our size

With 225 students in grades 8-12, the York community is small in some ways, large in others. We are large enough to provide a comprehensive academic and extra-curricular program, with wide range of courses designed to provide excellent preparation for college, and small enough to offer everyone an opportunity for personal expression through participation in clubs, drama, music, sports, student government, and social activities. Small classes bring closer contact with academic work, more chances to interact directly with faculty, and the kind of personal attention that takes students to the next level.

On a social level, students get the chance to know everyone on campus, not just the students in their grade level. Many classes, especially foreign language and math, have mixed grade levels, depending on ability. When students participate in sports, health & fitness, clubs, and music or theatre production, they interact with the whole school. That makes a small school seem a lot bigger.

our faculty

Teachers at York are selected for the knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication that they bring to the school. Most hold advanced degrees in their academic field and all share a love of teaching. They are demanding of students’ best efforts, and genuinely concerned with the interests and capabilities of young people in and out of the classroom. Teaching schedules allow them to be accessible to students outside of class.

our students

Admission to York is earned by demonstrated academic achievement, motivation, and good citizenship. We attract students from 35-40 middle school, charter school, and homeschool programs throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, supported by a financial aid program that provides opportunities for 41% of our students, twice the national average. Students graduate from York with lifelong learning skills – intellectual curiosity, a capacity for inquiry and analysis, good written communication, an appreciation of the fine arts and creative expression, and finally, a respect for diversity and different points of view.

our place in the community

In the Episcopal tradition, we welcome and include students from all faith traditions. The values of honesty, respect, and responsibility are central in our school community, and are reflected in the classroom, on the playing fields, in the chapel, and in the daily life of our students. As a day school, our energies are directed toward what we do best — providing a fine education for students of local families. Our graduates continue to give back to their communities, becoming involved participants in government, education, recreation, and the arts.