Strength, Scholarship, and Riverfront Exploration

At St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia, summer is more than just a break—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Whether students are building confidence on the river, strengthening academic foundations, or honing their athletic skills, St. Margaret’s summer programs offer a transformative experience designed to equip students for success.

Academic Preparation: Summer School for College Readiness

In today’s world, students face increasing academic demands, from standardized tests like the SAT and ACT to the rigor of competitive college admissions. St. Margaret’s Summer School provides focused courses designed to give students an edge:

• Geometry – A key subject for developing logical reasoning and spatial awareness, crucial for higher-level math and standardized test performance.

• Pre-Calculus – Strengthens algebraic and trigonometric skills, preparing students for calculus and the analytical demands of STEM disciplines.

• English and Composition – Sharpens writing, argumentation, and critical reading skills, all essential for college essays, research papers, and standardized verbal sections.

With small class sizes, expert instruction, and a focused schedule from 8:00 AM to noon, students engage in a rigorous but rewarding learning environment that sets them apart in their academic journey.

Summer Camps: Adventure and Leadership on the Rappahannock

Beyond the classroom, St. Margaret’s summer camps offer hands-on learning and personal growth through sports, environmental education, and leadership development.

• Summer River Camp – Led by Mr. Richard Moncure, an award-winning educator, this coed, hands-on camp immerses students (ages 10-15) in the ecology and adventure of the Rappahannock River. Activities include fishing, tubing, swimming, and scientific exploration. Each one-week session is $600, with a 20-camper limit. Shuttle services from Fredericksburg, Mechanicsville, and Kilmarnock, VA, are available for an additional fee.

• Sculling & Rowing Camp – Under the guidance of Coach Troy Howell, young athletes of all skill levels refine their rowing technique on the same waters that define St. Margaret’s athletic tradition. With three one-week sessions, rowers gain discipline, physical endurance, and teamwork skills that translate into success in both sports and life.

A Summer of Preparation and Growth

Nestled along the Rappahannock, St. Margaret’s School offers a unique environment where academic challenge meets outdoor adventure. With two docks, a swimming pool, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and jet skis, students don’t just learn in the classroom—they experience real-world applications of leadership, environmental science, and athletic discipline.

Whether students are solving geometric proofs, writing persuasive essays, rowing at dawn, or studying river ecology, they are building the resilience, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

For more information or to register, visit sms.org & sms.org/camps or contact admit@sms.org.