Junipero Serra School, located at the historic Carmel Mission (founded by St. Junipero Serra), is inclusive of students from all over the Carmel/Monterey/Salinas area. All JSS teachers are state-certified (or enrolled in a teacher program) and have earned bachelor degrees and higher.
Junipero Serra School is accredited through the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) and recognized by the National Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 130 students
- Yearly Tuition: $7,077
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Junipero Serra School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dylslexia, Learning Differences
Year Founded
1943
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
130 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
10%
Average Class Size
17 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Pre-K: 6400
Kindergarten: 7077
First - Eighth: $6505
% on Financial Aid
10%
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
School Notes
- Junipero Serra School, located at the historic Carmel Mission (founded by St. Junipero Serra), is inclusive of students from all over the Carmel/Monterey/Salinas area. All JSS teachers are state-certified (or enrolled in a teacher program) and have earned bachelor degrees and higher. Grades preschool through 5 are self-contained with teachers exchanging classes when appropriate. Grades 6, 7, and 8 are departmentalized with a teacher serving as both a homeroom teacher and subject specific teacher.The rigorous curriculum meets the California State Standards and is designed to provide the students with high engagement in all subjects, while inspiring them to seek academic success in high school and at the university level. The JSS grade level expectations are based on the California K 12 Learning Standards issued by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Junipero Serra School takes pride in offering a challenging curriculum of instruction in all subject areas. Curriculum subject areas include religion, English/language arts (reading, writing, spelling, speaking, listening), mathematics, social studies (history, geography, civics), science, fine arts (music, art), physical education, health, and computer studies.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Junipero Serra School cost?
Junipero Serra School's tuition is approximately $7,077 for private students.
What sports does Junipero Serra School offer?
Junipero Serra School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Flag Football, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Junipero Serra School's ranking?
Junipero Serra School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Junipero Serra School?
The application deadline for Junipero Serra School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 3/3/2020
Our child has absolutely thrived at Junipero Serra-there are simply no words to describe the transformation we've seen in him. At JSS, everyone "knows your name," the school has a good balance between academics and downtime, and our son is learning drama and Spanish. All of this in one of the most historic and beautiful settings in California. The parent community is extremely dedicated and loyal to this little school community. It is truly a hidden gem.
5 4/6/2019
I am an alumni of the school and The Carmel Mission is as wonderful today as it was 28 years ago. Over half the teachers have been with the school for 20 plus years and it is the warmest feeling knowing the people teaching my kids. We have 2 that are attending and my third will start in another year. My oldest is in third grade and is learning the violin during music class. The school just expanded their science lab and all the kids are learning Spanish. When you are on this historic campus you can truly feel the wonderful family, community and commitment from all that attended. An extra bonus of information is that both the Pre-K teachers themselves went to JSS 34 years ago and teach at the school presently, which just echo`s how wonderful the school is that people never want to leave. I would highly recommend that any family looking for their kids to attended a safe, inspiring and delightful school need to look no further than Junipero Serra School. (Pre-K Thru 8th)
5 3/22/2017
I love this school so much, they have been our second home. Everyone is friendly and caring, my children thrives in this school because of the positive environment it offers. They are not only excellent academically but they have the best and well behave students I have ever encountered. Polite, respectful, intelligent and loving children they treat each other like family. It's a place like no other. We've been here since 2009 and we will stay until all my children graduate from this school.
5 10/6/2012
Junipero Serra School is an amazing school with a very prevalent "community" feel.
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