Top 10 Best Santa Barbara County Public Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 127 public schools serving 67,033 students in Santa Barbara County, CA (there are 36 private schools, serving 5,798 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, Ballard Elementary School and Montecito Union. 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 34% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 49% statewide average). Schools in Santa Barbara County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the California public school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

Best Santa Barbara County Public Schools (2024)

School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cold Spring Elementary School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2678
Grades: K-6
| 192 students
Rank: #22.
Ballard Elementary School
Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2425 Sch St.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Grades: K-6
| 129 students
Rank: #33.
Montecito Union
Math: 87% | Reading: 83%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
385 San Ysidro Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-3249
Grades: K-6
| 375 students
Rank: #44.
Foothill Elementary School
Math: 74% | Reading: 78%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
711 Ribera Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1268
Grades: K-6
| 374 students
Rank: #55.
Los Olivos Elementary School
Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
2540 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-8047
Grades: K-8
| 163 students
Rank: #66.
Jonata Middle School
Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
301 Second St.
Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-4222
Grades: 6-8
| 189 students
Rank: #77.
Monte Vista Elementary School
Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
730 N. Hope Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Grades: K-6
| 260 students
Rank: #88.
Washington Elementary School
Math: 71% | Reading: 71%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
290 Lighthouse Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 965-6653
Grades: K-6
| 537 students
Rank: #99.
Cabrillo High School
Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4350 Constellation Rd.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2900
Grades: 9-12
| 1,096 students
Rank: #1010.
Orcutt Charter
Charter School
Math: 45-49% | Reading: 80-84%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
500 Dyer St.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8900
Grades: K-12
| 764 students
Rank: #1111.
Vieja Valley Elementary School
Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
434 Nogal Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-1239
Grades: K-6
| 304 students
Rank: #1212.
La Colina Junior High School
Math: 64% | Reading: 66%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4025 Foothill Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4506
Grades: 7-8
| 898 students
Rank: #1313.
Brandon Elementary School
Math: 60% | Reading: 67%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
195 Brandon Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3770
Grades: K-6
| 434 students
Rank: #1414.
Crestview Elementary School
Math: 55% | Reading: 70%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Utah Ave.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2050
Grades: K-6
| 421 students
Rank: #1515.
Vista De Las Cruces
Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
9467 San Julian Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 686-1880
Grades: K-8
| 28 students
Rank: #1616.
Isla Vista Elementary School
Math: 61% | Reading: 64%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
6875 El Colegio Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-4418
Grades: K-6
| 472 students
Rank: #17 - 1817. - 18.
Lompoc High School
Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
515 W. College Ave.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-3000
Grades: 9-12
| 1,725 students
Rank: #17 - 1817. - 18.
Santa Barbara Junior High School
Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
721 E. Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Grades: 7-8
| 630 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Hope Elementary School
Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3970-a La Colina Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 563-2974
Grades: K-6
| 272 students
Rank: #19 - 2019. - 20.
Santa Barbara Charter
Charter School
Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6100 Stow Canyon Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Grades: K-8
| 276 students
Rank: #2121.
Solvang Elementary School
Math: 46% | Reading: 63%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
565 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4810
Grades: K-8
| 595 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Cleveland Elementary School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
123 Alameda Padre Serra
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-8873
Grades: K-6
| 273 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Cuyama Valley High School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4500 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(661) 766-2293
Grades: 9-12
| 52 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Goleta Valley Junior High School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
6100 Stow Canyon Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-3486
Grades: 7-8
| 744 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Joe Nightingale Elementary School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
255 Winter Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8650
Grades: K-6
| 702 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Kellogg Elementary School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
475 Cambridge Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1277
Grades: K-6
| 389 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Lompoc Valley Middle School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
234 S. N St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2600
Grades: 7-8
| 857 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Monroe Elementary School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
431 Flora Vista Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 966-7023
Grades: K-6
| 328 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Mountain View Elementary School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
5465 Queen Anne Ln.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1284
Grades: K-6
| 372 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Santa Barbara County Community
Alternative School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
(805) 967-5307
Grades: 5-12
| 4 students
Rank: #22 - 3122. - 31.
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court
Alternative School
Math: <50% | Reading: <50%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-5307
Grades: 5-12
| 22 students
Rank: #3232.
Peabody Charter
Charter School
Math: 50% | Reading: 62%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3018 Calle Noguera
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 563-1172
Grades: K-6
| 742 students
Rank: #3333.
Hollister Elementary School
Math: 52% | Reading: 59%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4950 Anita Ln.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 681-1271
Grades: K-6
| 342 students
Rank: #3434.
Ellwood Elementary School
Math: 51% | Reading: 60%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
7686 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3774
Grades: K-6
| 344 students
Rank: #3535.
San Marcos Senior High School
Math: 43% | Reading: 65%
(2018-2019 School Year Data)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4750 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4581
Grades: 9-12
| 1,998 students
Show 92 more public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA (out of 127 total schools)
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[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA

Santa Barbara County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
4010 Jupiter Ave
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
Grades: 7-8
| n/a students
7268 Alameda Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-7899
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
320 North J St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2550
Grades: 6-8
| 393 students
7421 Mirano Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3772
Grades: K-6
| 325 students
625 S. Mcclelland
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-3333
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
4810 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
721 Cota St Rm. 153
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 896-2634
Grades: K-6
| n/a students
721 Cota St Rm. 153
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Grades: 7-12
| n/a students
2540 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 693-5933
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Mountain View Blvd.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2400
Grades: K-5
| 182 students
5241 Eighth St.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4153
Grades: 1-6
| 260 students
610 Pinal St
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8550
Grades: K-6
| 488 students
4500 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(805) 623-1111
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
4025 Foothill Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 683-3127
Grades: K-6
| 70 students
313 N. 9th St.
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 964-4710
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
402 Farnel Rd., Ste. M
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 964-4710
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Po Box 398
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Grades: 9-12
| 1,140 students
4810 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
4750 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4581
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
700 E. Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-9101
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
6100 Stow Canyon Rd
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Grades: 6-8
| 65 students
Po Box 6307
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 964-4711
Grades: K-12
| 274 students
565 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-5112
Grades: 5-8
| 316 students
430 East Gutierrez St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Grades: 9-12
| 1 students
430 East Gutierrez St
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
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
2300 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(310) 527-1741
Grades: K-12
| 463 students
3412 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(661) 272-1225
Grades: K-12
| 11 students
3491 Point Sal Rd.
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, Ballard Elementary School and Montecito Union.
How many public schools are located in Santa Barbara County, CA?
127 public schools are located in Santa Barbara County, CA.
What percentage of students in Santa Barbara County, CA go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Santa Barbara County, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Barbara County, CA?
Santa Barbara County, CA public schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the California public schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).

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