PURPOSE & VISION
Our Story
A Tradition of Excellence. A Spirit of Possibility.
Since 1952, Stevenson has challenged students to pursue excellence, explore their interests and discover what they are capable of achieving.
What began as a small boys’ school in Pebble Beach has grown into a vibrant Pre-K–12 community across two campuses, welcoming students from the Monterey Peninsula, across the country and around the world.
Throughout that evolution, one belief has remained constant: An exceptional education does more than prepare students for what comes next. It inspires curiosity, develops character, builds confidence and opens doors to a lifetime of possibility.
A Vision That Endures
When Robert U. Ricklefs founded Stevenson in 1952, he envisioned a school that would develop not only strong scholars, but young people distinguished by integrity, courage, ambition and an understanding of others.
Named for Scottish author and adventurer Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent time on the Monterey Peninsula, the school embraced a spirit of exploration from its earliest days.
That founding vision continues to shape Stevenson today. Academic excellence and intellectual curiosity go hand in hand with character, community and a commitment to helping students lead meaningful, joyful lives.
Growing and Evolving
Stevenson has never stood still.
Originally a boys’ boarding school, Stevenson welcomed girls as day students in 1976 and boarding students in 1988. That same year, the school joined with Briarcliff Academy in Carmel, extending the Stevenson experience to younger students and establishing the two-campus community we know today.
With the addition of Pre-K in 2011, Stevenson now offers an educational journey from the earliest years of discovery through the transition to college and beyond.
Across both campuses, generations of students have benefited from an education that combines rigorous academics with meaningful relationships, opportunities to explore new interests and the encouragement to take on new challenges.
Inspired by Our Surroundings
Stevenson’s two campuses offer something extraordinary: a learning environment where the natural world, academic exploration and a spirit of adventure come together.
From the coastal landscapes of Pebble Beach to the close-knit community of Carmel, students engage with the world around them in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
They study marine ecosystems along the Monterey Bay, explore the arts and sciences, participate in outdoor expeditions and connect classroom learning to real-world questions and challenges.
Our location offers remarkable opportunities. What makes Stevenson special is how our students and faculty bring those opportunities to life.
Building for the Future
As Stevenson has grown, so has its commitment to creating exceptional opportunities for students.
The opening of The John Senuta Math Center and The Day Science and Engineering Center in 2026 marked a significant new chapter in the school’s history. Together, the two buildings provide 38,000 square feet dedicated to mathematics, science, engineering and hands-on discovery.
These spaces reflect a larger commitment to an education that encourages thoughtful questions, creative problem-solving, collaboration and the confidence to explore ambitious ideas.
Across both campuses, Stevenson continues to invest in the people, programs and experiences that prepare students for a changing world.
Stevenson at Its Best
Engage with Curiosity. Lead with Kindness. Act with Integrity. Embrace Challenge with Courage. Build Community. Cultivate Confidence.
More than seven decades after its founding, Stevenson continues to be guided by the ideals that shaped its beginnings and the values that define its community today.
These values reflect who we are at our best and what we hope students carry with them long after graduation.
Our story continues through every student who discovers a new passion, every teacher who inspires a different way of thinking and every graduate who takes what they have learned at Stevenson into the world.
Our history is one of growth and evolution. Our purpose remains the same: to prepare students for success in school and life, foster a passion for learning and achievement and help them shape joyful lives.
More to Explore
President’s Welcome
Dr. Dan Griffiths shares what makes Stevenson a truly remarkable experience and why students thrive here.
Strategic Vision
As we embrace our legacy, we look to the future with a focus on growth, innovation and sustainability.
Admissions
Discover more about Stevenson’s approach to academics, athletics and campus life, as well as how to apply.
Begin YourNew Adventureat Stevenson
Complete our request form and we'll guide you through each step of the Admissions process.