Kirby School
For over 25 years, Kirby School has championed every student admitted to its challenging college preparatory program to discover and develop their unique strengths and interests, preparing them to contribute to their communities and shape their futures with confidence.
We invite you to find a place to belong on our welcoming campus in Santa Cruz, California.
Add your unique background, beliefs and experiences to our diverse community.
Be inspired by instructors who are lifelong learners, dedicated educators and subject matter experts.
We offer a tuition assistance program, classes averaging 12 students, and a campus with a recreation area, sport court, amphitheater, and outdoor learning spaces.
Quick Stats (2022)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 6-12
- Students: 280 students
- Yearly Tuition: $28,500
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 3 / rolling
Top Rankings
Kirby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1994
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
280 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 48%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
16 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP American Literature, AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus A, B, and C, AP Chemistry, AP English Language Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French, AP Latin, AP Music Theory, AP Physics, AP Spanish 4, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP US Government, AP US History, Honors Engineering Physics
Average SAT score
1380
Average ACT score
29
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 3 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$28,500
Tuition Notes
Tuition for 2018-19
Grades 6 and 7: $27,500
Grades 8 through 12: $31,500
One-time Fees
Application Fee: $75 New student enrollment fee: $975.
% on Financial Aid
22%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$19,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Emily Lamoureux
Admissions Associate
Emily Lamoureux
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Chess Club, Ecology, Economics, Gay Straight Alliance, Junior Statesman of America (JSA), Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Chorus, Drama, Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Orchestra, Treble Choir
Art Club, Chess Club, Ecology, Economics, Gay Straight Alliance, Junior Statesman of America (JSA), Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Chorus, Drama, Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Orchestra, Treble Choir
School Notes
Features of the school include:
- Small classes averaging just 12 students in both middle and high school programs
- Rich academic and fine arts curriculum
- Distinguished faculty
- Innovative "intensive paths" for high school students in the Arts, Humanities, Science/Technology, or Languages
- Math and language placement based upon level of master and not grade level
- 7th graders may begin high school language study in French, Latin, or Spanish
- After school sports: Kirby is a member of the Central Coast Conference of the California Athletic League
School Reviews
5 11/2/2018
My son's teachers have all been attentive and are genuinely excited to teach. They provide insightful feedback about my son's opportunities and challenges, allowing me to be proactive at home if needed to support. Progressive and respectful community. Incredibly small class sizes where no one can be invisible. The dialogue that happens in class spills over at the dinner table. I've never seen my son so interested in what he's learning and so interested in exploring what he's learning with others. Academically challenging but with lots of support if needed. My son is doing things I never imagined he'd be interested in -- with a new found identity in being involved in those activities. Highly recommended.
5 5/17/2016
Excellent school. Good balance of traditional and progressive. Homogenous population of high achievers. The art splay a strong role. Math and science are very, very strong as is writing. Faculty is very impressive. PhDs, jd and master's. Very nice school!
Endorse Kirby School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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Nearby Homes for Sale
-
4570 CRYSTAL ST
CAPITOLA, CA$1,200,000- 2 Beds | 2 Baths
- (4.51 miles from school)
-
214 BOWKER RD
FREEDOM, CA$875,000- 3 Beds | 1.5 Baths
- (14.03 miles from school)
-
6558 SCENERY CT
SAN JOSE, CA$2,188,888- 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths
- (18.12 miles from school)
-
22552 COUNTRY VIEW DR
SAN JOSE, CA$4,750,000- 5 Beds | 4.5 Baths
- (19.92 miles from school)
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