Admissions: 804-443-3357
Scientific studies at St. Margaret's have been a hands-on affair. The ecological intricacies are incredibly unique with our River. In the summer of 2022, a 75-foot pier complete with a classroom will be constructed. The classroom will be a laboratory for all disciplines, and science classes will have incredible advantages. Biology, hydrology, chemistry, physics, and marine sciences will be distinctive as students will be on the River during coursework.
Technology in all forms will also make use of the clean power that students will enjoy. We want students to design River Apps and measuring devices for tidal studies, erosion mapping, and water quality. We will inspire students to develop online interfaces for visitors to learn about our River and the entire Chesapeake Watershed from our waterfront classroom.
River studies across the academic realms are complemented by a variety of river-based recreational activities. Our 43-acre athletic complex, located on Hoskins Creek, finds students kayaking, canoeing, and boating between the main campus and complex. Sailing and paddle boarding are also available. Our new 75 ft dock will include an additional floating dock to launch our crew shells and smaller watercraft that are part of St. Margaret's eclectic fleet of boats.
Engineering classes will design an aquarium fed by the Rappahannock, filtered, and cycled back into the river along with engineering of tidal power devices or small fish or shellfish farms. Solar panels and wind turbines will be opportunities to study electrical and mechanical engineering.
Art begins with the spectacular sunrises reflecting upon the water, a scene familiar to a half-century of alumnae who still speak of the memorable mornings walking to class. Students will find a pair of bald eagles on one side of campus, and on the other, historic architecture where George Washingon slept. Art students will kayak the River to find where light and shadows inspire a watercolor, pen and ink drawing, or sculpture.
Math students will also study the River and explore the mathematical relationship of a riverbed over a distance. The curriculum will cover algebraic exercises in water conservation along with international statistics and the realities of water conservation. Students can construct expressions and equations around the water, and calculate distance and travel speeds.

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In the fall of our Centennial year, we began a discussion of a S.T.E.A.M. program that would pivot our college prep program on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. But it did not take long for us to realize we could go further. Our campus is situated on the noble Rappahannock, one of Virginia's cleanest rivers. St. Margaret's is the only campus of its kind to be situated on its banks with a small town enfolding it.

That town is Tappahannock, VA, where salt meets freshwater. This natural confluence of nature's water is analogous to St. Margaret's educational outlook. It is where a century-old girls school finds its students in the community and of the community. The education is whole and holistic, vibrant, and relevant to our students' future. In going further with S.T.E.A.M, we decided to bring our River into the center of the educational experience - we call this S.T.R.E.A.M.

The interconnectedness of S.T.R.E.A.M provides the students at St. Margaret's with an exceptional educational experience. The River's science and history provide a distinct academic advantage, while its recreational opportunities provide students with the ideal setting to learn and grow outdoors.

St. Margaret's School
P.O. Box 158
Tappahannock, VA 22560
T: 804-443-3357
admit@sms.org
Episcopal girls' school for boarding and day, grades 8-PG, on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia.

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