LEARNING HAPPENS everywhere

We start with passionate teachers who are committed to engaging and supporting the middle school student. We continue with a well-structured curriculum grounded in the core disciplines of humanities, math, science, foreign language, and the arts. Whether studying World War II, reading Shakespeare, building robots and catapults, or conversing in Spanish, we provide rigorous classes that are equivalent to what is offered at other junior high schools, but we take learning a step further.

Understanding that students have different learning styles and patterns, we are able to address these nuances in the classroom and meet students at their academic level. Our graduates are global and innovative thinkers, community activists, creative entrepreneurs, and ethical decision makers who excel in high school and beyond. To learn more about the academic preparedness of our graduates, visit: Transition to High School.

Explore Our Course Offerings:

Campus Resources

List of 5 items.

  • LIBRARY

    The Library is used by students and faculty for research, instruction, homework, recreational reading, and as a community space for the entire school. All members of our community, including students, parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members, are welcome to borrow materials from the Library.

  • STUDY SKILLS

    Students have access to teachers whenever personalized attention is needed, and students may elect to take a Homework or Math Lab in the afternoon to get further support in the academic pursuits. 

  • TECHNOLOGY

    Computers, applications, digital media, organization, connection...
    While we love the time when we are "unplugged" on outdoor adventures, we also love the way that technology integrates into aspects of things we value greatly such as academics, communication, music, the arts, sports and community outreach. SBMS provides state of the art integration of technology in all facets of our diamond curriculum.

  • DIAMOND TIME


    From 8:15-9:15 am every day, students have access to academic support and enrichment on campus before classes start. Academic options are popular choices among the many activities available to students during Diamond Time.

  • LEARNING SUPPORT AND ACCOMMODATION PROGRAM


    Serving a limited number of students with diagnosed minimal language, learning, or attention difficulties, this program helps students capitalize on strengths and overcome challenges to become independent learners.

A School of the Future

Daily classes are designed to deliver vital content and develop the essential capacities of the 21st-century learner:
  • Analytical and creative thinking and problem-solving
  • Complex communication (oral and written)
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Digital and quantitative literacy
  • Global perspective
  • Adaptability, initiative, and risk-taking
  • Integrity and ethical decision-making
*as defined in A 21st Century Imperative: A Guide to Becoming a School of the Future by the NAIS Commission on Accreditation.

ACCREDITATION

Santa Barbara Middle School is accredited by the the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Association for Experiential Education (AAE), and is a member of the the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Santa Barbara Middle School cultivates in our students passion for life and life-long learning, a deep sense of trust in themselves, strength and courage to succeed at life's challenges, and compassion and respect for others.
Santa Barbara Middle School ● 1321 Alameda Padre Serra ● Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Tel: 805-682-2989 ● office@sbms.org