For the 2025 school year, there are 9 private schools serving 900 students in Santa Cruz, CA (there are 28 public schools, serving 9,055 public students). 9% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz, CA are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
The top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz, CA include Gateway School, Holy Cross School, and Vhm Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 91%, which is higher than the California private school average acceptance rate of 80%.
22% of private schools in Santa Cruz, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist).
Top Ranked Santa Cruz Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Quick Facts
255 Swift Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Gr: K-8 | 243 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
Gr: PK-8 | 159 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Vhm Christian School![Vhm Christian School Photo - Invest in a Christ-centered education for your children]( "Vhm Christian School Photo - Invest in a Christ-centered education for your children")
(Seventh Day Adventist)
427 Capitola Road Extension
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-4762
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-4762
Gr: K-8 | 68 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
The Bay School![The Bay School Photo - Educating Children with Autism]( "The Bay School Photo - Educating Children with Autism")
Special Education School
5400 Soquel Avenue, Suite F
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9620
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9620
Gr: Inquire with school | 34 students
425 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0658
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0658
Gr: 6-12 | 133 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Midtown Montessori![Midtown Montessori Photo - Cooking and eating are part of the daily curriculum.]( "Midtown Montessori Photo - Cooking and eating are part of the daily curriculum.")
Montessori School
987 Bostwick Lane
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 423-2273
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 423-2273
Gr: PK-K | 25 students
366 Gault St
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-8444
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-8444
Gr: K-6 | 48 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Santa Cruz Waldorf School![Santa Cruz Waldorf School Photo]( "Santa Cruz Waldorf School Photo")
Waldorf School
2190 Empire Grade
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-0519
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-0519
Gr: PK-8 | 136 students Avg. class size: 14 students Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
250 California Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
Gr: K-6 | 54 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Santa Cruz, California Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2727 Mattison Ln
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
Gr: PK-8 | 217 students Avg. class size: 25 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz, CA?
The top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz, CA include Gateway School, Holy Cross School, and Vhm Christian School.
How many private schools are located in Santa Cruz?
9 private schools are located in Santa Cruz.
How diverse are private schools in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz private schools are approximately 23% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 51%.
What percentage of students in Santa Cruz go to private school?
9% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz?
22% of private schools in Santa Cruz are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist).
Which private schools in Santa Cruz are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Santa Cruz include: Holy Cross School vs. Gateway School, Spring Hill School vs. Gateway School
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