The Best Private Schools in Pebble Beach, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pebble Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stevenson School
Independent
Stevenson School is a premier independent college preparatory school located directly in Pebble Beach, serving day students in grades PK-12 and boarding students in grades 9-12. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, and a comprehensive arts and athletics program. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong college matriculation record and personalized attention, Stevenson maintains a diverse student body and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Santa Catalina School
Independent
Located just minutes from Pebble Beach in Monterey, Santa Catalina School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving girls in grades 9-12 (with co-ed lower school). The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, outstanding arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 36-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on character development and leadership, Santa Catalina provides a supportive environment that prepares students for top colleges and universities while serving families throughout the Monterey Peninsula area.
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All Saints' Day School
Episcopal
All Saints' Day School, located in nearby Carmel Valley, serves students from preschool through eighth grade and is a popular choice for Pebble Beach families seeking exceptional elementary and middle school education. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on STEAM education, character development, and outdoor learning. The beautiful 13-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive play areas. As an Episcopal school, All Saints' emphasizes values-based education while maintaining high academic standards and offering diverse extracurricular opportunities. The school is particularly noted for its warm community atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pebble Beach, California
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Pebble Beach, California, and what age groups do they serve?
Pebble Beach, CA, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, each with distinct grade ranges. Stevenson School offers a comprehensive PK-12 program across two campuses: the lower/middle school (PK-8) in Carmel and the upper school (9-12) in Pebble Beach. Santa Catalina School is an all-girls, Catholic-independent day and boarding school serving grades 9-12, with a coed lower and middle school (PK-8). All Saints' Day School is an Episcopal-affiliated school offering a PK-8 education. This cluster provides strong options from preschool through high school, though the number of local schools is limited due to the small, residential nature of Pebble Beach.
How does the tuition for private schools in Pebble Beach, CA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Pebble Beach's premier private schools is generally at the high end of the California spectrum, reflecting the area's cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. For the 2024-25 academic year, high school tuition at Stevenson and Santa Catalina can exceed $60,000 for day students and approach $90,000 for boarders. All Saints' Day School tuition for middle school grades is typically in the $30,000-$40,000 range. Importantly, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as significant grants (not loans) are available to qualifying applicants, which can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Pebble Beach that leverage the local environment?
Pebble Beach private schools uniquely integrate the stunning Central Coast environment into their curricula. Stevenson School features a renowned Marine Science Research Program, with direct access to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and a competitive golf program that utilizes the world-famous local courses. Santa Catalina School offers a distinctive Equine Program at its on-campus barn and riding rings, alongside a strong focus on science and leadership. All Saints' Day School emphasizes outdoor and environmental education, with regular explorations of the Del Monte Forest and local beaches. All schools leverage proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hopkins Marine Station, and Big Sur for experiential learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Pebble Beach, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Pebble Beach private schools is highly structured and competitive, beginning 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by early January (with deadlines for financial aid), student visits/testing/interviews in January-February, and notification dates in mid-March. Admission is selective, particularly for entry into grades 6, 7, and 9. Schools seek well-rounded students who align with their mission. Sibling and legacy status are considered but do not guarantee admission. For the best chance, families should engage early, thoroughly research each school's ethos, and ensure application materials highlight the student's unique strengths and character.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the key differentiating factors of the Pebble Beach private school experience?
The key differentiators for Pebble Beach private schools compared to the local public school district (Pacific Grove Unified) include: significantly smaller class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios, extensive campus facilities and resources (from science labs to arts centers and athletic fields), a broader array of advanced placement and specialized courses, and a cohesive educational community from PK-12. Private schools here also offer distinct pedagogical approaches (college-preparatory, single-gender, faith-based), extensive global and domestic travel programs, and a boarding component that adds geographic diversity. The trade-off is, of course, cost. Public schools in Pacific Grove are highly rated, but private options provide a highly resourced, tailored environment with a focus on individual student mentorship and access to unique local opportunities.
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