Pacific Ridge School

Located in North San Diego County, Pacific Ridge School, grades 6-12 is an educational experience dedicated to developing in its students the intellect, agility, and courage that will serve them in young adulthood and beyond.
We believe in creating the right set of experiences for every student to develop a sense of curiosity, the mindset to solve any problem, and the determination to achieve the extraordinary.
Our teachers have a wide range of backgrounds, but what unites them beyond their outstanding credentials is a broad worldview and a dedication to growth and well-being of students.
Our small classes gather for discussion around the Harkness table every student is able to find and develop their voice.
Students face real-world challenges, learn innovative approaches, and cultivate a growth mindset through our curriculum.
Students that pass through our doors are empowered to make positive change in the world, and we enable them to do so with creativity and confidence.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 685 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $36,950
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

Top Rankings

Pacific Ridge School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
2007

Student Body

Total Students
685 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Pacific Ridge School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
74%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP English Language and Composition, Art History, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Drawing, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Sciences, French Language and Culture, Graphic Design, Music Theory, Photography, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, US History
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Pacific Ridge offers more than $3.7 million in tuition assistance for about 30% of its families, as well as offer several payment options to help all families manage tuition expenses.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$20,615
Admissions Director
Francis Donald
Admissions Associate
Caitlin Cataldo

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
47 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
A Cappella Vocal Music, Academic League, Art & Literature Magazine, Astronomy Club, Badminton, Baking & Creation Club, Chess, Classic Films Club, Creative Collaboration, Creative Writing Club, Culinary Club, Dance Club, Drawing Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Engineering Club, Finance & Investment, Firebird Research Institute, Football Club, Frisbee/Sport, Gardening Club, Improv Theater, Instrumental Music, Lacrosse Skills, Martial Arts, Math Tutorial, Meditation Club, Middle School Choir, Model United Nations (MUN), Music Appreciation Club, Open Art Studio, Photography Club, Ping Pong Club, Reading Club, Robotics, Rock Band, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Spanish Conversation Club, Speech & Debate Club, Student Affinity Groups, Student Council, Study Hall, Sustainability Council, T-shirt Design Club, The Flock, Writing Tutorial Club, Yoga Club

School Notes

  • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: We incorporate real-world challenges, innovative approaches, and a growth mindset in all that we do so that our accomplishments extend well beyond what`s expected or required . Our students have access to the talented faculty, advanced coursework, and state-of-the-art facilities needed to achieve the academic goals they set for themselves. Behind it all, we strive to impart a genuine love of learning to all of our students, propelling them further than they even imagined.
  • ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY: With awareness must come action. We help students understand the complex challenges facing our society, the systems that create them, and the imperative to participate in solutions. We teach core ethical principles to guide our students in how they impact their communities and the world. Through dedicated service in communities near and far, we instill in our students a responsibility to act, a desire to do good, and the belief that they can make a difference.
  • GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT: We engage in a robust, globally-focused curriculum and a program of yearly travel to help students think outside of themselves, develop empathy, and prepare to contribute to the world around them. Through this approach, students grow together in the context of a larger community and create awareness of perspectives, experiences, and ways of life beyond their own.
  • HARKNESS LEARNING: It all starts in the classroom with small groups and, lively discussions around the Harkness table. Our approach to education involves empowering students with the confidence to engage with challenging material and appreciate diverse perspectives. Each student is seen, heard, and actively included, which helps them to develop the critical thinking and open-mindedness to undertake anything that comes their way.
  • GROWTH THROUGH EXPERIENCE: We believe that strength comes out of challenge and personal development is a result of getting uncomfortable, taking risks, and getting outside of what we know. We create opportunities for students to face the unknown through unfamiliar experiences, shared vulnerability, and exposure to the world beyond them-growth happens through the interactions and insights along the way.
  • COMMUNITY OF CARE: Our connections to each other reach far beyond class periods and office hours. Faculty, staff, students, and families come together to form a holistic school community, offering support, kindness, and understanding in the classroom, on campus, or traveling the world.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Pacific Ridge School cost?
Pacific Ridge School's tuition is approximately $36,950 for private students.
What sports does Pacific Ridge School offer?
Pacific Ridge School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Flag Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. Pacific Ridge School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is Pacific Ridge School's ranking?
Pacific Ridge School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Pacific Ridge School?
The application deadline for Pacific Ridge School is Feb. 1.
What neighborhood is Pacific Ridge School located?
Pacific Ridge School is located in the Bressi Ranch neighborhood of Carlsbad, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Bressi Ranch.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (5 reviews)
5  
Great school academically AND socially for my kids. The Teachers are committed to imparting that It is cool to be smart. It is cool to go to college. It is cool to be nice to others. Many kids are on financial aid, and those kids are treated just the same; at least they are in my kids friend groups. ASB president from last year was on a scholarship and his speech at the end of the year was a wonderful tribute to PRS. The athletic teams are getting better every year and rank at the top of the small schools in San Diego county. KIDS that might have to share time on oversized varsity team at other schools, can be starters here, and get a great education at the same time. The arts and drama are outstanding. I never have to worry about where my kid is going after school, which from what I hear, is half the battle with teenagers! Socially they do lots of events with the parents, so you can stay connected with the school community. It is a pretty neat atmosphere..
- Posted by
5  
There is no "one size fits all" school. If you want your child to gain a well rounded education that includes solid academics, intended character development, relevant real world discussion and personalized interactions with teachers/staff, PRS is the school for you. "Only wealthy, spoiled children" go to PRS is both incorrect and very misleading. Those "types" of kids are at every school and often people perception can be a self-fulfilled reality. Yes, there is a financial component/investment required for attending PRS, yet there are a considerable number of financial aid recipients and average income household students who choose to invest in education and attend. PRS culture is one of acceptance of others, shared values of kindness, empathy and respect -- disruptive, negative, unmotivated students should consider an alternative. Many families choose PRS because of the positive "peer group" --a deeply influential factor in adolescent lives. Athletics and performing arts are available to everyone rather than funneled to just a few. Teachers and staff at PRS are engaged, energized, current, and relate/adapt well with the student body each year otherwise they are asked to leave. Students gain confidence at PRS in participating/speaking up through the Harkness program - especially introverts (I have one) - what a priceless lifelong skill. Modifications to student experiences are available and needs based. A public school in no way guarantees a better grade let alone retained learning. Colleges understand the difference in GPAs earned at different high schools and factor that AMONG MANY THINGS into decision making. College guidance and counseling resources at PRS are exceptional and extremely personalized. Given the choice between a balanced college prep curriculum delivered in a positive environment where the outcome is a well rounded student who has been exposed to challenges and has put forth the time effort in understanding oneself and becoming a better version of him/herself versus an 'easy ride', socially busy experience is a decision every family gets to decide for themselves - both with high school choices and beyond. There is a reason why so many pictures of PRS school life are riddled with smiling faces... even if learning to learn is an acquired taste for some.
- Posted by
5  
I have been attending Pacific Ridge School for 5 years now and am currently a junior (11th grade). Ever since I was in 7th grade, I have always felt that I had a place here on this campus. Whether it be on the field, in the dance room, or in the classroom, I feel that I have always play a significant role in the community around me. I came from a big public elementary school and was at first reluctant to attend PRS because I was afraid of the transition from going to a big school to a smaller one. However, after the first week of school, I decided that I could not imagine myself anywhere other than Pacific Ridge and am so glad that I made the transition. As I got older and grew in the school, I quickly began to realize and appreciate what this school has to offer to their students. Something that I have really taken advantage of is the service learning program that this school offers. In 10th grade, I took the opportunity to create and lead my own service program that now works with the homeless youth in our community, and I am so grateful for my school for giving me that opportunity which would be hard to find at any other school. Also, something that I find unique about this school is that there is passion where ever you look; if you are passionate, then Pacific ridge is the place for you because at this school, passion is highly respected. Something that this school emphasizes is global travel; I have learned lessons on my global travel trips with this school that I would not have been able to learn by sitting in a classroom. Lastly but most importantly, the teachers at this school are not only teachers, but also mentors. Being able to meet with my teachers on a regular basis has significantly impacted my learning experience. The teachers encourage you to meet with them which makes it easy for me to constantly get one on one help from them. Going into senior year next year, I feel more than prepared for the college application process and appreciate the step by step plan that the school already has preplanned out for me, making me less stressed. Overall, I can not ask for a better high school experience, because I feel that I have found a purpose and a role in my community.
- Posted by
5  
The Faculty at this school is incredible! They are all purposeful and intentional. The school does an amazing job staying true to its mission statement. The teachers are knowledgeable, accessible and deeply invested in supporting students growth. There's a great variety of Arts Theater and sports that everyone can engage. The service and global programs that the students do helps them grow in profound and meaningful ways. My kids have been thriving at the school
- Posted by
5  
The academics are outstanding! The social life, not so much. I attended Pacific Ridge and graduated last year. Just going to say it, the school consist of many spoiled, wealthy children. If you are not considered wealthy would are seriously outcasted. Also, if you are an artsy person, this is not the school for you. If you are very into getting a good education and learning go here. Another thing that I was thinking about when applying to college... You learn a lot at PRS, but it's definitely a lot harder to get an A like it is a public school. But if I did go to public school I would get A's and, therefore, having a higher GPA which means better colleges. So there's the catch, good education or good grades to good college. Another thing is if your child is introverted, he will never succeed here unless he changes his ways. Harkness is huge here, everyone sits at a large table and talks their thoughts, which Removeds if there are people talking over you. Also, PRS seems like that school parents put their kids in so they don't get bullied at public school. PRS definitely feels like you in a comfort bubble and they are always watching you. Overall, academically, PRS really prepared me for college, I am much more extroverted than when I went in freshman year. But the social aspect, was ok.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 685 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $36,950
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Diego County, CA is $13,796 for elementary schools and $21,356 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in San Diego County, CA is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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