Written by Shannon Moore Karm

Situated on the grounds of the San Carlos Cathedral in downtown Monterey, San Carlos School is one of the Central Coast’s oldest and most respected K through 8 schools. Since its opening in 1898, San Carlos has been committed to providing children with the highest quality Catholic education. Following the Franciscan model of education, the goals of San Carlos, as expressed in the school’s mission statement, are threefold: to model and teach Christian life, to integrate academic skills and excellence with Gospel values, and to create a mutually supportive community.

The student population is comprised of approximately 260 students in grade levels spanning kindergarten through eighth. In addition to following state and national education standards, San Carlos also abides by the more rigorous (and religious) curriculum guidelines established by the Diocese of Monterey and the National Catholic Education Association. Subject areas considered to be extracurricular in other schools, such as religion, are part of the standard curriculum at San Carlos School. Students receive instruction in religion, Spanish, technology, art, music, library studies, and physical education, as well as in the standard subject areas—mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. The school also takes an enlightened and progressive stand about the importance of technology in the classroom. Classrooms are networked, and students have access to a state-of-the-art computer center for both tech classes and for school assignments.

The importance of the parent-child-school connection is a key component of the San Carlos School experience. Parents and other family members are encouraged to volunteer in a variety of ways, contributing both their time and talent at events. The Dinner Auction event, for example, is their largest annual fundraiser, providing a venue for parents, administrators, and community members to work together to benefit the San Carlos School.

Together with each student’s parents, educators at San Carlos School have a passionate commitment to nurturing the growth and development of the whole child: body, mind, and spirit. In addition to subjects taught in the classroom, educators at San Carlos seek to instill compassion, responsibility, and self-discipline. Even the very youngest students are respected as valuable, contributing members of the school community. Perhaps best of all, the school strives to instill a love of learning and an appreciation for humanity that students will carry with them throughout their lives.