Education in the
British Tradition

Canterbury School is a traditional Christian preparatory school in Los Altos, California, offering a British classical education marked by rigorous academics, Christian formation, and the careful cultivation of character.
Serving Silicon Valley Families
Founded 1974, Los Altos

The Canterbury Way of Preparatory Education

Classical

Our classical approach follows the time-tested education that formed Western civilization and shaped America’s Founding Fathers. Through the study of Latin, Greek and Roman history, and the Great Books, students develop strong reading, writing, and reasoning skills. This disciplined foundation prepares them for lifelong learning, leadership, and service.

Christian

Our school is intentionally Christian. Daily chapel is grounded in the Bible and historic Christian tradition, supporting and strengthening students’ faith. We partner with parents in forming character—teaching students to love Christ, respect others, and take responsibility for their actions both in and out of the classroom.

Traditional

The traditional classroom recognizes how children learn best—through structure, consistency, and clear instruction. Our technology-free classrooms are complemented by a traditional preparatory school culture. Students wear uniforms and are taught respect, courtesy, and traditional English manners.
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Canterbury Christian School Student Application

Not ready to apply? Schedule a tour here.

We encourage families to apply online using our FACTS Admissions Portal. We have partnered with FACTS to give families the ability to apply, organize and track the application process. To begin the process, please click the link and you will be redirected to the portal.  

Please follow these steps to begin the online application process:

Application portal – please use the online application portal to complete the application requirements and track the admission process. Click Here

Create an account – please use this information to access the secured application portal. Click Here

Pre-Kindergarten to 6th Grade


CANTERBURY AT A GLANCE

Canterbury Christian School is a private, Pre-Kindergarten to 6th, classical, Christian school in Los Altos, CA.

Small Class Sizes
Students learn in intentionally small classes of sixteen or fewer, where teachers know each child by name, tailor instruction, and address learning needs quickly—creating a focused and academically strong classroom environment.

Technology-Free Teaching
Classrooms are intentionally free from screens, helping students develop attention, imagination, and strong thinking skills without digital distraction. Students do not use smartphones, tablets, or computers at school or for homework.

Teacher-Led Classrooms
Teachers lead lessons with clarity and purpose, guiding students step-by-step toward mastery through explanation, practice, and review. Classrooms are ordered, attentive, and respectful.

Daily Chapel Services
Students gather daily for chapel grounded in the Bible and the historic Christian tradition, nurturing faith, reverence, and character. Kindergarten students join chapel each Friday.

Traditional School Uniforms
School uniforms promote focus, unity, and a respectful learning environment by minimizing distractions and encouraging personal responsibility.

Classical Curriculum
Students follow a time-tested classical curriculum emphasizing strong reading, writing, and reasoning skills, including the study of Latin, history, and great literature.

Assessment & Readiness

Admission to Canterbury is based on both age eligibility and academic readiness. Our curriculum is intentionally rigorous, and we seek to ensure that each student is prepared to thrive within it.

Kindergarten (K4/K5)

  • K4 applicants must be four years old before Nov 1 of the school year for which they are applying.
  • K5 applicants must be five years old before Nov 1 of the same school year.

All K4 and K5 applicants participate in a readiness assessment that evaluates foundational skills such as phonemic awareness, attention, fine motor development, and the ability to follow instruction in a structured classroom environment.

Grammar School

Applicants to the Grammar School (Grade 1-6) are required to complete an academic assessment as part of the admissions process. This assessment helps us determine whether a student is prepared for our accelerated and language-rich classical curriculum.

The evaluation may include reading fluency and comprehension, writing mechanics, grammar, Latin, and mathematics. Placement is based on demonstrated readiness rather than age alone, ensuring that students are well-matched to the expectations of their grade level.

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