Download the Math Placement Study Guide

Students who have completed Algebra 2 or higher in middle school will be placed on a case by case basis. Please connect with Math Department Chair Marty Gahan to discuss specifics. 

This English honors placement test is only for students who did not take the HSPT exam at SMCHS. There is no need to sign-up in advance. 

Please contact SMCHS Registar Roza McCartan with any questions. 

The test will be offered on the following days:

Our Spanish Placement test is open to anyone who wishes to be placed in Spanish honors or a higher level of Spanish class. It will consist of two parts, a written test and an oral exam. Placement into honors for other world languages is based on the HSPT score. There is no need to sign up in advance, simple show up the day of the test. Placement into honors for other world languages in based on the HSPT score.

Placement Exams for Spanish (and higher levels in other languages*)

*Students with advanced proficiency in a language other than Spanish may be tested for placement into higher levels. Honors placement for other world languages is based on the HSPT score. Please make arrangements with Department Chair Tom Gerlach in advance. 

Download the Study Guide

Thank you for your interest in performing arts. Most of our entry level classes do not require an audition. Please see each discipline for details regarding auditions/placement in advanced classes. 

Instrumental Music:

• No auditions are required for students interested in Rock Band 1, Wind Ensemble or String Orchestra. 
• Auditions will be available for Wind Ensemble Honors, String Orchestra Honors, and Rock Band/Music Production on April 24, 2025 
• Additional instrumental music classes are offered after school as part of the Talon Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA)
• Please contact Mr. Ruben Puebla to receive audition information. 

Steel Drum/Percussion Ensemble Honors:

• Auditions for steel drum/percussion ensemble honors will be held
  April 30, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in A142
• For more information, including audition music, please email Ms. Duncan

Eagle Regiment Marching Band and Color Guard:

Students interested in participating in the Eagle Regiment Marching Band and Color Guard should contact Mr. Ruben Puebla to reserve a spot and RSVP for the rookie camp held in May. 

Theatre:

There are no auditions required for Theatre I, Advanced Theatre Honors  or IB Theatre. Additional theatre classes are offered after school as part of the Talon Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA).

• There are three theatre tracks:
  • Acting
  • Triple Threat Musical Theatre
  • Technical Theatre and Design

Please refer to the TAPA requirements. Audition information for the 2025-26 Talon Theatre season productions will be available on the Talon Theatre website during the school year. 

Dance Class Auditions:

• There are no auditions for incoming freshmen interested in Beginning Dance Class.
• If you are a student (not currently in the Dance Program) who is interested in taking an Intermediate or Advanced Dance Honors elective course at SMCHS for the 2025-2026 school year, please email Mrs. Darwazeh.
• For more information, click here.

Eagle Dance Force Song & Dance Teams:

• The Song & Dance Pre-Audition Workshop is on March 10, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the SM dance room - R222 - on the second floor of the Athletic Building. For more information and registration, click here. 
• Tryout Information Night for the EDF Song & Dance teams is April 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Science Lecture Hall.
• EDF song and dance team audition clinics will be held on May 5, 2025 and May 6, 2025 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.  Applications will be posted on the song team webpage and the dance team webpage. Applications and fee are due on or before May 2, 2025. 
• EDF song and dance team auditions will be held on May 7, 2025 from 3:00-6:30 p.m. in the Dance Room (R222) on the second floor of the Athletic Building.
• For more information, please contact Danielle Darwazeh. 

Choral Auditions:  

• There are no auditions for incoming freshmen interested in Concert Choir or Men’s Choir.
• Advanced Women's and Chamber Singers Honors placement auditions for new students will be held on April 25, 2025 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in A152 (choir room). Contact Vocal Music Director Mr. Chris Winn to sign-up for a time. 
• Additional vocal music classes are offered after school as part of the Talon Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA)
• For more information, please contact Mr. Chris Winn

TAPA Triple-Threat Musical Theatre Auditions:

• Incoming freshmen interested in enrolling in the Triple-Threat Musical Theatre track of TAPA for 2025-2026 are required to audition. TAPA is an afterschool conservatory offered at Santa Margarita Catholic High school.
• Auditions will be held May 19, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sign up here. For more information, please see the TAPA website at www.smhs.org/tapa. 

To be considered for placement in Drawing or Painting, please complete and submit the Portfolio Review Form by April 15, 2025. A portfolio submission is not required for Art 1.

Portfolio Review Form

Eagle Dance Force Song & Dance Teams:

• The Song & Dance Pre-Audition Workshop is on March 10, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the SM dance room - R222 - on the second floor of the Athletic Building. For more information and registration, click here. 
• Tryout Information Night for the EDF Song & Dance teams is April 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Science Lecture Hall.
• EDF song and dance team audition clinics will be held on May 5, 2025 and May 6, 2025 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.  Applications will be posted on the song team webpage and the dance team webpage. Applications and fee are due on or before May 2, 2025. 
• EDF song and dance team auditions will be held on May 7, 2025 from 3:00-6:30 p.m. in the Dance Room (R222) on the second floor of the Athletic Building.
• For more information, please contact Danielle Darwazeh. 

Click here to view the 2024-2025 Parent Student Handbook. 

The following webpage has the year-at-a-glance calendar, a printable and digital school calendar, and a bell schedule document. The 2025-2026 year-at-a-glance calendar is available; the full 2025-2026 calendar is not yet available. 

Click here for calendar information

Bell Schedule 
The 2025-2026 bell schedule is not yet available. 

• The SMCHS app and website at www.smhs.org/bellschedule will have specific details on each day's schedule.
• Download the app by searching 'Santa Margarita Catholic High School' on your phone's app store. The official SMCHS app icon has a blue background and a blue SM logo.

What is SOARientation?

We are excited to share a fun schedule of events for our new students, affectionately
referred to as SOARientation. SOARientation gets you ready to start your life as an Eagle. SOARientation includes several fun and engaging activities, dynamic presentations, and small group discussions that give new students the opportunity to connect with their new classmates and learn everything they need to know about SMCHS. Not only will students make new friends and form lasting connections, but they will start school with an abundance of resources that will enable them to successfully begin the school year. 

Freshman SOARientation

Attendance is required on this date: 
Monday, August 11
8 a.m.-3 p.m.

As your student embarks on their SM journey, we invite all parents to attend Mass at the conclusion of SOARientation from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This Mass marks the beginning of their spiritual journey at SM, culminating with the Baccalaureate Mass as seniors. 

Transfer Student SOARientation

Attendance is required for transfer students: Friday, August 8

More details are forthcoming. 

Check out the private Facebook group that was created to help SMCHS families connect with each other for carpooling opportunities. Feel free to post if you are looking for a family to carpool with in your area, or if you are able to provide transportation for a student in your area. We advise that once you find a family that is interested, private message them to keep details and addresses private.

Click here to access the Facebook Carpool group.

SMCHS is pleased to offer bus transportation.
 

Click here for the bus transportation webpage. More information for the 2025-26 school year will be available soon. 

2024-2025 Dress Code Policies

The 2025-2026 dress code policy will be made available soon.

• Monday - Friday: 7:30 A.M - 3:00 P.M when school is in session.
• On minimum days, the store closes one hour after school ends. 

Spirit Wear:

Spirit wear is available in the Eagles Nest Campus Store and can be purchased online.

Campus Store

BSN for custom orders

• Aeries is the official school grading program.
• Aeries allows parents and students to review online from any computer:
  • current graded assignments
  • grades at set grading periods and test scores
  • official school records for discipline and attendance
• Access to Aeries will be emailed to students and parents the first week of school in August. If you ever forget your Aeries password, just enter your email, then click the "Forgot Password" link.
• For assistance with any other Aeries account issues please email: aeriesportal@smhs.org

Freshman and sophomore students attend organized events with their religion classes to complete the necessary hours of service. Juniors and senior students work with an organization outside of SM to complete the required number of hours to meet graduation requirements. 

Christian Service at SMCHS

• More information will be be available regarding photos.

• 2025-2026 Talon yearbook information will be sent out in September 2025

Nurses & Health Services Page

ASB Card

Purchasing an ASB card is not only a great way to support SMCHS Activities and students but is also the best way to save money throughout the year. Get exclusive discounts to all SMCHS dances, ASB events, yearbook, Eagle Pack and more. A link to ASB card information will be shared prior to the start of the school year. 

Class T-Shirts

Class t-shirts will be available for purchase as the start of the 2025-2026 school year approaches.

 For questions, please contact activities@smhs.org

SMCHS PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Please refer to the athletics page to see each team's information by clicking here. Individual coaches may be contacted if more information is needed.

 Athletic registration will open June 1, 2025.

Click here for summer camps

There will be two bag drop locations, one at the front of campus and one at the back of campus.

Meetings will be held starting May 1. View the schedule. 

• Tryout Information Meeting for Cheer Teams will be Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 6pm Returning Players and 7pm Incoming Players in the Science Lecture Hall.
• Cheer Tryout Prep Clinic is available April 23, 2025, 3pm-5pm for those seeking more skill building prior to our auditions. You will need Athletic Clearance including a physical to attend.
• Tryout clinics and auditions will take place May 7^th, 8^th and 9^th from 3pm-5:30 at the SM CHEER MAT. Applications will be posted on the SM CHEER Website. 
• Athletic Clearance (Select TCC and STUNT) and Cheer Applications are due May 5, 2025. 
• Practices begin May 12 2-3 times per week based on team placement.
• Uniform Fitting: May 14, 2025.
• Summer Camp/Final Tryout: June 23–26, 2025.
• Summer Vacation (No Practice): June 27–July 13, 2025.
• Summer Youth Cheer Camp: July 14–16, 2025.
  
  Visit the cheer website for more information. 

TAPA Theatre Summer Conservatory course will introduce the performer to all three aspects of live theatre in the form of songs, monologues, scenes and production numbers. Click here to read more about TAPA.

More Information Here

MUN Summer Bootcamp Information

Athletic Summer Camp Information

View Course Offerings

We invite new SMCHS parents for an evening to meet fellow parents from their student's grade and members of the administration.

Details coming soon!

More information will be added as it becomes available. 

The Santa Margarita Eagle Foundation invites you to join us in our annual Blue and Gold Gala that benefits the students of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Details coming soon!

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Mothers Club Information

More information will be added as it becomes available.