Coed Middle School · Grades 6–8 · Pacifica, CA
Where curiosity meets purpose.
Hands-on academics, foundational character building, and personal attention — guiding middle schoolers through pivotal years with confidence, joy, and academic rigor.
PacBay Middle School by the numbers
“Middle school is a unique window of rapid growth and vibrant curiosity. Our mission is to guide students through these pivotal years with joyful discovery, intentional character formation, and deep academic rigor.”
Academics
PacBay Middle School pairs foundational academic rigor with active, inquiry-based learning. In classes capped for deep engagement, students don’t just memorize concepts — they test hypotheses, craft persuasive essays, and solve real-world problems. Every 6th, 7th, and 8th grader is known by name, challenged at their level, and prepared for a seamless transition into college-prep high school academics.
“Middle school at PacBay helped me find my voice. My teachers didn’t just teach from a textbook — they encouraged me to ask big questions, try new things, and never be afraid of making mistakes.”
Maya, Class of ’28 · 8th Grade Student
Major Programs & Exploration
Outdoor Science
Learning that doesn’t stay indoors. An animal center, gardening, and hands-on ecology turn our 37-acre coastside campus into a living classroom. Curiosity grows when it gets to go outside.
Maker’s Space
Where ideas become real things. Robotics, STEM, and art under one roof. Kids design, build, break, and rebuild — learning that being wrong is just step one of figuring it out.
Enrichment
A stage, a page, a song to call their own. Theater, vocal performance, art, and a writer’s workshop give every kind of kid a place to shine — not just the ones who already know what they love.
Move & Play
Teammates, not just classmates. PE and sports twice a week, plus a full season of competitive games — building confidence, friendships, and the joy of being part of a team.
“The teachers truly care about who my child is becoming — academically, socially, and spiritually. It’s rare to find a middle school where kids feel this safe and motivated.”
“Outdoor education days and field trips made science my favorite subject. You actually get to see what you learn in class out in the real world.”
“PacBay made the move to 6th grade so smooth. The house system gave me older student mentors right away, so I never felt lost.”
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 middle school.
Flex Days & Balance
Dedicated Wednesday Flex Days for 1:1 teacher office hours, enrichment, and student-led clubs to prevent middle school burnout.
Middle School Athletics
6 competitive sports teams including soccer, basketball, cross country, and track & field, plus strength & movement.
Student Leadership & Clubs
Advisory Council, Ambassador Programs, and 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.
- Middle School tuition · 2026–27$22,314 / yr
- Monthly plan (×12)$1,907.20 / 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?
Small. Classes are intentionally kept small with a 9:1 ratio, and every middle schooler has an advisor whose job is to truly know them.
My child is anxious about the move to middle school. How do you help?
Advisory groups, small classes, and weekly flexible learning give kids a soft landing, a place to belong, and adults who notice them.
Do we have to be Christian to enroll?
No. We are a Christ-centered, ecumenical school that welcomes families of all faiths, other faiths, and no faith at all. There is no faith requirement to enroll.
Is chapel required, and what does spiritual life look like day to day?
Our weekly rhythm includes shared chapel and community gatherings that all students take part in — a still point for reflection, gratitude, and belonging, not a doctrine test.
Does my child have to reapply for high school?
No. Middle school flows straight into our 9–12 program — no second application, no second transition. Their place is already waiting.
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 (middle school is grades 6–8) and families across the SF Peninsula.
From the community
Deeper reads for families
GrowthNavigating the Middle School Years
How small class sizes and strong advisory programs support healthy adolescent growth.
Read more →FaithFaith at PacBay: A Community for Every Family
Christ-centered and ecumenical — a community for families of every background.
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AffordabilityIs Private School Worth It?
Tuition, financial aid, and the value of a PacBay education.
Read more →