Kirby School Photo #10 - A student watches her project come to life in the FabLab.

Kirby School

Kirby empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Students in our diverse community learn to think critically, develop their creativity, and achieve with thoughtfulness and respect.
With an average class size of 12, Kirby teachers know each student. Our innovative college prepartory curriculum ensures that students are taught how to evaluate complex issues, preparing them not only for college admissions, but their lives in college and beyond.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 133 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,900
  • 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:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1994

Student Body

Total Students
133 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Kirby School Student 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 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 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
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
Admissions Director
Emily Lamoureux
Admissions Associate
Sonoma Bates

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Cancer Awareness Club, Chess Club, Cooking Club, Ecology, Economics, Gay Straight Alliance, Green Team, Junior Statesman of America (JSA), Student Council, Student Government

Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Chorus, Drama, Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Orchestra, Treble Choir

School Notes

Features of the school include:
  • Rich academic and fine arts curriculum; at Kirby arts and academics compliment each other so students don't have to choose
  • Over 60% of Faculty have advanced degrees, 100% have passion for their subject that is infectious for students
  • 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 so that students are appropraiately challenged
  • Athletics: Kirby is a member of the Central Coast Conference of the California Athletic League; our athletics teams are "no-cut" meaning anyone can participate and learn the sport
  • FabLab engineering space for students to bring their porjects to life using 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing and emboridery machines, tools, and more.
  • 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.
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.
What is Kirby School's ranking?
Kirby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars 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 ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
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.
- Posted by
5  
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!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 133 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,900
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 9 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Cruz, CA is $18,174 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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