Pacific Collegiate Charter School

Posted: May 17, 2025

PCS has long been a great option for students in Santa Cruz County who are artistically and/or academically inclined. The athletic director should be commended for moving the program in the right direction and PCS is starting to put great teams on the field. Things seem to be on the upward trajectory on that front. As a small school, the class options can feel limiting at times and it's a very long haul from the far westside to Cabrillo College. It would be great to see PCS begin to explore dual enrollment classes on their campus, but for now it's all AP focused. As a left-leaning parent with left-leaning students, I agree with a previous reviewer that the DEI initiatives (and DEI admin) can seem like a lot even for us. PCS will continue to grow long-term by looking for ways to improve opportunities for students - more classes, more useful seminar opportunities, more access to community internships, more outside-the-box curriculum development, etc. These are the avenues to true diversity, equity and inclusion. We will all see what the new head of school brings to the table in the years ahead.

Posted: May 17, 2025

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Posted: March 29, 2024

PCS is an overall wonderful school full of engaged students and wonderful, caring teachers. The academic curriculum is excellent and there are many clubs and extracurricular supports. The sports program is 100% funded by player donations, but it is run by an top notch AD. For the right student, PCS is terrific. If your child is academically inclined or doesn’t quite thrive at other schools he /she/they will find friends here. I’ve never heard of a bullying incident and kindness is looked upon favorably by the students.
I see several comments about the homework load, but my student didn’t find it laborious. There are many opportunities to get homework done during the school day.
There is a lot of opportunity for parent involvement if that is of interest.
My only caveat for a recommendation is that politically this school is ultra liberal. Most of the reading involves LGBTQ perspectives. Not a problem, necessarily, but there aren’t many other “voices” in the mix.
Conservative perspectives are not welcome, and even moderate liberal students will feel uncomfortable sharing opinions. White male students will have to answer for the patriarchy, despite not having participated in it. Unfortunately, this became more pronounced over the years we spent at the school. I am a big supporter of DEI initiatives but the school seems more decisive and less inclusive than it did 5 years ago. The DEI Director even openly trolls white make students in classroom settings.
If I were thinking of joining the school again today I would really have to weigh these elements against the positives.

Posted: March 29, 2024

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Posted: October 30, 2023

With two students attending PCS we definitely can attest to the fact that the kids are supported at a much higher level than any other schools we have been in. Excellent opportunities for a wide range of subjects, small classes, incredible out of class academic support. Inclusive sports and rec programs. We absolutely could not be happier that our kids got in. Great parent and staff support network. Good people that care about the kids at an incredible level

Posted: October 30, 2023

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Posted: October 16, 2023

This is a great charter-school option for Santa Cruz County families. As a middle-school parent, I find the workload to be challenging but not overwhelming. There is ample time built into the week (tutorial periods, etc..) for extra support and homework completion. Students who utilize that time don't seem to be drowning in homework or stress. Like all schools, the teacher quality/enthusiasm varies. The good ones here are very dedicated to their craft. In 7th grade specifically, 5/6 of my student's classes are rigorous with supportive teachers (I don't know what's going on with their required 'Study Skills Technology' classes - it doesn't seem to be offering much in terms of either). It is exceptionally difficult to 'fall through the cracks' here, which is a blessing. There is a place for creative students to shine - the drama/dance/music programs seem to offer an extra little bit of fun and magic.

Posted: October 16, 2023

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Posted: September 9, 2023

This school has been a positive game changer for my middle school daughter and high school son. They are both thriving. My son transferred to PCS in the middle of 10th grade. He loves it. He's stimulated and engaged while at his old school he wasn't. It's completely transformed his attitude about school, learning, and his college goals. School isn't easy for him, but at PCS he's stimulated, so excited to do the homework.

My children love PCS and we are happy.

Posted: September 9, 2023

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Posted: August 11, 2022

My kid is in his 3rd year of high school at the school, and it’s been a great experience from my parent perspective. The classes have been stimulating and the teachers are talented, smart, nurturing, knowledgeable and inspiring. My kid is getting the education he needs, is using his brain, and will be well prepared for college. Small environment and developed a friend group. With that said, it’s probably not for everybody. Know your child, know yourself. It’s rigorous and you’ve got to be self motivated, be good about developing a homework routine, and motivated to learn, stretch and grow. Take advantage of the resources offered. Lots of clubs and elective options. Something for everybody if you want it. Being a charter, relies heavily on parent volunteers.

Posted: August 11, 2022

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Posted: June 10, 2022

Disapointed -
disenchanted, disillusioned, frustrated, unfulfilled
aggrieved, discontent, discontented, disgruntled, displeased, dissatisfied, malcontent
disquieted, disturbed, perturbed, upset
dejected, depressed, despairing, despondent, disconsolate, doleful, down, downcast, downhearted, forlorn, hangdog, inconsolable, joyless, low-spirited, miserable, mournful, sad, sorrowful, unhappy.
bummed (out), chagrined, discontented, disgruntled, displeased, distressed, upset
disenchanted, disillusioned
deceived, deluded, mocked.

These all describe my experience with this school.

Posted: June 10, 2022

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Posted: June 10, 2022

I didn't feel supported at this school.
Way too much busy worksheet homework and so many teachers left this year even in the middle of the year.

If the adults don't like the school how can the kids like it?

Posted: June 10, 2022

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Posted: June 8, 2022

Jumped the Shark.
This school is riding its previous stellar review coattails into the sunset.

During the 2021/22 school year roughy 54.2% of professional staff departed the school.
In the same county, only 14% of professional staff departed.

I would say this is largely due to an ineptitude in embracing social emotional curriculum, cultural inclusion, diversity training, positive behavioral supports (this school leans heavy on "demerits" and suspension) and it appears that the top admin is a micromanager leaving professional unable to move forward in decison-making on behalf of students.
Not a great recipe for success.

Avoid this school.
It is not gold star it used to be ... nor is it on track to regain it's gold star status.

It is the lowest-paying school in Santa Cruz County and will spend the next few years rebuilding it's teaching staff and school culture.
This high turnover negatively impacts students, families the community and the remaining teaching staff.

Posted: June 8, 2022

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Posted: November 7, 2021

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Posted: November 7, 2021

I still have a few more years of education to fulfill here at PCS, but I'm loving it so far. The teachers here are some of the most inspiring, educated, and helpful human beings that I've ever met. They, along with the faculty, help encourage each student to achieve academic greatness and overcome challenges by implementing a healthy and supportive environment. The school is academically rigorous and expects students to excel in STEM as well as the liberal arts, yet all students are given the antiquity resources to accomplish these goals.

Posted: May 4, 2018

I think PCS is a great school. My daughter spent 3 years at a very good charter middle/high school in another state. When she got to PCS, she had to quickly adjust to not being the smartest kid in every class. At first the volume of homework was quite challenging. But she realized she would have to meet the challenge in order to meet her goals in terms of college. She did, and I have to give PCS credit for preparing her well. She just got accepted to several colleges, and plans to enroll at USC this fall.

Posted: May 4, 2018

There is a heavy homework load. There is no doubt about that. The expectations are high, but students come out of it prepared to do well in college.

Posted: May 4, 2018

Most are very good. Those who don't meet the standards don't last long. The administration is open to discussing how well teachers are doing. A rigorous curriculum requires excellent teachers. PCS has many.

Posted: May 4, 2018

There is an effort in this regard, and it is fairly successful. But a school can only build from the foundation established by family and friends.

Posted: May 4, 2018

Excellent administrators, fully engaged in all aspects of school. They are knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, and supportive of students, staff, and faculty.

Posted: June 15, 2017

Unfortunately, this school is very political. PCS has no shame in preaching one sided politics to students on a regular basis. The school claims to be tolerant of all students, however if you are Christian or on the conservative side of the political spectrum, don’t expect a warm welcome from teachers or students. My child has to be extremely careful as to not give the “wrong” answer for fear grades might suffer. “Great schools” should be politically neutral, and forbid teachers to preach their personal political beliefs. Sadly, this is not the case at PCS and for that reason it is not a “Great School”. I do give it two stars (ignoring the politics) for its excellent, math, music, and foreign language programs.

Posted: April 27, 2017

Yes there are some amazing students however there are many horrible ones. Being a part of the 1% of African-Americans at that school I in the last two years I've dealt with so much racism and body shaming that my doctor recommended a therapist. Not only watching this from my sister but from my friends and fellow students at Pcs I have seen so much depression, stress, anxiety, and substance abuse strictly because of academics and social wise at Pcs.

Posted: April 27, 2017

Barely anybody but student government participate in spirit week, almost nobody goes to dances, and when it comes to supporting athletics there's about five parents each game on a good day and although the school is completely academically focused athletics or something that more than 60% of the students participate in and supporting and showing up shows spirit which doesn't happen .the spirit at the school is dead .

Posted: April 27, 2017

Being a person who suffers from about 16 different health issues I just Soum getting a simple 504 plan would be easy however for a year and a half I had been lied to that it was in place but there was never a plan in place. When I asked one of my White friends he told me that he got it a day after he asked for it. Along with one of my friends who is Latino she had to wait for months to get hers while I have a wonderful friend who is white yes but it only a week to get hers

Posted: April 27, 2017

Once again with being African-American at Pcs I have dealt with so much racism not only from students but from teachers. There was A horrible incident where racial slurs were said and put my way which resulted in a day spent crying in Mr. Harrison's office. Rather than dealing with the issue Mr. Harrison went on vacation and Mr. Fletcher the principal denied my mother the opportunity to meet with the students parents. No punishment was ever given the only apology I ever got was an email from her bystander. Another example in my history class we were doing an African-American unit and my history teacher asked me to do a presentation on Malcolm X. well nobody else had to do a presentation. When I refused he emailed my mother basically saying that i'm not doing my work and then I'm gonna get a bad grade. Another incident is an English when we were doing a racism unit and stereotyping unit and being the only person of color in my class besides one student she asked me to share times that I have dealt with racism. Seeing that she didn't anyone else is what frustrates me

Posted: April 27, 2017

If you are a person who wants to deal with stress long nights homework and occasionally some fun times then by all means go to Pcs. But if you want a different education and what would be a better social life don't go

Posted: April 27, 2017

For me at Pcs learning is no longer about learning it's about getting your homework done and making sure to not fail. Stress and sleepless nights is all that comes to mind .

Posted: April 27, 2017

My experience at Pcs I've had only two teachers not only make me enjoy learning but successfully teach me concepts.

Posted: December 5, 2015

PCS is an excellent school for academic preparation for college. My child works hard to be a successful student at PCS because she is motivated by demonstrated mutual respect and positive role models of the principal, teachers, other students and community of the school. Pacific Collegiate School is an example of how great all schools can truly be if they are committed to being involved in the process of creating a positive and excellent learning environment.

Posted: September 26, 2015

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Posted: September 26, 2015

At PCS there is just a higher expectation for the students-and they rise to the challenge. My daughter was at risk of falling between the cracks at her public school in Scotts Valley and luckily made it into the lottery at PCS entering 7th grade. The teachers at PCS pulled her up and when she started slipping, she had to attend mandatory study sessions with older students who tutored as a means to earn community service hours. She also was invited to lunch study sessions with some of the teachers when she needed extra help. It is NOT true that you have to be a really great student to attend PCS. She is an excellent example of that. They take ANY student and make them great students-that is the magic of PCS! She ended up graduating as an AP Scholar with Honors and is now attending her first-choice college. She participated in so many clubs during her time at PCS; her favorite by far was the Key Club, where she helped tutor kids in the Barrios Unidos program. She fell in love with those kids and still stays in touch with some of them. Her younger siblings are now attending PCS and are doing wonderfully. They are in an atmosphere where their peers are supportive and high achieving, and so it is just the norm to do likewise. They are active in several different sports on campus and we have found wonderful sportsmanship from their teammates and parents alike-who, by the way, are all super involved and on top of their students' lives. It's so refreshing to be in a school where I know my kids are getting the best education available, where their peers are kind, supportive and supported, the parents are involved, friendly and have formed a really special community, and the teachers truly care about the students and are available to them. I couldn't recommend PCS highly enough.

Posted: May 14, 2014

I think this school is superb! The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is that some of the History taught reflects the personal political and social views of the teachers. There needs to be much less bias and more balance in the History curriculum.

Posted: June 30, 2012

We absolutely love this school. My daughter came from Scotts Valley Middle, hesitated about switching, and fell in love with the school, does not want to go back at all. I agree that this school is not necessarily for everyone. It is somewhat different from the "typical" American high school experience (and I think it's no coincidence that it has a somewhat more international group of families than many of the local schools). If your child prefers a large campus, or an emphasis on sports, or the more typical American high school experience that one reviewer described (football, basketball, etc.), then this school might not be for your child. However, if your student would like a small campus, close community, much stronger emphasis on fine arts, languages, sciences and academics, then this could be a great school. We have also liked it socially. My daughter has found a great group of friends; although they do work hard, they have a lot of fun together too and are really nice kids. Also, there is less pressure here to fit into some of the high school stereotypes (jock, nerd, cheerleader). Not for everyone, but they serve their stated mission extremely well.