Coed College Prep · Grades 9–12 · Pacifica, CA
A small college experience.
Rigorous academics, intentional character formation, and personal attention — preparing students for top colleges and a life of deep impact.
PacBay by the numbers
“Young people crave purpose — they want to see how what they learn actually makes the world a more just, loving, and meaningful place, and how they can be part of that impact.”
Academics
PacBay pairs a fully UC-approved curriculum with the mentorship that comes from intentionally small classes. Students use what they learn, not just absorb it. Before graduating, they present collaborative research, direct documentaries on local issues, and defend a Senior Thesis. Because our classes are small, every student is known, challenged, and supported — and they leave ready to think carefully, work hard, and speak clearly about what they believe and why.
“The engineering and design certificate program gave me the foundation to study civil engineering at UC Berkeley, while encouraging me as one of the few girls in engineering to keep going and believe I could make the world a better place.”
Sienna, Class of ’24 · Attending UC Berkeley
Students Choose from Four Major Distinction Studies
Engineering
Technical and problem-solving skills built through coursework and hands-on projects, preparing students for university programs in engineering and applied sciences.
Design
Creativity applied to real problems — visual, spatial, and human-centered thinking. Students learn to prototype, iterate, and communicate ideas.
Philosophy
Serious thinking about meaning, ethics, and life’s big questions — students examine ideas honestly and learn to articulate what they believe and why.
Global Studies
Informed, globally minded thinking — connected to PacBay’s school-wide Global Engagement program, where students research one country across the year and pitch real solutions to aid organizations and NGOs.
“The teachers here are amazing. Every single one has challenged me to reach my full potential — in the best way possible!”
“The greatest gift I’ve gained is learning to slow down, draw near to God, and live with a deep sense of peace and joy.”
“At PacBay, I’ve learned that faith is not just dogma — it has an intellectual foundation. Here, I’ve been able to question, explore, and discover what it truly means to follow Christ.”
The Student Experience
Hands-on learning, digital discernment, and coastal campus life.
Coastal Outdoor Ed
8 active tracks—including surfing, kayaking, coastal ecology at Maverick Beach, and wilderness survival—utilizing our 37-acre coastal backyard.
Digital Discernment
Through events like MisInfo Day, students learn lateral reading, spot AI-generated media, and decode misleading data to navigate a modern web.
Christ-Centered House System
Cross-grade houses build peer mentorship, friendly campus competitions, and a deep sense of belonging across high school.
Flex Days & Balance
Dedicated Wednesday Flex Days for 1:1 teacher office hours, enrichment, and 13 student-led clubs to prevent high school burnout.
CIF Athletics
6 varsity sports competing in the Private School Athletic League (PSAL) within the CIF Central Coast Section, plus strength & conditioning.
Student Leadership & Clubs
Student Government, Advisory Council, Ambassador Programs, and 13 student-initiated clubs running year-round.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Investment in a PacBay Education.
Need-based financial aid is available through a confidential application process. Families are encouraged to inquire about aid options as part of the admissions process.
- High School tuition · 2026–27$27,878 / yr
- Monthly plan (×12)$2,382.70 / mo
- Need-based aidAvailable — confidential
Financial aid is need-based and confidential.
Frequently asked questions
What families want to know
What’s the student–teacher ratio, and how big are classes?
Our ratio is 9:1, and classes are intentionally small, so every student is known by name and supported individually.
How rigorous is the academic program?
A fully UC-certified curriculum with 18 AP courses, 90+ courses, 60+ electives, four world languages, and four Major Distinction Studies. Ninety percent of faculty hold advanced degrees and one in three hold doctorates.
Where do graduates go to college?
PacBay has posted a 100% four-year-university admit rate for three consecutive years (2024–2026). Recent destinations include Columbia, UPenn, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Harvey Mudd, USC, UCSD, Johns Hopkins, NYU, Wheaton, and Trinity College Dublin. UC-system admits run 82% vs. 70% statewide (SF Chronicle).
Do you have to be Christian to enroll?
No. PacBay is Christ-centered and ecumenical, welcoming families of all faiths and backgrounds.
How much is tuition, and is financial aid available?
High school tuition for 2026–27 is $27,878 a year ($2,382.70 a month over a 12-month plan). Need-based financial aid is available through a confidential application process.
Where is PacBay, and what grades does it serve?
We’re at 1030 Linda Mar Blvd in Pacifica, about 20 minutes south of San Francisco, serving grades 6–12 (the high school is grades 9–12) and families across the SF Peninsula.
From the community
Deeper reads for families
OutcomesHow PacBay Sends Students to Top Colleges
A 100% four-year admit rate and the counseling program behind it.
Read more →FaithFaith at PacBay: A Community for Every Family
Christ-centered and ecumenical — a community for families of every background.
Read more →
AffordabilityIs Private School Worth It?
Tuition, financial aid, and the value of a PacBay education.
Read more →