Kirby School (2026-27 Profile)

Name: Open House
Start: 2026-10-15T18:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-10-15T20:30:00-07:00
Location: Kirby School

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 136 students
Yearly Tuition: $52,000
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 18 / Feb. 5 / rolling
Source: 鉁�Verified school update

Upcoming Events

School Rankings

Kirby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Kirby School
6	12
7	18
8	16
9	28
10	21
11	22
12	19

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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1994

School Calendar

School Motto

Kirby empowers students to shape their futures with confidence.

Student Body

Total Students

136 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

11%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

28 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

5:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

60%

Average Class Size

12 students

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

List of Courses Offered

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS-CA)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Dec. 18 / Feb. 5 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$52,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tiered Tuition Available

% on Financial Aid

30%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$31,965

Admissions Director

Stephanie Hanepen

Admissions Associate

Sonoma Bates

Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered

12 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

DanceGolf

Mountain BikingSoccer

Surf TeamSwimming

TennisTrack and Field

Ultimate FrisbeeVolleyball

School Mascot

Griffin

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

18 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Art ClubCancer Awareness Club

Chess ClubCooking Club

EcologyEconomics

Gay Straight AllianceGreen Team

Junior Statesman of America (JSA)Student Council

Student Government

Arts and Music Programs:

Chamber ChoirChorus

DramaJazz Band

Jazz ChoirOrchestra

Treble Choir

School Notes

At our intentionally small 612 school in Santa Cruz, students are known not just by name, but by heart.
With an average class size of 12, Kirby offers a learning environment built on trust, depth, and connection-where teachers don't just teach; they challenge, guide, and believe in every student.
Here, intellectual rigor and emotional belonging go hand in hand. Our college preparatory curriculum is inquiry-driven and human-scaled-designed not just to check boxes, but to cultivate thinkers, creators, and contributors who can navigate complexity with confidence and care.
We serve students who are curious, capable, and courageously themselves.
They learn to ask big questions, take meaningful risks, and lead with integrity-not because they're performing, but because they're becoming.
At Kirby, students don't just prepare for college.
They prepare for a life of purpose.

At Kirby, students don't have to choose between intellect and imagination-they're invited to explore both.
Our rich academic and fine arts programs are deeply interconnected. Whether composing a portfolio or a research paper, students engage with rigor and creativity in equal measure.
Kirby's faculty bring more than credentials-over 60% hold advanced degrees-but it's their passion that defines them. They teach with infectious enthusiasm, deep subject knowledge, and a belief in each student's potential.
High school students can pursueIntensive Pathsin the Arts, Humanities, Science & Technology, or Languages-immersive experiences that deepen expertise and sharpen direction. Math and language placement is based on mastery, not grade level, so every student is appropriately challenged and meaningfully engaged.
Athletics at Kirby are welcoming by design. As a member of the Central Coast Conference, we offer "no-cut" teams-every student is encouraged to play, grow, and contribute.
OurFabLabis a hands-on makerspace where students bring ideas to life: designing, prototyping, and building using 3D printers, laser cutters, embroidery machines, and more. It's where creative thinking meets real-world application-and where students realize what they're capable of.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mia Deng '13 - Mia was recognized in "Forbes 30 Under 30" for being the youngest partner at Dragonfly Capital. The crypto asset firm manages more than $2 billion of assets.
- Anthony Arya '20 - Contestant on "The Voice" season 15: Arya still performs whilst attending Stanford University.
- Aza Steel '09 - Steel co-founded GoGuardian, an educational software company less than a year after graduating college. He was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Kirby School cost?

Kirby School's tuition is approximately $52,000 for private students.

Who are famous alumni from Kirby School?

Kirby School famous alumni include: Mia Deng '13, Anthony Arya '20 and Aza Steel '09.

What sports does Kirby School offer?

Kirby School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Kirby School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

When is the application deadline for Kirby School?

The application deadline for Kirby School is Dec. 18 / Feb. 5 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 18 / Feb. 5 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 11/2/2018

My son's teachers have all been attentive and are genuinely excited to teach. They provide insightful feedback about my son's opportunities and challenges, allowing me to be proactive at home if needed to support. Progressive and respectful community. Incredibly small class sizes where no one can be invisible. The dialogue that happens in class spills over at the dinner table. I've never seen my son so interested in what he's learning and so interested in exploring what he's learning with others. Academically challenging but with lots of support if needed. My son is doing things I never imagined he'd be interested in -- with a new found identity in being involved in those activities. Highly recommended.

- Posted by Parent - momofthree

5 5/17/2016

Excellent school. Good balance of traditional and progressive. Homogenous population of high achievers. The art splay a strong role. Math and science are very, very strong as is writing. Faculty is very impressive. PhDs, jd and master's. Very nice school!

- Posted by Parent - Lizof

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Cruz, CA is $21,003 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).