Vhm Christian School Photo - Invest in a Christ-centered education for your children

Top 3 Best Santa Cruz Private Schools (2025)

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
Grades
Students
Gateway School
Gateway School Photo
(3)
255 Swift Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Grades: K-8
| 243 students
Holy Cross School
Holy Cross School Photo - Holy Cross School ~ 2019 Preschool -8th grade
(Catholic)
(4)
150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
Grades: PK-8
| 159 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
| 68 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
| 34 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
| 133 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
| 25 students
366 Gault St
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 429-8444
Grades: K-6
| 48 students
Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Santa Cruz Waldorf School Photo
Waldorf School
2190 Empire Grade
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-0519
Grades: PK-8
| 136 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.
(14)
250 California Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
Grades: K-6
| 54 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, California Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
2727 Mattison Ln
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
Grades: PK-8
| 217 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 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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