Class of 2030 & New Student Welcome Information

NEW STUDENT INFORMATION

Welcome to the Nest! This page is a go-to spot for information to help you get started on your SM journey. Check back often, as we’ll keep it updated with new information as it becomes available.

ACADEMIC Information

Records Release Request Form

Incoming Freshman Scheduling Night

Incoming Freshman Scheduling Night was on March 23. This was a mandatory, on-campus event for all registered incoming freshmen. If you did not attend Incoming Freshman Scheduling Night, please contact Roza McCartan.

Students:
- Completed their freshman year class schedules
- Met with department chairs, counselors and athletics staff
Students received information about:
- Summer school
- Math and world language placement testing
- Book sales
- Tablet training
- Summer at SM summer camps information

Course Description & Elective Books

Mandatory Tablet Training

Every student must go through our mandatory tablet training with various dates offered throughout the summer to accommodate schedules. Sign-ups will open in mid-April. Students will receive their tablets on training day and go through a two-and-a-half hour training seesion to familiarize themselves with the device.

Training and Distribution Dates:

July 14
July 16
July 21
July 23
July 28
July 30

There will be a morning (8:00 -10:30 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 -12:30 p.m.) session offered on all days.

Book Sales for the 2026—2027 School Year

Summer Assignments

Class Schedules

Freshman Prep Summer School

The program encompasses English 1 Skills, Algebra 1 Skills, and Executive Functions, and the courses will ensure that students are adequately prepared for academic success during their freshman year. The courses are in-person courses and daily attendance is required over the three-week session.

DATES:
July 6 – July 23, Monday through Thursday

TIMES:
- Period 1: 8:00 - 9:00 am
- Period 2: 9:10 - 10:10 am
- Period 3: 10:20 - 11:20 am

Click here for more information

For English Honors & AP/IB Prep Courses:

Health Class

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.

Attendance: Attendance is MANDATORY for the first and last day of class. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Health Session 1: June 8, 2026 to June 25, 2026
8:00am, 9:30am or 11:00am
Cost: $735

Health Session 2: July 6, 2026 to July 23, 2026
8:00am, 9:30am or 11:00am
Cost: $735

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Counseling Office

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my teachers or counselor? What does your high school counselor do?

No, Santa Margarita does not allow students to request teacher or counselor changes.

Counselors collaborate with students, parents, and teachers to provide academic, social-emotional, and college guidance. Each student is paired with the same academic/social-emotional counselor for all four years at SM, building a meaningful relationship. In the second semester of junior year, students are also assigned a dedicated college counselor to guide them step-by-step through the application process. Together with Santa Margarita's wellness program, our comprehensive counseling team supports students every step of the way.

Can I change my classes halfway through the semester?

SMCHS does not have an open add/drop period. The only acceptable changes to a student's schedule will be those initiated by the teacher, counselor or an administrator. The exception to this would be an error made by the school for an incorrect placement in a subject. Should a class change be needed due to misplacement, the grade the student has earned to that date would be carried to the new class.

High School Placement Test

Can I retake the HSPT or a placement test?
No, students are only eligible to take these assessments or placement exams once.
What if I don't meet the HSPT requirement but really want to do MUN?
MUN does have a strongly suggested HSPT score but students who are motivated and inspired by MUN typically can do well and are given a chance to enroll in the program freshman year.

AP, IB and Honors Courses

Where can I find the requirements for AP, IB, honors classes?
The Course Description Booklet is where you will find all the prerequisites and requirements for our advanced classes. The booklet is always available on the SM website under Academics.
If I don't have any honors classes freshman year, can I still enroll in honors courses in the future?
Each year our students have an opportunity to advance into honors level courses by showing mastery of content when earning an A in a college prep level course. If interested, speak to your counselor about your desires for more advanced classes to help make a four-year plan.
When do I decide if I want to do Full IB?
The decision to join the International Baccalaureate program takes place in the spring of your sophomore year. Do your best in your classes freshman and sophomore year and discussion on proper course requests for junior and senior year are determined on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about the I nternational Baccaulaureate Programme .
If my student is struggling in an honors class, can they move to a lower level course at the semester?
This would be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the student's unique situation.

Math

If my student already took Algebra 2 and Geometry, who do I speak to about taking Precalculus as a freshman?
Please reach out to your student's counselor to discuss placement.
My student took Math 8 or Integrated Math in 8th Grade. Can they still take the Math Placement Test?
Students are only eligible to take the math placement exam if they have completed a full year of Algebra 1 in 8th grade. The math test is for all students who have completed a year of Algebra 1 and who want to advance to Algebra 2 freshman year. Sign ups for the test will be available following scheduling night. This is not a test for honors. If students placed in honors from their HSPT scores and pass this test, they will be placed in Algebra 2H. If they don’t pass, or haven’t taken a full year of algebra, they will be placed in Algebra 1H.
My student is already taking Algebra 1, do they have to repeat it?
We do require students to pass our Algebra 1 placement test (more information below) in order to advance to Algebra 2. If you do not receive a passing score on this test, you will be placed in Algebra 1.
Can my student take the math placement test to get into honors?
No, the math placement test is to determine placement for Algebra 1 or Algebra 2. Honors placement is earned through the HSPT test.

PE Classes

How can I earn PE credits if I don't play a sport?
There are many ways to earn the required 10 credits of PE without playing a sport, such as managing a sport, involvement in musical theatre, independent PE arrangements, or taking PE during summer school. Please refer to the course description book for details.
If I play a sport, is it a class during the day?
No, not freshman year. All freshman athletics are after school hours. Some varsity student-athletes in the 10-12th grades are given approval to join an athletics class that takes place during the school day.
If my student wants to play sports, should they chose PE as an elective option?
The elective choice is completely up to the student to choose. They can certainly choose PE but will have enough PE credit through their sport if they would rather choose another course that will fulfill graduation requirements.

Model United Nations (MUN)

PLACEMENT TESTS & AUDITIONS

Math

SMCHS ninth grade students will be automatically placed in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 honors. Placement into Algebra 1 honors is based on HSPT scores.

This exam is only for students who have completed a full year of Algebra 1 (with B’s or better) & would like to advance to Algebra 2. Sign up for the exam will be available on March 24. Students are required to sign-up for one of the below dates.

Date	Time	Location
April 14, 2026	3:30 – 4:30 p.m.	Library
April 15, 2026	3:30 – 4:30 p.m.	Library
April 16, 2026	4:30 – 5:30 p.m.	Library
April 21, 2026	4:30 – 5:30 p.m.	Library
April 22, 2026	4:30 – 5:30 p.m.	Library
April 23, 2026	3:30 – 4:30 p.m.	Library

Students who have completed Algebra 2 or higher in middle school seeking higher level placement will be placed on a case-by-case basis.

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. See below for practice exams.

Sign ups for the math placement test begin on March 24.

Download the Math Placement Study Guide

Sign Up for the Placement Test

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 Noah Loungarikis to discuss specifics.

English

This English honors placement test is only open to students who did not take their HSPT exam at SMCHS and want to test into honors. More information will be shared at Scheduling Night (March 23). There is no need to sign up in advance—simply show up the day of the test.

The test dates are:

Date	Time	Location
April 14, 2026	3:30 – 4:15 p.m.	B220
April 22, 2026	4:45 – 5:30 p.m.	B220

World Languages

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. More information will be shared at Scheduling Night. There is no need to sign-up in advance, simply show up the day of the test. Placement into honors for other world languages is based on the HSPT score.

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

Date	Time	Location
April 14, 2026	3:00 – 4:15 p.m.	2nd floor S Building
April 22, 2026	3:00 – 4:15 p.m.	2nd floor S Building

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

For Mandarin Chinese 1H, French 1H, Ancient Greek 1H, Latin 1H, honors placement is based on HSPT scores.

Download the Study Guide

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 Wind Ensemble or String Orchestra.
Honors: Auditions will be available for Wind Ensemble Honors, String Orchestra Honors.

Wind Ensemble Honors and String Orchestra Honors Audition:
April 14, 2026	2:30pm - 4:00pm	A142
Please contact Mr. Tompkins to receive audition information

Additional instrumental music classes are offered after school as part of the Talon Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA)

Steel Drum/Percussion:

No auditions are required for students interested in entry level steel drums

Steel Drums Honors Audition:
April 22, 2026	4:30pm - 6:30pm	A142
For more information, including audition music, please contact Ms. Duncan

Advanced Women's Choir Honors Placement:

Advanced Women's Choir Honors Placement:
April 15, 2026
Please contact Mr. Gomez to set up an audition time

Choral Auditions:

There are no auditions for incoming freshmen interested in Concert Choir or Men’s Choir.
Additional vocal music classes are offered after school as part of the Talon Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA)
For more information, please contact M r. Gomez

Theatre:

There are no auditions required for Theatre I, Musical Theatre, 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 tracks:
- Acting
- Triple Threat Musical Theatre
- Technical Theatre and Design

Please refer to the TAPA requirements. Auditions for the 2026-27 Talon Theatre season productions will be available on the Talon Theatre website.

Dance Class Auditions:

No audition is necessary for those interested in our Beginning Dance Class. Audition placement for Intermediate or Advanced Dance (non-EDF team members) is conducted through video submission and is due by March 23. Video submission details are posted on the SMCHS dance webpage. For more information, please email Mrs. Danielle Darwazeh. For information about our EDF Song and Dance Team auditions, please see the section below.

TAPA Triple-Threat Musical Theatre Auditions:

Incoming freshmen interested in enrolling in the Triple-Threat Musical Theatre track of TAPA for 2026-27 are required to audition. Auditions are scheduled individually at the earliest convenience. Early auditions are highly encouraged. Auditions begin March 15, 2026. Pleas email Mr. Calvo to schedule an audition. For more information, please see the TAPA website at www.smhs.org/tapa.

The Eagle Regiment Pep Band

The Eagle Regiment Pep Band is an energetic ensemble that represents the spirit of SMCHS at football games and other SMCHS events. This after school ensemble meets every Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the fall semester. Students receive a letter grade for this period 8 class.

2026 Pre-Season Sumer Camp: Band camp pre season training is the time that our entire group gets together to learn our fundamental techniques, warm ups, music, and team building. Attendance to these camps is mandatory for participation in Eagle Regiment Pep Band. For any questions, please contact tompkinsj@smhs.org.

Visual Arts

Eagle Dance Force Song & Dance Teams

Audition Information

The Song & Dance Pre-Audition Workshop is on March 10, 2026 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm in the SM dance room - R222 - on the second floor of the Athletic Building. For more information and registration, click here.
Applications will be posted on the EDF webpage. Audition packets and fees are due on or before April 20.
Our Audition Clinics are on April 28, May 5 and May 6 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm in R222. Our Eagle Dance Force Audition is on May 7 from 3:30 - 6:30 pm.

Event	Date	Time	Location
Eagle Dance Force Info Night	April 13	5:30 p.m.	Science Lecture Hall
Eagle Dance Force Audition Clinics	April 28, May 5, May 6	3:30 – 5:30 p.m.	R222
Eagle Dance Force Auditions	May 7	3:30 – 6:30 p.m.	R222

For more information, please contact Danielle Darwazeh and visit the EDF webpage.

SCHOOL Information

Calendar & Schedule Information

This webpage has calendar and schedule resources, including a year-at-a-glance calendar, a printable and digital school calendar, and bell schedule information. A 2026-2027 year-at-a-glance calendar is available on this page. The full calendar is not yet available.

CLICK HERE FOR CALENDAR INFORMATION

Bell Schedule

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.

SOARientation

What is SOARientation?

SOARientation includes several fun and engaging activities, dynamic presentations, Mass, 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 also start school with an abundance of knowledge and resources that will enable them to successfully begin the school year. Students will take school photos, receive ID cards, and complete a schedule walkthrough where they meet their teachers.

Freshman SOARientation

Attendance is required on both of these dates:

Date	Time
Friday, August 14	8:00am - 1:00pm
Monday, August 17	8:00am - 1:00pm

Any absence must follow the procedures outlined in the Parent Student Handbook.
Attire: SM uniform including a collared shirt (formal Mass uniform is NOT required).
What to Bring: Students do not need to bring anything.
Dietary Restrictions: Complete this form to share any dietary restrictions or food allergies:

DIETARY RESTRICTION & FOOD ALLERGY FORM

Transfer and International Student Orientation: August 10th

Type of Student	Time
International Students	8:00am - 10:00am
Transfer Students	10:00am - 12:00pm
International Transfer Students	8:00am - 12:00pm

Any absence must follow the procedures outlined in the Parent Student Handbook.
Attire: School-appropriate non-uniform dress as outlined in the Parent Student Handbook.
What to Bring: Students do not need to bring anything.
Dietary Restrictions: Complete this form to share any dietary restrictions or food allergies:

Dietary Restriction & Food Allergy Form

Carpooling

Santa Margarita Catholic High School is pleased to partner with GoKid, a leading school carpooling platform, to help make carpooling to and from school more convenient for our parent community.

Through this partnership, GoKid will offer a dedicated, secure carpooling platform exclusively for Santa Margarita families. The platform will allow you to connect with other SMCHS families, who have also opted in and live near you, to coordinate carpools using GoKid’s mobile app or website.

Participation is completely voluntary. Information on how to opt-in to the program and find a carpool near you was emailed to families. Please refer to the email and opt-in by April 1. For questions, contact Mrs. Lori Evers.

Bus Transportation

Parent Facebook Groups

Uniforms and School Approved Spirit Wear

Campus store SCHOOL YEAR hours:

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.

Campus store SUMMER hours:

The Campus Store is open over the summer by APPOINTMENT ONLY. More information, including the link to sign up for appointments, will be coming soon.

Spirit Wear:

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

Campus Store

BSN for custom orders

Aeries Student Information System

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

Access Aeries Here

Christian Service Requirements

Dress Code

Yearbooks and Photos

Nurses and Health Services

Parent Organizations and Volunteers

ASB Cards & Class T-Shirts

ASB Cards

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. They won’t sell out, but we recommend buying early to take full advantage of the benefits, which includes a class T-shirt!

Pricing coming soon.

Class T-Shirts

Represent your class by purchasing an SMCHS class T-shirt!

If you purchase a class T-shirt for more than one student, you must submit the form for each student. Class T-shirts can only be purchased through the online store and are not available through the Campus Store. Pricing and ordering information coming soon.

For questions, please contact activities@smhs.org

ATHLETIC Information

Athletic Tryouts

Spring Physicals and Athletic Registration

Athletic Summer Camps for Incoming Students

New Student Athletic Interest Meetings

Cheer Important Dates

April 15 Informational Meeting
6 p.m. - Returning Players
7 p.m. - Incoming Players
SM Science Lecture Hall

April 21 Cheer Prep Clinc
3:30-5:00 p.m. SM Cheer Mat
Open to incoming students. Learn and review cheer skills.
SM Cheer Mat.

May 6-8 Tryouts
3:00-5:30 p.m. SM Cheer Mat
Practices start in May

Summer Vacation Dates
June 26-July 12

For more information visit the cheer website.

SUMMER at SM

TAPA Theatre Summer Conservatory

Model United Nations - Summer Bootcamp

Athletic Summer Camps for Incoming Students

Summer at SM Enrichment Courses

UPCOMING Events

New Parent Dinner

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

When: TBD - coming soon!
Where: Moiso Family Pavilion and the Grotto
Who: This is a special evening for our parents only. New freshmen families who do not already have a student at SMCHS and new transfer families for the 2026-27 school year who do not already have a student enrolled at SMCHS are welcome to attend.

Back-to-School Night

Mothers Club Welcome Coffee

Please join us for our annual SM Mothers Club Welcome Coffee.

When: TBD - coming soon!
Where: Moiso Pavilion
What: Kick off the new school year with your SM friends and the Mothers Club. Learn about upcoming events, ways to get involved, and enjoy refreshments. Meet new friends and reunite with old ones! All SM moms are welcome.
Sign Up: Link to sign up coming soon.

President's Roundtables

Welcome, Class of 2030!

SMCHS hosted our new class of 2030 families on campus for our Eagle Drive-Thru Welcome Celebration. Dozens of students, faculty, and staff volunteers were present to welcome the new Eagle families and show them the spirit of SM. To see highlights from the day, watch the video below.

We are so excited to have you, class of 2030!