Alma Heights Academy was founded in the 1950s as a boarding school in a rural, unincorporated part of San Mateo, CA, known as Pedro Valley. In the following decade, it transitioned into an elementary and day school. Pedro Valley was developed as part of a newly incorporated suburb of San Francisco named Pacifica, and many families moved into the area. The school was renamed Alma Heights Christian Academy — “Christian” was added to reflect the distinction between Alma Heights and Catholic schools in the area, as well as to identify it with other Christian schools in the emerging California Association of Christian Schools.

Alma Heights’ enrollment gradually grew and the school became a charter member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). By the mid 1970s, a second campus across the street from the original boarding school was developed. Additional classrooms and campus housing for teachers were added during the 1980s and 1990s, and the high school was developed.

In this past decade Alma Heights achieved accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and a major building program was completed, adding the gymnasium, library, science wing, computer lab, music room, shops, and several classrooms.

This year, our high school had a great new beginning, as we have merged with Highlands Christian College Preparatory. By working together, our enrollment increased by about 40%, three additional Advanced Placement courses were added, and the Arts and Athletics programs were doubled.