Pacifica Christian High School Photo - Homecoming Crowd

Top 5 Best Santa Monica Private Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 17 private schools serving 4,153 students in Santa Monica, CA (there are 14 public schools, serving 7,984 public students). 34% of all K-12 students in Santa Monica, CA are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
The top ranked private schools in Santa Monica, CA include St. Monica Catholic High School, Saint Monica Preparatory, and Carlthorp School.
The average tuition cost is $26,755, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $17,831.
47% of private schools in Santa Monica, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

Top Ranked Santa Monica Private Schools (2025)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Carlthorp School
438 San Vicente Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 451-1332
Grades: K-6
| 280 students
1714 21st St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 309-9863
Grades: K-12
| 1,218 students
First United Meth Church School
Daycare / Preschool (Methodist)
1008 11th St
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 395-7292
Grades: PK-K
| 101 students
New Roads School
New Roads School Photo - New Roads School provides an inspired college preparatory program from which an authentically diverse student population, mirroring the rich diversity of Los Angeles, develops a personal dedication to learning, a respect for independent thinking, and an expanding curiosity about the world and its people.
(7)
3131 Olympic Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 828-5582
Grades: K-12
| 554 students
Pacifica Christian High School
Pacifica Christian High School Photo
(Christian)
(33)
1730 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 828-7015
Grades: 9-12
| 256 students
PS1 Pluralistic School
PS1 Pluralistic School Photo - Euclid Campus - Main Office, Youngers (K|1) Classrooms, Art, Music, Library, Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), Community Room, Rooftop Garden, Playground, Bridge (2|3) Classroom, Childcare Program
(5)
1225 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 394-1313
Grades: K-6
| 200 students
St. Annes School
St. Annes School Photo - Class engaged in blended learning. Half of the class in direct instruction with the teacher, half engaged in personal digital learning on individual learning profiles on chromebooks.
(Catholic)
(1)
2015 Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-2775
Grades: K-8
| 156 students
St. Monica Catholic High School
St. Monica Catholic High School Photo - Our brand new Gym, Home of the Mighty Mariners!
(Catholic)
1030 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 394-3701
Grades: 9-12
| 371 students
Saint Monica Preparatory
(Catholic)
(1)
1039 7th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 451-9801
Grades: PK-12
| 655 students
Academic Achievers Academy
Alternative School
2500 Broadway St. #125
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 883-5810
Grades: K-6
| n/a students
Beth Shir Sholom Early Childhood Center
Beth Shir Sholom Early Childhood Center Photo
Daycare / Preschool (Jewish)
1827 California Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 829-2517
Grades: NS-PK
| 75 students
Garden Of Angels School
(1)
1009 18th St
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 453-4680
Grades: PK-1
| 90 students
Lighthouse Christian Academy
Lighthouse Christian Academy Photo
(Pentecostal)
(1)
1424 Yale St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-2522
Grades: 9-12
| 44 students
Lighthouse Church School
(Christian)
1220 20th St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-1741
Grades: K-8
| 80 students
Santa Monica Montessori
Montessori School
(3)
1909 Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 829-3551
Grades: K-6
| 42 students
SmartStart Developmental Learning Center
Special Education School
2505 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 452-5437
Grades: NS-5
| n/a students
Waldorf Early Childhood Center
Daycare / Preschool
1441 15th St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 260-2708
Grades: PK-K
| 31 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica, California Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
1515 Maple St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 208-1666
Grades: K
| 34 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Santa Monica, CA?
The top ranked private schools in Santa Monica, CA include St. Monica Catholic High School, Saint Monica Preparatory, and Carlthorp School.
How many private schools are located in Santa Monica?
17 private schools are located in Santa Monica.
How much do private schools cost in Santa Monica?
The average tuition cost is $26,755, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $17,831.
How diverse are private schools in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica private schools are approximately 41% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 51%.
What percentage of students in Santa Monica go to private school?
34% of all K-12 students in Santa Monica are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Monica?
47% of private schools in Santa Monica are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).
Which private schools in Santa Monica are often viewed compared to one another?

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