SCHOOLS

Cold Spring is a public elementary school serving children in grades Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. It serves approximately 170 students in small classroom settings. The faculty consists of a superintendent-principal, nine classroom teachers, a part-time reading teacher, a librarian, a credentialed music teacher, a technology specialist, a chief business officer, a director of fiscal services, an executive assistant, an office coordinator, a director of maintenance and operations, and nine instructional assistants. In addition, Cold Spring also has professional artists and musicians who provide instruction in visual arts, ceramic sculpture, instrumental music, and drama. Cold Spring was designated a California Distinguished School in 1986, recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 1992, and, in 2016, a Gold Ribbon School. The students of Cold Spring have consistently performed in the top 5-10% of all elementary schools in California.

Montecito Union School District is a public elementary school district with one school serving children in kindergarten through Sixth grade. In 1998 and again in 2014, the school was awarded California's "Distinguished School" status. Montecito Union is governed by a five-member board of trustees and administered by a district Superintendent, a Principal, and an Assistant Principal. Enrollment has risen from 264 students in 1983/84 to over 400 students today. The school boasts a teacher/pupil average of 1:18 in grades K-6, with a certificated teacher and a three-hour instructional assistant in each classroom. In addition, the school's staff includes specialists in art, music, physical education, technology, Spanish, and the library. The Montecito Union School rests on an eight-acre site nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and serves the community of Montecito.

Situated in the heart of Santa Barbara's Eastside community, Santa Barbara Junior High School opened its doors in 1932, and students reflect our beautiful and diverse community. Santa Barbara Junior High has always been committed to promoting opportunities for academic excellence and developing personal and civic responsibility in a safe, respectful, and caring environment.

The school is also the home of the Marjorie Luke Theatre, a cultural and community performing arts center. Built by skilled WPA artisans, dedicated to their crafts, and completed in 1933, this theatre has a long history of music, dance, and theatre. This legacy is infused with inspirational teaching by people who encouraged young people to take risks and explore their creative talents.

Santa Barbara High School, founded in 1875, is the third-oldest high school in California. SBHS is a comprehensive 9th-12th-grade Public High School. Occupying a 44-acre urban campus, the current Spanish-style school was built in 1924. With a rich history, SBHS is known throughout the community as the "Home of the Dons."

The school offers three academies- the Computer Science Academy (CSA), the Multimedia and Design Academy (MAD), and the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA). In addition, they offer career-technical pathways in sports medicine, culinary arts, and construction technology. Through their ongoing partnership with Santa Barbara City College, students can participate in dual enrollment courses on both campuses. Beyond dual enrollment courses, students can also take Advanced Placement and honors-level courses in all subject areas.

Santa Barbara High School offers dynamic extra-curricular programs and athletics. With over 30 student clubs, students can explore their passions, give back to our community, and promote common interests. Student athletes compete in over 15 CIF sports, and many go on to Division I colleges and professional leagues. Lastly, they have a thriving Visual and Performing Arts program that includes a theater department that performs three times a year, a vocal program that performs throughout the city and state, and a band program that is active in our community.

Dos Pueblos High School, located in Goleta, opened its doors to its first students in the spring of 1967. The student body is approximately 2,300 students in grades 9-12. It is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and the only high school in Santa Barbara County to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which provides interdisciplinary student-led research opportunities for students to explore their unique interests and passions.

The campus has undergone many transformations, including the addition of new facilities: the Virgil Elings Center for Creative Learning, the Virgil Elings Center for Media and Communication, a football stadium, an Olympic-sized pool, and a 12,000-square-foot engineering facility.

Through their strong partnership with SBCC, DP students can take an array of dual-enrollment courses to enhance their education and begin earning college units while still in high school. Along with these innovative academic programs, DPHS offers 24 varsity athletic teams, over 50 active student clubs, and a spirited, student-centered campus culture that values inclusion, diversity, and connectedness.

KINDERGARTEN - 8TH GRADE

Crane Country Day School was founded in 1928 to provide an enriched education to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Since its founding, Crane has provided a solid foundation in the five major subject areas: English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. Design and engineering, visual and performing arts, service learning, and athletics have also been integral to the school program.

BOARDING & DAY-SCHOOL

9TH - 12TH GRADE

Cate School combines the academic rigor of East Coast prep schools with the adventurous spirit of the West Coast. This was the vision of Curtis Wolsey Cate, a graduate of Roxbury Latin School and Harvard University, who crossed the country to found our beloved boarding school back in 1910.

From day one, you will be on the path to becoming an articulate, independent thinker. Your days at Cate will be packed full of enriching moments — from the time you hit the dining hall for breakfast to the designated study hours and evening events. Full days help you get the most out of your high school experience and encourage you to structure your social time.

EARLY KINDERGARTEN - 12TH GRADE

Students enjoy and are challenged by Laguna Blanca’s renowned academic program, which has been a hallmark of the school since its inception. From EK to twelfth grade, students receive an education tailored to maximize learning and foster an inquisitive mindset. Faculty members are highly qualified professionals who challenge students while also supporting them on an individual level. Laguna Blanca’s most distinguishing feature is the close connection established between students and faculty. This connection leads to a campus filled with enthusiasm, energy, and a love for the learning process. This atmosphere becomes apparent immediately when one steps into a Laguna Blanca classroom in action.



EARLY KINDERGARTEN - 8TH GRADE

Riviera Ridge School provides a rigorous program that prepares students to fulfill their academic potential in high school, college, and beyond. Students and teachers are tenacious and committed to excellence. Students are encouraged to acquire knowledge and think critically. Individual attention ensures scaffolded learning so students can meet high expectations and develop excellent study habits and organizational skills. As a result, Marymount graduates are leaders and high achievers, with confidence, courage, integrity, and a lifelong passion for learning.

18 MONTHS - 12 YEARS OLD

Montessori education has been successfully serving children and families around the world for over a century. The basics remain - and for good reason. Lots of people use the phrase ‘teaching to the whole child,’ but in Montessori schools, we mean that on a very deep level. We do not teach to convey academic information. In fact, academics share equal emphasis with our efforts to develop other aspects of the child, including emotional, social, sensorial, and practical life development. We integrate the arts and movement into everything our children do, rather than isolating these areas in a separate class. We intentionally teach children how to navigate and resolve conflict and how to adhere to the grace and courtesy social norms.

EARLY KINDERGARTEN - 8TH GRADE

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is a vibrant community of parents, students, and staff. Parents are partners in education and demonstrate their commitment to the school by volunteering their time and participating in many school events throughout the year. Students can foster unique relationships across grade levels by participating in a Pre-K through 8th-grade school program that offers opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and friendship. An important part of our community is our highly qualified faculty and staff, which includes 12 teachers, instructional assistants in grades K-2, a technology specialist, music teachers, a physical education instructor, an art teacher, a Spanish teacher, and a resource specialist.

6TH - 9TH GRADE

Founded in 1976, Santa Barbara Middle School is a co-educational school that offers students in grades 6-9 a profound educational experience combining Academics, Creative Arts & Sports, Outdoor Education, and Community Involvement.

Students take risks: academic, creative, athletic, and personal, in safe and natural environments. This leads to success in the classroom and beyond, as students build strong relationships with teachers, students, and members of our community.