Top 5 Best Santa Cruz Private Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 10 private schools serving 1,208 students in Santa Cruz, CA (there are 28 public schools, serving 9,163 public students). 12% 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 Holy Cross School, Kirby School and Gateway School.
The average acceptance rate is 87%, which is higher than the California private school average acceptance rate of 84%.
30% of private schools in Santa Cruz, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist).

Top Ranked Santa Cruz Private Schools (2024)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Holy Cross School
Holy Cross School Photo - Holy Cross School ~ 2019 Preschool -8th grade
(Catholic)
(4)
150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-4447
Grades: PK-8
| 197 students
Gateway School
Gateway School Photo
(3)
255 Swift Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Grades: K-8
| 243 students
Kirby School
Kirby School Photo - The Kirby School campus features a recreation area, sport court, amphitheater, and outdoor classroom and social spaces.
(2)
425 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0658
Grades: 6-12
| 172 students
366 Gault St
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-8444
Grades: K-6
| 48 students
Vhm Christian School
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
Grades: K-8
| 72 students
The Bay School
The Bay School Photo - Educating Children with Autism
Special Education School
5400 Soquel Avenue, Suite F
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-9620
Grades: Inquire with school
| 50 students
Good Shepherd Catholic School
Good Shepherd Catholic School Photo
(Catholic)
(2)
2727 Mattison Ln
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
Grades: NS-8
| 201 students
Midtown Montessori
Midtown Montessori Photo - Cooking and eating are part of the daily curriculum.
Montessori School
987 Bostwick Lane
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 423-2273
Grades: PK-K
| 21 students
Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Special Program Emphasis
2190 Empire Grade
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-0519
Grades: PK-8
| 150 students
Spring Hill School
Spring Hill School Photo - Kindergarten working in the garden. With hands on learning and plan, students can integrate their new understanding of the world.
(12)
250 California Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
Grades: K-6
| 54 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz, CA?
The top ranked private schools in Santa Cruz, CA include Holy Cross School, Kirby School and Gateway School.
How many private schools are located in Santa Cruz, CA?
10 private schools are located in Santa Cruz, CA.
How diverse are private schools in Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz, CA private schools are approximately 21% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 51%.
What percentage of students in Santa Cruz, CA go to private school?
12% of all K-12 students in Santa Cruz, CA are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz, CA?
30% of private schools in Santa Cruz, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist).

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