
Ceiba's Story
Get to know Ceiba
Ceiba College Prep is a free public charter school focused on preparing students from Watsonville and surrounding communities to graduate from four-year colleges. Our goal is to ensure that every student is college-ready with the skills they need to compete in the global economy.

About Ceiba
Located in the heart of Watsonville, Ceiba College Prep is a 500-student, grade 6-12 public charter school. Our school community is centered and connected by our mission of preparing all our students for four-year colleges and universities. Ceiba strives to achieve this mission through active parent participation, individualized academic and behavioral supports, and college counseling.
Around 60 students graduate from Ceiba annually. Of those 60 graduates, 50% enroll directly into four-year colleges and universities, 45% pursue post-secondary education at local community colleges, and 5% enlist in the military or go directly into the workforce.


Ceiba packs a lot into our 2.1-acre, one-building campus. Middle and high school students can participate in cross country, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Middle school students can also play flag football. In addition, students have opportunities to pursue performing arts after school through guitar, piano, dance, cheer, and theater clubs.
To prepare our high school students for the rigors of college, Ceiba offers AP courses in English Language and Composition, Spanish, US History, 2D Art, and Psychology. In addition, during the 2024-25 school year, Ceiba began providing school-wide AVID to all our scholars to help them develop their college readiness skill sets. Ceiba students can develop leadership skills through our Associated Student Body (ASB). Finally, all Ceiba high school students are expected to meet the A-G course requirements to enter the University of California/California State University system and complete 100 community service hours.

Head of School Welcome
Josh Ripp, Head of School

Dear Students, Families, and Community Members,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Ceiba College Preparatory Academy, a grade 6-12 public charter school dedicated to preparing each of our students for four-year Colleges and Universities.
At Ceiba, we recognize that education is not one-size-fits-all. We take pride in meeting our students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our committed staff provide personalized attention through targeted academic and behavioral interventions, ensuring each student receives the support they need to thrive.
We offer an educational experience that extends beyond the classroom to include:
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Middle and high school sports
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Performing arts, including guitar, piano, dance, and cheer programs.
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Opportunities to explore beyond Watsonville including hikes in Yosemite, backpacking in Big Sur, and touring Washington, D.C.
To fulfill our college preparatory mission, Ceiba provides:
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Annual trips to regional colleges and universities
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A school-wide AVID program to enhance college readiness skills
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Individualized counseling and support for students and families navigating the college application and financial aid process.
As you embark on or continue your journey with Ceiba, know that you are part of a supportive community that places our students' needs first. In partnership with our families, we strive to pave the path to college for each of our scholars. Welcome to Ceiba College Prep, where your college journey begins today!
Warm regards,
Josh Ripp
Head of School
