WHY CHOOSE THE NATIVITY SCHOOL?
Where hearts and minds grow great and true
The Nativity School is a preschool through 8th grade elementary school located in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Grounded in a strong Catholic identity and a clear sense of mission, we offer a rigorous academic program that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and a close-knit community, students are known, challenged, and supported every day and benefit from meaningful relationships and personalized instruction. We want every child to love their learning journey and graduate prepared for future success with purpose and compassion. Our students will engage deeply, grow confidently, and thrive throughout their years.
Preschool – Kindergarten
EARLY EDUCATION
Our Early Education program nurtures each child as a unique and beloved child of God within a joyful, faith-filled environment. Beginning in Preschool and continuing through Kindergarten, students build strong academic and social foundations through hands-on, curiosity-driven learning that fosters creativity, independence, and collaboration.
Grades 1–5
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
Our Elementary program is designed to support the development of the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit—within a faith-based learning environment. Students build strong academic foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while developing essential skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Grades 6–8
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The middle school years are a pivotal time of growth, and our program is designed to support students through this important transition. As academic expectations increase, students build on foundational skills while being challenged by engaging, rigorous coursework. With guidance from dedicated teachers, they develop independence, responsibility, and the habits needed for success in high school and beyond. Our small class sizes, strong student-teacher relationships, and balanced curriculum create a supportive environment where students grow into confident, well-rounded learners prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
THE NATIVITY SCHOOL
WHAT SETS US APART?
Faith‑Centered Catholic Education
Faith and spiritual development are integrated throughout the student experience. This faith‑based focus creates a community centered on Catholic values, prayer, service, and moral formation, providing students with both academic and spiritual grounding not found in standard public or secular private programs.
Smaller, Supportive Learning Community
With a student‑teacher ratio ~8:1, Nativity offers a more personalized and close‑knit educational environment than many larger schools. This can allow for more individualized attention, stronger relationships between teachers and students, and a greater sense of belonging across all grade levels.
Holistic Focus on Student Life
Nativity emphasizes whole‑child development, including character formation, social‑emotional learning, and community engagement. The school’s philosophy highlights fostering students who act well ethically and contribute positively to others, blending intellectual growth with moral and personal development.