There’s never been a tougher time to decide on your kids’ schooling and never has after school education been as important. This guide will help you find the right program for you.
Enrichment
Cabrillo Youth Chorus
831.824.4023
Directed by Cheryl Anderson, the Cabrillo Youth Chorus offers a comprehensive vocal music program for children 8-18, providing instruction in musicianship and theory along with exciting performance opportunities. CYC offers four levels of instruction from beginning to advanced. CYC students sing with the Santa Cruz Symphony and other performing groups, and have performed in Carnegie Hall! Rehearsals take place weekly at Cabrillo College from 4:00-5:30pm; the beginning class meets on Tuesdays, and the intermediate/advanced class on Wednesdays. More information is available online at CabrilloYouthChorus.org, or you can email [email protected].
City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department
323 Church Street, Santa Cruz
831.420.5270
santacruzparksandrec.com
Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation welcomes the crisp fall season with exciting activities and opportunities! As the leaves change, join us for a variety of autumn events designed for all ages. From Halloween Horrors Film Competition and the Halloween Experience to Halloween on the Wharf, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, we’re here to support students and families as the school year kicks off. Explore our after-school programs, sports leagues, and educational workshops. Let’s embrace the season together and make unforgettable memories in our community. Come out and celebrate fall with us!
Central Coast Language and Learning Center
8030 Soquel Avenue Unit 100, Santa Cruz
831.645.7900
CoastalLearning.org
CCLLC is a private practice speech language pathology clinic serving people of all ages. Our team of speech pathologists and pediatric feeding therapists use research-based methods to tailor therapy toward each unique person. We utilize a family-centered approach that creates partnerships between our speech therapists and family members to bridge the gap between language and learning. Through guided training and instruction from our therapists, parents learn strategies to also engage and help their child at home. We offer services in English and Spanish, both in-person and virtually. We accept most health insurance and are open for after-school hours until 6 pm, Monday-Friday. For more information, visit coastallearning.com.
“Having four special needs children with various speech issues, CCLLC has proven to be an excellent speech resource for all my children in meeting each of their own unique needs.”
Pamela B
Drawn 2 art Studios
19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos
831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com
[email protected]
Drawn2Art offers a “Free Introductory Art Class,” ages 4 years- Teens/Adults. The trial Class is a nice introduction into the program and the student takes home a finished picture. The program is designed to the student’s level of ability, each student works independently at their own pace/artistic level. The techniques are based in a traditional/classical approach, using different mediums/subject matter. Classes are available throughout the week and are broken up into different age groups. Seasonal Camps are offered throughout the school year. Call us at: (831) 661-5652 or email us: [email protected]. Sign-Up Now and Join Us for educational fun!
First 5 Santa Cruz County
831.465.2217
First5scc.org
First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth to age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contact First 5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies and local resources. First 5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a world-renowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit triplep.first5scc.org or facebook.com/triplepscc
Jim Booth Swim School
Watsonville indoor pool and coming soon to Toadal fitness
831.722.3500
JimBoothSwimSchool.com
Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. Soon offering a non-competitive swim team to help develop strength, endurance & technique. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
Junebug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847)
junebugsgym.com
JuneBug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, and learn FUNdamental motor skills. Besides classes for ages crawling-8 yrs old, we also offer birthday parties, Parents Night Out, Open Gyms and camps. Come join the Fun.
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™
All over Santa Clara & Santa Cruz Counties
831.332.9002
Musicalme.com
Join us for the very best in early childhood enrichment: Music Together. Our award-winning classes are playful, rich, and engaging. They help young children —babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—discover their inner music-maker by playing with the grownups they love. A musical life begins at home – we’ll teach you why and how. Offered in Aptos, Felton, Santa Cruz & Scotts Valley.
Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc.
2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.462.0655
scgym.com
At Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center our mission is to build a community of people that all support each other’s growth, learning, safety and development through our love of gymnastics and fun. From preschool to competitive programs, kids will learn skills such as rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. We also focus on age-appropriate school readiness skills such as waiting in line, sharing, taking turns, and color/number/shape recognition. We know that every child can benefit from gymnastics, physically, emotionally and cognitively so we offer something for everyone. Check out our website for more information and class registration!
Health
Alison K. Jackson, DDS
Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
santacruzkidsdentist.com
We are seeing NEW PATIENTS! Dr. Jackson provides comprehensive dentistry in a caring environment for children of all ages. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. Our office provides individualized care for your child’s specific needs. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients.
Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Lori Butterworth
[email protected]
831.222.0052
ccamh.org
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health can be a terrifying and isolating experience. As parents, we face unprecedented challenges navigating social media, political unrest, COVID-19, and influences beyond our control. Finding therapy can be frustrating with long waitlists and difficulty accessing affordable care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
You are not alone. Affordable, evidence-based youth mental healthcare is now available at the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Soquel Village. We offer family-centered, individual, family, and group support as well as free Parent Drop-In sessions with a youth mental health expert.
“CCAMH’s free Parent Drop-In sessions have given me the tools I need to get my 12-year-old off her @%# phone! It’s been a lifesaver for my family.”
Parent
Dientes Community Dental Care
1830 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
1500 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz
100 Pioneer Street, Suite D, Santa Cruz
1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite C, Watsonville
dientes.org
Dientes is a full-service dental provider located in Santa Cruz County. We practice whole family dentistry including kids, adults, and seniors; but children hold a special place in our heart – nearly half of our patients are kids seen by our experienced pediatric dentists. As a non-profit dental provider, our focus is on high-quality, low-cost dental services, including exams, x-rays, fillings, sealants and root canals. We accept Medi-Cal and we have affordable sliding scale fees for uninsured patients. We offer bi-lingual services – Se habla Español! Dientes, providing dignity through dentistry for over 30 years.
Schools
Cabrillo College
Campus Locations in Aptos and Watsonville
Aptos Campus: 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Watsonville Center: 318 Union St., Watsonville
831.479.6100
[email protected]
www.cabrillo.edu
Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technical education programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of achievement, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. With a commitment to quality and equity, we connect all learners to pathways that propel them from where they are to where they aspire to be, including: academic, personal, and career growth.
Chartwell School
2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside
831.394.3468
chartwell.org
Chartwell School, located on 60 acres in Seaside, CA, serves students with dyslexia and other associated differences who are not currently reaching their full potential. We do this in grades 1-12 by providing targeted and direct reading, writing and math instruction to empower learners with the skills, strategies, tools, and social-emotional mindset they need to thrive in college and beyond.
Community Bridges Early Education Division
831.400.1110
communitybridges.org/eed
Community-Based Universal
Preschool Programs:
• Fairgrounds: 2667 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville
• Vista Verde: 1936 Freedom Boulevard, Freedom
• Sycamore Street: 121 Sycamore Street, Santa Cruz
• Nuevo Dia: 135 Leibrandt Avenue, Santa Cruz
• Redwood Mountain: 7103 Highway 9, Felton
• Highlands Park: 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond
Providing FREE (California State Preschool Program) & tuition-based early education, from the redwood mountains in the San Lorenzo Valley to the vibrant fields of Watsonville. We serve infants through TK with the guidance of highly experienced, bilingual/bicultural staff who understand the importance of play and social-emotional learning as the key foundation for academic success and ignite a love of lifelong learning. We honor the rich cultural backgrounds that have given Santa Cruz County its historical place as a change-making community, with core values to provide access to quality early care and learning to create empowered futures. Together we’re better.
“They are helping my daughter with her growth and development.
She is always learning new things.”
Community Bridges Early Education Division Parent
Gateway School, K-8
255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.0341 ext 302
[email protected]
gatewaysc.org
Founded in 1970, Gateway School is the only accredited independent kindergarten through 8th grade school in Santa Cruz County. Our students have an inquiring spirit, are confident, act with grace and self-possession, and our graduates flourish in challenging academic settings. Gateway is proud to be voted the Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to visit our website or schedule a tour.
Kirby School
425 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz
[email protected]
kirby.org
Kirby School is dedicated to nurturing academic excellence and personal growth in each student. With a legacy spanning 30 years, Kirby offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for curious and motivated students. Our dedicated faculty and staff make a lasting impact–steadfastly empowering students to explore their passions and design fulfilling lives. Our graduates are poised to prosper in a world that is increasingly complex and dynamic.
Live Oak School District- Child Development
Del Mar Lic #444400352
Green Acres Lic #444403585
Live Oak Lic #440710379
984-5 Bostwick Lane, Santa Cruz
831.462.1116
losd.ca (click on departments and then
Extended Learning)
The Live Oak School District- Child Development Program offers families a Free or Low Cost Quality State-Funded Preschool program for 3-4-year-olds at the Del Mar, Green Acres and Live Oak Elementary School sites. We provide morning (8:45-11:45) and afternoon (12:45-3:45) preschool classes. NEW this year, we are offering a Full Day & year round program (7:30-4:30pm). The State’s new higher-income guidelines allow so many more families to qualify. You may come by our office or call us to begin the process for enrollment. If space is still available we enroll year-round.
Mount Madonna School Preschool-12th grade
491 Summit Road, Watsonville
408.847.2717
MountMadonnaSchool.org
Mount Madonna School (MMS) provides preschool through grade 12 education emphasizing students’ academic success, creativity and college preparation. The fully accredited program features a Montessori-influenced preschool, an elementary and middle school, and a college-preparatory high school with UC-ready graduates. Mount Madonna nurtures students’ curiosity and love of learning, sense of belonging and intellectual inquiry through small class sizes, experiential learning, advanced math, engineering and science curriculum, Spanish, visual and performing arts, and competitive athletics. MMS supports its students in becoming kind, self-aware, and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared for 21st-century success and can meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity.
Orchard School, K-6
2288 Trout Gulch Road, Aptos
831.688.1074
orchardschoolaptos.org
Orchard School, established over 30 years ago, provides a unique, yet comprehensive K-6 education. At Orchard, we weave together the magic of an extraordinary faculty, a 14-acre campus and a down to earth philosophy that nourishes and honors the natural growth and development of children. Small class sizes, an organic garden and an animal farm create enriching “whole child” learning experiences that are hands-on and individualized. We provide Strong Core Academics, Excellent Science Curriculum, Art, Music, Physical Theater/Circus Arts, Electives, Ceramics, Archery, Swimming, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more.
Santa Cruz Montessori
Ages 18 months – 14 years
Main Campus (Primary and Elementary)
6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Winston Campus (Young Children’s
Community and Jr. High)
244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel
831.476.1646
scms.org
Established in 1964, Santa Cruz Montessori is a non-profit school serving children 18 months to 14 years. Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments engage the children’s senses as they learn. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best. We offer a supportive community of learners and an exciting Montessori curriculum including humanities, math, sciences and arts. Our mission: as a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural.
Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8
2190 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz
831.425.0519
santacruzwaldorf.org
[email protected]
Santa Cruz Waldorf School nurtures the whole human being in every individual, cultivating the capacity of head, heart, and hands. We offer a rich and balanced curriculum in which intellectual and artistic development are both vital and fully integrated. Specialty teachers work alongside class teachers to provide students with diverse experiences in language, movement, music, arts, games, and gardening. Our magical, rural campus is nestled in the redwoods above USCS. Our community is warm and joyful. We are committed to protecting childhood, supporting each individual, respecting nature and all life. Santa Cruz Waldorf School cultivates self-directed, empathetic, and free-thinking individuals with the courage and capacities to serve an ever-evolving humanity.
Spring Hill School
250 California Street, Santa Cruz
831.427.2641
springhillschool.org
Spring Hill School inspires curiosity and a love of learning by creating a supportive and welcoming school experience. Knowing that academic learning goes hand in hand with social emotional growth, our approach develops inner confidence and encourages a willingness to take risks. With our small class sizes, each teacher comes to know each student, and we can prioritize effective communication with families. Students leave Spring Hill with a strong preparation for middle school and beyond. With a focus on developing tools to take on the world, a Spring Hill experience is designed to last a lifetime.
Tara Redwood School
5810 Prescott Road, Soquel
831.462.9632
[email protected]
tararedwoodschool.org
Since 1989, Tara Redwood School has been empowering children to make a positive difference in the world by educating the heart and mind. Our curriculum is an integration of Tara’s signature pedagogy, Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC), and Montessori methodology. We offer a strong focus on global studies, sciences, environmental studies, creative arts, social emotional learning, mindfulness, and compassion in action. Classes are multi-age with a low student to teacher ratio for Preschool 2 – 4 and Elementary ages 4–11. Learning takes place both indoors and outdoors, on 108 acres of forest, meadows and creeks.
GUiSC is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor does inclusion in this listing constitute our endorsement of a program. Listings were written by each organization and GUiSC has not confirmed the accuracy of the information provided. Please call the individual program to confirm details.
