Bonny Doon Elementary

Tucked into the redwood-covered hills above Santa Cruz, Bonny Doon Elementary has the feel of a tight-knit community school where everyone knows your name — and probably your kids' names too. The small enrollment means students get real attention, and the school punches well above its weight academically, especially in science, which makes sense given how naturally the surrounding forest and coastal environment lend themselves to curiosity and exploration. Families who've chosen the winding roads of Bonny Doon over the bustle of downtown Santa Cruz tend to love the slower pace, the land, and the idea of their children growing up in a place where the school genuinely feels like an extension of the community.