Welcome
Welcome to Pacific Bay Christian School! We are a Christ-centered community in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to inspiring students to become ambitious, joyful, and deeply engaged leaders in an ever-changing world.
At PacBay, our vision is clear: to nurture spiritual curiosity, a love of learning, and a deep engagement for meaningful work in every student. These core values form a strong foundation for our student success. Our faculty and staff are committed to truly knowing each student, understanding their individual interests, and offering a wide range of resources to help them achieve their educational goals. At PacBay, every student is known, valued and supported.
We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive, and ecumenical community. With the feel of a small college, students have access to over 180 UC-approved courses (as we continue to add more every year), five world languages, and our Major Distinction Program. PacBay’s small class sizes foster a close-knit community with individualized attention and a supportive environment. Our student body reflects a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, creating a culturally rich and dynamic learning atmosphere.
At PacBay, we often say, “Once you’re part of the PacBay community, you’re always part of the PacBay community”—wherever life may lead. Our students excel in academics, athletics, and the arts, and go on to pursue exciting opportunities worldwide. PacBay alumni frequently return to our school to stay connected and continue benefiting from our resources as they embark on their future endeavors.
We invite you to visit our campus to experience our vibrant, welcoming community. Schedule a tour today here or email me directly below to learn more about our admissions process. We look forward to meeting you soon and welcoming your family to the PacBay community.
Sincerely,
Tanya Hernandez
Director of Admissions
admissions@pacbay.org
Application Process
The application for the 2025-2026 school year is now available. To initiate the admissions process and receive access to the application, begin with completing the inquiry form.
An important tenet of PacBay’s mission is to create a diverse and inclusive student body that reflects the face of the San Francisco Bay Area. In an effort to promote access and evaluate applicants based solely on their academic record and talents, the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) will no longer be a requirement in the admissions process at PacBay. While test scores are not required, you may submit them as part of your overall application IF you believe they provide a unique data point in your application. You will NOT be disadvantaged in any way in the process by not providing scores.
Application Deadlines
12/01/2024
Early Admission Application Deadline
01/10/2025
Late Admission Application Deadline
02/28/2025
Final Admission Decisions Communicated
03/01/2025
Deadline for Tuition Assistance Application
03/21/2025
Enrollment Agreement and Tuition Deposit Due
Admissions FAQs
Where is Pacific Bay Christian School located?
Our two campuses are located in the coastside community of Pacifica, easily accessible from San Francisco and the Peninsula.
What is the admissions interview like?
The admissions interview is an informal conversation with members of the Admissions Committee that provides candidates and parents the opportunity to get to know Pacific Bay Christian School as we get to know the applicant. Interviews are scheduled once the application is complete and all required documentation has been received.
How are admission decisions made?
PacBay’s comprehensive and holistic review process pays attention to an applicant’s
- potential for success in our rigorous academic program,
- enthusiastic attitude toward learning,
- affinity to our mission and core values, and
- willingness to contribute to the betterment of our community.
Early in March the Admissions Committee prayerfully and carefully evaluates every application. Families are notified of admissions decisions by mid-March. For those candidates who apply after the winter deadlines, applications for placement are considered based on available space. Notification is made within a week following the completion of the application and the student’s interview.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, tuition assistance is distributed based on need. Families must complete the FAST application to be considered for tuition assistance. Copies of your state and federal income tax returns are required. The tuition assistance committee meets at least once a year to review applications and award aid. A new tuition assistance application is required annually.
If we are divorced or separated, is financial information from both parents required?
Yes. Both parents must submit tuition assistance forms and tax information.
I do not do my taxes until close to the April 15 deadline. How will this affect my financial aid award?
Applications for tuition assistance are due February 15th. While tax forms are not required for the initial review of an assistance application, they are required before any tuition assistance can be “locked in” and applied to a student’s account. Families requesting assistance are encouraged to complete their taxes as early as possible to secure the most tuition assistance that is offered. Late submissions of any required forms may result in reduced or loss of tuition assistance.
Will applying for financial aid influence the admissions decision?
No. Decisions regarding admissions and financial aid are made independently by different committees.
What is the dress code at Pacific Bay Christian School?
Respectful apparel and personal grooming standards are important components in maintaining a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial learning environment. Clothing and personal appearance must be neat, clean, in good repair, and modest in fit and length and appropriate to a Christian educational environment. Dress, hairstyle or makeup should not call undue attention to the individual or be distracting. This code applies during any school day, including exam days, from the time of arrival on campus. More information about the high school dress code is here.
The PacBay dress codes are designed to build a spirit of community through a shared identity. Middle school students wear Pacbay gear on PE days from their arrival on campus until their departure.
High school students wear PacBay gear or clothes aligning with the PacBay dress code each day.
PacBay gear can be found here. Spirit wear can be found here.
What are the hours of the school day?
Middle School (Grades 6 – 8) 8:15am – 3:00pm
- X-block for students in grades 6 – 8 is daily from 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm.
High School (Grades 9 – 12) 8:15am – 3:00pm
- Optional Office Hours from 7:45am – 8:15am
Middle and high schoolers can arrive on campus at 7:45 am.
The middle school space (our clubhouse) is open until 5 pm daily.
Our high school space (community center) is open until 5 pm daily.
For any COVID-19 related questions, please visit our COVID-19 page.
What are teacher/student ratios at PacBay?
The teacher/student ratio is 1:10.
What sports are offered?
The high school sports are:
- Boys: soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball
- Girls: volleyball, cross country, basketball, softball, and cheer
Interscholastic competition begins in middle school where boys can play flag football, basketball, and soccer and girls compete in volleyball, soccer, and basketball.
What arts are offered?
Students in all divisions have several opportunities to participate in both visual and performing arts. Below are a few of the visual & performing arts classes available for high school students:
- Creativity and Business Enterprise
- Art and Spiritual Formation
- Art Therapy
- Art Foundations
- Choir
- Instrumental Ensemble
- Advanced Art
- Ceramics
- Contemporary Photography
- Graphic & Digital Design
- Design for Publication
- Fashion Design
- Architecture & Interior Design
- AP 3D Art & Design
- AP Art History
- AP 2D Art & Design
- Theatre Arts
Students in middle school may participate in choir and a middle school worship band that performs at the weekly chapel.
Where do PacBay graduates go to college?
PacBay students are accepted to the University of California campuses and many other colleges and universities including Princeton, Boston University, Biola University and Westmont College. A complete list of the colleges and universities where recent graduates have been accepted is available from the Admissions Office.
Does PacBay accept international students?
Yes, PacBay will accept international students at every grade level. For students who are not available for in-person interviews, video interviews are conducted.
Are immunizations required?
Yes, Under the law known as Senate Bill 277, beginning January 1, 2016, exemptions based on personal beliefs will no longer be an option for the vaccines required by public and private schools, including Pacific Bay Christian School.