Stone Ridge Christian School Photo

Best Merced Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 private schools serving 1,184 students in Merced, CA (there are 40 public schools, serving 23,171 public students). 5% of all K-12 students in Merced, CA are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
The top-ranked private schools in Merced, CA include Stone Ridge Christian Elementary, Our Lady Of Mercy School, and Stone Ridge Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 98%, which is higher than the California private school average acceptance rate of 81%.
83% of private schools in Merced, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Catholic).

Top-Ranked Merced Private Schools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Our Lady Of Mercy School
(Catholic)
1400 E 27th St
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 722-7496
Gr: PK-8 | 360 students
Stone Ridge Christian Elementary
Stone Ridge Christian Elementary Photo - Our 2023 Track Team boys Midget Relay team!
(Christian)
2738 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 386-0322
Gr: PK-5 | 251 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 1 | Extracurrculars: 1 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Stone Ridge Christian School
Stone Ridge Christian School Photo
(Christian)
(1)
2769 Dan Ward Road
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 386-0322
Gr: PK-12 | 320 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 12 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Harest Christian School
(Christian)
161 E 16th St.
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 384-0770
Gr: PK-12 | 45 students
Merced Montessori School
Daycare / Preschool
436 W 21st St
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 722-9823
Gr: PK-K | 65 students
St. Paul School
St. Paul School Photo - St. Paul School Nurturing believers, equipping scholars and connecting families in an ever changing world.
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
2916 Mckee Road
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 383-3302
Gr: PK-6 | 143 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 1 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Merced, California

Merced, California Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
2745 E Hwy 140
Merced, CA 95340
(209) 722-6331
Gr: PK-12 | 50 students
350 W Yosemite Avenue
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 723-3907
Gr: PK-5 | 66 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed

Overview

This Town (Merced)
This State (CA)
# Schools
6 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
1,184 Students
665,722 Students
% Average Students of Color
47%
51%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
63 Teachers
55,562 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
12:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
59%
Average Class Size
17 students
17 students
Average Number of AP Courses
9 courses
15 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$8,320
$18,024
Average % on Financial Aid
35%
29%
Average Acceptance Rate
98%
81%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.72
0.74
# American Indian Students
4 Students
3,584 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
92 Students
72,174 Students
% Asian Students
8%
11%
# Hispanic Students
259 Students
104,627 Students
% Hispanic Students
22%
16%
# Black Students
16 Students
30,466 Students
% Black Students
1%
5%
# White Students
413 Students
236,488 Students
% White Students
35%
37%
# Hawaiian Students
6 Students
5,515 Students
% Hawaiian Students
1%
1%
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
395 Students
190,072 Students
% of Others Students
33%
30%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
1 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
5 sports
7 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Merced, CA?
The top-ranked private schools in Merced, CA include Stone Ridge Christian Elementary, Our Lady Of Mercy School, and Stone Ridge Christian School.
How many private schools are located in Merced?
6 private schools are located in Merced.
How diverse are private schools in Merced?
Merced private schools are approximately 47% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 51%.
What percentage of students in Merced go to private school?
5% of all K-12 students in Merced are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Merced?
83% of private schools in Merced are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Catholic).
Which private schools in Merced are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.