Monterey Bay Academy

Monterey Bay Academy serves 164 high school students in grades 9-12 in La Selva Beach, offering a close-knit educational environment with a student-teacher ratio of 14.3:1. With just 12 full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides an intimate setting where students can receive more individualized attention than typical larger high schools. The school earns a MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10, ranking in the 32nd percentile among California's high schools at #1211 out of 1790 schools statewide.

This mid-range performance suggests the school is focusing on student development and academic growth opportunities for its student body. Located on San Andreas Road in La Selva Beach, Monterey Bay Academy sits within the broader Santa Cruz area, serving a community where the median household income reaches $86,062. The surrounding ZIP code of 95076 encompasses over 83,000 residents, with a median home value of $702,700, reflecting the area's coastal California location.

About 19% of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 12.8%. The school operates in a mid-size suburban setting, providing students with a blend of small-school intimacy and access to the resources and opportunities available in the greater Santa Cruz County region.

With an enrollment of 164 students, Monterey Bay Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

As a private school, Monterey Bay Academy operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.