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SMCHS History
Santa Margarita Catholic High School began as a dream of the late Bishop William R. Johnson. He saw the need and possibility of a Catholic high school in south Orange County. The dream then became the vision of many who shared his ideas. They caught his enthusiasm and the campaign began. Beginning in 1985, the Church and business community worked together to fund and build an extraordinary educational facility. With God's blessing, a handful of dedicated people, and the generosity of donors, the campus you can see today became a reality. The school opened in the fall of 1987 and the Charter class graduated in June 1991. In 1990, the school added a new three story classroom building.
A tour of the present campus reveals a successful combination of charm and modern technology. An atmosphere of serenity prevails side-by-side with the enthusiasm and excitement generated by students and faculty. With the beauty of the Saddleback mountains as a backdrop, Santa Margarita provides an ideal environment for the students to learn and play. Carefully picked faculty and staff provide top level academics and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Due largely to the prevailing warmth of the high school staff, an air of Christian love and acceptance surrounds each student. The school is Catholic and teaches traditional values and behavior.
One of the most outstanding buildings on campus is the chapel with its prominent bell tower. From the tower rings hourly chimes, reminding young and old of the passing of time and the mortality of man. Likewise, each student is introduced to Jesus Christ, the way to immortality. Church traditions are reinforced and practiced.
The greatest asset of Santa Margarita is its young people. Any day, one can see the smiles of happy students, hear the laughter of enthusiastic young people with their future ahead of them and the confidence that they can succeed. As one student put it, "We're all winners just being at Santa Margarita. We feel fortunate and thankful to have the opportunity to attend such a great high school." These young people feel good about who they are partly because they are taught to give back to the community through Christian service. Recognizing the needs of others and finding a way to meet that need, gives young people a sense of purpose and an awareness of the power to make a difference.

Santa Margarita began its twentieth year under the new leadership of Principal Raymond R. Dunne. Traditions are still being established everyday in many areas of school life. One attitude prevails among the faculty, staff and students: a desire to be and do the best they can. Each is doing their part to be excellent. Excellence through commitment and hard work has been the standard from the beginning, even before the dream became a reality.