Back-to-School Guide 2026
Schools, health resources and enrichment programs for Santa Cruz County families.
Schools
Acton Academy Santa Cruz
At Acton Academy Santa Cruz (440 Frederick St, Midtown), learners ages 4–18 embark on a transformative, learner-driven journey to discover their unique calling. Our Montessori-based Spark Studio nurtures curiosity for ages 4–8, while older learners engage in Socratic discussions, real-world projects, and apprenticeships—growing into resilient, self-motivated problem solvers. On Fridays, ArtTerra Enrichment brings creativity to life through music, 2nd language exploration, hands-on art, and nature-based learning. Mixed-age studios explore their unique creativity fostering leadership and connection to beauty and nature. Now enrolling for 2026–2027. Learn more at ActonSantaCruz.org or email [email protected].
Baymonte Christian School
Preschool; K-8th grades
5000 B Granite Creek Drive, Scotts Valley
831.438.0100
[email protected]
baymonte.org
5000 B Granite Creek Drive, Scotts Valley
831.438.0100
[email protected]
baymonte.org
Baymonte Christian School offers a loving, Christ-centered preschool and K–8 program in Scotts Valley, with small class sizes and a nurturing environment. We cultivate character, faith, and academic excellence while providing a well-rounded curriculum and diverse extracurricular experiences. Our dedicated teachers and staff encourage each student to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive community where every child is known and valued. We still have openings in kindergarten–8th grade for the incoming 2026/2027 school year. Call the main office or contact [email protected] to schedule a new family meeting and tour.
Chartwell School
Chartwell is a school where students in grades 1–12 with dyslexia and other learning differences discover just how much they’re capable of. As one of only a few schools in the country designated as a lab school for the UCSF Dyslexia Center, Chartwell grounds its teaching in the latest research on how our students actually learn best. Small classes and a college-prep curriculum give students academic challenge, while dedicated social-emotional support helps them build resilience and a genuine sense of self-worth — because how a student feels about themselves shapes how far they can go. They leave as stronger learners, ready to thrive well beyond the classroom.
“Both boys are now reading and writing at or close to grade level… they walk into a room differently now. Chartwell didn’t just teach them to read better — it taught them that being dyslexic doesn’t mean being less.”
~ Lower School Parent
Gateway School, K-8
Founded in 1970, Gateway is Santa Cruz County’s only accredited independent school serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. We provide a rigorous academic curriculum balanced with a strong focus on students’ social and emotional well-being, all in service of our mission to inspire children to lead lives of purpose and compassion through scholarship and citizenship. Gateway is proud to be voted the Best Elementary School, Middle School, and Private School in the 2026 Growing Up in Santa Cruz “Best Of” survey. If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to visit our website or schedule a tour, gatewaysc.org.
Holy Cross School
For over 150 years, Holy Cross School has inspired students in Santa Cruz through exceptional Catholic education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and community. Serving preschool through eighth grade, we offer small class sizes, personalized instruction, enriching programs in Spanish, Art, Music, Athletics, and Leadership, plus a nurturing environment where every child is known, challenged, and encouraged to thrive. Our graduates are prepared for success in high school and beyond while developing character, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service. Schedule a tour and learn more at holycsc.org to discover the Holy Cross School difference today.
Kirby School
Kirby is an intentionally small, courageously different 6–12 school in Santa Cruz for intellectually curious students who take college preparatory courses in a culture that prizes both depth and care. We believe academic rigor and emotional belonging are not in conflict, they are the twin pillars of a truly transformative education. Learning at Kirby is personal, purposeful, and profoundly human. Students grow not by performing, but by becoming—more thoughtful, more capable, and more wholly themselves.
Mount Madonna School
Mount Madonna School is a Preschool through 12th grade Independent School, fully accredited by WASC and CAIS. A community of lifelong learners, we support our students to become caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers.
Located on 380 acres on the summit of Mount Madonna, between Gilroy and Watsonville, Mount Madonna School serves families across South County, Santa Cruz County, and San Jose. We pursue our mission and values through the integration of Academic Excellence, Creative Self-Expression and Positive Character Development. This integration brings depth, meaning and enthusiasm to learning. Flexible tuition and bus transportation available.
“Enrolling our kids at Mount Madonna School has been one of the best decisions we have made in their young lives. The location of the school, great field trips, and caring teachers have been nothing but an amazing experience for our family.”
~ Mount Madonna School Parent
Orchard School, K-6
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, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more.
Santa Catalina School
Santa Catalina School prepares students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Our co-ed Lower and Middle School (PreK–Grade 8) thoughtfully combines values-based, hands-on learning with intentional development of character. Our all-girls day and boarding Upper School (Grades 9–12) encourages students to explore, discover, and deepen their passions and interests in academic and real-world settings. Grounded in relationships and service to others, Santa Catalina boasts a 75-year tradition of educating fearless and enthusiastic scholars equipped to enter the world with courage, grace, and compassion. Visit us to explore all that Catalina has to offer. School-year transportation available.
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
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, celebrating our 60th anniversary this year! 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. Our community of teachers and parents works together to support our learners and provide an engaging 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 development of the whole child.
Santa Cruz Waldorf School (PreK-8)
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.
Tara Redwood School
Since 1989, Tara Redwood School has piloted its signature pedagogy, Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC), which teaches students to make a positive difference in the world by educating both the heart and the mind. Our curriculum integrates Tara’s CCC approach with Montessori methodology. We place a strong emphasis 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, serving children from Preschool (ages 2–4) through Elementary (ages 4–11). Learning takes place both indoors and outdoors across 108 acres of forest, meadows, and creeks.
Health
Alison K. Jackson, DDS
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.
Dientes Community Dental Care
1830 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
1500 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz
100 Pioneer Street, Suite D, Santa Cruz
55 Penny Lane, Suite 103, Watsonville
1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite C, Watsonville
dientes.org
1500 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz
100 Pioneer Street, Suite D, Santa Cruz
55 Penny Lane, Suite 103, Watsonville
1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite C, Watsonville
dientes.org
Serving Santa Cruz County for over 30 years, Dientes is a trusted nonprofit dental provider offering comprehensive care for children, adults, and seniors. Our expert team includes pediatric dentists who specialize in caring for kids, and we proudly provide compassionate, bilingual care—¡Se habla español! We offer high-quality dental services, including exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, sealants, root canals, and more. We accept Medi-Cal and offer affordable sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Dientes: Providing dignity through dentistry.
Enrichment
Cabrillo Youth Chorus
For over 25 years, the Cabrillo Youth Chorus (CYC) has educated and inspired singers ages 8–18 throughout Santa Cruz County. Led by Director Carlin Truong, this vocal music program welcomes students of all abilities and experience levels in an inclusive learning environment. This season features collaborations with the Santa Cruz Symphony, Santa Cruz Opera Project, and Cabrillo Choirs. Additionally, as an Ensemble-in-Residence at the Cabrillo College Music Department, participating students are eligible to earn college credit.
Campus Kids Connection
Welcome to CKC! Providing quality childcare programs in the Santa Cruz County Community for infants through 6th grade! We are dedicated to providing fun, safe, and enriching childcare programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children!
City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department
Fall is the perfect season to get out, get active, and connect with your community through Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation! Our new Fall Activity Guide is filled with opportunities for all ages, from youth sports, enrichment classes, fitness programs, and adult leagues to family events and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, meet new friends, stay active, or create lasting memories, there’s something for everyone. Registration is now open, so don’t wait to secure your spot in your favorite programs. Explore the guide today and discover all the ways Parks & Recreation can help make this your best fall yet!
Community Bridges WIC Program
South County/Watsonville
18 W. Lake Avenue Suite A
831.722.7121
North County/Santa Cruz
1105 Water Street, Santa Cruz
831.426.3911
Communitybridges.org/WIC
18 W. Lake Avenue Suite A
831.722.7121
North County/Santa Cruz
1105 Water Street, Santa Cruz
831.426.3911
Communitybridges.org/WIC
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and social services for millions of families, and it plays a crucial role in improving lifetime health for women, their infants, and young children. Part of the nation’s nutrition safety net for over 45 years, WIC serves pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children through their fifth birthday. Annually, Community Bridges WIC program serves over 500 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants, and 3,800 children offering a comprehensive range of services to promote healthy lifestyles both on-site and online.
“I have received so much help from WIC from nutritional classes to just being able to ask questions like is my child eating enough or are the eating too much and also with breastfeeding support.”
– Paloma, WIC participant
Community Mountain Gym
A new school year is the perfect time to get kids moving, build confidence and make new friends! Community Mountain Gym, now open in downtown Felton, offers gymnastics for children ages 0–12 in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Our new TK Gymnastics Academy meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Beginning and Intermediate Gymnastics classes offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For younger gymnasts, we also offer Parent & Tot, Preschool Gymnastics and Preschool Open Gym. Plus, families can enjoy seasonal camps, open gyms, Parents’ Night Out events and birthday parties. Come check out your new neighborhood gym and grow with us!
Drawn2Art Studios
Drawn2Art is Celebrating its 40th Anniversary! Drawn2Art teaches students of all ages to draw and paint realistically. Each student works with their instructors through individualized instruction. This allows students — whether beginners, intermediate, or advanced — to progress at their own level. We offer year-round drawing and painting classes, and Seasonal Camps that teach different (themed) subjects and mediums. Our philosophy “Creativity follows mastery” has helped hone the skills of many aspiring artists. It’s a Testament to the importance of art education. To learn more or schedule a free introductory class, email [email protected]. We hope to see you soon.
First 5 Santa Cruz County
Promotes healthy development for children birth to age 5, providing free Kits for New Parents and support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. Resources at triplep.first5scc.org and facebook.com/triplepscc.
International Academy of Dance
What if dance class is the place your child can’t wait to return to week after week? Back from vacation, 12-year-old Hazel said: “I couldn’t wait to get back to IAD. You could be in the best place in the world, but it still wouldn’t be perfect because IAD can’t be everywhere.” Classical ballet and excellent training are at IAD’s heart, with jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, and musical theater for recreational and pre-professional dancers. Dancers take the stage throughout the year. Dance for JOY. Train for LIFE. Classes begin August 3, ages 2.5–adult. Nutcracker auditions: August 22, ages 4–adult.
Jim Booth Swim School
Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to our adult beginner class. The whole family can splash together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree indoor pool that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. Developmental swim team and advanced swim lessons will be offered at our outdoor pool located in Watsonville at Toadal Fitness. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
Junebug’s Gym
June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful staff that encourages every child to grow at their own pace while supporting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goal is to promote confidence and self-esteem in our students, open up their imaginations, and help them experience the joy of movement in an ever-changing environment designed to test their skills.
Mathnasium of Aptos
Catch up…Keep up…Get ahead! We Make Math Make Sense. Mathnasium’s summer program is designed to help students strengthen their math skills in a fun, engaging environment during the summer break. It focuses on personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs, whether they are catching up, keeping skills sharp, or getting ahead. Students work with trained instructors who use Mathnasium’s proven methods to build understanding, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. Sessions include interactive activities, games, and rewards to keep students motivated. The program aims to prevent summer learning loss while fostering a positive attitude toward math, helping students return to school better prepared and more confident.
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™
Give Your Child the Gift of Music. Join Music Together, the gold standard in early childhood music enrichment (Birth to 5 years). Our playful, award-winning classes nurture brain development, language, and social skills while sparking your child’s inner music-maker. Discover why music profoundly shapes young minds and how to make it part of daily life. Sing, dance, and play together, creating joyful memories that last a lifetime.
Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool
Lic #444400117
4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel
831.462.2702
rockinghorseranchpreschool.com
[email protected]
4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel
831.462.2702
rockinghorseranchpreschool.com
[email protected]
We offer morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions on three beautiful acres with swings, slides, trees to climb, a ninja course, zipline, bike track, giant sandbox, farm animals, and an organic garden and orchard.
Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc.
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!
Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Discover creativity, confidence, and community through Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s educational programs. Whether your student is exploring theatre for the first time or deepening their performance skills, our fall offerings provide engaging, hands-on experiences led by professional teaching artists. This fall we are offering five classes and camps including: Theatre Variety Pack Camp; Rhyme & Reason: Shakespeare and Hip Hop; Fall Theatre Camp: Hamlet; Thanksgiving Break: Shakes Scenes; and Winter Stage Camp: Carol Magic. Enroll today at santacruzshakespeare.org/classes.
Seven Directions Creative Learning Center
Seven Directions is Santa Cruz’s premiere creative center for kids and teens! Offering instruction in various arts, sciences and more in a lively studio with over 30 live exotic animals, we are committed to helping to nurture students’ self esteem, building lasting friendships and empowering them as artists, learners and creative thinkers.
Symphony San Jose
For its 2026/2027 season, Symphony San Jose celebrates a momentous milestone: our 25th Anniversary! Bring the whole family for a vibrant mix of classical masterpieces, bold new discoveries, and beloved favorites — including two fully staged ballets, The San Jose Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, plus the return of our films in concert series with Star Wars: A New Hope, marking its own 50th anniversary. New this season: My Very First Subscription, three concerts designed just for toddlers and young children, shorter, interactive, and full of wonder, starting at just $26 a ticket.