REVIEW OF St. Margaret's School BY parent, Carol Burbee

(5) Student Experience

The teaching staff always had time to support my child. Before school, during spare blocks and after school.

(5) School Leadership

My emails were always replied to promptly by Administrators. When I voiced a concern they quickly called to follow-up and find a resolution. The leadership sets a positive tone.

(5) Teaching

Exceptional. The reason we love SMS.

(5) Academics

There is a well-rounded academic program. The fine arts, social science and STEAM courses are equally valued. Small class sizes provided lots of opportunity for individual learning and student leadership.

(4) Extracurriculars

There are a variety of extra curricular opportunities. My child was a day student and we accessed community programs after school mostly as we had already established relationships before starting at SMS.

(5) Students

The international student population is a huge asset. My daughter has friends from all over the world. She confidently communicates and develops global friendships as a result of her experience at SMS. As a day student she was always welcome to join-in boarding student social and community trips. This was a nice option for 'what to do on Saturday night?'

(5) School Life

SMS is a safe campus. I often dropped my daughter at school very early on my way to work. She was welcome and safely studied during that time (or met with teachers for help.) The standard of teaching is excellent - the focus is on pedagogy and student experience. There was not a sense of 'teach to the test'. At parent-teacher meetings it was evident the teachers genuinely knew and cared about my daughter. My final thought to leave with prospective parents is the value of a single-ed. environment. My daughter entered co-Ed university this year with the confidence to take leadership roles in the student body, speak-up in class, and advocate for others. I credit her time at SMS for this strength of character.

(5) Community

There was a welcoming atmosphere at SMS. Efforts are made to include and welcome parents (both day and boarding families) without undue pressure to participate.

(5) School Location

Quiet neighbourhood. My daughter often walked to the bus stop and took public transit home. There are convenience stores close by for the students to visit.

(5) Admissions

My daughter produced a portfolio for admissions. She attended a shadow day and spent some one-on-one time with staff (I assume this was testing although she didn't feel tested.) As my daughter chose to apply for Grade 10 she orchestrated the admissions process and I didn't participate much. My over all sense is that the staff wanted to get to know her so they could support her well.

(5) University placement and counselling

There was consistent support for university applications.