Academics

Meeting Students Where They Are

At Santa Barbara Middle School, learning begins with passionate teachers dedicated to engaging and supporting middle school students. Our well-structured curriculum builds on core disciplines—humanities, math, science, foreign language, and the arts—while fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Whether analyzing World War II, reading Shakespeare, building robots and catapults, or conversing in Spanish, our classes challenge students at a level that meets or exceeds traditional junior high programs, always going a step further.

Recognizing that every student learns differently, we tailor our approach to meet them where they are, ensuring a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Our graduates emerge as global and innovative thinkers, community activists, creative entrepreneurs, and ethical decision-makers, fully prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond.

To learn more about how our students transition to high school, visit High School Transition.

Overview of the SBMS Curriculum 

The curriculum at Santa Barbara Middle School (SBMS) is designed to challenge, engage, and inspire students, cultivating their academic skills while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for learning. It is built around hands-on learning, project-based experiences, and a deep integration of real-world applications, ensuring students are not only prepared for future academic success but also equipped with the skills they need to thrive in the world.

Core Academic Focus Areas

Language Arts & Literature

• English courses at SBMS focus on developing fluency, comprehension, writing, and communication skills through engaging literary analysis, creative writing, and vocabulary development.

• Students read a wide variety of texts, including novels, short stories, and non-fiction, and write in different formats such as essays, poetry, memoirs, and literary analyses.

• Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, authorial techniques, and discussing themes to enhance student understanding and self-expression.

Mathematics

• Math courses at SBMS utilize an integrated approach, spiraling through key concepts like algebra, geometry, statistics, and functions, with an emphasis on problem-solving and real-world applications.
• The curriculum progresses from Math 7, where students master foundational skills, to Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3, covering a wide range of mathematical concepts from linear equations to trigonometry.
• By the end of Math 3, students are prepared for Pre-Calculus, having developed a strong grasp of mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and data analysis.

Science

• In Science, SBMS students engage with hands-on learning, exploring the relationship between energy and matter through physics and chemistry.
• The curriculum integrates environmental science, life science, and engineering practices, encouraging students to solve problems, analyze data, and conduct experiments.
• By examining topics like motion, force, ecosystems, and biological evolution, students not only learn scientific concepts but also practice critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Social Studies & History

• History courses at SBMS introduce students to significant social, political, and historical events from early human history to WWII, with a focus on developing historical thinking skills.
• Students explore the American experience and global issues through case studies, debates, and projects, which encourage them to think critically about culture, citizenship, and society.
• In World History, students study a range of ancient civilizations, examining cultural beliefs, spiritual traditions, and conflict resolution in regions such as India, China, and the Middle East.

Language Acquisition

• Spanish courses, starting from Spanish 7, immerse students in the language through interactive projects, cultural exploration, and real-world engagement with native speakers.
• The curriculum focuses on building fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on complex grammar (e.g., the subjunctive tense) and expanding cultural knowledge. By the end of Spanish 9, students are prepared to enter advanced language courses and communicate confidently in Spanish.

Life Skills & Personal Development

• Life Skills courses support students in developing a strong sense of self, emotional intelligence, and practical skills like time management, financial literacy, and digital safety.
• The curriculum encourages self-reflection and personal growth, while fostering collaboration, healthy communication, and a strong understanding of community and diversity.

Innovative Projects & Real-World Applications

• The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, where students engage in hands-on projects like building models, creating digital content, cooking cultural dishes, and participating in community service. These projects connect learning with real-world contexts, making academic concepts come to life.

• Collaborative work is a key component, allowing students to share ideas, research, and strategies with peers and teachers.

• Students are also involved in local community outreach through partnerships with local businesses, scientists, and native Spanish speakers, connecting classroom learning with tangible experiences.

Personalized Learning & Development

• SBMS recognizes the individual strengths and passions of each student. The curriculum is designed to foster not only academic excellence but also personal growth, allowing students to explore their interests, take on leadership roles, and cultivate a love for learning.

• Through a combination of high expectations, personalized guidance, and hands-on experiences, SBMS supports students in developing into thoughtful, engaged learners ready to take on the challenges of high school and beyond.

Overall, the SBMS curriculum offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary education that combines rigorous academic challenges with creative exploration, collaborative learning, and real-world applications, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future while developing the skills and confidence to lead and innovate in an ever-changing world.