For 30 years, Kirby School has championed every student admitted to its 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 (2023-24)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 172 students
- Yearly Tuition: $44,650
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 9
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
Top Rankings
Kirby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
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
172 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
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. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$44,650
Tuition Notes
Tuition for 2023-24
Grades 6 and 7: $38,500
Grades 8 through 12: $44,650
One-time Fees
Application Fee: $75 New student enrollment fee: $975.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$19,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Emily Lamoureux
Admissions Associate
Sonoma Bates
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 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
- 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.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Kirby School cost?
Kirby School's tuition is approximately $44,650 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Kirby School?
The acceptance rate of Kirby School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
Who are famous alumni from Kirby School?
Kirby School famous alumni include: Mia Deng '13 and Anthony Arya '20.
What sports does Kirby School offer?
Kirby School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Golf, Mountain Biking, Sailing, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, 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.
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 Merit Academy (4.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Holy Cross School (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-8 | 197 students 0.8 miles 150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-4447
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-4447
0.8
PK-8
197
Grades: K-6 | 72 students 1.5 miles 250 California Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-2641
1.5
K-6
72
Grades: K-8 | 243 students 2.4 miles 255 Swift Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0341
2.4
K-8
243
Grades: 9-12 | 24 students 4.8 miles 2392 North Rodeo Gulch Road
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
4.8
9-12
24
Grades: K-8 | 404 students 6.2 miles 2701 Cabrillo College Drive
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 465-3301
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 465-3301
6.2
K-8
404
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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