2023
On January 26, 2023, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School leadership, Board of Trustees President Paul Westhead, Head of School Will Moseley, PTF President Jess Klausner and Head of School Elect Jeneen Graham, presented the 2023 State of the School in the Hurlbut Theater to more than 300 parents in attendance. We are pleased to share this executive summary report, including school academic and operational quantitative and qualitative metrics and a feature film presentation that demonstrate the health and strength of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.
We are deeply grateful to our Tartan community for your extraordinary partnership, support, love and commitment as together we continue to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership and service! We look forward with excitement for this year and our future together.
This is our Everyday Feature Film
College Admission
St. Margaret’s Class of 2022 had a very successful college admission process. Guided by the expertise of the College Counseling Office, students focused on the very personal process of finding the match that has always been the hallmark of St. Margaret’s college counseling program.
Class of 2022 Recap:
100% of the class of 2022 earned acceptances to colleges and universities around the world.
Students matriculated to 74 different colleges in 24 states, Washington, D.C. and Switzerland.
23 colleges and universities will receive multiple Tartans from the Class of 2022, including the Chapman University (6), University of San Diego (5), University of Southern California (5), New York University (4), University of California, San Diego (4), Baylor University (3), University of California, Irvine (3), Loyola Marymount University (3), University of California, Los Angeles (3), The University of Chicago (3) and the University of Utah (3).
Click here for complete list of Class of 2022 matriculations.
Click here for St. Margaret’s special Commencement 2022 web-based publication, with video, photos and highlights.
Class of 2023 Preview:
113 Seniors have submitted 1,516 applications to 291 colleges and universities so far.
86% of the senior class has already earned at least one “early” offer of admission to college for next fall. Please note, the college admissions process is ongoing for the Class of 2023, and these acceptances only reflect early admission rounds. The majority of acceptances, including all University of California schools, will be issued by the end of March 2023
18 Seniors were admitted binding early decision.
Click here for an update on college admission for the Class of 2023.
Find Tartans Across the Globe! College Matriculation Map
Innovation Strategy
St. Margaret’s Innovation Strategy continuously moves the school forward in priorities established by the Strategic Plan and accreditation process. This approach is rooted in design thinking with a focus on understanding and enhancing the experience of the school’s “end users.” Professional community members recently engaged in another round of ethnographic research, including over 180 ethnographic interviews with students, parents and colleagues, to uncover new insights and needs. The results of this work inform St. Margaret’s path forward in the implementation of strategic initiatives. Below are highlights of innovation in priority areas over the past year.
New Upper School courses launched including California Histories, Film Production Honors and The Study and Production of American Cinema.
The Grade 7 and 8 English curriculum was expanded to offer students more choice in reading selections and agency in the learning process.
Lower School furthered thematic connections to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and integrated experiential learning and service learning components.
Early School deepened its commitment to a Reggio-inspired, constructivist philosophy with a focus on productive questioning methods to enhance STEAM learning.
Faculty were awarded 25 Summer Innovation Grants to create new learning experiences, an increase over previous years. A total of 91 grants have now been awarded through this program.
Cross-divisional learning experiences significantly increased, connecting students across all four divisions for enhanced learning and connection in math, science, history, literature, health and well-being, service learning and the arts.
The college counseling curriculum expanded to include ongoing workshops, field trips, and additional college essay support from English teachers aligned with the College Counseling Office.
DEI priorities for 2022-2023 were communicated to the school community and included key initiatives connected to health and well-being, the school’s Episcopal Identity, cultural competency skill development and community engagement.
Four DEI Division Coordinator leadership positions were created to establish and implement division-specific priorities.
Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright presented to the professional community during opening meetings on dignity and its role in creating a community comprised of individuals who are their authentic selves.
Professional community Equity Team committee work included professional development and communications; pedagogy and standards; measurement and data; early education; secondary education; and digital literacy.
Parent workshops were conducted on topics including civil discourse and student voice led by TIDE (Tartan Inclusion and Diversity Education) Upper School leadership group.
Language translation services were expanded and formalized to further the school’s work toward language justice.
Affinity groups expanded in the Upper School with increased student participation following a successful launch in the 2021-2022 school year.
St. Margaret’s sent large delegations of adults and students to the Pollyanna Conference, NAIS People of Color Conference and NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference for shared learning experiences around diversity, equity and inclusion.
Discussions continued with ISC (International School Consulting) regarding a St. Margaret's international partnership or campus.
An immersive Spanish III course, taught by St. Margaret’s faculty in Salamanca, Spain, will launch in summer 2023 with full enrollment.
The counseling department was expanded to create a dedicated counselor for each division with a focus on increased early intervention and social emotional support.
Cross-divisional learning experiences included a health well-being fair organized by Middle School students for Lower School students and a health and well-being scavenger hunt organized by Upper School students for Lower School students.
The PTF Parent Up Speaker Series continued a health and well-being theme focused on Helping Young People Thrive featuring experts Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Dr. Nii Addy and Dr. Michele Borba.
Joyful community events, including the Homecoming Pep Rally, St. Margaret’s Day and Forever Plaid Gala returned to indoor settings for increased connection.
Spring 2022 parent survey results showed increased agreement rates in student access to emotional support (95%) and student sense of connection (90%).
St. Margaret’s expanded and upgraded the number of AED’s across campus to 23 for increased emergency preparedness.
The Digital Mentor program expanded with Upper School Peer Counselors leading digital health and well-being lessons in every Middle School advisory.
The Girls in STEAM Symposium returned to an in-person event with over 100 girls and female professionals participating from St. Margaret’s, the surrounding area and virtually from around the world.
An interdisciplinary computer science unit was piloted in Upper School geometry classes, connecting computational thinking across the two academic disciplines.
The First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team grew to 17 Upper School and Middle School students, and for the first time in school history fielded an all-girls lineup at one of the competitions.
Lower School Family STEAM night expanded to a daytime community event with engaging educational offerings, food and entertainment on campus.
The Technology Department was restructured to delineate Enterprise Technology and Educational Technology teams to better serve expanding technology needs across campus.
Service Learning programs re-engaged with community partner organizations and welcomed community members back to campus for various hosted events.
The All-School Service Learning Project supported St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Infant Pantry, raising significant donated items and funding. Students engaged in learning experiences across all four divisions highlighting the unique needs of infants.
The partnership with The Ecology Center was deepened with multiple educational student field trips and new collaborations including the Girls in STEAM Symposium, PTF events and hosting of the Board of Trustees Annual Year-End Dinner.
St. Margaret’s utilized In-Service Days for workshops led by professional community members on health and well-being, experiential education, technology, Episcopal Identity, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Scholar in Residence program continued with an Artist in Residence, painter and NFT expert Chris Trueman, and multiple Constructivists in Residence in the Early School including published researcher Sonia Yoshizawa who subsequently joined the Early School administration.
Educators presented and led sessions at national and regional conferences including the National Association of Independent Schools, National Association of Episcopal Schools, National Science Teachers Association, Association for Constructivist Teaching, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools, California Association of Independent Schools, Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children, Progressive Education Network, Independent School Data Exchange (INDEX) and NAIS People of Color Conference.
St. Margaret’s welcomed nearly 100 educational leaders from around the nation for the Breakthrough Collaborative National Conference.
The first floor of the Campaigne Center was renovated and reimagined to provide upgraded space for personal fitness and wellness offices, Lower School Extended Day and Math Enrichment, Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, the Campus Copy Center and single-user restrooms.
A new patio with outdoor seating was constructed adjacent to the Stoddard Humanities Building in the Upper School to provide additional social gathering space for students and classes.
Student parking lots were upgraded and a school bus loading area was created behind the Performing Arts Center for a more seamless drop-off and pick-up process.
A new patio area was constructed adjacent to the Lower School with seating for students to socialize during recess time.
A permanent shade canopy was installed in the Fountain Courtyard to serve the needs of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, the Parent Teacher Fellowship and outdoor classroom gatherings.
A “living wall” comprised of live plants was installed in the Library Commons as part of a biophilic design pilot generously funded by the PTF Grant Program.
The Spring 2022 Parent Survey demonstrated very strong support and agreement rates for campus safety (98%), mission delivery (96%), academic support (95%), emotional support (95%) and student sense of connection (90%). The recommendation rating on a scale of 0 to 10 scored a mean of 8.5, median of 10 and mode of 10.
Admission
St. Margaret’s Admission Office continues to have another record season. We are especially excited to have families back on Campus! In November, we offered four lively Division-specific Open Houses and throughout the fall we have been welcoming families, in small groups, to enjoy a fun after-school “Campus Sneaker Tour.” And this month, we have invited all Upper School and Middle School Applicants back to campus to complete their in-person Admission Interviews. Most importantly, the St. Margaret’s Admission team has appreciated guiding families as they work toward our Application deadline of February 1!
*Reflects 2022-2023 Admission data compiled January 17, 2023
- Fully enrolled at 1,234 Students
- 890+ Inquiries
- 529 Applications
- Applicants represent 29 local communities, 9 states, and 7 countries
Finance
The school remains on solid financial footing while managing its resources through this extraordinary time. Major infrastructure investments were made in 2020 to prepare the campus for a safe return of students and professional community. Many of these investments will have long-term benefits that will outlast the current pandemic.
Uses of Operating Funds 2022
78%
Instruction & Student Services
16%
Administrative Support
3%
Debt Service
3%
Reserves
Sources of Operating Funds 2022
86%
Tuition and Fees
7%
Donations & Endowment
2%
Ancilliary Programs
5%
Interest & Other
Advancement
Since the kickoff of the Annual Fund in December 2022, the fund has enjoyed a positive response from parents cresting the $1 million mark.
$1,000,000+ to date in the 2022-2023 Annual Fund
$1,000,000+ donated to the Commons Project through the Fund-A-Need at Forever Plaid in October 2022
$18,000,000+ in Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund (in $M)
*Reflects 2022-2023 Advancement data compiled to January 20, 2023
Parent Teacher Fellowship
In keeping with the mission of the PTF, fundraising, community building and programs were incorporated into its priorities for the school year. In 2022, the PTF hosted in-person meetings and activities.
Fundraising
$425,00+ Raised at Forever Plaid: All Hallows’ Evening
Community Building
2,000+ participants at in-person community events:
New Family Summer Get-Togethers
Tartan Spirit Day
Welcome Back Coffee
Fall Grade Level Coffees (K-12)
Tartan Fun Zone
Community Workshop: Ecology Center All About Herbs
Community Workshop: Second Harvest Food Bank
Parent Up Speaker Series
Booster Merchandise & Snack Bar
175+ Hot Lunch Program Volunteers
PTF Grants
FALL GRANTS
$481,000+ Donated to support general, standing, and PTF restricted grants, endowment and capital gifts
500,000+ Donated to support capital gifts.
SPRING GRANTS
$95,000+ Donated to support general grants
The 2023 State of the School report was issued to the St. Margaret’s community on January 26, 2023 and all data and information contained herein is a snapshot at publication date.