For the 2025-26 school year, there are 11 private high schools serving 3,644 students in Santa Cruz County, CA.
The top ranked private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA include Merit Academy, Monte Vista Christian School, and Monterey Bay Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 93%, which is higher than the California private high school average acceptance rate of 78%.
42% of private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Seventh Day Adventist).
Top Ranked Santa Cruz County Private High Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2392 North Rodeo Gulch Road
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Avg. class size: 1 student Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Monte Vista Christian School![Monte Vista Christian School Photo - Students from the Class of 2025 on College Decision Day]( "Monte Vista Christian School Photo - Students from the Class of 2025 on College Decision Day")
(Christian)
2 School Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-8178
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-8178
Gr: 4-12 | 824 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 18 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition listed
Monterey Bay Academy![Monterey Bay Academy Photo]( "Monterey Bay Academy Photo")
(Seventh Day Adventist)
783 San Andreas Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-1481
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-1481
Gr: 9-12 | 164 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 12 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2400 East Lake Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-5933
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-5933
Gr: 9-12 | 213 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 30 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1 Victor Sq Ste 3036
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(650) 681-0681
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(650) 681-0681
Gr: 8-12 | 1,650 student
Beach High School
Alternative School
5520 Old San Jose Rd
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5867
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5867
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
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
491 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
(408) 847-2717
Watsonville, CA 95076
(408) 847-2717
Gr: PK-12 | 145 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition listed
1940 Bonita Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 239-4657
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 239-4657
Gr: K-12 | 185 students
Santa Cruz Montessori School![Santa Cruz Montessori School Photo - Primary Class]( "Santa Cruz Montessori School Photo - Primary Class")
Montessori School
6230 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 476-1646
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 476-1646
Gr: PK-9 | 247 students Avg. class size: 21 students Tuition listed
Santa Cruz County 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
Little People S School (Closed 2022)
Daycare / Preschool
12780 East St
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-4112
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-4112
Gr: PK-K | 52 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA?
The top ranked private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA include Merit Academy, Monte Vista Christian School, and Monterey Bay Academy.
How many private high schools are located in Santa Cruz County?
11 private high schools are located in Santa Cruz County.
How diverse are private high schools in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County private high schools are approximately 50% minority students, which is higher than the California private school average of 48%.
What percentage of private high schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz County?
42% of private high schools in Santa Cruz County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Seventh Day Adventist).
Which private high schools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private high schools in Santa Cruz County include: Merit Academy vs. Kirby School
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