Santa Cruz
Children’s School
Dear Visitor,
Welcome to our website. We hope you will take some time to explore our educational community. Teachers, students, and parents work together to create a rich environment where children develop academically, emotionally, and socially. Santa Cruz Children’s School is an independent elementary school serving students Kindergarten through Sixth Grade in Santa Cruz County, California.
We know that you are looking for a place where your child can thrive. Best of luck in your search.
Sincerely,
Dan Hoppenfeld and Adele Gardner
Directors and Founders
Our Vision
Education can help children lead creative, constructive, and thoughtful lives.
Schools should be beautiful, clean, and healthful.
Children should have regular contact with the natural environment.
Every child has the right to literacy.
Art and music are important parts of human expression.
A child’s understanding is enriched through first hand experience.
Science, math, and technology are tools that help us think about and describe the world.
Each child brings a broad range of experience and knowledge.
Students need the support of teachers who know them well.
Teachers must have time to help each child individually.
Parents are an important part of the educational community.
Learning is intrinsically enjoyable.
What Could Your Child Do Given the Chance?
At Santa Cruz Children’s School your child will be part of a community of learners that includes students, parents, and teachers. Something exciting and stimulating happens everyday. Students love being at school and thrive in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and diligence. Your child can expect to enjoy learning at Santa Cruz Children’s School.
Small Class Size is Important
Small classes insure that your student has the opportunity to excel. Each student is given work that is appropriate for them and everyone receives all the help they need to succeed. No one is left behind. Your child will not have to compete for attention. At Santa Cruz Children’s School all children have a chance to shine.
Academics and the Arts
Our strong academic program includes science, social studies, and Spanish as well as an excellent language arts and math program. While attaining a high level of proficiency, students also develop good study habits and strong critical thinking skills.
The arts are an important part of the Santa Cruz Children’s School experience. Singing begins in Kindergarten and never stops. Instrumental music is introduced through the recorder and continues with clarinet, flute, saxophone or oboe. We have pianos and guitars available for student use.
Students create art through painting, drawing, collage, weaving and so much more. Art is integrated into math, science, history and creative writing. Creative expression blossoms into dramatic presentations, video productions, and music.
Parents Lend Their Expertise and Passion
Classes are enriched by talents shared by families. Biology is taught by a practicing MD. Geology is taught by a college professor, art is taught by working artists. We have a parent who teaches ecology through the garden, an athlete teaches PE. Parents are welcome to visit and work in classes. Parents help with field trips, make costumes, write songs, and build community. Families are welcome here.
Santa Cruz Children’s School
366 Gault St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831.429.8444
The Santa Cruz Children’s School is owned and operated by the Santa Cruz Children’s Foundation, a non-profit corporation. The Santa Cruz Children’s Foundation is dedicated to providing educational and supportive services enabling children to have safe, successful childhoods, giving them the skills necessary to become productive, contributing members of our society. Santa Cruz Children’s Foundation and Santa Cruz Children’s School do not discriminate against any person because of race, religion, color, age, national origin or sexual orientation. The Santa Cruz Children’s School was created to create a high quality elementary school education.
