ChooseAPrivateSchool.com Español

Merit Academy

Independent school · Grades 9–12

Santa Cruz, CA

2392 N Rodeo Gulch Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95063

Overall grade: B+

ChooseAPrivateSchool.com grade, from official facts compared with similar schools.

  • B-Class size
  • A-Years serving families

What stands out

  • Serving families in Santa Cruz since at least 2011

Merit Academy is an independent private school in Santa Cruz, California, for students from 9th grade through 12th grade. It has about 24 students and around 24 students per teacher. Its enrollment has held steady since 2011–12. The school reports that about 100% of its graduates go on to four-year colleges. Students attend about 4.5 hours a day, 120 days a year.

At a glance

Grades
Grades 9–12
Students
24
Teachers
1 (full-time equivalent)
Students per teacher
24
Boys and girls
Coed · 10 girls, 14 boys
Religious affiliation
None (nonsectarian)
School day
About 4.5 hours
School year
120 days
Graduates going to 4-year colleges
About 100% (the school's estimate for the class before the survey)
Library
Yes

Reviews

Be the first to share what you love about Merit Academy.

    How it compares

    • A smaller school: fewer students than 70% of independent high schools in California.
    • Compared with 61 independent high schools in California.

    Students by survey year

    24’11–1224’13–1424’15–1624’17–1824’19–2024’21–2224’23–24

    Total students reported in official records since 2011–12.

    Students by grade

    96
    106
    116
    126

    Student body

    Asian83%
    White8%
    Hispanic or Latino8%

    Questions to ask on a tour

    • What is tuition, and what does it include (books, fees, uniforms, trips)?
    • Do you offer financial aid, sibling discounts or payment plans?
    • Do you accept ESA, voucher or tax-credit scholarship funds?
    • How big are classes in my child's grade?
    • What support is there for students who need extra help or more challenge?
    • Is the school accredited, and by whom?
    • What do a typical day and a typical week look like?
    • How does the school communicate with families?

    More questions to ask →

    Questions about Merit Academy

    What grades does Merit Academy serve?

    Merit Academy serves grades 9–12.

    How many students attend Merit Academy?

    About 24 students, with 24 students per teacher, according to official records.

    How much is tuition at Merit Academy?

    Call the school to ask about tuition, financial aid and payment plans.

    Official record · Updated October 2026 · Official search · Something wrong? Tell us

    Other private schools nearby

    Tara Redwood School

    Montessori school · Grades Pre-K–5

    A Montessori school in Soquel

    Soquel, CA1.5 mi

    BOverall grade70 students10 students per teacher

    Twin Lakes Christian School

    Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades K–8

    The only Christian school in Aptos

    Aptos, CA2.9 mi

    B-Overall grade391 students19 students per teacher

    VHM Christian School

    Seventh-day Adventist school · Grades K–8

    The only Christian school in Santa Cruz

    Santa Cruz, CA3.2 mi

    AOverall grade44 students9 students per teacher

    The Bay School

    Special education school · Ungraded

    The only special education school in Santa Cruz

    Santa Cruz, CA3.3 mi

    AOverall grade33 students7 students per teacher

    Montessori Community School

    Montessori school · Grades Pre-K–K

    The only preschool in Scotts Valley

    Scotts Valley, CA3.6 mi

    B+Overall grade18 students6 students per teacher

    Santa Cruz Childrens School

    Independent school · Grades K–6

    Serving families in Santa Cruz since at least 2011

    Santa Cruz, CA3.7 mi

    B+Overall grade46 students10 students per teacher