The Best Private Schools in Seaside, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Seaside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Santa Catalina School
Independent
Santa Catalina School is a prestigious independent Catholic school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Seaside in neighboring Monterey, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 36-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and offers comprehensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. With a strong focus on academic excellence and community values, Santa Catalina has established itself as one of the premier private educational institutions on the Monterey Peninsula.
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Stevenson School
Independent
Stevenson School is a highly respected independent college preparatory school located in Pebble Beach, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a challenging academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses and emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. The beautiful 50-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science and technology labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Stevenson is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive student support services. The school's outdoor education program and extensive extracurricular offerings provide students with well-rounded educational experiences. Stevenson consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Trinity Christian High School
Trinity Christian Schools
Trinity Christian High School provides a comprehensive college preparatory education within a Christian environment, serving students from Seaside and throughout the Monterey Peninsula. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education, preparing students for college success while developing strong moral character. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic spaces. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and features strong arts and athletic programs. Trinity Christian emphasizes community service and leadership development, creating well-rounded graduates prepared for higher education and lifelong success. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and supportive community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Seaside, California
What are the main private school options available in Seaside, California, and what grade levels do they serve?
Seaside, California, is home to several notable private schools, though many are located in the broader Monterey Peninsula area. Within Seaside itself, Trinity Christian High School serves grades 9-12. Just a short drive away in neighboring Monterey and Pebble Beach, families have access to prestigious institutions like Stevenson School (PK-12) and Santa Catalina School (all-girls, 9-12, with a co-ed lower school). This proximity means Seaside residents have a strong cluster of private options spanning preschool through high school, with both secular and faith-based models available.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Seaside, CA, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for private schools on the Monterey Peninsula, including those accessible to Seaside families, tends to be above the California state average for private education due to the region's cost of living and the prestige of certain institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition can range from approximately $15,000 at local faith-based schools to over $60,000 for premier boarding/day schools like Stevenson and Santa Catalina. Importantly, most of these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarship programs. California's tax-advantaged 529 plans can also be used for K-12 private tuition, providing a financial planning benefit for state residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Seaside area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Seaside and Monterey Peninsula area uniquely integrate the local coastal and scientific resources into their curricula. Stevenson School and Santa Catalina School have robust marine science and environmental studies programs, with easy access to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Many schools emphasize outdoor education, with activities like coastal hiking, sailing, and stewardship projects. Furthermore, proximity to the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Presidio of Monterey influences some schools, offering strong world language programs and a culturally diverse student body. Arts programs often collaborate with local institutions like the Monterey Museum of Art and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Trinity Christian, Stevenson, or Santa Catalina for a Seaside resident?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Seaside area is similar to statewide independent school norms but begins early. Key deadlines for fall admission are typically in January for applications, with entrance exams (ISEE or SSAT) taken in the preceding fall or winter. For schools like Stevenson and Santa Catalina, which draw a national boarding population, Seaside day-student applicants should still adhere to these early deadlines. Trinity Christian High School may have a more flexible rolling admissions process. All schools require campus tours/interviews, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Seaside families are strongly advised to start research and visits 12-18 months before the desired entry date, especially for sought-after grades like 9th.
For a family living in Seaside, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision between Seaside's public schools (Seaside Unified School District) and private options involves several local factors. Public schools offer proximity, no tuition, and diverse programs. However, private schools in the area often provide smaller class sizes, specialized college preparatory curricula, and extensive resources. A key consideration for Seaside families is the "school of choice" inter-district transfer system in Monterey County, which can allow attendance at public schools in neighboring districts if space permits, adding another layer to the decision. Private schools offer a consistent educational model without district boundary concerns. The choice may hinge on a family's priority for a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., religious, progressive, or classical), investment in college counseling, and access to niche extracurriculars tied to the Monterey Bay region.
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