Stone Ridge Christian Elementary Photo - We are the K-5th grade campus of a PK-12th grade school. We are a Christian School whose goal is to be Christ-centered and Student-Focused in all that we do.

Best Merced Private Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 private preschools serving 1,184 students in Merced, CA.
The top-ranked private preschools 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 preschool average acceptance rate of 82%.
83% of private preschools in Merced, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Catholic).

Top-Ranked Merced Private Preschools (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
363,098 Students
% Average Students of Color
47%
50%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
63 Teachers
26,506 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
14:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
58%
Average Class Size
17 students
18 students
Average Number of AP Courses
9 courses
12 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$8,320
$15,625
Average % on Financial Aid
35%
25%
Average Acceptance Rate
98%
82%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.72
0.70
# American Indian Students
4 Students
1,693 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
92 Students
30,302 Students
% Asian Students
8%
9%
# Hispanic Students
259 Students
43,007 Students
% Hispanic Students
22%
12%
# Black Students
16 Students
12,399 Students
% Black Students
1%
4%
# White Students
413 Students
112,259 Students
% White Students
35%
32%
# Hawaiian Students
6 Students
2,000 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
144,324 Students
% of Others Students
33%
42%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private preschools in Merced, CA?
The top-ranked private preschools in Merced, CA include Stone Ridge Christian Elementary, Our Lady Of Mercy School, and Stone Ridge Christian School.
How many private preschools are located in Merced?
6 private preschools are located in Merced.
How diverse are private preschools in Merced?
Merced private preschools are approximately 47% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 50%.
What percentage of private preschools are religiously affiliated in Merced?
83% of private preschools in Merced are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Catholic).
Which private preschools in Merced are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
A 2026 parent action plan for managing mid-year private school tuition increases, including contracts, negotiation tips, and financial options.
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Learn how to spot private school scholarship scams in 2026, including red flags, real examples, and expert tips to protect families.
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing diversity in 2026, key gains made, ongoing challenges, and what families should know.