Rancho Santa Fe has several excellent public and private schools, but understanding which schools serve each neighborhood can be confusing. Homes located only a short distance apart may fall within different school districts and follow completely different paths from elementary through high school.
As a longtime Rancho Santa Fe resident and mother of three daughters who attended some of these schools, I understand how important it is to have clear information. This guide provides an overview of the local school options, including grades served, locations, academic programs, arts, athletics, and important enrollment details. School assignments and requirements can change, so families should confirm current information directly with the school or district.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
R. ROGER ROWE SCHOOL
R. Roger Rowe is the public school serving students within the Rancho Santa Fe School District. The campus includes separate elementary and middle school programs and has served kindergarten through 8th grade since the middle school was added in 1971. The campus was completed in 2011. The school offers core academics along with science, technology, engineering, robotics, Spanish, music, drama, visual arts, and middle school athletics. R. Roger Rowe Middle School was named a 2026 California Distinguished School.
Grades. Kindergarten - 8th grade
School district. Rancho Santa Fe School District
Public school type. School assignment is based on your home address and district boundaries.
Arts and enrichment. Music, drama, visual arts, engineering, technology, robotics, and Spanish
Athletics. Middle school athletics for grades 6 through 8
What families should know. A Rancho Santa Fe mailing address does not automatically confirm placement within the Rancho Santa Fe School District. Families should verify the property address with the district.
What comes next. After 8th grade, students may attend their assigned high school, generally Torrey Pines High School, or apply to Canyon Crest Academy or San Dieguito High School Academy through the district’s High School Selection process.
Address: 5927 La Granada, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 0.5 miles (2 to 4 minutes).
SOLANA SANTA FE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Solana Santa Fe Elementary serves families in Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, and surrounding communities within the Solana Beach School District. The school serves kindergarten through 6th grade. Its academic program includes classroom instruction along with STREAM, technology, art, music, physical education, and other enrichment programs.
Grades. Kindergarten - 6th grade
School district. Solana Beach School District
Public school type. School assignment is based on your home address and district boundaries.
Programs. STREAM, technology, art, music, and physical education
What comes next. After 6th grade, students generally continue to Earl Warren Middle School for grades 7 and 8.
Address: 6570 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 4 miles (8 to 12 minutes).
EARL WARREN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Earl Warren Middle School serves grades 7 and 8 within the San Dieguito Union High School District. It is the middle school continuation for students graduating from Solana Santa Fe Elementary. Students complete their core academic subjects and may select electives including art, concert band, guitar, drama, STEAM, world languages, student leadership, and yearbook.
Grades. 7th and 8th grade
School district. San Dieguito Union High School District
Public school type. School assignment is based on your home address and district boundaries.
Electives. Art, music, drama, STEAM, world languages, student leadership, and yearbook
Athletics. School athletic programs are available
What families should know. This is the middle school commonly associated with the Solana Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch public school path.
What comes next. After 8th grade, students may attend their assigned high school, generally Torrey Pines High School, or apply to Canyon Crest Academy or San Dieguito High School Academy through the district’s High School Selection process.
Address: 155 Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 7 miles (15 to 22 minutes).
TORREY PINES HIGH SCHOOL
Torrey Pines High School is a public high school serving grades 9 through 12 within the San Dieguito Union High School District. It offers college preparatory academics, Advanced Placement and honors courses, career education, visual and performing arts, athletics, clubs, and student organizations. Torrey Pines is the residential boundary high school for many Rancho Santa Fe addresses, but families should confirm placement using the district’s current boundary information.
Grades. 9th - 12th grade
School district. San Dieguito Union High School District
Public school type. Residential boundary high school
Programs. College preparatory courses, Advanced Placement courses, honors courses, career education, and student clubs
Arts. Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts
Athletics. Extensive boys and girls athletic programs
What families should know. Torrey Pines and Canyon Crest Academy follow different enrollment processes. Torrey Pines is a residential boundary school, while Canyon Crest is a school of choice.
Address: 3710 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA 92130
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 9 miles (18 to 28 minutes).
CANYON CREST ACADEMY
Canyon Crest Academy, commonly called CCA, is a public high school serving grades 9 through 12 within the San Dieguito Union High School District. The school opened in 2004 and offers academics, visual and performing arts, athletics, student clubs, and extracurricular programs. CCA is a school of choice. Students living within the district must participate in the annual High School Selection process, and placement depends on availability.
Grades. 9th - 12th grade
School district. San Dieguito Union High School District
Public school type. Districtwide school of choice
Programs. College preparatory academics, advanced coursework, student clubs, and specialized programs
Arts. Music, theatre, dance, film, and visual arts
Athletics. Boys and girls athletic programs
What families should know. Living within the district does not guarantee placement at CCA. Families must complete the High School Selection process.
Address: 5951 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego, CA 92130
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 9 miles (18 to 25 minutes).
LA COSTA CANYON HIGH SCHOOL
La Costa Canyon High School is a public high school in the San Dieguito Union High School District serving students in grades 9 through 12. Located in south Carlsbad, the school serves approximately 1,650 students from coastal communities including Cardiff, Encinitas, Leucadia, Olivenhain, and south Carlsbad. Academic offerings include the International Baccalaureate program, Career and Technical Education, AVID, robotics, visual and performing arts, music, world languages, and a range of core academic departments.
Grades. 9th - 12th grade
School district. San Dieguito Union High School District
Public school type. School assignment is based on your home address and district boundaries.
Arts and enrichment. Visual and performing arts, music, robotics, Career and Technical Education, AVID, International Baccalaureate, and student clubs.
Athletics. LCC offers school athletics and club sports through its Mavericks athletic program.
What families should know. La Costa Canyon serves specific communities within SDUHSD, so families should confirm eligibility directly with the district using the property’s exact address.
Address: 1 Maverick Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 12 miles (22 to 30 minutes).
SAN DIEGUITO HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY
San Dieguito High School Academy is a public high school serving grades 9 through 12 within the San Dieguito Union High School District. Located in Encinitas, the school offers academics, athletics, music, theatre, visual arts, world languages, career education, robotics, clubs, and student organizations. Like Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito Academy is a school of choice. Students living within the district must participate in the annual High School Selection process, and placement depends on availability.
Grades. 9th - 12th grade
School district. San Dieguito Union High School District
Public school type. Districtwide school of choice
Programs. College preparatory academics, career education, robotics, world languages, student clubs, and leadership
Arts. Music, theatre, and visual arts
Athletics. Boys and girls athletic programs
What families should know. Living within the district does not guarantee placement. Families must complete the High School Selection process.
Address: 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 12 miles (22 to 30 minutes).
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
THE NATIVITY SCHOOL
The Nativity School is a private Catholic school located in Rancho Santa Fe. It serves students from preschool through 8th grade and combines academics with Catholic education, service, arts, athletics, and enrichment programs. Families do not have to be Catholic to apply, but students and parents are expected to support and participate in the school’s Catholic mission and religious education program.
Grades. Preschool - 8th grade
School type. Private Catholic school
Programs. Core academics, religious education, service, technology, and enrichment
Arts. Visual and performing arts programs
Athletics. Elementary and middle school athletic opportunities
What families should know. Students of different faith backgrounds may apply.
What comes next. The Nativity School ends after 8th grade. Students may attend the public high school assigned to their home address or apply to a private high school.
Address: 6309 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 3 miles (7 to 10 minutes).
HORIZON PREP
Horizon Prep is a private Christian school located in Rancho Santa Fe. It serves students from preschool through 12th grade and follows a classical Christian education model. Its program includes academics, Bible instruction, Spanish, Latin, technology, art, music, physical education, and athletics. Horizon Prep is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Christian Schools International.
Grades. Preschool - 12th grade
School type. Private Christian school
Educational model. Classical Christian education
Programs. Bible instruction, Spanish, Latin, technology, and academic enrichment
Arts. Art and music
Athletics. Elementary, middle, and high school athletic programs
Accreditation. WASC and ACSI
What families should know. Students can remain on the same campus from preschool through high school.
Address: 6233 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 3 miles (7 to 10 minutes).
SANTA FE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
Santa Fe Christian Schools is a private Christian school located in Solana Beach. It serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and offers a college preparatory academic program within a Christian curriculum. Students may participate in visual and performing arts, athletics, leadership, service, clubs, and other extracurricular programs. The school holds accreditation through multiple educational organizations.
Grades. Kindergarten - 12th grade
School type. Private Christian school
Programs. College preparatory academics, Christian education, leadership, service, and student clubs
Arts. Visual arts, music, and performing arts
Athletics. Elementary, middle, and high school athletic programs
Accreditation. WASC, ACSI, and CESA
What families should know. The campus is in Solana Beach, not Rancho Santa Fe.
Address: 838 Academy Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 7 miles (15 to 22 minutes).
CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Cathedral Catholic High School is a private Catholic college preparatory school in Carmel Valley serving grades 9 through 12. Its curriculum includes college preparatory, honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment courses, along with religious studies and a pre engineering program. Students can also participate in athletics, clubs, leadership, robotics, music, drama, film, and visual arts. Cathedral Catholic is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Grades. 9th - 12th grade
School type. Private Catholic high school
Programs. College preparatory academics, honors, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, religious studies, robotics, and pre engineering
Arts. Visual arts, drama, technical theatre, film, instrumental music, choral music, and digital music production
Athletics. Extensive boys and girls athletic programs
Accreditation. WCEA and WASC
What families should know. Cathedral Catholic begins in 9th grade. Admission requires a separate application and placement process.
Address: 5555 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA 92130
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 9 miles (18 to 25 minutes).
DIEGUEÑO COUNTRY SCHOOL
Diegueño Country School is an independent private elementary school located in Rancho Santa Fe. Founded in 1973, the school serves kindergarten through 6th grade. The school reports approximately 20 students per grade and a 10 to 1 student to teacher ratio. Its program includes core academics, Spanish, Mandarin, art, music, physical education, technology, and other enrichment opportunities.
Grades. Kindergarten - 6th grade
School type. Independent private elementary school
Programs. Core academics, Spanish, Mandarin, technology, and enrichment
Arts. Art and music
Physical education. Included in the academic program
Published class information. Approximately 20 students per grade and a 10 to 1 student to teacher ratio
What comes next. Diegueño ends after 6th grade and does not have an assigned continuation school. Families may enroll in the public middle school serving their home address or apply to another private school.
Address: 15663 Circo Diegueño, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 4 miles (8 to 12 minutes).
THE RHOADES SCHOOL
The Rhoades School is a private school in Encinitas serving academically advanced students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school uses a student centered, project based approach with programs in STEM, Mandarin, arts, athletics, service learning, and field study. The lower and middle schools are located on separate campuses. The Rhoades School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Grades. Kindergarten - 8th grade
School type. Independent private school
Programs. Project based academics, STEM, Mandarin, technology, service learning, and field study
Arts. Visual and performing arts
Athletics. Competitive middle school athletics
Accreditation. WASC
What comes next. The Rhoades School ends after 8th grade. Students may attend the public high school assigned to their home address or apply to a private high school.
What families should know. Kindergarten through 5th grade and grades 6 through 8 are located on separate campuses.
Lower School address: 141 South Rancho Santa Fe Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Middle School address: 910 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA 92024
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 8 miles to the Lower School (15 to 22 minutes) and 11 miles to the Middle School (20 to 28 minutes).
FUSION ACADEMY SOLANA BEACH
Fusion Academy Solana Beach is a private middle and high school serving grades 6 through 12. Its primary teaching model places one student with one teacher for each class, allowing the curriculum and schedule to be adjusted around the student. Fusion offers full time enrollment, individual courses for credit, tutoring, mentoring, college counseling, and selected small group and independent courses. Students also have access to clubs, field trips, service activities, social events, and prom.
Grades. 6th - 12th grade
School type. Private middle and high school
Educational model. Individual instruction with one student and one teacher per class
Programs. Full time enrollment, courses for credit, tutoring, mentoring, college counseling, and customized scheduling
Arts. Visual and performing arts courses are available within the curriculum
Student life. Clubs, field trips, service activities, social events, and prom
Accreditation. Cognia and WASC
What families should know. Fusion is structured differently from a traditional school. Families may enroll full time or use individual academic services while attending another school.
Address: 512 Via De La Valle, Suite 201, Solana Beach, CA 92075
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 6 miles (12 to 20 minutes).
SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY
San Diego Jewish Academy is a private Jewish school located in Carmel Valley. It serves children from 18 months through 12th grade. The campus includes an Early Childhood Center, Golda Meir Lower School for kindergarten through 5th grade, and Maimonides Upper School for grades 6 through 12. Its program combines general academics with Jewish education, values, culture, arts, athletics, service, and extracurricular activities.
Grades. 18 months - 12th grade
School type. Private Jewish school
Programs. General academics, Jewish studies, Hebrew, service, and student activities
Art. Visual and performing arts
Athletics. Middle and upper school athletic programs
Accreditation. WASC and CAIS
What families should know. The school serves early childhood through high school on one campus and is located in Carmel Valley.
Address: 11860 Carmel Creek Road, San Diego, CA 92130
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 9 miles (18 to 25 minutes).
THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL
The Bishop’s School is an independent college preparatory day school in La Jolla serving students in grades 6 through 12. Founded in 1909 and affiliated with the Episcopal Church, the school enrolls approximately 800 students from throughout San Diego County. Bishop’s offers more than 150 Upper School courses, along with middle and upper school programs in academics, visual and performing arts, athletics, service learning, clubs, and global education.
Grades. 6th - 12th grade
School type. Independent college preparatory day school affiliated with the Episcopal Church.
Arts and enrichment. Visual arts, performing arts, computer science, service learning, academic teams, clubs, and global education.
Athletics. Bishop’s offers 31 Middle School teams and 40 Upper School teams, with 85% of students participating in at least one sport.
What families should know. Admission is through the school’s private admissions process. Bishop’s also currently offers daily bus service from Rancho Santa Fe, although routes may change from year to year.
What comes next. Bishop’s college counseling program supports students through course planning, the college search, applications, and final college decisions, with individual counseling beginning in the spring of 10th grade.
Address: 7607 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 17 miles (23 to 30 minutes).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SCHOOL DISTRICT IS RANCHO SANTA FE IN?
Rancho Santa Fe is served by more than one public school district, depending on the property address. Many homes, including most of The Covenant, are in the Rancho Santa Fe School District and attend R. Roger Rowe School for kindergarten through 8th grade. Other areas, including much of Fairbanks Ranch, are in the Solana Beach School District and attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary.
DO ALL RANCHO SANTA FE NEIGHBORHOODS ATTEND THE SAME PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
No, not all Rancho Santa Fe neighborhoods attend the same public schools. Public school assignments in Rancho Santa Fe vary by neighborhood, including The Covenant, Fairbanks Ranch, The Bridges, Cielo, and The Crosby. A Rancho Santa Fe address or ZIP code does not guarantee placement in a specific school district.
WHAT SCHOOLS DO KIDS IN THE COVENANT ATTEND?
Most homes in The Covenant are in the Rancho Santa Fe School District, where students attend R. Roger Rowe School from kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, Covenant students typically attend Torrey Pines High School, apply to Canyon Crest Academy, or choose a private school.
WHAT SCHOOL DISTRICT DO KIDS IN CIELO ATTEND?
If you live in Cielo, your child would attend schools in the Rancho Santa Fe School District or Escondido Union School District for kindergarten through 8th grade, depending on your home address. Cielo is split between these two school districts.
WHAT SCHOOL DISTRICT DO KIDS IN THE BRIDGES ATTEND?
If you live in The Bridges, your child would attend school in the Rancho Santa Fe School District or Encinitas Union School District, depending on your home address.
WHAT SCHOOLS DO KIDS IN FAIRBANKS RANCH ATTEND?
Many Fairbanks Ranch students attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary from kindergarten through 6th grade, then Earl Warren Middle School for 7th and 8th grade.
CAN RANCHO SANTA FE STUDENTS ATTEND CANYON CREST ACADEMY?
Yes, Rancho Santa Fe students can attend Canyon Crest Academy, but not automatically. Canyon Crest Academy is a school of choice in the San Dieguito Union High School District. Families apply through the district's annual High School Selection process, and placement depends on available space.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TORREY PINES, CANYON CREST ACADEMY, AND SAN DIEGUITO ACADEMY?
The difference between Torrey Pines, Canyon Crest Academy, and San Dieguito Academy is that all three are public high schools serving 9th through 12th grade in the San Dieguito Union High School District. Torrey Pines High School is a boundary school, so students are assigned by home address. Canyon Crest Academy and San Dieguito Academy are districtwide schools of choice, open to students through the High School Selection process.
WHAT PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE IN RANCHO SANTA FE?
Private schools located in Rancho Santa Fe include The Nativity School, Horizon Prep, and Diegueño Country School.
WHICH PRIVATE SCHOOLS NEAR RANCHO SANTA FE GO THROUGH 12TH GRADE?
Horizon Prep, Santa Fe Christian Schools, and San Diego Jewish Academy continue through 12th grade. Fusion Academy Solana Beach and Cal Coast Academy serve middle and high school students. Cathedral Catholic High School serves 9th through 12th grade. The Bishop’s School offers grades 6 through 12.
ARE THERE FAITH-BASED SCHOOLS NEAR RANCHO SANTA FE?
Yes, there are faith-based schools near Rancho Santa Fe. The Nativity School and Cathedral Catholic High School are Catholic. Horizon Prep and Santa Fe Christian Schools are Christian. San Diego Jewish Academy combines academics with Jewish education, culture, and values.
ARE THERE SUMMER CAMPS NEAR RANCHO SANTA FE?
Yes, there are summer camps in and around Rancho Santa Fe. Families can choose summer programs in sports, STEM, animals, art, academics, ocean safety, and travel. For dates, ages, and details, see my guide to 2026 Summer Camps in San Diego and Beyond. Updated annually. Last updated in 2026.
HOW DO I FIND WHICH PUBLIC SCHOOL A RANCHO SANTA FE HOME IS ASSIGNED TO?
To find which public school a Rancho Santa Fe home is assigned to, enter the property's exact address in this school boundary lookup tool. School boundaries, enrollment procedures, programs, and grade levels can change, so always confirm with the school district before buying or enrolling.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOLS OR NEIGHBORHOODS IN RANCHO SANTA FE? CONTACT RAQUEL.
I'm happy to check school assignments for any address and share homes in each district, including off-market estates.
All content and research on this page are the property of Raquel Benguiat. Unauthorized use, copying, or reproduction of any material herein is prohibited without express written permission.
