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: 144 students
- Yearly Tuition: $46,900
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 9 / rolling
- 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
144 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
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 SAT score
1380
(Out of 1600)
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
$46,900
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
Total Sports Offered
12 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
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 ).
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 Pacific Sands Academy (3.8 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 | 159 students 0.8 miles 150 Emmet
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5852
0.8
PK-8
159
Grades: K-6 | 54 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
54
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!
Endorse Kirby School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.
