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.
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. Assigned according to district attendance 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 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. Assigned according to district attendance boundaries
Programs. STREAM, technology, art, music, and physical education
What families should know. Students completing 6th grade at Solana Santa Fe generally continue to Earl Warren Middle School for grades 7 and 8.
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 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. Assigned according to attendance 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 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, 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).
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).
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 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 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 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 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 families should know. Diegueño ends after 6th grade, so families will need to select another school beginning in 7th grade.
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 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 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).
Cal Coast Academy is a private college preparatory school in Carmel Valley serving grades 6 through 12. The school provides individualized academic plans and flexible scheduling within a small school environment. Students may take college preparatory, honors, Advanced Placement, and elective courses. Cal Coast Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, offers University of California approved coursework, and is certified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Grades. 6th through 12th grade
School type. Private college preparatory middle and high school
Programs. Individualized curriculum, flexible scheduling, college preparatory courses, honors courses, Advanced Placement courses, electives, and college counseling
Arts. Arts and elective offerings vary by school year
Athletics. Flexible scheduling may accommodate students participating in athletics outside the school
Accreditation. WASC
Additional academic recognition. University of California approved coursework and NCAA certification
What families should know. Cal Coast is designed for families seeking smaller classes, individualized instruction, and more flexibility than a traditional school schedule.
Address: 11555 Clews Ranch Road, San Diego, CA 92130
From Rancho Santa Fe Village: Approximately 8 miles (15 to 22 minutes).
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 answer depends on the property address. Some homes are within the Rancho Santa Fe School District and attend R. Roger Rowe. Other areas, including much of Fairbanks Ranch, are served by the Solana Beach School District and Solana Santa Fe Elementary.
Most homes within The Covenant are served by the Rancho Santa Fe School District and R. Roger Rowe School for kindergarten through 8th grade. Students generally continue to Torrey Pines High School.
No. School assignments vary throughout The Covenant, Fairbanks Ranch, The Bridges, Cielo, The Crosby, and other neighborhoods within RSF. A Rancho Santa Fe address or ZIP code does not guarantee placement within a specific school district.
Many Fairbanks Ranch students attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary for kindergarten through 6th grade and Earl Warren Middle School for grades 7 and 8.
No. Canyon Crest Academy is a school of choice within the San Dieguito Union High School District. Students must participate in the district’s annual High School Selection process, and placement is subject to availability.
Torrey Pines is a residential boundary high school for assigned addresses. Canyon Crest Academy is a districtwide school of choice. Both serve grades 9 through 12 within the San Dieguito Union High School District.
The Nativity School, Horizon Prep, and Diegueño Country School are located within Rancho Santa Fe.
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 grades 9 through 12.
The Nativity School and Cathedral Catholic High School are Catholic. Horizon Prep and Santa Fe Christian Schools are Christian. San Diego Jewish Academy combines general academics with Jewish education, culture, and values.
Families also have access to summer programs covering sports, STEM, animals, art, academics, ocean safety, and travel. Visit my guide to 2026 Summer Camps in San Diego and Beyond for local options, dates, ages, and program details.
School boundaries, enrollment procedures, programs, accreditation, and grade configurations can change. Always confirm school eligibility and enrollment information directly with the appropriate school or district using the property’s exact address.
Choosing a school is personal, and every child needs something different. I hope this guide gives families a clear place to start and makes understanding the Rancho Santa Fe school options a little easier.
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.
