At our intentionally small 612 school in Santa Cruz, students are known not just by name, but by heart.
With an average class size of 12, Kirby offers a learning environment built on trust, depth, and connection-where teachers don't just teach; they challenge, guide, and believe in every student.
Here, intellectual rigor and emotional belonging go hand in hand.
Our college preparatory curriculum is inquiry-driven and human-scaled-designed not just to check boxes, but to cultivate thinkers, creators, and contributors who can navigate complexity with confidence and care.
We serve students who are curious, capable, and courageously themselves.
They learn to ask big questions, take meaningful risks, and lead with integrity-not because they're performing, but because they're becoming.
At Kirby, students don't just prepare for college. They prepare for a life of purpose.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 133 students
- Yearly Tuition: $46,900
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 9 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Kirby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
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
133 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
16 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP American LiteratureAP Art History
AP BiologyAP Calculus A, B, and C
AP ChemistryAP English Language Composition
AP Environmental ScienceAP European History
AP FrenchAP Latin
AP Music TheoryAP Physics
AP Spanish 4AP Statistics
AP Studio ArtAP US Government
AP US HistoryHonors Engineering Physics
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 9 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$46,900
Tuition Notes
2024-2025 Annual Tuition
6th and 7th Grade Tuition is $40,500.
8th through 12th Grade Tuition is $46,900.
International Student Tuition is $52,300.
One-time Fees
Application Fee: $75 New student enrollment fee: $975.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$31,965
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Emily Shoen
Admissions Associate
Sonoma Bates
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubCancer Awareness Club
Chess ClubCooking Club
EcologyEconomics
Gay Straight AllianceGreen Team
Junior Statesman of America (JSA)Student Council
Student Government
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber ChoirChorus
DramaJazz Band
Jazz ChoirOrchestra
Treble Choir
School Notes
- School Motto: Kirby empowers students to shape their futures with confidence.
- School Mascot: Griffin
- At Kirby, students don't have to choose between intellect and imagination-they're invited to explore both.
- Our rich academic and fine arts programs are deeply interconnected. Whether composing a portfolio or a research paper, students engage with rigor and creativity in equal measure.
- Kirby's faculty bring more than credentials-over 60% hold advanced degrees-but it's their passion that defines them. They teach with infectious enthusiasm, deep subject knowledge, and a belief in each student's potential.
- High school students can pursueIntensive Pathsin the Arts, Humanities, Science & Technology, or Languages-immersive experiences that deepen expertise and sharpen direction. Math and language placement is based on mastery, not grade level, so every student is appropriately challenged and meaningfully engaged.
- Athletics at Kirby are welcoming by design. As a member of the Central Coast Conference, we offer "no-cut" teams-every student is encouraged to play, grow, and contribute.
- OurFabLabis a hands-on makerspace where students bring ideas to life: designing, prototyping, and building using 3D printers, laser cutters, embroidery machines, and more. It's where creative thinking meets real-world application-and where students realize what they're capable of.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mia Deng '13 - Mia was recognized in "Forbes 30 Under 30" for being the youngest partner at Dragonfly Capital. The crypto asset firm manages more than $2 billion of assets.
- Anthony Arya '20 - Contestant on "The Voice" season 15: Arya still performs whilst attending Stanford University.
- Aza Steel '09 - Steel co-founded GoGuardian, an educational software company less than a year after graduating college. He was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Kirby School cost?
Kirby School's tuition is approximately $46,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Kirby School?
The acceptance rate of Kirby School is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
Who are famous alumni from Kirby School?
Kirby School famous alumni include: Mia Deng '13, Anthony Arya '20 and Aza Steel '09.
What sports does Kirby School offer?
Kirby School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Kirby School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Kirby School?
The application deadline for Kirby School is Feb. 9 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 9 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Kirby School also viewed these schools: Holy Cross School, Spring Hill School, Gateway School, Merit Academy and Twin Lakes Christian School.
The nearest high school to Kirby School is Pacific Sands Academy (3.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Holy Cross School (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
0.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 159 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
250 California Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
1.5 miles
Gr: K-6 | 54 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
255 Swift Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
2.4 miles
Gr: K-8 | 243 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
2392 North Rodeo Gulch Road
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
4.8 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Avg. class size: 1 student Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2701 Cabrillo College Drive
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 465-3301
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 465-3301
6.2 miles
Gr: K-8 | 404 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
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!
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