our students decide: 11 electives each year

We understand that adolescence is a time of growth and exploration; and in that spirit, our dynamic electives program is designed to promote a practice of personal choice and discovery. We believe these are essential ingredients in the lifelong pursuit of happiness. Our varied choices allow teachers and students to explore the full range of their intellectual curiosities, creative passions and athletic pursuits.

SBMS students choose 10 different electives each year, including one athletic class each quarter; which meets the CA State Standards requirement. Electives are an SBMS favorite and are a required part of the afternoon schedule every day of the week. Our Elective program allows students to dive deeper into the arts and athletics that they most enjoy, and also opens up the opportunity to explore new areas of interest. 

We also offer Enrichment classes that build leadership, service and study skills. Below you will find a sampling of some of our Creative Arts & Sports highlights. 

List of 9 items.

  • Media & Digital Arts

    Computer
    Digital Photography
    Film Studies
    Animation & Design
    SBMS Film Production Team
    Teen Press
    Yearbook**

  • Visual Arts

    Art Books/Journals
    Beading
    Ceramics
    Drawing & Painting
    Fiber Arts
    Freehand Drawing#
    Knitting
    Print Making
    Junque Art
    3-D Art

  • Performing Arts

    Beginning / Advanced Guitar
    Dance
    Scenes/Drama
    School of Rock
    All School Musical
    Singing
    Songwriting
    Ukulele

  • Ocean/Beach Activities

    Ocean Sports
    Kayaking / Swimming / Snorkeling
    Surfing
    Beach Volleyball

  • Enrichment

    Chess
    Cooking
    Gardening
    Coding
    Robotics

  • Study Skills

    Homework Lab
    Learning Skills
    Math Lab
    After-School Tutoring & Study Skills
    Individual Tutoring
    Standardized Test Prep

  • Girls & Boys Team Sports

    Basketball
    Soccer
    Surf Team
    Volleyball
    Golf

  • Physical Fitness

    Spike Ball
    Hiking
    Jump Rope
    Lacrosse
    Martial Arts
    Mountain Biking
    Track & Field
    Ultimate Frisbee
    Weight Training
    Yoga

  • Leadership

    Bike Mechanics
    Community Action Club
    Teen Press
    Mountaineering
    Tech Monkeys
    9th Grade Leadership
**Preparation for SB High School's Multimedia Arts & Design Academy
#For 9th grade students. Provides high school credit as an honors course and preparation for SB High School's Visual Arts & Design Academy
It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
-J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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