Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions families ask most often before visiting or applying. If you don’t see yours here, call us at 408-846-4042 or email .
What makes Mount Madonna School different from other private schools?
Mount Madonna School is a PreK–12 school on 380 acres of forested mountaintop above Monterey Bay. The environment itself is part of the education — students learn in a setting most school programs can only describe.
Academic rigor and whole-child development are not treated as opposites here. Small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios mean teachers know students as individuals, not numbers on a roster.
Programs that set Mount Madonna School apart:
- Values in World Thought — an 11th and 12th grade travel seminar exploring philosophy and world cultures
- Life Lab garden integrated into the elementary curriculum
- Rites of passage recognized at significant ages and grade transitions
- Buddy program pairing older and younger students across grades
- Yoga as a regular part of school life
- Inclusive student governance
- Upper and lower campuses largely powered by solar energy
What does tuition cost, and is financial aid available?
Current tuition schedules are posted on our tuition and financial assistance page.
More than one-third of Mount Madonna School families receive some form of tuition assistance. Aid is based on demonstrated financial need and is available at all grade levels. We encourage families to apply for aid at the same time as their application — financial need does not affect the admissions decision.
Is Mount Madonna School accredited?
Yes. Mount Madonna School is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) — the two primary accrediting bodies for independent schools in California. Dual accreditation means the school meets rigorous independent standards for academics, governance, and student support.
How far is Mount Madonna School from the South Bay and Santa Cruz, and is transportation available?
The school sits on Hecker Pass (Highway 152) between Gilroy and Watsonville. Approximate drive times:
| From | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Gilroy | 20–25 min |
| Morgan Hill | 30–35 min |
| Watsonville | 15–20 min |
| Santa Cruz | 35–45 min |
| South San Jose / Almaden | 45–55 min |
Daily bus service runs from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Watsonville, Corralitos, Aptos, Soquel, and Santa Cruz. Many families also carpool.
The mountaintop location is intentional — it creates a focused, natural learning environment that is difficult to replicate in a suburban setting.
See bus routes, stops, and pickup times →
Does Mount Madonna School have a religious affiliation?
No. Mount Madonna School is an independent, non-sectarian school. Students and families of all faith backgrounds and traditions are welcome.
The school is located on the grounds of Mount Madonna Center, a residential community founded on principles of yoga philosophy — non-harming, self-development, and service. The Center provides the land and environment; the school operates independently. Yoga is part of the curriculum, and the school community values mindfulness and respect for others. No particular religious belief or practice is required or expected of students or families.
What is the admissions process at Mount Madonna School?
Families typically begin with a campus tour. Campus tours are the best way to experience what makes Mount Madonna School different.
The application process includes:
- Completing the application
- Submitting school records and teacher recommendations
- A student visit day (Middle and High School applicants)
Admissions are considered on a rolling basis, with priority given to early applicants. Contact our admissions team to schedule a tour or ask about current availability.
Schedule a Tour | 408-846-4042 |
What does a typical school day look like?
School begins at 9:00 AM. Lower School (PreK–5) dismisses at 3:15 PM; Middle and High School dismiss at 3:25 PM. Aftercare is available through 5:00 PM.
Beyond the schedule: students move between core academics, arts, physical education, and electives throughout the day. Advisory relationships — where a teacher maintains a long-term connection with a cohort of students — are central to the program. Outdoor education, garden time, and school-wide activities are woven into the rhythm of the year, not treated as add-ons.
Where do Mount Madonna School graduates go after high school?
The majority of graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Recent classes have enrolled at University of California campuses — Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Davis, and others — as well as a range of competitive private universities nationwide.
Some graduates choose to travel or work before pursuing higher education. The school’s emphasis on self-awareness and adaptability prepares students well for that path.
What is expected of parents at Mount Madonna School?
Parent involvement is genuine at Mount Madonna School. This is a community school, and that community works because families participate.
In practice:
- Attending performances, events, and field trips when possible
- Supporting the school’s annual fundraising — tuition covers approximately 85% of the actual cost of education; the remainder comes from family participation in fundraising
- Modeling the school’s values of respect, community, and service at home
Families come from across the region and have full lives. The expectation isn’t daily presence — it’s that you’re invested in the community your child is part of.
Still have questions?
Most families find that a campus visit answers more than any webpage can. Tours run throughout the year and are the best way to experience what makes Mount Madonna School different.
