Merit Academy Photo #6 - Our student representing her project on Earth Day!

Merit Academy

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Merit Academy Photo #1 - Engineering a brake-light system. All students engage in ProjectMERIT where they start an independent project that teaches them leadership and critical thinking skills in the real world. These projects separate Merit Academy students from their peers in the competitive college admissions process.
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Merit Academy Photo #1 - Engineering a brake-light system. All students engage in ProjectMERIT where they start an independent project that teaches them leadership and critical thinking skills in the real world. These projects separate Merit Academy students from their peers in the competitive college admissions process.
Merit Academy Photo #2 - In regular classes, not all students receive detailed instruction and individualized guidance. Sometimes it seems remarkable that students are prepared for college by the time they get their diploma. At Merit Academy, we don't have this problem, because there is one student per class. Teachers teach directly to that one student, so there's no way to slip through the cracks.
Merit Academy Photo #3 - Touring American Honda and driving the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car (FCX). Working on setting up a partnership between American Honda and Kids 4 Hydrogen.
Merit Academy Photo #4 - TEDxMeritAcademy features fresh ideas from our student body, faculty, and local community. Every Merit student creates a ProjectMERIT and selected students debut their projects at our TEDxMeritAcademy events. By sharing ideas and developing programs to improve and sustain life on earth, we hope to intrigue, inspire, and innovate one another and our audience!What is TEDx?In the spirit of
Merit Academy Photo #5 - After scooping ice cream from an electric ice cream maker that was powered by her sister's hydrogen fuel cell in 4 th grade, Jaclyn became a true environmentalist. Merit's College Advisors coached her as she researched alcohol fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, and solar energy.In 9th grade, Jaclyn founded Kids 4 Hydrogen, a non-profit 501.c.3. She spoke at the American
Merit Academy Photo #6 - One of our students with his painting at the women's march!
Merit Academy Photo #7 - Our student representing her project on Earth Day!
At Merit Academy, there is one student per class.
Teachers teach directly to that one student, so there's no way to slip through the cracks.
The classes move at a level appropriate for each student. You won't have to wonder whether your child is participating in class discussions or whether the teacher is engaging your child; these concerns are nonexistent at Merit.
Merit's teachers and director keep close tabs on each student's progress.
Teachers report directly to Merit's Director about each student's work.
The director meets with each student once per week to ensure that the student is making good progress, enjoying their classes, and using their time wisely.
If a student looks like they might fall behind, they are able to receive extra tutoring.
No one gets lost in the shuffle at Merit.
At the same time, we employ rigorous standards to fully prepare students to be successful at even the most selective universities.
Our dedicated teachers, who are experts in their fields, offer exciting lectures and individualized support. Students not only take a full load of accelerated classes, but they also get experience with life outside the classroom-holding internships, working on special projects, and performing community service.
As students approach college, they receive guidance with the admissions process.
Although the workload might seem heavy for some students, we offer the support they need to get it done.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 24 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $39,000
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Average class size: 1 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Merit Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All
Year Founded
1994
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
24 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
75%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Merit Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
1:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
1 students
Number of AP Courses
37 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Art 2D, AP Art 3D, AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese, AP Comp Sci A, AP Comp Sci P, AP CompGov, AP Drawing, AP English Lang, AP English Lit, AP Environmental Sci, AP Euro History, AP French, AP German, AP Human Geo, AP Italian, AP Japanese, AP Latin, AP Macro, AP Micro, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C1, AP Physics C2, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Lang, AP Spanish Lit, AP Statistics, AP US GovP, AP US History, AP World History, Aquaponics 1010, ASL 910-930, CHI 1010-1030, CHI 1110-1130H, CHI 1210-1230H, CHI 910-930, ENG 1010-1030 Honors, ENG 1110-1130 Honors, ENG 1210-1230 Honors, ENG 910-930 Honors, FR 1010-1030, FR 1110-1130H, FR 1210-1230H, FR 910-930, HEB 1010-1030H, HEB 910-930H, HIS 1010-1030 Honors, HIS 1110-1130 Honors, HIS 1210-1230 Honors, HIS 910-930 Honors, JPN 1010-1030, JPN 1110-1130, JPN 1210-1230, JPN 910-930, LIT 1010-1030 Honors, LIT 1110-1130 Honors, LIT 1210-1230 Honors, LIT 910-930 Honors, MATH 1010-1030 Honors, MATH 1110-1130 Honors, MATH 1210-1230 Honors, MATH 910-930 Honors, MUS 910, SCI 1010-1030, SCI 1110-1130 Honors, SCI 1210-1230 Honors, SCI 910-930 Honors, SPA 1010-1030 Honors, SPA 1110-1130 Honors, SPA 1210-1230 Honors, SPA 910-930 Honors
Average SAT score
1400
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Students can enroll in one to six courses per trimester. $39,000 is based on full enrollment and educational/college advisory.
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Susan Tatsui-D'Arcy
Admissions Associate
Jaclyn D'Arcy

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
History and Literature Classes, Kids 4 Hydrogen, projectMerit, Travel Abroad with English

School Notes

  • Academic requirements for High School Graduation with Honors: 4 years of English Grammar (36 essays and articles per year) 4 years of World Literature (36 books per year) 4 years of Mathematics (including calculus) 4 years of Science (with labs) 4 years of History/Economics/Civics/Psychology/World Religions (3 comprehensive research papers per year) 4 years of Foreign Language 4 years of Contract Physical Education 2 years of Fine Arts or Electives 12 Professional Internships 1 College-prep Project (Minimum 2 years)
  • Academic requirements for High School Graduation: 4 years of English Grammar (18 essays and articles per year) 2 years of Literature (18 books per year) 4 years of Mathematics 4 years of Science 3 years of History/Economics/Civics (2 research papers per year) 4 years of Foreign Language 4 years of Contract Physical Education 2 years of Fine Arts or Electives 3 Professional Internships 1 Community Service Project (Minimum 1 month)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Merit Academy cost?
Merit Academy's tuition is approximately $39,000 for private students.
What schools are Merit Academy often compared to?
Merit Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Kirby School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Merit Academy?
The acceptance rate of Merit Academy is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 85%.
Does Merit Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Merit Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Merit Academy offer?
Merit Academy offers 6 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Dance, Diving, Gymnastics, Martial Arts and Weightlifting.
What is Merit Academy's ranking?
Merit Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score and Most AP courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Merit Academy?
The application deadline for Merit Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
Alex has really made progress with Alicia, Spencer, and John. Thanks to Susan & everyone for their work. Alex has made great progress in both math and writing. He took a math placement assessment and is ready to start school today. Yay for a great team! It is a pleasure working with Merit's team of specialists! Please use any of my statements on your website. You deserve rave reviews for your work and dedication to learners and their families! Thank you, Nancy
- Posted by
5  
Merit Academy came to our rescue! Our son was failing high school math , we did not know what to do. We found Merit and with the help of Kimberly my son's teacher he turned his grade into a B plus. We are forever grateful and my son is thriving. Can't say enough about the personalized attention my son has received.
- Posted by
5  
Before we decided to attend Merit Academy my daughter was overwhelmed with pressure and hours of homework. My child is now thriving and extremely happy. I am grateful for the flexibility and nurturing of the wonderful and professional staff at Merit Academy.
- Posted by
5  
Merit Academy is a truly unique school. I attended Merit Academy for all of my pre-college education. The one-on-one class environment allowed me to customize my curriculum to meet my development needs. There are theater opportunities and dance training integration programs that facilitated my dual passion for academics and competitive dancing. Susan offers customized college advisory programs to support every student at Merit Academy. Because of Merit Academy and the guidance and direction from Susan, I was accepted into one of the top colleges in America and landed a job at a major electronics company after college that supports and furthers my career ambitions. I attribute all of my academic and artistic/athletic success to Merit Academy.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 24 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $39,000
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Average class size: 1 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Cruz County, CA is $17,104 for elementary schools and $26,908 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Santa Cruz County, CA is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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