New Roads School in Santa Monica, California, is an independent K-12 educational community which serves approximately 550 students.
New Roads School was established in 1995 as a model for education in an ethnically, racially, culturally, and socio-economically diverse community.
To prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities they face, New Roads aims to promote personal, social, political, and moral understanding, and to instill in students a respect for the humanity and ecology of the world in which they live.
The demanding college preparatory curriculum not only emphasizes strong reading and writing skills, effective expression, and critical thinking, but seeks to go beyond ordinary "schooling" with a concern for the whole person.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 554 students
- Yearly Tuition: $40,530
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 9
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events and News
- Open House - Sun., November 17, 2024 - get more information!
- Open House - Sun., November 17, 2024 - get more information!
- After Florida bans Amanda Gorman poem, New Roads school rallys in support - 05/26/2023New Roads Alum, Amanda Gorman has her poem banned and New Roads responds.
Top Rankings
New Roads School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1995
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
554 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
57%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
114 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
15 students
Advanced Courses
Advanced Biology Honors, Advanced Chemistry Honors, Advanced Physics Honors, Advanced Spanish Studies: Latin American History, Advanced Spanish Studies: Literature Poetry and Short Story, Advanced Spanish Studies: Theater and the Latin American Novel, Computer Science 4 Honors, Drama 4 Honors, Environmental Science Honors, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Visual Arts 4 Honors
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$40,530
Tuition Notes
Grades K-5: $40,530
Grades 6-12: $49,665
% on Financial Aid
45%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$15,000
Admissions Director
Zahir Robb
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Debate, Girls Who Code, Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, Latinos Unidos, Literati Book Club
Arts and Music Programs:
3D Design, Chamber Music, Dance, Drama, Film Production, Jazz, Photography, Pop Ensemble, Printmaking, Women in Film Club
Debate, Girls Who Code, Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, Latinos Unidos, Literati Book Club
Arts and Music Programs:
3D Design, Chamber Music, Dance, Drama, Film Production, Jazz, Photography, Pop Ensemble, Printmaking, Women in Film Club
School Notes
- New Roads School in Santa Monica, California, is a K-12 independent educational community which serves approximately 550 students. New Roads School was established in 1995 as a model for education in an ethnically, racially, culturally, and socio-economically diverse community. To prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities they face, the School aims to promote personal, social, political, and moral understanding, and to instill in students a respect for the humanity and ecology of the world in which they live. The demanding college preparatory curriculum not only emphasizes strong reading and writing skills, effective expression, and critical thinking, but seeks to go beyond ordinary "schooling" with a concern for the whole person.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Amanda Gorman - Amanda S. C. Gorman is an American poet, activist, and model. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Gorman was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She published the poetry book The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough in 2015. She rose to fame in 2021 for writing and delivering her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden.
- Logan Green - Logan D. Green is the chairman and former CEO of Lyft, which he co-founded with John Zimmer in 2012.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does New Roads School cost?
New Roads School's tuition is approximately $40,530 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from New Roads School?
New Roads School famous alumni include: Amanda Gorman and Logan Green.
What sports does New Roads School offer?
New Roads School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. New Roads School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is New Roads School's ranking?
New Roads School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for New Roads School?
The application deadline for New Roads School is Dec. 9.
School Reviews
5 9/2/2022
New Roads has delivered a fantastic education for my daughter that moves beyond the classroom and into the real world. I appreciate that my child is truly visible on campus. Her questions are answered, opinions considered, and she is challenged every day by caring teachers who look out for her. When I look at the suffering that other children go through to get into college and then look at how happy my child is and where New Roads kids get into college (Ivies, UCs, top art schools, etc.), why would I have her jump through all those hoops? She is a whole person with intelligence and a clear sense of right and wrong, and while I would like to take credit, New Roads has made a difference in who my daughter has become.
5 12/27/2017
I have been a long time admirer of New Roads School both as a teacher and a parent. What I am most impressed by is high-quality of teaching, how the students are encouraged to find their own passions and the greatness of leadership under Luthern. New Roads is the school that is thinking of the future, preparing kids for endless possibilities. I wish this school was around when I was growing up.
5 12/8/2017
Our kids have been at New Roads for 4 years. They are elementary age. We love the school. The teachers have been excellent. For us, diversity is key, but beyond that- inclusivity. Not only is the student body diverse, the faculty and leadership is. I want my kids learning to respect people of all races, genders, abilities, etc. So it's important to have different kids of people in leadership positions, and New Roads has this. The philosophy around inclusivity and critical thinking is vital these days.
5 12/8/2017
New Roads is a school where all types of children are embraced for who they are. We have experienced the faculty and administration to be open to working with our whole family to see that our daughters needs are being fulfilled . She has been academically challenged as well as exposed to an extensive variety of electives. This has presented a gateway to boundless possibilities. Through inspiring, passionate teachers we are watching our daughter find her voice.
5 11/9/2017
We love New Roads school - it's strengths include the diverse student body, passionate teachers, philosophy to meet the child at his/her level, small class size, and it's inspired mission.
5 9/10/2017
New Roads has been a great school for the academic and social development of my child. Having my child in an environment where they can truly thrive, yet not feel that they are caught up in a meaningless education solely based on test scores and the ability to regurgitate has been refreshing. New Roads School is truly a unique place with high quality teachers and a caring community of students. The opportunity for my son to intersect with a diverse group of students is what brought me here, but I have continued because of how well my son is doing academically, which is evidenced in his increased curiosity and ability to discuss a wide variety of topics at a level that is well beyond his years. I couldn't be happier with my experience.
5 8/2/2017
My child has been at New Roads school since 3rd grade and is now entering 10th grade there. We've always been happy with the teachers, the social environment, the academics, and the arts offerings. The students in some programs, including debate, theater, and robotics, have received awards and done well in national competitions. New Roads seniors are accepted by the same high-ranking colleges as much older private schools in the area. The diversity is REAL at New Roads, partly because nearly 50% of NR students receive financial aid! If you look at the demographics of the school, you will see that it's not a nearly-all-white student body with a "multicultural" program, as is the case with so many other private schools. New Roads was originally founded as a middle school for children who could not afford private school, and making top-quality education available to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds continues to be a high priority for our school. Which is one reason why we don't yet have the fancy facilities that many other private schools do. My child does not feel that any facilities are lacking; but then again, we didn't send her to private school to spoil her. We agree with the New Roads philosophy and really feel that she is getting an amazing education!
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