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Private School

Kirby School

#1 in Best Private High Schools in Santa Cruz County
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Private
  • 6-12
  • Santa Cruz, CA
  • 37 reviews
    Apply NowVirtual Tour

    COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:

    Kirby School is providing a high quality Distance Learning Program and a phased approach to reopening campus in our Hybrid Learning Model. We will continue to offer remote learning to students who need to remain at home. In October, we welcomed 6th grade students to campus and anticipate all grades having some in person classes by the end of the fall semester. Details are available on our website. Learn More

    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?Data Sources
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Diversity
      A
    3. Teachers
      A
    4. College Prep
      A+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      A+
    6. Sports
      B
    kirby.org
    (831) 423-0658
    425 Encinal Street
    Santa Cruz, CA 95060
    About Kirby School...

    Applying

    Application Deadline
    Rolling Admissions
    Application Fee
    $75
    Interview Required
    Yes
    Required/Recommended Tests
    —

    Tuition

    Yearly Tuition
    $31,000
    Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.
    Received Financial Aid
    25%
    Average Financial Aid
    $15,000
    From Kirby School

    Kirby students enter the finest colleges in the world and do exceptionally well on SAT and AP tests. Our School Profile includes information on which colleges our graduates attend, test scores, high school graduation requirements and offered courses. Information included is from the previous school year.

    Through intellectual challenge in a responsive environment, Kirby empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Our students learn to think critically, develop their creativity, and engage diverse communities with thoughtfulness and respect.

    The Arts at Kirby

    Upcoming Events

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    Kirby School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.
    See All Kirby School Rankings

    Academics

    Average Graduation Rate
    100%
    Average SAT
    1370
    54 responses
    Average ACT
    30
    31 responses
    Niche College Admissions Calculator
    Popular Colleges

    Niche users from this school are most interested in the following colleges.

    More About Kirby School Academics

    Culture & Safety

    Poll
    100%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.5 responses
    Poll
    100%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.5 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 16 responses
    • Spirit Days
      25%
    • Thanksgiving pie feed
      25%
    • Picnics
      19%
    • Senior Prank Day
      13%
    • Spirit Basketball Games
      13%
    • Grandparents and Significant Other's Day
      6%

      Students

      Diversity
      A
      Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
      Students
      273
      67%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.6 responses
      100%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.6 responses
      33%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.6 responses
      Read More About the Students

      Teachers

      Student-Teacher Ratio
      4:1
      National
      17:1
      Poll
      88%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.8 responses
      Poll
      88%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.8 responses
      Poll
      88%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.8 responses

      Homes for Sale

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      View Homes Near Kirby School

      Clubs & Activities

      Clubs & Activities
      A+
      Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
      Girls Athletic Participation
      —
      Boys Athletic Participation
      —
      100%
      of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.5 responses
      60%
      of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.5 responses
      100%
      of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.5 responses
      Living in the Area

      Santa Cruz

      A-
      Overall Niche Grade
      How are grades calculated?Data Sources
      1. Cost of Living
        D
      2. Good for Families
        B+
      3. Housing
        D+
      Median Household Income
      $70,102
      National
      $55,322
      Median Rent
      $1,797
      National
      $949
      Median Home Value
      $803,800
      National
      $184,700

      Read More About Santa Cruz

      Kirby School Reviews

      37 reviews
      All Categories
      Kirby is a well-rounded college-prep school with small class sizes and teachers that actually like teaching. I had two children go thru this school (my second is currently a sophomore) and would it recommend highly to anyone. Faculty and administration are responsive. Programs can be tailored to students and special classes (with enough interest) are possible! Their music program is unparalleled... including orchestra and choir. Theater, Art, Dance etc. What I appreciate most about this school is the relationships my kids have developed with the various teachers. *THIS* is what drives them. Thank you Kirby!
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      Rate It!
      My child is in their 3rd year at Kirby, and we are positive that in Kirby, we found the best school environment for our family. We appreciate the atmosphere of inclusivity and kindness, as well as the academically-enriching curriculum. The small class sizes are wonderfully conducive to participation and active learning. The school day has a later start time than most schools, which is a model that has been suggested of all middle and high schools. The lunches are delicious and healthy, and the students actually enjoy the meals. Tuition is economically challenging, but Kirby does offer financial aid and assistance, so please don't let that stop you from exploring this amazing school as an option for your own child.
      I have one daughter who is an alumna and another in 10th grade. Kirby has been a great choice for both of my girls, giving them plenty of intellectual challenge, welcoming learning environment, and wonderful team sport experience. Students have the option to tailor curriculums to serve their passion and interests, while completing requirements for graduation. I would highly recommend Kirby to anyone looking for excellent education in a positive and friendly learning environment.
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