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Go to child profileLocated in Victoria, BC, St. Margaret's School is Vancouver Island's only all-girls day and boarding school and Canada’s first all-girls STEM-X school. Students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 thrive as they are challenged to meet personal goals. Leadership, confidence, wellness, and high academic standards guide their way toward university programs of choice. The school motto, Service with Love, lays the foundation for personal character, courage, and global and environmental-minded perspectives.
What learning looks like now: We follow the local health authority guidelines to keep all our students and staff healthy and safe.
Curriculum delivery:
Living Arrangement | Grades | Delivery Model | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Day | JK - Gr. 12 | In-person | Full-time |
Can boarders live on-campus? Yes
St. Margaret's School offers bus transferring. Service options offered are airport pick-up.
The regions St. Margaret's School offers busing from are:
“It is something that belongs to the girls,” reads an editorial in the inaugural issue of the St. Margaret’s School Magazine, “their own particular property ... in which they can all share, and to which everyone may contribute.” That was in 1911, just a few years after the school was founded by three women who wanted to offer something, well, more—more support, better academics—and to allow girls to dream bigger dreams. While the editor was writing about the magazine—that’s what she’s referring to as the “property”—she could just as easily be writing about the school itself. Since the beginning, St. Margaret’s has been just that: a place where girls feel a sense of home, a place where they can share something of themselves and where their contributions are valued. While the school has grown over the years, including a move in 1970 to the current 22-acre property, that tradition has remained. St. Margaret’s was at the forefront of girls’ education when it was begun (in that first issue of the magazine there is a photograph of girls playing basketball, which would have been notable at the time) and it remains so today. It was the first all-girls STEM school in the country and a leader in that regard, as in 2019 when they hosted a STEM Leadership Conference, “Sustaining Our Future.” The campus is, frankly, gorgeous, sympathetic to the cultural and natural environment, and includes LEED certified facilities. Programs are challenging in all the right ways, inquiry-based, and instructors are keen to include lots of real-world experience, getting the learning out beyond the walls of the classroom. The accomplishments of the alumnae are a symbol of the strength of the school, and the list of notable graduates includes the full range of endeavour, from engineering, the sciences, to environmental activism and the arts.
International curriculum & programs at St. Margaret's School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Focus |
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Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Expressive | |
Disciplined |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
Flexible pacing style | offered |
---|---|
Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
Differentiated assessment |
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)
Program | offered |
---|---|
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
In grade Gr. 12, St. Margaret's School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 34 mins | 40 mins | 51 mins | 56 mins | 69 mins | 80 mins | 98 mins | 107 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 3 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 3 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 10
Recreational sports: 1
St. Margaret's School offers 11 clubs and extracurricular programs.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Day (Domestic) | $17,200 | $18,300 | $22,000 | ||||||||||||
Day (International) | $28,500 | $29,300 | $32,200 | ||||||||||||
Boarding (Domestic: in province) | $54,000 | ||||||||||||||
Boarding (Domestic: out of province) | $56,000 | ||||||||||||||
Boarding (International) | $69,100 |
Discounts
Discount Type | Enrolment Type | Amount |
---|---|---|
2nd child (sibling) | all students | 5% |
3rd child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
4th child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 0% |
Average aid package size | $0 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 0% |
Total aid available | $0 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
Step 1: Apply to St. Margaret’s School
Step 2: Apply for Financial Assistance
Please read the FAQs about FACS carefully before you begin. You can then apply for financial assistance by completing a Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) with Apple Financial. This requires payment of a non-refundable application fee (CAD $100). You must file a new PFS each year you apply for financial assistance.
Step 3: Decision
Apple Financial will provide St. Margaret’s School with a recommended level of support for the student. St. Margaret’s School’s Bursary Committee will meet to review all applications. The Committee will review the requested amount as well as the recommendation from Apple Financial to determine an appropriate level of financial assistance for the student. St. Margaret's School will notify you of the award decision once all applications have been processed – typically mid-April.
The school also offers up to two (2) $2,500 bursaries for families with multiple siblings attending the school. These Bursaries are meant to help offset the expense of multiple annual tuitions such that you are supported in your choice to have your daughters attend St. Margaret’s School and benefit from our unique educational experience. Please note in applying for this award that a separate application must still be made to Apple Financial.
St. Margaret’s School is pleased to offer two scholarships of $5 000.00 each for new applicants entering our Middle Years (MY) program (Grades 5 – 8). This scholarship will be renewed for every year the successful candidate remains in the MY program, and meets the criteria outlined below. (i.e. up to $20,000 for two students over the course of four years)
Any new student who is currently in Grade 4 – 6 and has a connection with the Lakehill community (resides in the area, has a connection to or an affiliation with a family or community sports team…) can apply.
Aligning with the principles and values of the Strategic Plan, St. Margaret's is seeking a well-rounded candidate who demonstrates excellence in a combination of: • Academic achievement • Leadership • Service, in keeping with the school’s motto Servite in Caritate • Extracurricular involvement The selection will be based on all aspects of student life, and will not focus exclusively on academic achievement. In addition, consideration will be given to students who would otherwise be unable to access the advantages of a St. Margaret's School education.
To continue to receive the scholarship while in the MY, the student must: • Remain in good academic standing • Demonstrate involvement in school and/or local community, and • Adhere to the SMS Code of Conduct, as is expected of all members of the SMS community.
Upon completing the Application package, St. Margaret’s will select applicants for an interview with the St. Margaret’s Selection Committee in late April, early May. A final decision will be made after reviewing both the Application package and interview results, and evaluating them based on set criteria
For more details, visit:www.stmarg.ca/admissions/scholarships-awards/entrance-scholarshipsFor new boarding students living in North America, but outside British Columbia.
St. Margaret's School is pleased to offer the Margaret A. Gilliam Scholarship of $15,000 for a new North American boarding student from outside British Columbia. Ms. Gilliam lives in the United States and attended St. Margaret’s School, graduating in 1955. Ms. Gilliam attended McGill University and Harvard University. After spending more than 30 years as a Wall Street Securities Analyst specializing in the retail sales industry, Ms. Gilliam started her own retail consulting company, Gilliam & Co. Ms. Gilliam has been a trusted advisor to a number of Fortune 500 companies.
St. Margaret’s is seeking a well-rounded candidate who demonstrates excellence in: • Academic effort • Leadership • Service, in keeping with the school’s motto Servite in Caritate • Citizenship
The selection will be based on all aspects of student life, not focusing exclusively on academic achievement.
Normal Application including: academic reference form, character reference form, report cards and other records. Full details online at https://www.stmarg.ca/admissions/how-apply
Normal Entrance Exams: Margaret Gilliam Scholarship applicants sit the normal entrance examinations organized by the Admissions Office. These tests consist of objective exercises in English and mathematics and the writing of a given composition.
...in addition to...
Scholarship Application Form
Resume
One-page composition
Interview: After reviewing test scores and applications, St. Margaret's School will select applicants for interviews with the Selection Committee in the spring. The interview may be completed by phone or video conference if necessary.
For more details, visit:www.stmarg.ca/admissions/scholarships-awards/entrance-scholarshipsNew day students entering Grade 10. Full tuition fees until graduation. For Centennial Scholars, the Building Fund is waived. The Scholarship excludes other costs associated with a St. Margaret’s education. (Details of these costs are available from the Admissions Office.)
St. Margaret's is seeking a well-rounded candidate who demonstrates excellence in: • Academic achievement • Leadership • Service, in keeping with the school’s motto Servite in Caritate • Extracurricular involvement The selection will be based on all aspects of student life, not focusing exclusively on academic achievement. In addition, consideration will be given to students who would otherwise be unable to access the advantages of a St. Margaret's School education. To continue to receive the scholarship in subsequent years, the student must: • Remain in good academic standing • Demonstrate involvement in school and/or local community, • Adhere to the SMS Code of Conduct, as is expected of all members of the SMS community.
After reviewing test scores and applications, St. Margaret's School will select applicants for an interview with the Selection Committee in the spring. The St. Margaret's School Selection Committee will make a final decision after reviewing both the written component and interview results and evaluating them based on set criteria.
Normal Application including: academic reference form, character reference form, report cards and other records. Full details online at https://www.stmarg.ca/admissions/how-apply
Normal Entrance Exams: Margaret Gilliam Scholarship applicants sit the normal entrance examinations organized by the Admissions Office. These tests consist of objective exercises in English and mathematics and the writing of a given composition.
...in addition to...
Submit a completed Centennial Scholarship Application Form - please complete the chart, listing any academic awards you have received and your leadership, service, and extracurricular activities from the past two years - you may add additional pages as needed - as well as answering the questions provided.
Interview: After reviewing test scores and applications, St. Margaret's School will select applicants for interviews with the Selection Committee in the spring. The interview may be completed by phone or video conference if necessary.
For more details, visit:www.stmarg.ca/admissions/scholarships-awards/entrance-scholarshipsA variety of awards are presented to current, continuing students in recognition of demonstrated achievement in line with St. Margaret's School's values. Although academics are included in the criteria for these awards, the applicant must demonstrate a desire and commitment to pursue their schooling through to graduation at SMS. Aligning with the principles and values of our Strategic Plan, St. Margaret's is seeking well-rounded candidates who demonstrate excellence in a combination of: • Academic achievement • Leadership • Service, in keeping with the school motto Servite in Caritate • Extracurricular involvement. Awards have different amounts and eligibility requirements based on age.
Depending on the award, application and testing requirements may vary.
Applicants will be evaluated on their application package, a written component, and an interview focused on the four areas outlined in the criteria for choosing a recipient. The rubrics for the evaluation of the three components are available from the Student Services Office.
Applicants may also be required to complete the following...
Written Component: On the evaluation day, the student will write an essay on a choice of two topics. The student's written response will form the basis of the written evaluation process. All students will sit their written evaluation during school hours
Interview: Each student will be invited to an interview with the Selection Panel. Students will be asked a variety of questions that are directly related to the scholarship criteria. The interviews will take place during school hours in late April and early May.
Complete details on the school website under Internal Scholarships.
For more details, visit:www.stmarg.ca/admissions/scholarships-awards/internal-scholarshipsGrades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group 1 | JK to Gr. 12 | All girls | Day | 270 |
Group 2 | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 | All girls | Boarding | 90 |
Total enrolment | 360 |
Average class size | 10 to 20 |
% of international students (total enrolment) | 25% |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 18 |
Five-day boarding program offered | N/A |
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Boarding Enrollment | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
---|---|---|
Interview | PS - 12 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | K - 12 | |
Entrance Essay | 2 - 12 |
Day students: Rolling
Boarding students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry:
Yes
Application fee: $250
Registration fee: $2,500
Deposit:
N/A
COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION
After applying online (https://www.stmarg.ca/admissions) please provide the school with all supporting documents as well as your application fee (CAD $250) – your application is not complete until the School receives these items.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Applications are not complete until the School receives:
PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT: TESTING AND INTERVIEW
The placement assessment is used to determine a student’s strengths, weaknesses and readiness to begin classes at SMS. We understand that this can be an intimidating process for students and their parents and do all we can to make the process comfortable and informal.
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Student Entry Points
This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.
Student Type | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Average graduating class size | 35 |
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | 100% |
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | 25% |
Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK) | 2 |
St. Margaret's School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
This information is not currently available.Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Career planning | |
Internships |
Mentorship Program | |
University counseling |
What St. Margaret's School says:
Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|---|
Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey | 1931 | On July 1, 2015, Dr. Kelsey was named to the Order of Canada for her role in preventing the drug thalidomide from entering the United States in the 1960s. |
Gillian Carleton | 2007 | Canadian road and track cyclist. Carleton won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the women's team pursuit. |
Dr. Joyce Clearihue | 1943 | Forged a career in medicine before it was common for women to do so. |
Margaret A. Gilliam | 1955 | After graduating from Harvard University, Ms. Gilliam went on to be a successful Wall Street securities analyst and trusted adviser to Fortune 500 companies. |
Karen Clark Cole | 1986 | Co-founder and CEO of Seattle-based UX design and technology firm, Blink, and founder of the Girls Can Do event series, a non-profit for girls' empowerment. |
Alumni Highlights
Welcome to St. Margaret’s School! This is a community that cares deeply about girls; we have been dedicated to their education, development and well-being for over a century. Together, we help girls become powerful learners with the knowledge, attitudes and courage to thrive – in their studies and careers, and in life.
Our small-scale learning environment provides teachers with the flexibility to personalize learning for each student – building upon individual passions, and challenging each girl to improve her own performance, exceed her own expectations and realize her own potential.
Our academic program is supported by experiential programs that provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, take on positions of responsibility and leadership, and develop a desire and a passion for making a difference. Each girl will discover a lot about herself, her peers and the world in which she lives through the experiences she has here.
We believe in the all girl environment, because we see the results every day. Here, girls have the freedom to be daring, explore, try new things and try on new roles. We continually raise girls’ expectations of themselves, and have found that they are more than up for the challenge. They excel academically because they participate fully and enthusiastically in the classroom; they make challenging career choices because they are confident in their ability to succeed in any subject; and they believe in their futures because they are certain of their worth and their potential.
I am continuously impressed by our girls; by their enthusiasm for learning, by their support and encouragement of each other, and by their willingness to challenge themselves. I encourage you to come and visit our school anytime – we would be thrilled to share our stories and our passions with you.
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Oct 5
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