Monte Vista Christian School
MVCChristian, Founded 1926
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB MYPAccreditations
Languages
English
SpanishMonte Vista Christian School is a private, Christ-centered school serving students in grades 4-12, located on a 100-acre campus in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It provides a comprehensive education that integrates academic excellence, athletics, fine arts, and character development within an International Baccalaureate framework.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Monte Vista Christian School is a Christ-centered institution that has been committed to faith-based education since 1926. Its core values focus on making Christ known, empowering learners to achieve their highest potential, and engaging in God's redemptive work. The school emphasizes character development, critical life skills, and a three-dimensional training approach that encompasses body, mind, and heart.
Programmes
The school offers a curriculum for grades 4-12, with specific programs for Lower Grades (4-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12). It is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6-10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11-12. Additionally, the school provides dual enrollment opportunities and a specialized equestrian program.
Outcomes
The school maintains a 100% graduation rate. Students benefit from an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which can lead to college credit, and graduates are 21% more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an Academic Resource Center (ARC) and a dedicated Care Team to support student success. This support includes academic advising, college application assistance, and mental health resources. Counselors work with students to identify individual strengths and challenges to promote engagement and growth.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Monte Vista Christian School offer?
- Monte Vista Christian School offers IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Monte Vista Christian School?
- Annual tuition at Monte Vista Christian School is $11.3K–$63K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Monte Vista Christian School teach?
- Monte Vista Christian School enrolls students aged 9 to 18.
- Is Monte Vista Christian School a day or boarding school?
- Monte Vista Christian School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Monte Vista Christian School hold?
- Monte Vista Christian School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Monte Vista Christian School co-educational?
- Monte Vista Christian School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Monte Vista Christian School located?
- Monte Vista Christian School is an international school in Watsonville, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 4 - 5 (Day) | 9–11 | $11.3K |
| Grade 6 - 8 (Day) | 11–14 | $17.3K |
| Grade 9 - 12 (Day) | 14–18 | $22.2K |
| Grade 9 - 12 (7-Day Boarding) | 14–18 | $63K |
| Grade 9 - 12 (5-Day Boarding) | 14–18 | $50K |
Other fees(4)
| Application fee | $200 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· $500 for returning families (processed Feb 15th) and new families if paid by the date listed in acceptance offer. | $500 |
| Deposit· 15% of annual tuition for boarding students, deducted from overall tuition and fees. | — |
| Insurance· 2.5% TPP (Tuition Protection Plan) on all payment plans. | — |
Admissions
The school offers a day program for grades 4-12 and a boarding program for high school students. Prospective families are invited to inquire, schedule private campus tours, or attend admissions events to learn more about the application process. Admission decisions and financial aid applications are processed separately, with need-based financial aid available for families in all grades.
Calendar
The school operates on a 2026-2027 academic calendar. Key dates, including office closures and specific school events, are maintained on the school's website.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on 100+ landscaped acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the campus includes 25 buildings and five nature trails. Facilities feature an on-campus Equestrian Center, an Outdoor Student Center, sand volleyball courts, and various outdoor eating areas. The school also provides technology resources and specialized spaces for fine arts and athletics.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a wide range of activities, including 16 high school and 8 middle school athletic teams, with high participation rates. The Fine Arts Department offers 25 courses, covering instrumental and vocal music, theatre, visual arts, photography, film, and graphic design. Additionally, the school features an on-campus Equestrian Center with a 35-stall barn and competition arenas, as well as student-led newspaper and various community-focused groups.
- Nikki Daniels, M.B.A.Head of School
Nikki Daniels serves as the Head of School at Monte Vista Christian School. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Business Administration.
- Susie Swing, M.A.Assistant Head of School
Susie Swing is the Assistant Head of School. She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Education.
- Mike Lanham, M.A.High School Principal
Mike Lanham serves as the High School Principal. He holds a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and an M.A. in Education.
- Carissa Medina, M.A.Middle School & Lower Grades Principal
Carissa Medina is the Middle School & Lower Grades Principal. She holds a B.A. in American Literature and an M.A. in Educational Leadership.
- Amber West, M.A.Dean of Curriculum Development, MYP Coordinator
Amber West serves as the Dean of Curriculum Development and MYP Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Literature and an M.A. in Teaching.
- Matt Rader, M.A.Dean of Students
Matt Rader is the Dean of Students. He holds a B.A. in Youth Ministry and an M.A. in Christian Ministry Leadership.
- Laramie HoltzclawDP Coordinator
Laramie Holtzclaw serves as the DP Coordinator. He holds a B.A. in Literature and an M.A. in Humanities.