International Students

St. Margaret’s offers one of the oldest and best-established international programs among American boarding schools. Since 1990, more than 100 students from more than 30 nations have graduated from SMS and gone on to attend competitive colleges in the US or their home country. In a typical year, 15% of our students represent as many as 11 different countries.

When you attend St. Margaret’s as an international student, you’ll be able to strengthen your English skills, take challenging academic courses and gain an exposure to American culture. International students are active participants in every area of school life, from playing sports to serving on the Honor Council.

Other highlights of international student life include:

- An American roommate for your first year at school

- The opportunity to be paired with a “Friendship Family” that can offer local hospitality

- A weekend workshop early in the school year to help you adjust to life in a new culture

- Trips to nearby American cities, landmarks and historic sites

- The annual International Festival, when students share their culture with the entire school community

St. Margaret’s is located in a small, rural town just two hours from Washington, DC and Dulles International Airport. We are one hour from Richmond International Airport and just one hour by air from New York City.

We encourage all prospective international students and their parents to participate in a face-to-face interview. St. Margaret’s staff travel to Asia and Mexico in the fall and early spring; please contact the Director of Admission to arrange an appointment. Telephone interviews also are available.