International Program

St. Margaret's is home to girls from around the world. Approximately 35% of St. Margaret’s students are international, having represented 45 different countries since our International Program began in 1990. The program offers ESL classes for intensive English study and mainstream class support and celebrates our students' cultures and experiences through various special events we all enjoy.

Our historic campus and nearby sites make the SMS experience an authentic living history for anyone studying in the United States. We are uniquely located near many enrichment opportunities in the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., Richmond, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach, each within a two-hour drive of the school or less.

Students at St. Margaret’s don’t just learn about history from textbooks—they experience it firsthand. Our proximity to some of America’s most treasured historic sites allows students to step into the past, deepening their understanding of the nation's founding and evolution. A visit to George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument in Westmoreland County offers an intimate look at the early life of America’s first president, while a trip to Mount Vernon, where Washington spent his final years, provides insight into his leadership, legacy, and daily life.

In addition, students explore Colonial Williamsburg, where the past comes to life through costumed interpreters and immersive reenactments, and Jamestown Settlement, where they learn about the first permanent English colony in America. Field trips to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park provide powerful lessons in Civil War history, while visits to the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond offer a firsthand look at the foundations of American government.

Students enjoy enriching visits to Washington, D.C., exploring world-class museums, iconic monuments, and institutions such as the Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery of Art, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. These excursions allow students to witness history, politics, and culture in action, reinforcing classroom lessons with real-world experiences.

Beyond history, St. Margaret’s students expand their global perspectives through cultural exploration. Excursions to diverse ethnic restaurants allow students to experience the tastes and traditions of different cultures firsthand. Whether enjoying authentic Vietnamese pho in Richmond, traditional Ethiopian injera in Washington, D.C., or classic French pastries in Fredericksburg, these experiences provide opportunities to engage with international cuisine, learn about culinary customs, and develop a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural fabric that makes up our global community.

Of course, student life isn’t just about academics and enrichment—there’s plenty of room for fun, too! Just 50 minutes from campus, Kings Dominion, Virginia’s largest amusement park, offers a thrilling escape where students can enjoy world-class roller coasters, water rides, and seasonal events like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. These trips provide a great opportunity for students to unwind, build friendships, and create lasting memories outside the classroom.

These experiences are more than just educational excursions—they are transformative opportunities for students to engage with history, culture, and tradition in a tangible way. At St. Margaret’s, the rich historical and cultural landscape surrounding us enhances our academic programs, making history, global citizenship, and even a little adventure come alive in a way few other schools can offer.