Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School
| Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
| , United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | private |
| Established | 1994 |
| Head of School | Dr. Josh Karter |
| Grades | 6-12 |
| Enrollment | approximately 250 |
| Average class size | 12 |
| Mascot | Griffin |
| Website | kirby.org |
Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School, referred to as Kirby School, is a non-profit independent school located in Santa Cruz, California. The school educates in grades 6–12 and enrolls 250 students as of the 2014-2015 academic year.
Mission statement
"Kirby School provides an education of the highest quality in both academics and the arts. Kirby prepares middle and high school students to succeed in college, to become informed and engaged citizens, and to lead lives of ongoing inquiry. Our distinguished faculty challenges students through rigorous coursework while cultivating an enthusiasm for learning within a friendly, caring, and safe environment. The School recognizes students as unique human beings and fosters an inclusive and diverse educational community based on mutual respect."
History and general information
Established in 1994, Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School is named for a Santa Cruz pioneer, early suffragist, educator, and public speaker.
In August 2006, the school moved to the Tarantella building, formerly a high-technology complex in the Harvey West area of Santa Cruz.
The school provides access to financial aid services for families who show interest in enrolling their children. For the 2014-2015 academic year 30% of students received financial assistance.
Kirby enrolls 80 students in the middle school grades and 170 in high school. The average class size is 12 students. Only the choirs reach above 25 students.
Visual and performing arts programs
The Music Department offers a range of theory and application courses and offers a selection of musical performance groups including chorus, chamber choir, jazz choir, jazz instrumental ensemble, and/or orchestra. These groups participate in musical and theatrical performances and in state and national musical competitions. Many Kirby students audition and are selected for the Central Coast Section, Regional, and State Honor Choirs and Orchestras by the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). The theater program puts on two performances each year. Auditions for the performances are open for all grades and genders.
Academic achievements and recognition
In 2006, the College Board Advanced Placement Report to the Nation[dead link] recognized Kirby students as the "Best in the World" in Art History performance by a school with 300 or fewer students. In the spring of 2009, Kirby students took 99 AP exams. 94% scored 3 or higher (college credit) and 47% achieved the maximum score of 5.
From 1999 through 2009, Kirby graduated 250 students, of which thirty-six (15%) earned National Merit recognition. 25% of the graduating class of 2014 earned National Merit recognition.
Student newspaper
INK is published by students in Kirby's Journalism course and is regularly recognized by the Columbia School of Journalism, the National Scholastic Press Association, and Quill & Scroll for its quality reporting. INK has garnered numerous Certificates of Merit, First Place ratings, Gold Circle Awards, and National Winners.
Athletics
Kirby athletes are dedicated and competitive, participating in the Santa Cruz County Private School Association (SCCPSA) in middle school and the Mission Trails Athletic League (MTAL) division of the Central Coast Section (CCS) in high school.
Middle School: boys' and girls' basketball, boys' and girls' volleyball, ultimate frisbee, mountain biking, track and field, cross country, coed soccer, and golf.
High School: boys' and girls' basketball, boys' and girl's soccer, boys' and girls' volleyball (JV and Varsity), mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, track and field, cross country, and golf.
Students can also participate in sports clubs which meet regularly but do not officially compete: mt. biking, surfing, sailing and tennis.
Affiliations
Kirby is a member of, and is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Kirby's CEEB Code is 053290.