For the 2025 school year, there are 11 private high schools serving 3,542 students in Santa Cruz County, CA.
The top ranked private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA include Merit Academy, Monte Vista Christian School, and Monterey Bay Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 92%, which is higher than the California private high school average acceptance rate of 80%.
Top Ranked Santa Cruz County Private High Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2400 East Lake Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-5933
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-5933
Grades: 9-12
| 213 students
2392 North Rodeo Gulch Road
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5655
Grades: 9-12
| 24 students
Monte Vista Christian School![Monte Vista Christian School Photo - MVC High School Quad Monte Vista Christian School Photo - MVC High School Quad]()

(Christian)
2 School Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-8178
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-8178
Grades: 6-12
| 722 students
Monterey Bay Academy![Monterey Bay Academy Photo Monterey Bay Academy Photo]()

(Seventh Day Adventist)
783 San Andreas Rd
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-1481
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 728-1481
Grades: 9-12
| 164 students
1 Victor Sq Ste 3036
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(650) 681-0681
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(650) 681-0681
Grades: 8-12
| 1,650 students
Beach High School
Alternative School
5520 Old San Jose Rd
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5867
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-5867
Grades: 9-12
| 9 students
491 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
(408) 847-2717
Watsonville, CA 95076
(408) 847-2717
Grades: PK-12
| 145 students
1940 Bonita Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 239-4657
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 239-4657
Grades: K-12
| 185 students
Santa Cruz Montessori School![Santa Cruz Montessori School Photo - Primary Class Santa Cruz Montessori School Photo - Primary Class]()

Montessori School
6230 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 476-1646
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 476-1646
Grades: PK-9
| 247 students
Santa Cruz County Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2727 Mattison Ln
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 476-4000
Grades: PK-8
| 217 students
Little People S School (Closed 2022)
Daycare / Preschool
12780 East St
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-4112
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-4112
Grades: PK-K
| 52 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA?
The top ranked private high schools in Santa Cruz County, CA include Merit Academy, Monte Vista Christian School, and Monterey Bay Academy.
How many private high schools are located in Santa Cruz County?
11 private high schools are located in Santa Cruz County.
How diverse are private high schools in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County private high schools are approximately 48% minority students, which is same as the California private school average of 48%.
What percentage of private high schools are religiously affiliated in Santa Cruz County?
Which private high schools in Santa Cruz County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private high schools in Santa Cruz County include: Merit Academy vs. Kirby School
Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.