Private Schools in Aptos, California

Mount Madonna School is a prestigious independent school serving the Aptos and greater Santa Cruz County area. Located on a 375-acre campus in the redwood forest, the school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and character development. The college preparatory program boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities. Unique features include extensive outdoor education, award-winning performing arts programs, and small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio. The school's holistic approach integrates academic rigor with social-emotional learning and community service.

Kirby School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Aptos and throughout Santa Cruz County. Located in Santa Cruz just minutes from Aptos, Kirby offers a rigorous academic program for grades 6-12 with particular strengths in STEM education, humanities, and college counseling. The school features small class sizes averaging 15 students, advanced placement courses, and a comprehensive arts program. Kirby graduates consistently gain admission to selective colleges and universities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and community engagement through its innovative curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities.

Santa Cruz Waldorf School provides a distinctive educational approach serving families in Aptos and the greater Santa Cruz area. Offering programs from preschool through 8th grade, the school follows the Waldorf educational philosophy that integrates academics with arts, movement, and practical skills. The 25-acre campus in the Santa Cruz mountains provides an ideal setting for outdoor education and environmental learning. The school's developmental approach emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. With strong parent community involvement and experienced faculty, Santa Cruz Waldorf prepares students for academic success while nurturing their individual talents and character development.