Santa Cruz County Private Preschools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 private preschools serving 1,425 students in Santa Cruz County, CA.
44% of private preschools in Santa Cruz County, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Private Schools: 9
  • # Students Served: 1,425
  • Average Tuition: $15,320
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 50%
  • Average Class Size: 17 students
  • % Students of Color: 23%
  • View Santa Cruz County, CA School Trends

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Private Schools: 9
  • # Students Served: 1,425
  • Average Tuition: $15,320
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 50%
  • Average Class Size: 17 students
  • % Students of Color: 23%
  • View Santa Cruz County, CA School Trends

Top Ranked Santa Cruz County Private Preschools (2026-27)

Baymonte Christian School Photo
Gr: NS-8 | 462 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 6
Christian
5000B Granite Creek Rd
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 438-0100
(1)
Holy Cross School Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 159 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 4 | Extracurriculars: 4
Catholic
150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
(4)
Midtown Montessori Photo
Gr: PK-K | 25 students
Montessori School
987 Bostwick Lane
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 423-2273
Montessori Community School Photo
Gr: NS | 21 students
Montessori School
123 S Navarra Dr
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 439-9313
Mount Madonna School Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 145 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 8
491 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
(408) 847-2717
(5)
Map of Salesian Elementary & Junior High School
Gr: PK-8 | 164 students
Avg. class size: 18 students
Sports: 6
Catholic
605 Enos Ln
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-5518
(1)
Santa Cruz Montessori School Photo
Gr: PK-9 | 247 students
Avg. class size: 21 students
Montessori School
6230 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 476-1646
Santa Cruz Waldorf School Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 136 students
Avg. class size: 14 students
Extracurriculars: 3
Waldorf School
2190 Empire Grade
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-0519
Tara Redwood School Photo
Gr: NS-6 | 66 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Specialized Curriculum
5810 Prescott Rd
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-9632
(3)
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz County Private Preschools (Closed)

Good Shepherd Catholic School Photo
Gr: PK-8 | 217 students
Avg. class size: 25 students
Catholic
2727 Mattison Ln
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
(2)
Map of Little People S School
Gr: PK-K | 52 students
Daycare / Preschool
12780 East St
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-4112
Spring Hill School Photo
Gr: K-6 | 54 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
250 California Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
(14)

Overview

Category
This State (CA)
US
# Schools
9 Schools
# Students
1,425 Students
363,700 Students
% Average Students of Color
23%
50%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
134 Teachers
27,075 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
58%
58%
Average Class Size
17 students
18 students
Average Number of AP Courses
8 courses
12 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,320
$14,558
Average Summer Program Cost
$1,600
$802
Average % on Financial Aid
50%
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$1,500
$6,298

Students by Ethnicity:

0.57
0.70
# American Indian Students
2 Students
1,696 Students
% American Indian Students
<1%
<1%
# Asian Students
44 Students
30,553 Students
% Asian Students
3%
9%
# Hispanic Students
186 Students
43,698 Students
% Hispanic Students
13%
12%
# Black Students
23 Students
12,384 Students
% Black Students
2%
4%
# White Students
900 Students
114,250 Students
% White Students
61%
33%
# Hawaiian Students
5 Students
2,015 Students
% Hawaiian Students
<1%
1%
# Others Students
306 Students
143,764 Students
% of Others Students
21%
41%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private preschools in Santa Cruz County, CA?
The top ranked private preschools in Santa Cruz County, CA include Holy Cross School and Baymonte Christian School.
How many private preschools are located in Santa Cruz County?
9 private preschools are located in Santa Cruz County.
How diverse are private preschools in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County private preschools are approximately 23% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 50%.
What percentage of private preschools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz County?
44% of private preschools in Santa Cruz County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).
Which private preschools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private preschools in Santa Cruz County include: Montessori Community School vs. Baymonte Christian School, Midtown Montessori vs. Holy Cross School

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