President’s Welcome

Few schools can offer what Stevenson does: two extraordinary campuses in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, a thoughtful Pre-K–12 experience, and a philosophy of learning committed to developing the whole person within a community that values excellence, character and joy.

Every Stevenson journey begins with a simple belief: children learn best when they feel known, valued and inspired to learn. In the Lower Division, teachers create classrooms where students ask questions, share ideas and build confidence through an engaging, inquiry-based curriculum. Strong foundations in literacy, mathematics and critical thinking are paired with creativity, curiosity and the joy that comes from meaningful learning. Students begin to discover what it means to engage with curiosity, embrace challenge with courage and lead with kindness, while developing the confidence to try new things, learn from mistakes and discover what they are capable of.

Beginning in Grade 5, the Middle Division prepares students for the academic challenge and expanded opportunities of the Upper Division while supporting the social and emotional growth of early adolescence. Through Advisory, leadership, outdoor education, the arts, athletics, robotics, engineering, interdisciplinary projects and after-school opportunities, students develop independence, resilience, meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. They are encouraged to take on new challenges, contribute to their community and recognize that how they treat others matters as much as what they accomplish. As their independence grows, so does the confidence to explore new interests, recognize their strengths and begin to unlock their potential.

In the Upper Division, students pursue ambitious ideas in an environment where they are known, supported and encouraged to take intellectual risks. The recently completed The John Senuta Math Center and The Day Science & Engineering Center expand opportunities for inquiry, research and interdisciplinary learning, while personalized College Counseling helps students identify colleges and universities where they will thrive. Learning extends beyond the classroom through X-Term, leadership, service, research, athletics and the arts, giving students opportunities to follow their curiosity, test themselves in new ways and apply what they learn in meaningful contexts.

Across all three divisions, Stevenson students are encouraged to pursue excellence and grow through challenge. Athletics is among the premier high school programs on California’s Central Coast, with recent success in league, section, regional and state championships, including back-to-back CIF State Championships in Boys Golf. Three times as many Stevenson graduates continue to collegiate athletics as the national average. In the arts, musicians, dancers and visual artists earn regional and national recognition through honor ensembles, juried exhibitions and professional showcases. Whether on the field, onstage, in the studio or in the classroom, students learn to pursue their goals with courage, contribute generously to a team, act with integrity and develop confidence in their own abilities.

For boarding students, Stevenson offers an exceptional place to call home. Students from across the country and around the world live, learn and grow together in a close-knit residential community shaped by faculty mentorship, meaningful traditions and the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. They develop confidence, independence and lasting friendships while learning what it means to choose kindness, build community and contribute to something larger than themselves.

Throughout their Stevenson journey, students are challenged to think independently, collaborate generously and approach the world with curiosity, courage, integrity and compassion. Stevenson’s values—to engage with curiosity, embrace challenge with courage, act with integrity, lead with kindness, build community, and cultivate confidence and unlock potential—come to life in classrooms, relationships and experiences across both campuses.

By graduation, Stevenson students leave with more than knowledge. They leave with the confidence to pursue meaningful work, the curiosity to keep learning, the character to act with integrity and the capacity to shape lives filled with purpose, achievement and joy.