Below Average
#1636 of 1,787 private schools in CA
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy
Elementary School
891 N REFUGIO RD, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Enrollment
144
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
144
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2021-22
Data vintage2021-22
How this school compares
California private schools
#1,636 of 1,787
Shortlisting around Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy
Elementary School in Santa Ynez · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Refugio High
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy is a private elementary school in Santa Ynez, CA. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy serves approximately 144 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,636 of 1,787 private schools in CA.
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
At 144 students, Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy is private, so it runs independently of the local district and sets its own curriculum. That freedom cuts both ways depending on what you want for your child. If you're considering it, start with the practical questions: tuition, financial aid, and how admissions work.
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy compares to the 3 public schools in Santa Ynez, CA
Student Demographics
All Schools in Santa Ynez
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy (this school) | 4.7 |
| Santa Ynez Elementary | 7.6 |
| College Elementary | — |
| Santa Ynez Valley Charter | 4.1 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
PreliminaryWhat This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in CA.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in CA
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
891 N REFUGIO RD, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ballard Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Solvang), which scores notably higher. Another option is Solvang Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Solvang), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Santa Ynez Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Santa Ynez, see our Santa Ynez schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ynez Valley Union High Solvang | 0.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Refugio High Solvang | 0.2 mi | — |
| Santa Ynez Elementary Santa Ynez | 1.0 mi | 7.6 |
| College Elementary Santa Ynez | 1.2 mi | — |
| Santa Ynez Valley Charter Santa Ynez | 1.2 mi | 4.1 |
| Acorn Village Forest School Solvang | 1.7 mi | — |
| Ballard Elementary Solvang | 2.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Solvang Elementary Solvang | 2.5 mi | 8.1 |
| DUNN SCHOOL Los Olivos | 3.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Dunn School Los Olivos | 3.6 mi | — |
| Los Olivos Elementary Los Olivos | 4.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Olive Grove Charter - Buellton Santa Maria | 5.0 mi | — |
| Jonata Middle Buellton | 5.8 mi | 8.7 |
| Hundred Hills Buellton | 6.1 mi | — |
| Oak Valley Elementary Buellton | 6.2 mi | 5.0 |
| MIDLAND SCHOOL CORPORATION Los Olivos | 8.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Santa Ynez Valley Family School Los Olivos | 8.9 mi | — |
| THE FAMILY SCHOOL Los Olivos | 9.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Vista de Las Cruces Gaviota | 10.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Olga L. Reed Elementary Los Alamos | 13.8 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93460 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$131,932
Median Home Value
$1,187,700
Median Rent
$2,604/mo
Population
6,425
College Educated
37.5%
Homeownership
68.8%
Avg Commute
25.8 min
Poverty Rate
11.5%
Median Age
43
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Achieve Charter School of Paradise Inc. Chico, CA | 4.7 |
| Bonita Elementary Crows Landing, CA | 4.7 |
| DEEP VALLEY CHRISTIAN Redwood Valley, CA | 4.7 |
| Etna Elementary Etna, CA | 4.7 |
| Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata, CA | 4.7 |
| King-Chavez Arts and Athletics Academy San Diego, CA | 4.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy
What grades does Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy serve?
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy?
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy has an enrollment of approximately 144 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy rank in CA?
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy ranks #1,636 of 1,787 private schools in CA.
What is Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
Is Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy a private school?
Yes, Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy is a private coeducational school with a Christian, no specific denomination affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy a religious school?
Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy has a Christian, no specific denomination religious affiliation.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 144
- Gender Split
- 56% M / 44% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Christian, no specific denomination
- School Day
- 6.5 hours
- Days Per Year
- 175 days
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Santa Barbara County
- Phone
- (805) 688-3830
Resources & Links
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.