Maranatha Christian Schools
Transformed Lives, Transforming the World
Founded in 1991, Maranatha Christian Schools (MCS) is a Christ-centered PreK-12 school in San Diego's Rancho Bernardo area. Families usually compare MCS for its college-preparatory high school pathway, Honors and AP coursework, STEAM emphasis, Christian formation, 15 CIF athletic teams, and international admissions pathway for grades 6-12.
Quick answers
Tuition, selectivity, and admissions overview
Maranatha Christian Schools is one of the schools families often compare in the San Diego private high school search. This summary brings together tuition, acceptance-rate context, deadlines, testing, and local guardian considerations before the full profile below.
Data context
Tuition, testing, and application dates follow school-published sources.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
2027–28 new-student applications open November 1, 2026
$19,275 (2026–27 domestic high school tuition; international quote separate)
For a real annual budget, compare tuition with housing, guardianship, insurance, transportation, school breaks, and activity costs.
Entrance assessment; international applicants contact MCS
Day school; family/guardian housing required
Compare with
Schools families often compare with Maranatha Christian Schools
Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego, California
Tuition $22,637 (2026-27 annual-plan total: $22,137 tuition + $500 deposit)
View school profile →San Diego Jewish Academy
San Diego, California
Tuition From $41,350 (2026–27, grades 6–12 tuition + fees; security extra)
View school profile →Francis Parker School
San Diego, California
Tuition $30,300 - $49,100 (2026-27, by grade)
View school profile →Fit guidance
Who MCS Fits Best
MCS is a strong fit for families seeking a Christ-centered PreK-12 pathway with AP/Honors options, athletics, arts, and international admissions, but housing and timing need careful planning.
Strong Fit
Families seeking Christian formation with academics
MCS is best evaluated as a faith-based school community where chapel, Christian worldview, academics, arts, and athletics are connected.
Students wanting AP/Honors plus activities
High school students can pursue Honors/AP coursework, STEAM-oriented learning, athletics, arts, and a smaller private-school environment.
International students entering grades 6-12
MCS has a dedicated international admissions pathway and asks families to work directly with International Admissions on F-1 and enrollment details.
Review Carefully
Students needing school-operated boarding
MCS is a day school. Families need a separate local housing, guardian, transportation, and daily-care plan.
Families planning grade-specific assessments
New-student applications for 2027–28 open November 1, 2026; families should check grade-level testing and availability.
Families needing an official acceptance rate
MCS does not publish an official admissions acceptance rate; third-party selectivity estimates should be treated as low-confidence context.
For international students, the key planning question is whether the family can pair MCS's admissions pathway with a reliable local living and guardianship arrangement.
Explore Maranatha Christian Schools
Watch the school's introduction video to learn about its campus and programs.
Our Mission
“Maranatha Christian Schools is a Christ-centered learning community where students experience God’s love, are equipped to fulfill God's unique call and purpose, and excel in their God-given potential through academics, arts, and athletics.
”
Key Info
Grades
PreK-12 (profile focuses on 9-12)
Language Requirement
Entrance assessment; international applicants contact MCS
Cost of Attendance
$19,275 (2026–27 domestic high school tuition; international quote separate)
Accommodation
Day school; family/guardian housing required
Admission Information
2027–28 new-student applications
2026-11-01
•New-student enrollment begins 2027-03-01 (not an application deadline)
2027–28 new-student applications open November 1, 2026; new-student enrollment begins March 1, 2027. Grade 3–9 assessment dates are to be announced.
International Admission (Grades 6-12)
Based on availability
•Contact International Admissions
MCS asks international families to work directly with International Admissions for application steps, current tuition guidance, and F-1 student support.
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Report cards or transcripts from previous school
- Entrance assessment through the Admissions Department
- Family interview with the Director of Admissions
- Parent & Student Commitment Form
- Secondary applicants generally need a cumulative/current GPA of 2.5 or above
- $225 domestic application fee; $400 international application fee
Why Study at Maranatha Christian Schools?
Innovative 21st Century Learning Environment
MCS frames its program as a Christ-centered learning community where students develop academically, spiritually, and personally. For high school families, the practical draw is a PreK-12 campus with Honors/AP options, STEAM-oriented learning, arts, athletics, and a faith-based environment rather than a standalone college-prep program.
Rigorous College Preparatory Excellence
The 2026–27 profile lists 15 AP and six honors courses. The website FAQ still says 17 AP courses; this page uses the dated profile, with actual availability subject to the course schedule.
Strong Christ-Centered Community
At MCS, students are part of a close-knit, Christ-centered community that connects faith, academics, arts, and athletics. The athletics page describes 15 CIF teams and emphasizes character, integrity, teamwork, and college-placement guidance for driven athletes. Families should view the Christian mission as a core part of the fit, not a background feature.
Life at Maranatha Christian Schools
Christ-Centered Education in San Diego's Premier Community
Located in the Rancho Bernardo area of San Diego, Maranatha Christian Schools offers a PreK-12 Christian school environment with college-preparatory academics, arts, athletics, chapel and faith formation, and an international pathway for grades 6-12. The school is a day school, so international families should plan local housing, guardianship, transportation, and daily support before enrollment.
Vibrant Christian Community
Experience Christ-centered education in a supportive community where faith and learning intersect daily
Prime San Diego Location
Located in Rancho Bernardo with easy access to beaches, cultural attractions, and San Diego International Airport
College-Prep Pathway
High school students can pursue Honors and AP coursework while receiving college-planning support in a Christian school environment.
Campus Life at Maranatha
Explore our vibrant campus where students grow academically, spiritually, and socially
K-12 Admissions
MCS partners with families through an admissions process that includes application review, assessments, and family interview.
Athletics Program
MCS athletics emphasizes character, teamwork, player development, and competition in a Christian environment.
CIF Team Culture
The athletics program describes 15 CIF teams and a focus on higher-level play, humility, and student growth.
Student-Athlete Development
Athletics is positioned as part of student formation, with coaching, training, teamwork, and college-placement support.
Admissions Visit Pathway
Prospective students in grades 6-12 can use Eagle Experience shadow opportunities to see classrooms, chapel, and campus life.
All Things Athletics
MCS athletics frames sports around character, coachability, teamwork, and honoring God in competition.
International Student Pathway
MCS welcomes international students in grades 6-12 through a dedicated admissions process and F-1 support.
Maranatha Christian Schools By The Numbers
Over 30 years of excellence in Christian education
Data verified on
Academic Excellence Programs
The 2026–27 profile lists 15 AP and six honors courses. The website FAQ still says 17 AP courses; this page uses the dated profile, with actual availability subject to the course schedule.
2026–27 profile: 15 AP and six honors courses
Dual accreditation: WASC and ACTS
Christian faith integrated into learning
Application includes a family interview, assessment and commitment form
Data sources
The figures below are sourced from each school's official public records, verified periodically: Data verified on
- Maranatha Christian Schools — K-12 Admissions (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Financial Aid (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Athletics (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Athletics Overview (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Mission, Vision, Values (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Accreditation (Official)
- PrivateSchoolReview — Maranatha Christian Schools
- MCS: Admissions
- MCS: Tuition
- MCS: 2026–27 School Profile
- MCS: International
Further reading
If you're considering Maranatha Christian Schools, also read
Full cost of US private high school for a Chinese family
Tuition, guardianship, fees, transportation — total cost picture beyond Maranatha's published K-12 tuition.
Top private high schools in San Diego: where Maranatha Christian fits
Christian K-12 day school in Rancho Bernardo — Maranatha's positioning among SD's faith-based private options.
How Maranatha compares to non-faith SD independent schools
Maranatha is Christian K-12, while the SD Big Three (Bishop's, Parker, LJCDS) are non-sectarian or single-faith independents. Choice often comes down to faith integration in daily curriculum.
Maranatha admissions timeline and what mid-year applicants should know
2027–28 new-student applications open November 1, 2026, and enrollment begins March 1, 2027; later availability is grade-specific.
Legal guardianship for international students at San Diego day schools
Maranatha is a day school. International families without local relatives must plan guardianship in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maranatha Christian Schools' admissions acceptance rate?
The school does not publish an admissions acceptance rate.
How much is Maranatha Christian high school tuition for 2026-27?
The published $19,275 high school tuition for 2026–27 applies to domestic students, not as a quote for international applicants. The international application fee is $400 and annual registration is $600; high school books are estimated at $350–$550, with sports and retreats extra. EdComm will obtain the applicable full international quote for each applicant.
When do Maranatha’s 2027–28 applications open?
2027–28 new-student applications open November 1, 2026; new-student enrollment begins March 1, 2027. Grade 3–9 assessment dates are to be announced.
Does Maranatha provide boarding or homestay?
MCS is a day school. It has an international admissions pathway for grades 6-12, but families should plan local guardian and housing arrangements separately and confirm expectations with International Admissions.
How large is Maranatha Christian Schools?
The 2026–27 official profile estimates 865 K–12 students: 405 elementary, 220 junior high and 240 high school, excluding preschool.
What academic options does MCS offer in high school?
The 2026–27 profile lists 15 AP and six honors courses. The website FAQ still says 17 AP courses; this page uses the dated profile, with actual availability subject to the course schedule.
Is Maranatha Christian Schools only for Christian students?
MCS requires parents and students to sign a commitment supporting its Christian philosophy, faith and policies. Do not assume there are no faith-fit requirements; discuss your circumstances with admissions.
Does Maranatha Christian Schools accept international students?
Yes. Maranatha accepts international applicants on a space-available basis. Application requirements include English-language assessment and academic transcripts. Maranatha is a day school in San Diego. International applicants take responsibility for arranging a local guardian and housing.
What standardized tests does Maranatha require for admissions?
New applicants take assessments arranged by admissions. The website has not yet announced 2027–28 grade 3–9 assessment dates; confirm international English evaluation requirements rather than assuming a fixed TOEFL rule.
How does Maranatha compare to other San Diego private schools?
MCS was established in 1991 and its 2026–27 profile estimates 865 K–12 students. Compare Christian academics, family commitments, grade coverage and cost; 2026–27 domestic high-school tuition is $19,275.