Private Schools in San Marcos, California

Pacific Ridge School is a highly-regarded independent school located just minutes from San Marcos in Carlsbad. The school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum for grades 7-12, emphasizing global citizenship and ethical leadership. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, personalized attention is a hallmark. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective universities and emphasizes experiential learning through domestic and international travel programs.

The Classical Academy is a highly-rated charter school network serving North County San Diego, including San Marcos students. With campuses in nearby Vista and Escondido, TCA offers comprehensive K-12 education through both traditional and homeschool hybrid models. The curriculum emphasizes classical education, critical thinking, and character development. The high school program features extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletics, and robust arts programs. The academy maintains small class sizes and has consistently high test scores and college acceptance rates. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.

Army and Navy Academy is a premier private boarding and day school for boys in grades 7-12, located in coastal Carlsbad and serving San Marcos families. The academy combines rigorous college preparatory academics with leadership training through its JROTC program. The 16-acre campus features modern classrooms, STEM labs, athletic facilities, and oceanfront dormitories. The school emphasizes character development, discipline, and academic excellence, with small class sizes and comprehensive college counseling. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and marine science studies.