Santa Cruz Schools and Universities

The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce believes education is critical to the health and prosperity of the Santa Cruz economy. Not only does the continued productivity and competitiveness of our businesses and organizations depend on the ability of our workforce to acquire and apply new skills and knowledge, but also, the long-term vitality of the Santa Cruz economy requires the creation of new knowledge, new technology and new means of application. Establishing and maintaining high quality educational opportunities from all available resources a cornerstone element contributing to the quality of life in the community.

To read more about how the Santa Cruz Chamber promotes communication and collaboration among all education providers to build a strong educational system in Santa Cruz, visit the Community Affairs Committee page.

Santa Cruz County is home to many educational organizations, four colleges and universities, and a full range of public, private, and alternative schools for K-12 students.

Universities and Colleges

Public Schools and School Districts

Private Schools and Preschools

  • Aptos Academy
  • Baymonte Christian School
  • Beach High School
  • Carden School of Santa Cruz
  • Empire Academy
  • Gateway School
  • Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School
  • Good Shepherd Catholic School
  • Green Valley Christian School
  • Holy Cross School
  • Monterey Bay Academy
  • Monte Vista Christian School
  • Moreland Notre Dame School
  • Mount Madonna School
  • New Horizons School
  • Orchard School
  • Santa Cruz Children's Schools
  • Santa Cruz Montessori School
  • Santa Cruz Waldorf School
  • Saint Francis Central Coast Catholic High School
  • Saint Lawrence Academy
  • Salesian Elementary & Junior High School
  • Spring Hill Advanced Elementary School
  • Twin Lakes Christian School
  • VHM Christian School

Alternative Schools

  • Cesar E. Chavez School for Social Change
  • Esperanza Middle School
  • Natural Bridges High School
  • Oasis Independent Studies
  • Pacific Collegiate School
  • Robert A. Hartman School
  • San Lorenzo Valley Community School
  • Santa Cruz Community School
  • SCORE (Santa Cruz Online Reality Education)
  • Second Opportunity for Students Program
  • Esperanza Middle School
  • Star Community School
  • Success Academy
  • Teen Center School
  • Teenage Parents Program
  • Valley Independent Prep School
  • VISTA Community School
  • Wagner Cottage Transition Program
  • Watsonville Community School
  • White Oak High School

Home Schools

  • Alternative Family Education
  • Boulder Creek Home School
  • Coast Redwood Junior High Home School
  • Coast Redwood High School
  • Fall Creek Home School
  • Merit Academy
  • Ocean Alternative Education Center
  • Ocean Grove Charter School
  • SLV Home School
  • Court Referral Schools
  • DeWitt Anderson School
  • Escuela Quetzal
  • Luna PARK Academy
  • Robert A. Hartman School
  • YES (Youth Experiencing Success)

Other Educational Programs

  • City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation
  • City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services
  • Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries
  • Literacy Center (Watsonville)
  • Santa Cruz Adult School
  • Santa Cruz County Regional Occupational Program (R.O.P.)
  • Santa Cruz Education Foundation
  • Scotts Valley Educational Foundation
  • Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education 

Summer Programs