About Us: FAQs

What is the Foundation for St. Margaret’s School? How is it different from the previous St. Margaret’s School and Board of Governors?

The legacy St. Margaret’s School (SMS) was voted closed by the Trustees of Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV) on July 10, 2025. The SMS Board of Governors was advisory to the CSDV Trustees, who voted in August to dissolve the SMS Board.

On July 30, 2025, The Foundation for St. Margaret’s School (FSMS) was recognized as a distinct business entity by the State Corporation Commission in Virginia, and it received 501(c)(3) status on September 1, 2025. This organization is the independent governing board for a reorganized St. Margaret’s School, and its purpose is “fundraising, resource management, operation, and advocacy for a girls’ school in the Episcopal tradition, in Tappahannock, Virginia.” As such, the organization is independent of CSDV and governs its own operations.

How will you attract students and faculty back to the school when you reopen?

Three employees are now working with the FSMS Board to begin the microschool. Part of everyone’s job is to sustain relationships and continue outreach. There is tremendous loyalty to and appreciation for the St. Margaret’s brand and experience among employees who have been at the school, families whose daughters attended SMS, and alumnae. This loyalty and deep commitment to doing girls’ education well is a recruiting advantage for employees and students. We will ensure that the strength of that loyalty is leveraged in reassembling the school. Priority will be given to getting strong leadership in place, which demonstrates professionalism, relationship building, and best practice in rebuilding the community. The Board wants to listen to constituents and do the best possible job of reconstituting the school.

I admire your conviction and effort. How can I help you? How can I give money or appreciated stocks?

Thanks! Please tell others about the effort to restart St. Margaret’s. Your influence with friends and neighbors can be so important. If you have a special skill that you think could be helpful to our effort and want to volunteer, let us know. Our website www.smsontheriver.org shows three ways you can give: send a check, donate online, or send stock gifts to our broker.

How can I get in touch with you?

Call us at (804) 925-6070 , or email at info@smsontheriver.org.