St. Michael's School is a Kindergarten through Grade 8 school founded by the Rev. Msgr. Michael Coughlan in 1964. St. Michael's Preschool serves three-year-olds and four-year-olds.
Mission: "With Jesus Christ, as our model, St. Michael's School guides students to grow in faith, knowledge, and character, preparing them to be active members in the Church and in our community."
The administration and teaching staff, together with the parents, are dedicated to providing an education that will result in the formation of the whole person - spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, and physical.
Rigorous academic standards and curricula produce highly successful graduates, welcomed by the Catholic, private, and public high schools at which they matriculate.
We encourage students to make informed decisions, to think critically and creatively, to be compassionate, responsible and moral, and to respect the dignity of others.
Students engage in prayer and reflection, actively participate in Liturgical celebration, serve the faith community, and demonstrate Catholic values and virtues.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 595 students
- Yearly Tuition: $8,890
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 24 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Michael's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Mild Autism, Hearing/Vision/Motor Impairment, Processing Differences
Year Founded
1964
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
595 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
29%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
51%
Average Class Size
24 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Dennis Uniform Plaid (Girls) & Navy Twill (Boys)
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition Assistance is available
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer Camps and Summer ESS costs vary.
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Erica Huebner
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Academic DecathlonChess Club
CodingMercy Corps
RoboticsSafety Patrol
Spanish ClubSTEM Club
Student CouncilYearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
artband
choirmusical theater
Percussion Ensemblevocal music
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports Program (K-8)
School Notes
- St. Michael's School is an elementary and middle school founded by the Rev. Msgr. Michael Coughlan in 1964. Our mission is to encourage students to embrace the rich heritage of our Catholic faith tradition in an educational setting of compassion, justice, charity, and service. The administration and teaching staff, together with the parents, are dedicated to providing an education that will result in formation of the whole person - spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, and physical. The students of St Michael's School learn in a Christ-centered environment which fosters the formation and growth of the whole child. The goal of the school community is to provide and exemplary Catholic pedagogy. Flowing from the document "To Teach as Jesus Did" students learn Catholic doctrine, foster community, and participate in servingothers. We encourage students to make informed decisions, to think critically and creatively, to be compassionate, responsible and moral, and to respect the dignity of others. Students engage in prayer and reflection, actively participate in Liturgical celebration, serve the faith community, and demonstrate Catholic values and virtues.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Michael's School cost?
St. Michael's School's tuition is approximately $8,890 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Michael's School?
The acceptance rate of St. Michael's School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.
What sports does St. Michael's School offer?
St. Michael's School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Surf Team, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Michael's School's ranking?
St. Michael's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for St. Michael's School?
The application deadline for St. Michael's School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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People that viewed St. Michael's School also viewed these schools: Country Montessori School, Encinitas Country Day School, La Jolla Country Day School, San Diego French American School and Legacy Montessori School.
The nearest high school to St. Michael's School is Maranatha Christian Schools (4.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Country Montessori School (0.2 miles away)
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School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
12642 Monte Vista Road
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 673-1756
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 673-1756
0.2 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 159 students Avg. class size: 36 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
3616 Manchester Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111
11.6 miles
Gr: K-8 | 323 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
12.2 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 1,169 student Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 24 | Extracurrculars: 51 Tuition listed
6550 Soledad Mountain Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 456-2807
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 456-2807
15.7 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 335 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 13 | Extracurrculars: 10 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Legacy Montessori School
Montessori School (Christian)
12310 9th St
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 679-9949
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 679-9949
2.6 miles
Gr: PK-5 | 115 students
School Reviews
5 3/16/2012
St. Michael's School focus is on the whole student. My child is truly enriched in mind, body, and spirit. The school attends Mass once a week. The curriculum within the classroom is challenging and meets the needs of all children. The classroom teachers are completely dedicated. The children attend Music, Library, Art, Computers, Spanish, Mass and PE 3 times a week! We are truly Blessed for sending our children to St. Michael's!
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