Pacific Ridge School is an independent, co-ed college preparatory school in Carlsbad, CA for students in grades 6 through 12.

Excellence through Challenge and Care

• Harkness Learning— the oval tables that bear the Harkness name allow students to sit alongside their teacher and discuss any subject of study, whether it be English, mathematics, history or a world language.  Students are encouraged to express their ideas and opinions, and can refine them in dialogue with their peers.
  

"Pacific Ridge was truly a school unlike any other. I felt seen and loved by both faculty and staff and they became family. Class sizes were small and allowed for a more inclusive community feel. Global engagement allowed me the opportunity to travel to so many countries at a young age and expand my perspective about not only the world around me but about myself."

- ALUM

5 Things You'll Love About Pacific Ridge:

6269 El Fuerte  |  Carlsbad, CA 92009  | Privacy Policy

Empowering Students to Learn and Lead with Purpose

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

We view the middle school experience as a tremendous opportunity for growth and joy. Students are extremely aware, thoughtful, and engaged; they also need support as they start to define who they are and grow into who they will be. We embrace the energy, the curiosity and the mess of middle school while celebrating students as unique individuals and guiding them on their journey so each students learns to take risks, explore new interests, and develop the resilience and confidence needed for high school and beyond.

Our High School program prepares students not just for college, but to launch purposeful, personally fulfilling lives. In high school students journey toward adulthood, taking greater steps towards independence while learning about who they are and who they want to become. At Pacific Ridge, we believe in creating opportunities for students to explore a wide variety of interests, discover their voice, actively practice leadership, and connect to the world.

Pacific Ridge Shapes Bold Thinkers and Leaders.

Experience our campus and community with a personalized tour — your child’s future starts here.

• Our Global Programs— nearly 90% of students participate in the global travel program each year. Examples range from rich, but challenging cultural immersion experiences such as a homestay in the Peruvian Amazon to deep topical dives into the arts, sciences or history like our biology-focused trip to The Galapagos Islands.
  

• Arts— Middle School students participate in a year-long arts rotation program, gaining exposure in dance, digital media, theater, studio art, and music. In High School, more than 30 arts classes are offered.
  

• Athletics— we believe that interscholastic athletic competition provides educational value and prepares students for a successful and purposeful life. We offer over a dozen competitive athletics options, ranging from ice hockey, lacrosse and volleyball to soccer, surfing, water polo and dance team.
  

• Clubs & Activities— we build time for clubs and activities into the school day and week so students have time to pursue multiple interests, try something new, take on leadership roles and make friends who share similar passions. Some examples of clubs include Film Appreciation, Robotics, Model United Nations, and more. Incorporating these opportunities into the school day allows students to build real world skills and experiences that help identify areas of interest in and out of the classroom.
  

Small classes of just 15 students and a 7:1 teacher ratio mean every student gets the attention and challenge they deserve. Learning goes beyond the classroom through Harkness discussions that give every student a voice and a global travel program that nearly 90% of students participate in each year.

Graduates have gone on to Stanford, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, and more, ready for college and for whatever comes after.

Pacific Ridge At A Glance:

• 7:1 student to teacher ratio
• 15 average class size
• 35:1 student to College Guidance counselor ratio
• 30 Student-led Service Learning clubs
• 98% of our graduates go on to top four-year colleges and universities
• 90% of Students participate in yearly Global Travel programming
• 70% Faculty with advanced degrees

• Harkness Learning— the oval tables that bear the Harkness name allow students to sit alongside their teacher and discuss any subject of study, whether it be English, mathematics, history or a world language.  Students are encouraged to express their ideas and opinions, and can refine them in dialogue with their peers.
  

5 Things You'll Love About Pacific Ridge:

• Our Global Programs— nearly 90% of students participate in the global travel program each year. Examples range from rich, but challenging cultural immersion experiences such as a homestay in the Peruvian Amazon to deep topical dives into the arts, sciences or history like our biology-focused trip to The Galapagos Islands.
  

• Arts— Middle School students participate in a year-long arts rotation program, gaining exposure in dance, digital media, theater, studio art, and music. In High School, more than 30 arts classes are offered.
  

• Athletics— we believe that interscholastic athletic competition provides educational value and prepares students for a successful and purposeful life. We offer over a dozen competitive athletics options, ranging from ice hockey, lacrosse and volleyball to soccer, surfing, water polo and dance team.
  

• Clubs & Activities— we build time for clubs and activities into the school day and week so students have time to pursue multiple interests, try something new, take on leadership roles and make friends who share similar passions. Some examples of clubs include Film Appreciation, Robotics, Model United Nations, and more. Incorporating these opportunities into the school day allows students to build real world skills and experiences that help identify areas of interest in and out of the classroom.
  

15

Average Class Size 

35:1

Student to College Guidance Counselor Ratio

7:1

Student to Teacher Ratio

30

Student-led Service Learning Clubs

98%

of our graduates go on to top four-year colleges and universities

90%

of students participate in yearly Global Travel programming

70%

of faculty have advanced degrees