Editor, Rappahannock Times:
Members of the St. Margaret’s Board of Governors, Administration and alumni community were caught by surprise when the Directors of the Board of Trustees for the Church Schools of the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV) sent a letter to the families of current students explaining the very real possibility of the school closing in July. The timing of this communication had not been shared in any conversations with leaders of St. Margaret’s, and was sent during the time when contracts with incoming students for the upcoming fall semester are being finalized. This disappointing action taken by the Board of CSDV contradicted past agreements regarding deadlines for the school to demonstrate proof of financial viability for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The CSDV website mentions that part of their original mission was “to provide scholarships for the growing number of orphaned children.” The wording would be changed today if referring to St. Margaret’s as it has provided numerous scholarships for girls to attend school while being removed from dangerous war-torn countries around the world.
Students have come from over 40 countries, not to mention numerous states throughout the U.S. eastern seaboard, for more than 100 years. They have been protected, educated and nurtured in a family-friendly environment.
By utilizing the easy access to the Rappahannock River, a S.T.R.E.A.M. program thrives for the students. Mr. Moncure, Program Director, has been recognized as the ‘Innovative Teacher of the Year’ by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
The school has expanded the athletic complex offcampus to provide more options for the students. This facility has fields for soccer, field hockey and softball. There is also a dock that allows boats to access the Rappahannock River for the new, and very promising, Rowing and Sculling Academy.
In athletics, the Varsity basketball team won the State Championship in the VISAA DIII. Coach Snead was chosen as the ‘Coach of the Year’ both in the League and at the State level. Three (3) players were recognized – ‘Player of the Year’, All Conference 1st Team in the League and All-State 1st Team. Two (2) students placed the Clay Target Trapshooting State Tournament. Our rowing team competed with college at the Walter Mess Regatta.
There are annual productions for aspiring actors and art classes for budding artists. The Woolfolk Library provides state of the art materials and innovative programs for the students. Virginia Living rated St. Margaret’s School among their Top Schools and Universities in 2025. Members of the Class of 2024 earned $1.5 million in scholarships.
We are asking the members of the Board of the Church Schools of the Diocese of Virginia to prayerfully reconsider their decision to hasten the demise of St. Margaret’s School. We also ask for support from the local community by reaching out to members of this Board with letters of support for our school at https://churchschoolsva.org/ contact/. There is a dedicated group of staff and alumni who want other students to experience the magic of living and learning in this exceptional academic environment rich in history and tradition. We are not only concerned for the future of the students, but for all of the staff and their families whose livelihoods are intertwined with the success of our school.
Missy Swajkoski, ‘73
Editor, Rappahannock Times:
I first arrived on St. Margaret’s School campus two summers ago. I arrived with excitement that was combined with uncertainty. The uncertainty that I wouldn’t make friends or excel academically, but most of all the uncertainty of not knowing if I would belong. Those feelings of doubt quickly washed away as soon as I stepped out of my car. Several girls introduced themselves to me one by one. Seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Despite their different grade levels, they all held themselves with confidence and had the kindness to make me feel welcome. That was my first encounter with the sisterhood.
Now, as I enter my junior year, I am met with an uncertainty that differs from the one two summers ago. This uncertainty is not lined with excitement but anxiety. The anxiety of losing the place that has shaped my life, my peers’ lives, and many girls before me.
St. Margaret’s holds enduring and tender memories from over 100 years within the minds of those who have walked her halls, sat in her classrooms, and sang in her chapel. Yet still on Water Lane, memories await to be made and reminisced on. The memories of sailing on a sunfish and hoping the wind doesn’t stop. The memories of cheers from Blue and Grey day after making it to second base in kickball. Along with the joyous feeling of seeing the smiles of everyone in the crowd as you walk the graduation stage. In that memory, I have been one of the smiling faces in the crowd. I can only hope that in the future I will be among those on the stage with my roses and diploma in hand smiling back. As I enter the sisterhood of over a thousand alumnae.
Until the final decision is made for school this year, what awaits on Water Lane is unknown. Girls may not be in class come this fall. I may not make it to that graduation stage. But what is for certain, we will carry with us the everlasting memories from our cherished school and nothing will change that.
Martine Glymph Springfield, VA
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