For the 2024-25 school year, there are 127 public schools serving 66,626 students in Santa Barbara County, CA (there are 40 private schools, serving 6,322 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Santa Barbara County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 89%).
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 more than the California public school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Santa Barbara County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cold Spring Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 193 students
Rank: #22.
Montecito Union
Magnet School
(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
| 353 students
Rank: #33.
Foothill Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 374 students
Rank: #44.
Mountain View Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 352 students
Rank: #55.
Ballard Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2425 Sch St.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Grades: K-6
| 118 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Hope Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 269 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Kellogg Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 409 students
Rank: #88.
Vieja Valley Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 300 students
Rank: #99.
Peabody Charter
Magnet School
Charter School
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
| 767 students
Rank: #1010.
Hollister Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 344 students
Rank: #1111.
Isla Vista Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 463 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Los Olivos Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 163 students
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Monte Vista Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
730 N. Hope Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Grades: K-6
| 270 students
Rank: #1414.
Carpinteria Family
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet 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
| 65 students
Rank: #1515.
Dos Pueblos Senior High School
Magnet 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
| 2,034 students
Rank: #1616.
Solvang Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 593 students
Rank: #1717.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2975 E. Highway 246
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Grades: 9-12
| 847 students
Rank: #1818.
Benjamin Foxen Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 189 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Crestview Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 372 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Santa Barbara Charter
Magnet School
Charter School
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
| 283 students
Rank: #2121.
Washington Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 524 students
Rank: #2222.
Orcutt Academy Charter
Magnet School
Charter School
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
| 767 students
Rank: #2323.
La Colina Junior High School
Magnet 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
| 900 students
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Santa Ynez Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 172 students
Rank: #24 - 2524. - 25.
Trivium Charter School Voyage
Magnet School
Charter School
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
| 297 students
Rank: #2626.
Goleta Valley Junior High School
Magnet 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
| 717 students
Rank: #2727.
Ellwood Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 341 students
Rank: #2828.
Joe Nightingale Elementary School
Magnet 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
| 720 students
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Cuyama Valley High School
Magnet 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
| 59 students
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Vista De Las Cruces
Magnet School
(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
| 39 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Alta Vista Alternative High School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
215 E. Ortega St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Grades: 9-12
| 117 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Dr Bob Forinash Community Day
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
320 N. 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
Magnet School
Magnet 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
| 122 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Santa Barbara County Community
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet 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
| 9 students
Rank: #31 - 3531. - 35.
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet 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
| 19 students
Show 92 more public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA (out of 127 total schools)
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Santa Barbara County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Camino Real Community Partnership Academy (Closed 2011)
Charter School
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
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
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
Uplift California Santa Barbara (Closed 2023)
Charter School
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?
127 public schools are located in Santa Barbara County.
What percentage of students in Santa Barbara County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Santa Barbara County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 89%).
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 more than the California public schools average of 79% (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: Cabrillo High School vs. Lompoc High School, La Cumbre Junior High School vs. La Colina Junior High School, Lompoc High School vs. Cabrillo High School
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