For the 2025 school year, there are 126 public schools serving 66,698 students in Santa Barbara County, CA (there are 38 private schools, serving 6,147 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Santa Barbara County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA are Cold Spring Elementary School, Montecito Union and Foothill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Barbara County, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the California public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Santa Barbara County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Santa Barbara County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cold Spring Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2678
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2678
Grades: K-6
| 178 students
Rank: #22.
Montecito Union
(Math: 89% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
385 San Ysidro Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-3249
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-3249
Grades: K-6
| 344 students
Rank: #33.
Foothill Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
711 Ribera Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1268
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1268
Grades: K-6
| 397 students
Rank: #44.
Mountain View Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
5465 Queen Anne Ln.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1284
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1284
Grades: K-6
| 356 students
Rank: #55.
Ballard Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2425 School St.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Grades: K-6
| 107 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Hope Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3970-a La Colina Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 563-2974
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 563-2974
Grades: K-6
| 282 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Kellogg Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
475 Cambridge Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1277
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1277
Grades: K-6
| 395 students
Rank: #88.
Vieja Valley Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
434 Nogal Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-1239
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-1239
Grades: K-6
| 306 students
Rank: #99.
Peabody Charter
Charter School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3018 Calle Noguera
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 563-1172
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 563-1172
Grades: K-6
| 776 students
Rank: #1010.
Hollister Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4950 Anita Ln.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1271
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1271
Grades: K-6
| 346 students
Rank: #1111.
Isla Vista Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6875 El Colegio Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-4418
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-4418
Grades: K-6
| 433 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Los Olivos Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2540 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-4025
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-4025
Grades: K-8
| 151 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Monte Vista Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
730 North Hope Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Grades: K-6
| 283 students
Rank: #1414.
Carpinteria Family
Alternative School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1480 Linden Ave.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4141
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4141
Grades: K-5
| 56 students
Rank: #1515.
Dos Pueblos Senior High School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7266 Alameda Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 968-2541
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 968-2541
Grades: 9-12
| 2,075 students
Rank: #1616.
Solvang Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
565 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4810
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4810
Grades: K-8
| 621 students
Rank: #1717.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2975 Mission Dr.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-6487
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-6487
Grades: 9-12
| 850 students
Rank: #1818.
Benjamin Foxen Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4949 Foxen Canyon Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 937-1148
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 937-1148
Grades: K-8
| 192 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Crestview Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
Utah Ave.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2050
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2050
Grades: K-6
| 390 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Santa Barbara Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6100 Stow Canyon Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Grades: K-8
| 290 students
Rank: #2121.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
290 Lighthouse Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 965-6653
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 965-6653
Grades: K-6
| 486 students
Rank: #2222.
Orcutt Academy Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 Dyer St.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8900
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8900
Grades: K-12
| 778 students
Rank: #2323.
La Colina Junior High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4025 Foothill Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4506
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4506
Grades: 7-8
| 893 students
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Santa Ynez Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3325 Pine St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 686-7310
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 686-7310
Grades: 1-8
| 164 students
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Trivium Charter School Voyage
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4597 Hollister Dr.
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Grades: K-12
| 289 students
Rank: #2626.
Goleta Valley Junior High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6100 Stow Canyon Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-3486
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-3486
Grades: 7-8
| 736 students
Rank: #2727.
Ellwood Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7686 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3774
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3774
Grades: K-6
| 327 students
Rank: #2828.
Joe Nightingale Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
255 Winter Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8650
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8650
Grades: K-6
| 684 students
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Cuyama Valley High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4500 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(661) 766-2293
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(661) 766-2293
Grades: 9-12
| 63 students
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Vista De Las Cruces
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9467 San Julian Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 686-1880
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 686-1880
Grades: K-8
| 61 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Alta Vista Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
215 East Ortega St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Grades: 9-12
| 134 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Dr Bob Forinash Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
320 North J St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2940
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2940
Grades: 7-12
| 26 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Maple High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4010 Jupiter Ave.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-3150
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-3150
Grades: 9-12
| 125 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Santa Barbara County Community
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
(805) 967-5307
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
(805) 967-5307
Grades: 5-12
| 14 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-5307
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-5307
Grades: 5-12
| 30 students
Show 91 more public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA (out of 126 total schools)
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Santa Barbara County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
4010 Jupiter Ave
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 742-3150
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 742-3150
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Community Day (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
4025 Foothill Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 966-0883
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 966-0883
Grades: 7-8
| n/a students
Dos Pueblos Charger Academy (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
7268 Alameda Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-7899
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-7899
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
320 North J St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2550
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2550
Grades: 6-8
| 393 students
7421 Mirano Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3772
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3772
Grades: K-6
| 325 students
401 N. Fairview Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1200
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1200
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
625 S. Mcclelland
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-3333
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-3333
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Foothill Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
4810 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Home School Santa Barbara Elementary School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
721 Cota St Rm. 153
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 896-2634
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 896-2634
Grades: K-6
| n/a students
Home School Santa Barbara Secondary (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
721 Cota St Rm. 153
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
Los Olivos Charter School (Closed 2017)
Charter School
2540 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 693-5933
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 693-5933
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Mountain View Blvd.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2400
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2400
Grades: K-5
| 182 students
5241 Eighth St.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4153
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4153
Grades: 1-6
| 260 students
610 Pinal St
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8550
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8550
Grades: K-6
| 488 students
Olive Grove Charter (Closed 2021)
Charter School
4500 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(805) 623-1111
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(805) 623-1111
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
4025 Foothill Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 683-3127
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 683-3127
Grades: K-6
| 70 students
Phoenix High Ii (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
313 N. 9th St.
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 964-4710
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 964-4710
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Phoenix High School (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
402 Farnel Rd., Ste. M
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 964-4710
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 964-4710
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Po Box 398
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Grades: 9-12
| 1,140 students
Rincon High (Continuation) (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
4810 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
San Marcos Bridge Elementary School (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
4750 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4581
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4581
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Santa Barbara Alternative Elementary School (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
700 E. Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-9101
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-9101
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Santa Barbara Charter Middle School (Closed 2014)
Charter School
6100 Stow Canyon Rd
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Grades: 6-8
| 65 students
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
Po Box 6307
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 964-4711
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 964-4711
Grades: K-12
| 274 students
565 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-5112
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-5112
Grades: 5-8
| 316 students
Summit High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
430 East Gutierrez St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Grades: 9-12
| 1 students
Summit High School Ii (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
430 East Gutierrez St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Grades: 9-12
| 13 students
Trivium Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1305 N H Street Suite A/332
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
2300 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(310) 527-1741
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(310) 527-1741
Grades: K-12
| 463 students
Visions Academy Charter (Closed 2015)
Charter School
3412 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(661) 272-1225
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(661) 272-1225
Grades: K-12
| 11 students
3491 Point Sal Rd.
Casmalia, CA 93429
(805) 937-6515
Casmalia, CA 93429
(805) 937-6515
Grades: K-8
| 15 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA?
The top ranked public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA include Cold Spring Elementary School, Montecito Union and Foothill Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Santa Barbara County?
126 public schools are located in Santa Barbara County.
What percentage of students in Santa Barbara County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Santa Barbara County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County public schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Santa Barbara County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Santa Barbara County include: La Cumbre Junior High School vs. La Colina Junior High School, Cabrillo High School vs. Lompoc High School, Crestview Elementary School vs. Manzanita Public Charter
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