Monte Vista Christian School Photo - Students from the Class of 2025 on College Decision Day

Best Watsonville Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 private schools serving 1,984 students in Watsonville, CA (there are 30 public schools, serving 13,986 public students). 12% of all K-12 students in Watsonville, CA are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
The average acceptance rate is 84%, which is higher than the California private school average acceptance rate of 81%.
88% of private schools in Watsonville, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).

Top-Ranked Watsonville Private Schools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Monte Vista Christian School
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
Gr: 4-12 | 824 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 18 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition listed
Monterey Bay Academy
Monterey Bay Academy Photo
(Seventh Day Adventist)
783 San Andreas Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-1481
Gr: 9-12 | 143 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Moreland Notre Dame School
(Catholic)
(1)
133 Brennan St
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-2051
Gr: K-8 | 289 students Avg. class size: 27 students
2400 East Lake Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-5933
Gr: 9-12 | 213 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 30 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
112 E Beach St
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 428-5956
Gr: 3-12 | 29 students
Green Valley Christian School
(Christian)
376 S Green Valley Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-6505
Gr: K-8 | 177 students
Mount Madonna School
Mount Madonna School Photo - Our lovely rural setting greatly enhances our learning environment.
(5)
491 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
(408) 847-2717
Gr: PK-12 | 145 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition listed
Salesian Elementary & Junior High School
(Catholic)
(1)
605 Enos Ln
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-5518
Gr: PK-8 | 164 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 6 Tuition listed

Overview

This Town (Watsonville)
This State (CA)
# Schools
8 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
1,984 Students
665,538 Students
% Average Students of Color
42%
51%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
182 Teachers
55,537 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
12:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
57%
59%
Average Class Size
19 students
17 students
Average Number of AP Courses
11 courses
15 courses
Average SAT score
1157
(Out of 1600)
1262
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
27

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$17,459
$18,026
Average Summer Program Cost
$250
$1,043
Average % on Financial Aid
39%
29%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$3,375
$8,932
Average Acceptance Rate
84%
81%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.66
0.74
# American Indian Students
n/a
3,583 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
132 Students
72,174 Students
% Asian Students
6%
11%
# Hispanic Students
451 Students
104,621 Students
% Hispanic Students
22%
16%
# Black Students
37 Students
30,465 Students
% Black Students
2%
5%
# White Students
1,036 Students
236,378 Students
% White Students
51%
37%
# Hawaiian Students
4 Students
5,515 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
1%
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
386 Students
190,007 Students
% of Others Students
19%
30%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
17 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
10 sports
7 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Watsonville, CA?
How many private schools are located in Watsonville?
8 private schools are located in Watsonville.
How diverse are private schools in Watsonville?
Watsonville private schools are approximately 42% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 51%.
What percentage of students in Watsonville go to private school?
12% of all K-12 students in Watsonville are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Watsonville?
88% of private schools in Watsonville are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Christian).
Which private schools in Watsonville are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Navigating Private School Finances 2026
Navigating Private School Finances 2026
Essential 2026 guide for parents on private school costs, financial aid, and planning strategies.
Preparation for Standardized Tests & College Admissions 2026
Preparation for Standardized Tests & College Admissions 2026
A 2026 guide for private school test prep and college admissions strategies, with insights, trends, and best practices for families and educators.
Mental Health & Wellness Support in Private Schools: Key Questions for Parents
Mental Health & Wellness Support in Private Schools: Key Questions for Parents
Discover essential questions about mental health & wellness support in private schools before enrolling, with 2026 updates for informed decisions.