For the 2026 school year, there are 128 public schools serving 66,698 students in Santa Barbara County, CA (there are 36 private schools, serving 5,730 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, 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 34%), 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 equal to the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Santa Barbara County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cold Spring Elementary 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
Gr: K-6 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Montecito Union
(Math: 85-89% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Foothill Elementary School
(Math: 71% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
Ballard Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2425 School St.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4812
Gr: K-6 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Mountain View Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 351 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #66.
Kellogg Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
475 Cambridge Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1277
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 681-1277
Gr: K-6 | 369 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Hope Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3970-a La Colina Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 563-2974
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 563-2974
Gr: K-6 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Vieja Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #99.
Peabody Charter
Charter School
(Math: 62% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 780 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1010.
Hollister Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #1111.
Carpinteria Family
Alternative School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1480 Linden Ave.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4141
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4141
Gr: K-5 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #1212.
Isla Vista Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6875 El Colegio Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-4418
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-4418
Gr: K-6 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1313.
Monte Vista Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
730 North Hope Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 687-5333
Gr: K-6 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Crestview Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
Utah Ave.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2050
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2050
Gr: K-6 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Santa Barbara Charter
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6100 Stow Canyon Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Gr: K-8 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #1616.
La Colina Junior High School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4025 Foothill Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4506
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4506
Gr: 7-8 | 832 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1717.
Dos Pueblos Senior High School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7266 Alameda Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 968-2541
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 968-2541
Gr: 9-12 | 2,149 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #1818.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2975 Mission Dr.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-6487
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-6487
Gr: 9-12 | 801 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1919.
Solvang Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
565 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4810
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4810
Gr: K-8 | 602 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #2020.
Joe Nightingale Elementary School
(Math: 54% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 695 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Los Olivos Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2540 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-4025
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-4025
Gr: K-8 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #21 - 2221. - 22.
Trivium Charter School Voyage
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4597 Hollister Dr.
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Gr: K-12
Rank: #2323.
Summerland Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
135 Valencia Ave.
Summerland, CA 93067
(805) 969-1011
Summerland, CA 93067
(805) 969-1011
Gr: K-5 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #2424.
Orcutt Academy Charter
Charter School
(Math: 42% | 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
Gr: K-12 | 812 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Ellwood Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7686 Hollister Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3774
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3774
Gr: K-6 | 303 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #25 - 2625. - 26.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 47% | 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
Gr: K-6 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #2727.
Benjamin Foxen Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | 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
Gr: K-8 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #2828.
Goleta Valley Junior High 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
Gr: 7-8 | 731 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #2929.
Pine Grove Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1050 East Rice Ranch Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8800
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8800
Gr: K-6 | 569 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #3030.
Cuyama Valley High 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
Gr: 9-12 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #3131.
Santa Ynez Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | 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
Gr: 1-8 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #32 - 3432. - 34.
Alta Vista Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
215 East Ortega St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Gr: 9-12 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #32 - 3432. - 34.
Santa Barbara County Community
Alternative 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
Gr: 5-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #32 - 3432. - 34.
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court
Alternative 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
Gr: 5-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3535.
Vista De Las Cruces
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
9467 San Julian Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 686-1880
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 686-1880
Gr: K-8 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Show 93 more public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA (out of 128 total schools)
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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?
126 public schools are located in Santa Barbara County.
What percentage of students in Santa Barbara County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Santa Barbara County are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
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 equal to the California public schools average of 80% (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, Crestview Elementary School vs. Manzanita Public Charter
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