St. Margaret's School history

1923 | St Margaret's graduates its first student, Nancy Berry

In 1926, Annie Buchanan sold the Morningside school to Miss Muirhead, who renamed it St Hilary's.

Many changes and developments took place over the years and in 1928 SMS amalgamated with St George’s School for Girls.

In 1929, she sold the Newington school to Miss Matthew, who decided to keep the name St Margaret's (a decision that much pleased Mrs Buchanan).

1931 | Enrollment has grown to 20 day students and 70 boarders.

Father Bodin, founding Pastor of St Margaret Catholic Church, established in 1945 to serve South Lake Charles, was an able leader.

1948 | St Margaret's installs its eighth headmistress, Viola Hubbard Woolfolk.

South Lake Charles steadily expanded in population; thus, the Church and school also developed rapidly.In its first year of operation, which began on September 6, 1949, St Margaret School enrolled 154 students in Grades 1, 2, and 3 with one teacher and classroom per grade.

The school celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1950.

In 1951, a new rectory was built for the priests.

Then, in 1956, a new convent was built for the sisters.

An addition was built by M.A. Mortenson Co. in 1958.

The 1962 school year began with Grades K through 8 placed in expanded facilities.

New construction in 1964 added a middle school building of eight classrooms and a separate administrative office.

In 1965 the school celebrated its 75th anniversary, and to commemorate this the daughters of Mr and Mrs Buchanan donated a plaque.

The St Margaret Board of Education, established in 1966, is the school’s regulatory body.

In 1967 a Clothing Exchange which enabled the purchase of second-hand uniform was established, and continued until the closure of the school.

By 1969, with aging buildings and the prospect of substantial repair, the present Lake Hill area property was purchased.

In September 1970, the new school opened at 1080 Lucas Avenue.

The project, completed in 1973, was financed by the St Margaret Parish Council, the Parent Teacher Club, and individual parents.

In 1977 school started without sisters on the faculty, and Mr.

Yet another change was the use of the gymnasium for physical education, for the Family Center opened in 1980.

In 1983, St Hilary's merged with St Margaret's, reuniting the two schools.

1989 | Margaret R. Broad becomes the tenth Head of School.

In 1990, the school celebrated its centenary.

1991 | St Margaret’s is one of the first boarding schools in the southeast to establish comprehensive program for international students.

In 1994, Saint Margaret welcomed the first principal who was not a Dominican Sister.

1999 | $3.8 million Community/Technology Center opens to house riverfront dining room, computer center and math and science classrooms.

In 2000 an aggressive capital campaign entitled “Enriching Our Legacy of Excellence” was begun under the leadership of James F. Hamburge.

2002 | Latané Hall is given a major renovation and makeover.

2007 | St Margaret’s dedicates a new Athletic Complex, a 42 acre property located a mile away from the main campus.

In 2008, Sister Rena Perrone, OP became the principal and St Margaret School once again had a Dominican Sister as principal.

It was announced on 10 June 2010 that the school would close due to low pupil numbers owing to an increase in coeducational private schools.

In 2011, Doctor Philip Franco became the principal of St, Margaret.

The fifth president of Benilde-St Margaret's School, Kevin Gyolai, Ph.D., took the helm in July of 2014.

In September 2016 the school opens with a new Principal, Mrs.

The very first Pre-Kindergarten three year old class began in August of 2018.