City Tree Christian School is an ethnically and socio-economically diverse school located in downtown San Diego.
We serve as an outreach of First Presbyterian Church, committed to integrating educational excellence with the Bible-based teachings of Jesus Christ.
Children will excel academically, be good citizens, and know God when we provide educational experiences, needed care and protection in a loving Christian environment.
The school curriculum introduces children to a completely God-centered orientation of life, to help them develop a thoroughly Christian and Biblical worldview.
Children will be taught a Christian way of living and playing together, interpreted through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
They will learn to think of their world as given by God because of His perfect love for them.
Each child develops differently and comes to school with a unique set of experiences; our teachers thoughtfully consider these individual needs as they daily work with students.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 198 students
- Yearly Tuition: $10,100
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
198 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
12 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
School Notes
- School Motto: We Champion Academic Excellence
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does City Tree Christian School cost?
City Tree Christian School's tuition is approximately $10,100 for private students.
When is the application deadline for City Tree Christian School?
The application deadline for City Tree Christian School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is City Tree Christian School located?
City Tree Christian School is located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Bankers Hill.
School Reviews
5 1/17/2026
I highly recommend City Tree. The school provides a quality education based on Christian values. One of the things we love most about City Tree is the community. All the teachers and staff know our kids, and all the kids know each other no matter the grade. We chose City Tree because we wanted our kids to go to school in person during Covid. A co-worker recommended City Tree, and when we visited the school, we felt so welcome and immediately knew it was the right place for our kids. At the time, our son was struggling and falling behind, but he has thrived at City Tree. Our daughter is so confident and willing to try new things, like running for student council. The school provides plenty of enrichment activities, like art, band, and Spanish. Our kids are in middle school now, and the curriculum is rigorous, but there are also fun and unique subjects, like life skills (cooking, finances) and audiovisual. City Tree is a special place, and we love it.
5 4/2/2025
It's our second year here and we are grateful to have a community where my kids are thriving academically and socially. We love City Tree Christian School!
5 1/24/2025
We chose to send my child to City Tree after homeschooling her through the 4th grade City Tree Christian School met all of our criteria. It is a wonderful, small Christian school where every child is truly known and valued. The close-knit environment allows teachers and staff to build meaningful relationships with each student, fostering both academic and personal growth. Many people describe City Tree as a family. One of the most remarkable aspects of this school is its diversity-students come from a variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds, creating a rich and inclusive community. The school's commitment to teaching the Bible and Christian values is evident in the way it nurtures not just the minds but also the hearts of their students. If you're looking for a school that feels like family and offers a well-rounded, faith-based education, City Tree is an excellent choice.
5 11/15/2024
Our 2 children have been at City Tree since pre-school, and are now in 2nd & 4th grade. We love the special attention and individualized academics our children receive at their school. My kids really feel valued, seen, and heard by the teachers and staff. We made the decision to join the City Tree school family because of the enriched, wholesome, and loving environment. We happily make the decision to stay every year because our children are developing such strong and beautiful personalities- largely in part due to the confidence they gain at City Tree. They are excelling academically in a loving environment that fosters growth, learning, and nourishment. We love everything the school has to offer from music and arts to academics and sports, and love seeing our kids grow and flourish here. I highly recommend City Tree!!
5 8/3/2024
My daughter has been attending City Tree for the last 6 years and we could not be happier with our decision. The school is centered on Biblical values, has a great after-school program, and provides easy communication with teachers and staff. Another part I love about City Tree is the small teacher-student ratio and that everyone gets to know my child. My daughter has developed healthy social and leadership skills. She has gained confidence in herself and has excelled academically. City Tree is a great option for someone looking for a Christian Community, with small classroom sizes, biblical teachings, easy communication with teachers/staff, and a central location.
5 8/3/2024
We love City Tree Christian School. Our two daughters have attended since preschool and are now in kindergarten and 2nd grade. The diverse community at CT is amazing-- wonderful down-to-earth parents and awesome kids. Teachers are incredible-- creative instruction, high standards, and you can tell they genuinely love their students. We also love the school's emphasis on teaching the Christian faith and values, and we appreciate being connected to the larger community of First Pres. Such a gem, right in the middle of downtown!
5 6/21/2024
My wife and I have 3 young boys. Age 5, 3, and 1. They all go to city tree. What do we love most about City tree?Christian teachers teaching Christian values. They only hire Christians to be with and teach our children. This was important to us, especially in these early years.Why did we choose City Tree?Education is the most important thing. It is the one thing that no one can take from you. We had our sons in a Montessori school prior. When I met the staff and toured the school with Sara, the principal, I immediately knew this was the place for my three boys because of the quality of the staff and venue. It has lots of big outside play areas and great hours 8:30-5pm.How have i seen my boys grow and develop as a result of City Tree?They are more kind. They ask questions about Jesus. Learning to be helpful to each other instead of being selfish.If someone were on the fence about City Tree what would I say to them?Just go check it out. Have a tour with the principal. When I did, I had a rush of emotions where I knew it was the place for my boys.
5 3/6/2020
Excellent academic program with committed teachers and staff. The community has been wonderful for us. Highly recommend City Tree Christian. My son loves it!
5 8/12/2018
City Tree Christian school is a wonderful community of people that provides kids with a high quality education while teaching them to discover their gifts and utilize those gifts to serve God and others. Teachers and phenomenal and truly love their students. All the students get to experience band, Spanish, music, art, technology and excellent off campus learning trips.
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