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; selectivity is labeled separately when it is a third-party estimate.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
2026-27 is in late enrollment / space-available review
As of May 23, 2026, published 2026 assessment dates, the March 1 new-student enrollment start, the March 26 open house, and the April 15 financial-aid priority deadline have passed. Families should contact admissions for current grade-level space.
$19,275 high school tuition (2026-27)
Entrance assessment; international applicants contact MCS
Not officially published; third-party estimate 80%
MCS does not publish an official admissions rate on its admissions pages. PrivateSchoolReview lists an 80% estimate, so it should be labeled as third-party data.
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 day tuition)
View school profile →San Diego Jewish Academy
San Diego, California
Tuition $16,940 - $43,765 (2026-27, by division)
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 starting after spring 2026 milestones
The listed assessment dates, new-student enrollment start, open house, and financial-aid priority deadline have passed, so late applicants should confirm space first.
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.
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 high school tuition (2026-27)
Accommodation
Day school; family/guardian housing required
Admission Information
2026-27 K-12 Admission
August 2026
•Applications opened Nov 1, 2025; enrollment began Mar 1, 2026
MCS opened new student applications for 2026-27 on November 1, 2025. Applicant assessments were scheduled in January and February 2026, and new student enrollment began March 1, 2026.
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
Maranatha Christian Schools is committed to college-preparatory academics. The school's FAQ states that high school students may qualify for Honors courses or one of 17 Advanced Placement classes, and PrivateSchoolReview lists an average SAT score of 1178 and ACT score of 26. Admissions also includes an entrance assessment, family interview, and secondary GPA expectation.
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
Maranatha Christian Schools offers a college-preparatory program with Honors and AP coursework, STEAM-oriented learning, athletics, arts, and Christ-centered formation. Public official pages do not publish an admissions acceptance rate, so this profile separates official tuition and admissions steps from third-party selectivity estimates.
17 AP classes listed in the official MCS FAQ
WASC and Association of Christian Teachers and Schools accreditation listed by MCS
Average SAT score of 1178 reported by PrivateSchoolReview
Average ACT score of 26 reported by PrivateSchoolReview
Family interview and entrance assessment built into admissions
Secondary applicants generally need a 2.5+ GPA
STEAM education emphasis (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
15 CIF teams described on the official athletics overview
14:1 student-to-teacher ratio reported by PrivateSchoolReview
Average class size of 18 students
44% of faculty hold advanced degrees
College counseling support from Grade 9
Christian worldview integrated throughout curriculum
Graduates attend UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Berkeley, SDSU, and other top universities
Data sources
The figures below are sourced from each school's official public records, verified periodically: Data verified on
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Admissions (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — K-12 Admissions (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Tuition and Fees (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — Financial Aid (Official)
- Maranatha Christian Schools — International Admissions (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
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
Maranatha runs structured admissions cycles with rolling-style options for late applicants.
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?
MCS does not publish an official admissions acceptance rate. PrivateSchoolReview lists an 80% estimate for 2026, so this page labels it as third-party data rather than a school-published figure.
How much is Maranatha Christian high school tuition for 2026-27?
MCS lists 2026-27 domestic high school tuition for grades 9-12 at $19,275. General fees include a $225 domestic application fee, $400 international application fee, and annual registration fees. International students should contact MCS for the current international cost structure.
Is Maranatha still accepting applications for 2026-27?
As of May 23, 2026, the published January/February assessment dates, March 1, 2026 new-student enrollment start, March 26 open house, and April 15 financial-aid priority deadline have passed. Families should contact MCS Admissions for current grade-level space and applicant-pool status.
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?
PrivateSchoolReview lists MCS at about 1,007 students across PreK-12, with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and an average class size of 18.
What academic options does MCS offer in high school?
The MCS FAQ states that high school students may qualify for Honors courses or one of 17 AP classes. PrivateSchoolReview also lists an average SAT score of 1178 and ACT score of 26.
Is Maranatha Christian Schools only for Christian students?
No. Maranatha is a non-denominational Christian school but admits students of all faith backgrounds. Bible classes, chapel, and Christian character formation are integrated into the school day, so non-Christian families should be comfortable with this character even if their student is not Christian.
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?
Maranatha typically requires school-administered placement testing for new students plus prior school transcripts and parent/student interviews. There is no required external standardized test like HSPT or ISEE for grade-level entries. International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or equivalent.
How does Maranatha compare to other San Diego private schools?
Maranatha Christian Schools (~700 students, K-12, founded 1980) is one of San Diego's larger evangelical-tradition Christian private schools. Compared to Cathedral Catholic (Catholic, ~1,669 students), Maranatha's distinction is its non-denominational Christian identity and integrated faith curriculum. Compared to the non-sectarian Big Three (Bishop's, Parker, LJCDS), Maranatha is faith-centered and typically lower-tuition. Families choosing Maranatha usually prioritize Christian character formation alongside college-prep academics.