St. Margaret Mary Catholic School 142 East Swoope Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

"Words are not enough to express my gratitude for SMMCS Faculty and Administration in shaping my child’s character and work ethic. She has attended SMMCS for 10 years (Pre-K thru 8th Grade). In this time, I have come to know SMMCS as a loving and caring environment for children. The faculty and administration, led by Principal Katie Walsh, have nurtured my child’s academics, extra-curricular activities, faith and prayer life. Academically, my daughter has excelled at SMMCS. The small class sizes and small group discussions encourage analytical thought. Additionally, SMMCS has a strong academic support staff to assist students individually. As for extracurricular activities, SMMCS has great faculty and parent support for their arts and athletics programs. Most importantly, SMMCS is an excellent institution that provides true examples of people practicing their faith along their journey in life. Faculty and staff are often at Parish Masses and are ministers throughout St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish. Students participate in the School Mass to be Lecturers, Greeters, Psalmist, and Alter Servers. Additionally, students perform service hours for persons in need and various charities around Winter Park and Orlando area. SMMCS helps children develop a moral compass and conscience. In our ever changing world, uncertainty abounds, SMMCS, in contrast, provides direction. While no institution is absolutely perfect, SMMCS continues to strive for it. For instance, when COVID 19 occurred, SMMCS was quick to institute policies that would promote distance learning. For the 2020-2021 school year, in-person attendance was available with standards for social distancing, masks and protective equipment. SMMCS has established a great foundation in my daughter’s faith and in her abilities. If you are seeking an education for your child that will promote faith, excellence and personal responsibility, you will find it at SMMCS."

"If there is a model school in The United States, this is it! SMM represents everything a parent looks for when entrusting their children to a school. This faith-based community is truly there to support each other, and those outside of the community too (regardless of their faith). SMM promotes service, all while providing one of the most excellent educations a student can receive. When these kids enter high school (no matter which one), they are more than ready both academically and socially. For a concrete example, take the pandemic. Other schools (Catholic & public) turned to SMM for guidance ~ and their methods to keep the kids safe were replicated all over the state."

"Years back when we were looking for a school for our daughter, I remember scouting online reviews to learn as much as I could about each school. In that spirit, I can only offer you what I was looking to learn about. Our daughter has attended St. Margaret Mary School for seven years and we are THRILLED with the education she has received. Principal Katie Walsh is phenomenal, as is assistant Dr. Jamie Rodriguez, and teachers and staff are dedicated, very well educated and experienced, and truly care about the students and their matriculation. Support staff for academics is also incredible. Importantly, admin, staff and teachers work tremendously hard to shape the whole child - to foster and nurture Catholic values that are critical toward personal growth and to prepare the students for life ahead. The children are not just learning their subjects, they are also being supported to grow to be good adults who will help lead this world to better things. Academics, sports, STEM/robotics/Odyssey of the Mind, band, choir, art, drama, etc - there are so many options and opportunities for students to be involved. The physical plant of the school is beautiful, the campus and classrooms are very clean and well-maintained with cutting-edge technology for students. Safety is a major priority, with numerous cameras and monitoring throughout, and very well controlled and limited access/entry points. It also bears mentioning that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the approach to safety of students and staff has been nothing short of amazing. The school has gone over and beyond what I think any one of us could have expected to protect the children, while maintaining a sense of as much normalcy as possible. Finally, the families here are extremely kind and there is a definite close feeling of community, which also is felt beautifully in its church as well. There are many volunteer options that are feasible and convenient for even working parents, which I really have appreciated and benefited from. If you are looking for a wonderful school home and school family for your child, look no further."

"This is a superb catholic school. I love the education both of my children are getting there. The solid Catholic foundation they are getting is extraordinary. I love that my children love the school, the staff members, their teachers, their friends, and their extracurricular activities (drama, robotics club, sports, violin). I also love the sense of community that gets enhanced when one is more involved as a volunteer. I'm grateful to God for this school. God bless you!"