Gateway School Photo

Best Santa Cruz Private Elementary Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 private elementary schools serving 841 students in Santa Cruz, CA.
The top ranked private elementary 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 elementary school average acceptance rate of 81%.
29% of private elementary schools in Santa Cruz, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist).

Top Ranked Santa Cruz Private Elementary Schools (2025-26)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Gateway School
Gateway School Photo
(3)
255 Swift Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Gr: K-8 | 243 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
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
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
(Seventh Day Adventist)
427 Capitola Road Extension
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
Kirby School
Kirby School Photo - At Kirby, classes average 12 students, creating space for real connection and individualized challenge.
(2)
425 Encinal Street
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
366 Gault St
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
Waldorf School
2190 Empire Grade
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-0519
Gr: PK-8 | 136 students Avg. class size: 14 students Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
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
Gr: K-6 | 54 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, California Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
2727 Mattison Ln
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 elementary schools in Santa Cruz, CA?
The top ranked private elementary schools in Santa Cruz, CA include Gateway School, Holy Cross School, and Vhm Christian School.
How many private elementary schools are located in Santa Cruz?
7 private elementary schools are located in Santa Cruz.
How diverse are private elementary schools in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz private elementary schools are approximately 22% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 50%.
What percentage of private elementary schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz?
29% of private elementary schools in Santa Cruz are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist).
Which private elementary schools in Santa Cruz are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private elementary schools in Santa Cruz include: Holy Cross School vs. Gateway School, Spring Hill School vs. Gateway School

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