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St Francis High School Salesian College Prep

Watsonville · Santa Cruz County · Catholic religious-affiliated

Private Santa Cruz County ~52 seniors
Shareable scorecard →
35 UC Reach Score · Above average

A parent's read

  • The UC pipeline here is real. 18 admissions to the top six UC campuses for a class of 52 seniors puts this school in roughly the top 23% of California high schools.
  • Worth asking admissions: the school profile. This school doesn't publish SAT/ACT or AP results publicly. Every private school produces a counselor's "school profile" for colleges — ask for it. How a school answers says as much as the numbers.

Composed from this page's data — every claim is backed by a number in the sections below.

Where grads go — and what it costs & pays

UC Reach Score
35
Above average top 25% in California
Top-6 UC admits per 100 seniors in the Class of 2025 — counts each campus admit, so a student admitted to several UCs counts more than once (which is why a strong school can score over 100).

UC admits by campus · Class of 2025

UCSD
3 admitted
Net $12,470/yr avg
Grads earn $84,943 @10yr
UCI
7 admitted
Net $14,251/yr avg
Grads earn $80,735 @10yr
UCD
8 admitted
3 enrolled
Net $14,741/yr avg
Grads earn $80,838 @10yr

Getting in is step one. The cost above is the average aid-receiving family's net price — yours depends on whether you qualify for aid — and your child's odds depend on their GPA + scores. See your family's real numbers at these campuses:

Get my child's odds + our real costs →

Sources: UC Office of the President (admits); IPEDS net price + College Scorecard 10-yr earnings (cost & payoff). Full campus-by-campus breakdown below.

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How St Francis High School Salesian College Prep compares for families

Above-average college outcomes statewide.

  • ▸ StatewideUC Reach Score of 35 — 16 points above the California median of 19. Ahead of 77% of California high schools.
  • ▸ vs Similar SchoolsOther schools in the county, closest in size: Monterey Bay Academy, Mount Madonna School, Georgiana Bruce Kirby Prep School and 1 more. See the sidebar to compare side-by-side.

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Their published college acceptances

College acceptances

St Francis High School Salesian College Prep publishes the colleges that admitted its graduates. What follows is copied from that document — 264 colleges, in the document's own order.

Years, as the document states them
2019-2025

Alabama State University Allegheny College Alvernia University Arcadia University Arizona State University Auburn University Ave Maria University Azusa Pacific University Bard College Barry University Bath Spa University, U.K. Baylor University Belmont University Binghamton University Boise State University Boston College Boston University Brown University Buffalo State University Butler University Cabrillo College California Baptist University California College of the Arts California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt California State Polytechnic University, Pomona California State University, Bakersfield California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Chico
and 234 more
California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, East Bay California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge California State University, Sacramento California State University, San Marcos California State University, Stanislaus Canisius College Carroll College Catholic University of America Central Christian College of Kansas Chapman University Clark Honors College Clemson College Clemson University Cleveland State University Cogswell College Cogswell University of Silicon Valley College of the Holy Cross Colorado Mesa University Colorado State University Concordia University Coppin State College Corbin University Creighton University Dean College DePaul University DePaul University, Illinois DePauw University Dixie State University Doane University Dominican University Dominican University of California Drake University Drew University Duke University Duquesne University Elmira College Elon University Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University Fairfield University Fisher College Foothill College Fordham University Fordham University- Rose Hill Furman University Gallaudet University George Fox University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Tech University Gonzaga University Grand Canyon University Hampden- Sydney College Hartwick College Hawaii Pacific University Hiram College Holy Names University Humboldt State University Iowa State University Jacksonville University John Paul the Great Catholic University Johnson & Wales University Kent State University Kenyon College Lake Erie College La Sierra College Lewis and Clark College Linfield College Louisiana State University Louisiana State University of Alexandria Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans Lynn University Manhattan University Marquette University Marymount California University Marywood University Menlo College Miami University, Ohio Michigan State University Milwaukee School of Engineering Montana State University Monterey Peninsula College Moore College of Art & Design Mount Holyoke College Mount Saint Mary’s University Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles Muhlenberg College Nazareth College New York University North Central University Northern Arizona University Northwest Lineman College Notre Dame de Namur University Nova Southeastern University Occidental College Ohlone College Oregon State University Ottowa University, Arizona Pacific Lutheran University Pacific University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Plymouth State University Portland State University Providence College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Reed College Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University Sacramento State University Saint Anselm College Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College of California Samford University San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle Pacific University Seattle University Seton Hall University Simmons University Smith College Sonoma State University Southern Methodist University Southern Oregon University Southwestern University St. John’s University St. Louis University St. Mary’s College, Indiana Stony Brook University Syracuse University Texas Christian University Texas Tech University Tiffin University Union University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of British Columbia University of Buffalo University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Denver University of Connecticut University of Dallas University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Denver University of Derby, U.K. University of Evansville University of Hawai’i, Manoa University of Hawaii West O’ahu University of Houston, Texas University of Illinois University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of La Verne University of Louisiana – Lafayette University of Louisville University of Massachusetts Boston University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Nebraska University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno University of New Hampshire University of New Mexico University of Northern Colorado University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh at Bradford University of Portland University of Providence University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Scranton University of Southern California University of St. Thomas University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of the Pacific University of Utah University of Vermont University of Washington University of Wisconsin Ursinus College Vanguard University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Technical Institute Wartburg College Washington State University Waynesburg University Wesleyan University Western Washington University Westmont College Wheaton College Wheeling University Whitman College Whittier College Whitworth University Willamette University Wingate University Wofford College Woodbury University Xavier University Yale University

These graduates were admitted to the colleges above.

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We'll load 10 from the list above — add your name, email and your child's numbers and we'll see where your child lands at each.

Independently verified As published by St Francis High School Salesian College Prep — School Profile 2025-2026 ↗. Found at: "College Acceptances • 2019-2025" (p.4).

No SBAC data for private schools — and that's not the metric you want anyway

California's Smarter Balanced (CAASPP) assessment is administered by the state, by statute, to public & charter schools only. Private schools don't sit for it. That's why the SBAC card is missing on this profile — not a data gap on our side, a deliberate scope of the state's testing program.

For private schools, UC Reach is the stronger academic signal anyway. SBAC measures grade-11 inputs (proficiency on a state standard); UC Reach measures outputs (who actually got into the most selective UCs). For private-school families weighing tuition against college outcomes, the outputs are the relevant signal.

Scroll up to the UC Reach card for St Francis High School Salesian College Prep's 2025 number, statewide percentile, and 5-year trend.

Enrollment trend & projection

Total enrollment (9–12)
227 (2020) → 214 (2025)
-5.7%
Grade 12 (graduating class)
49 (2020) → 52 (2025)
+6.1%

If this trend holds (-1.1%/yr, Total enrollment)

At tuition of $ / student:

Horizon Projected Total enrollment Change Tuition impact / yr
1 yr (2026) ~212 -2 $0
3 yr (2028) ~207 -7 $0
5 yr (2030) ~202 -12 $0

Straight-line extrapolation of the recent annual rate — a what-if, not a forecast of intent. Default = a typical CA Catholic high school ($10k–18k). Edit the figure to match your school.

Diocesan context — Diocese of Monterey

Diocese
Counties covered
Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Luis Obispo
Schools operated (K–12)
~17
approx; from diocesan reports
Other Catholic HS tracked
2
in this diocese, on this site

Diocese of Monterey is the canonical governance body for Catholic schools in this region — board policy, tuition guidance, and shared services typically originate here. Visit the diocesan website →

Financial figures aren't shown because Catholic (arch)dioceses don't file IRS Form 990 — they're covered by the USCCB Group Ruling (GEN 0928), which exempts dioceses, parishes, and parochial schools from individual filing. School counts above are hand-compiled from each diocese's published schools-department information.

Key takeaway · Class of 2025

St Francis High School Salesian College Prep sent 80 applications to the six most selective University of California campuses and 22.5% were admitted, producing a UC Reach Score of 35 (top-6 UC admits per 100 seniors, counting a student at each campus that admitted them) — 16 points above the California median of 19, higher than 77% of California high schools..

UC Reach Score 35 ⓘ 18 admits (counted at each UC) / 52 seniors methodology
Where this sits on the California curve
CA median
19
Top 10%
53
This school
35
050100
CA median 19 Top 10% ≥ 53 This school 35

Higher than 77% of California high schools (1107 ranked, ≥50 seniors)

What this number means

St Francis High School Salesian College Prep's UC Reach Score of 35 is in the top quartile statewide (median 19; top 25% bar 33) — but it's still below the top-10% bar of 53.

For context, the elite tier (top 1%) clears 95 — a gap of 60 pp from where this school sits.

Overall, St Francis High School Salesian College Prep's UC Reach is higher than 77% of California high schools (1107 ranked).

UC Application Reach Score ⓘ
154
80 applications
Most seniors are applying to at least one of the six most selective UCs (applications counted at each campus).
In context: CA median 81 · Top 10% statewide ≥ 240 · higher than 77% of CA HS.
UC Admit Rate ⓘ
22.5%
18 / 80 applications
In context: CA median 26.0% · Top 10% statewide ≥ 40.4% · higher than 30% of CA HS.
UC Yield Rate ⓘ
16.7%
3 enrolled of 18 admitted
Yield vs. Enrollment Reach: Yield answers "of UC admits, what % chose UC?" — denominator is just the admits. A small admitted cohort can post a low yield even when the school sends a healthy share of its class to UC.
UC Enrollment Reach Score ⓘ
6
3 enrollees / 52 seniors
Enrollment Reach vs. Yield: Reach answers "of the whole senior class, what share ended up at UC?" — denominator is everyone. High Yield with low Enrollment Reach is common at elite privates: most admits matriculate, but the school sends most of its class to non-UC selective colleges.
Selective UC Reach (UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, UCI — incl. the Elite two) ⓘ
19.2
per 100 seniors · campus-level total
In context: CA median 15.9 · Top 10% statewide ≥ 42.2 · higher than 60% of CA HS.
Elite UC Reach (UCB + UCLA) ⓘ
N/A
Senior Class Size ⓘ
52
Private School Affidavit
Total School Enrollment ⓘ
214
All grades · Private School Affidavit

Private-school figures come from the California Private School Affidavit. Per CDE, inclusion in private-school data is not an evaluation, approval, or endorsement of a school.

Avg. Applicant GPA · top-6 UCs ⓘ
3.83

GPA figures reflect 2024 — UC has not yet released applicant/admit GPA for 2025.

UC Outcomes Trend — 2024–2025

UC Admit Rate %
UC Reach Score (where available)
UC Admits (count, right axis)

Class size from CDE grade 12 enrollment. Campus-level data: applicant and admit totals count a student once at EACH campus. A senior admitted to UCLA and UC San Diego adds 2 to the admit total, so the total can exceed the senior class — that is the metric working as defined, not an error. The admit RATE is unaffected: both its numerator and denominator are campus-level.

Campus Breakdown — 2025

Campus Applicants Admits Enrollees Admit Rate UC Reach Score Yield Avg GPA (App) '24 Avg GPA (Adm) '24
UC Berkeley → Elite 11 —† —† —† —† — 3.82 —†
UCLA → Elite 15 —† —† —† —† — 3.95 —†
UC San Diego → Selective 13 3 —† 23.1% 6 — 3.85 —†
UC Santa Barbara → Selective 8 —† —† —† —† — 3.66 —†
UC Irvine → Selective 16 7 —† 43.8% 13 — 3.83 —†
UC Davis → 17 8 3 47.1% 15 37.5% 3.83 —†
† = UCOP-suppressed (count below 3 students, hidden for privacy — actual value is 0, 1, or 2, not necessarily zero). Campus-level totals may count one student admitted to multiple UC campuses more than once; Admit Volume metrics are not the same as UC Reach, which is measured against the whole senior class. See methodology →

What This Means

A large share of the senior class applies to UC, indicating strong college-going culture and UC pipeline development.
A large share of the class applies to UC, so the admit rate runs lower than the application volume alone might suggest — expected when many students apply broadly, including to reach campuses. UC Reach (which credits every admit relative to the class) is the truer read of how the class fares: a strong Reach alongside a moderate admit rate is healthy, not a contradiction.
UC Reach is solid. A meaningful share of the senior class is achieving UC admission, and there is likely room to grow both application volume and admission outcomes.
Students are earning UC admission but enrolling elsewhere at a notable rate. This may reflect competition from private colleges, out-of-state flagships, cost considerations, or UC campus fit. Student outcome surveys can clarify.
The school generates broad UC access, but fewer students are reaching the most selective UC campuses (UCLA, Berkeley, UCSD, UCSB, UCI). Targeted academic enrichment and campus-fit advising may help.
UC Reach has improved meaningfully compared to the prior year — a positive trajectory worth monitoring and reinforcing.
Note: the UC Reach Score sums campus-level admits across the top-six UC campuses, so a student admitted to both UCLA and UCSD is counted at each. It reflects competitive admit volume relative to class size — admit-events, not distinct students — which is why a Score can exceed 100.
Compare with other schools → See Santa Cruz County rankings →

Related reading

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All stories from the data →

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