366 Gault Street, Santa Cruz, California 95062, United States
New Student Admissions Checklist
Step 1: Tour The School
To schedule a tour of Santa Cruz Children's School use the link below. We also host an Open House in January each year.
Prospective students are welcome and encouraged to attend the tour and explore the school!
Step 2: Schedule a Shadow Day/Meet the Teachers
All prospective students must meet the director and all students entering 2nd through 6th grade will, if possible, attend a shadow visit before being considered for admission. During a shadow day, your child will take part in all classroom activities.
K-1 students should meet with Jessica following their tour either by scheduling an individual meeting or attending our winter Open House.
Step 3: Apply
Once you have toured the school and met with the director(s), complete and submit the online application which includes the following:
- Student and family information
- Parent questionaire
- Immunization records and birth certificate
- $85 application fee (non-refundable - waived for siblings of current students)
The priority admissions deadline for the upcoming school year is March 1st*. Applications received before this date will be given priority consideration for enrollment/waitlist placement.
* We will switch to rolling admissions for applications submitted after the deadline to fill any remaining open spots.
Submission of the SCCS application does not guarantee enrollment.
Applications for reduced tuition must be submitted before March 1st to be considered for the following school year and can be requested via the online application form. Returning students and siblings are given priority consideration for available tuition assistance.
Step 4: Applicant Review
All applications received by March 1st will be reviewed and considered following a school visit/shadow day.
Step 5: Admission Notification and Wait-lists
Applicants who meet the March 1st deadline will receive a notification of the admission decision by mid-March. Upon acceptance, an offer of enrollment will be sent to you via email. If space is not available and your student has met the admissions criteria, your application will be kept active on the waitlist for the school year and you will be notified if space becomes available.
Step 6: Enrollment
If an offer of enrollment is made, respond and submit the following within 5 business days of receipt or the space may be forfeit and offered to a student on the waitlist:
- The reviewed and signed financial agreement (provided with acceptance letter)
- The ACH payment authorization form (provided with acceptance letter)
- Non-refundable payment of $1450 ($1200 down-payment and $250 new student registration.)