Santa Cruz is a 2nd class municipality located on the northern edge of the province ofZambales, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 52,202 people in 9,754 households.

The town has both public and private schools, including those run by religious organizations, foundations and individuals. The Ramon Magsaysay Polytechnic University (RMTU) - Sta. Cruz Campus is part of the RMTU SYstem operating in the whole Zambales Province, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in Educational Teaching and other courses. Columban College - Sta. Cruz campus is part of the Columban College System controlled by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Iba, headed by the Bishop of Diocese of Iba. Sta. Cruz Academy is a parochial secondary school operated and controlled by St. Michael the Archangel Parish of Sta. Cruz. The Sta. Cruz High School is operated by the local government and there are Lipay High School and Guisguis National High School.