Merit Academy vs. Kirby School
Should you attend Merit Academy or Kirby School? Visitors to our site frequently compare these two schools. Compare their rankings, scores, reviews and more to help you determine which school is the best choice for you.
School Overview
School
Top Rankings
Merit Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Kirby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
Overview
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.
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.
Grades Offered
9-12
6-12
Blue Ribbon School
No
No
Offers Post-Graduate Year
No
n/a
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
All
n/a
Year Founded
1994
1994
Students Body
Total Students
24 students
144 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
75%
11%
Students by Grade
Students by Grade
Grade 6 Students
-
13
Grade 7 Students
-
16
Grade 8 Students
-
25
Grade 9 Students
6
25
Grade 10 Students
6
22
Grade 11 Students
6
23
Grade 12 Students
6
20
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
50 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
50%
60%
Average Class Size
1
12
Number of AP Classes
37
16
Teacher : Student Ratio
1:1
1:3
Average SAT score
1400
1380
Average ACT score
29
29
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Casual
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Feb. 9 / rolling
Tuition Cost
$39,000
$46,900
Tuition Notes
Students can enroll in one to six courses per trimester. $39,000 is based on full enrollment and educational/college advisory.
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
n/a
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
n/a
$31,965
Acceptance Rate
100%
n/a
Admissions Director
Susan Tatsui-D'Arcy
Emily Lamoureux
Admissions Associate
Jaclyn D'Arcy
Sonoma Bates
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6
12
Extracurriculars
Total Extra-curric.Total Extracurriculars
4
18
Extra-curric.Extracurriculars
History and Literature Classes, Kids 4 Hydrogen, projectMerit, Travel Abroad with English
Art Club, Cancer Awareness Club, Chamber Choir, Chess Club, Chorus, Cooking Club, Drama, Ecology, Economics, Gay Straight Alliance, Green Team, Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Junior Statesman of America (JSA), Orchestra, Student Council, Student Government, Treble Choir