For the 2025-26 school year, there are 41 public middle schools serving 15,010 students in Santa Barbara County, CA.
The top ranked public middle schools in Santa Barbara County, CA are Santa Barbara Charter, La Colina Junior High School and Solvang Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Barbara County, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Santa Barbara County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Santa Barbara County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #22.
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 | 893 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
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 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
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 | 778 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #77.
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 | 192 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #88.
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 | 736 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #99.
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 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
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 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
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 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1212.
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 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #1313.
Santa Ynez Valley Charter
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1224 Tyndall St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 686-7360
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 686-7360
Gr: K-8 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1414.
Orcutt Junior High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
608 Pinal St.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8700
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8700
Gr: 7-8 | 480 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #1515.
Jonata Middle School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
301 Second St.
Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-4222
Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-4222
Gr: 6-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #1616.
Trivium Charter School Adventure
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1600 Berkeley Dr.
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Gr: K-12 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1717.
Vandenberg Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
Mountain View Blvd.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2700
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2700
Gr: 7-8 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #1818.
Family Partnership Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1157 E. Clark Ave. Ste. H
Santa Maria, CA 93456
(805) 348-3333
Santa Maria, CA 93456
(805) 348-3333
Gr: K-12 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1919.
Lakeview Junior High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3700 Orcutt Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8600
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8600
Gr: 7-8 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #2020.
Carpinteria Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5351 Carpinteria Ave.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4544
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4544
Gr: 6-8 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #2121.
Trivium Charter
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1550 South College Dr.
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Gr: K-12 | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #2222.
Alta Vista
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
215 East Ortega St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-0883
Gr: 7-9 | 4 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Rank: #2323.
Orcutt School For Independent Study
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1220 Oak Knoll Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 960-5572
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 960-5572
Gr: K-8 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #2424.
Dr Bob Forinash Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
320 North J St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2940
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2940
Gr: 7-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #2525.
Olive Grove Charter - Buellton
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
240 East Highway 246, Ste. 100
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Gr: K-12 | 29 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #2626.
Olga L. Reed Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
480 Centennial St.
Los Alamos, CA 93440
(805) 344-2401
Los Alamos, CA 93440
(805) 344-2401
Gr: K-8 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #2727.
La Cumbre Junior High School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2255 Modoc Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 687-0761
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 687-0761
Gr: 7-8 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2828.
Santa Barbara Junior High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
721 East Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Gr: 7-8 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #2929.
Jimenez Roberto And Dr. Francisco Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1970 South Biscayne St.
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 361-4340
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 361-4340
Gr: K-8 | 1,043 student Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #3030.
Cuyama Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2300 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(661) 766-2642
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(661) 766-2642
Gr: K-8 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #3131.
Mission Valley
Alternative School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
320 North J St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2940
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2940
Gr: K-8 | 55 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #3232.
Olive Grove Charter - Santa Barbara
Charter School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1933 Cliff Dr., Ste.12
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Gr: K-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #3333.
Kunst (Tommie) Junior High School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
930 Hidden Pines Way
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 361-5800
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 361-5800
Gr: 7-8 | 1,028 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #3434.
Olive Grove Charter - Orcutt/santa Maria
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5075 Bradley Rd., Ste. 234
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Gr: K-12 | 141 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #3535.
Olive Grove Charter - Lompoc
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
820 North H St. Suites Bcd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 623-1111
Gr: K-12 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Show 6 more public schools in Santa Barbara County, CA (out of 41 total schools)
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Santa Barbara County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
4010 Jupiter Ave
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 742-3150
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 742-3150
Gr: 9-12
Community Day (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
4025 Foothill Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 966-0883
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 966-0883
Gr: 7-8
Dos Pueblos Charger Academy (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
7268 Alameda Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-7899
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-7899
Gr: 9-12
320 North J St.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2550
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2550
Gr: 6-8 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
7421 Mirano Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3772
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 571-3772
Gr: K-6 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
625 S. Mcclelland
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-3333
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-3333
Gr: K-12
Foothill Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
4810 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Gr: 9-12
Home School Santa Barbara Elementary School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
721 Cota St Rm. 153
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 896-2634
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 896-2634
Gr: K-6
Home School Santa Barbara Secondary (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
721 Cota St Rm. 153
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-7751
Gr: 7-12
Los Olivos Charter School (Closed 2017)
Charter School
2540 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 693-5933
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 693-5933
Gr: K-12
Mountain View Blvd.
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2400
Lompoc, CA 93438
(805) 742-2400
Gr: K-5 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
5241 Eighth St.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4153
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4153
Gr: 1-6 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
610 Pinal St
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8550
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 938-8550
Gr: K-6 | 488 students Minority enrollment: 39%
Olive Grove Charter (Closed 2021)
Charter School
4500 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(805) 623-1111
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(805) 623-1111
Gr: K-12
4025 Foothill Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 683-3127
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 683-3127
Gr: K-6 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Phoenix High School (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
402 Farnel Rd., Ste. M
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 964-4710
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 964-4710
Gr: 9-12
Po Box 398
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6487
Gr: 9-12 | 1,140 student Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rincon High (Continuation) (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
4810 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4107
Gr: 9-12
San Marcos Bridge Elementary School (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
4750 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4581
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-4581
Gr: 9-12
Santa Barbara Alternative Elementary School (Closed 2017)
Alternative School
700 E. Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-9101
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-9101
Gr: 9-12
Santa Barbara Charter Middle School (Closed 2014)
Charter School
6100 Stow Canyon Rd
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 967-6522
Gr: 6-8 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
Po Box 6307
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 964-4711
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 964-4711
Gr: K-12 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
565 Atterdag Rd.
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-5112
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-5112
Gr: 5-8 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Summit High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
430 East Gutierrez St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Gr: 9-12 | 1 student Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Summit High School Ii (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
430 East Gutierrez St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7490
Gr: 9-12 | 13 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Trivium Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1305 N H Street Suite A/332
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 291-1303
Gr: K-12
2300 Highway 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(310) 527-1741
New Cuyama, CA 93254
(310) 527-1741
Gr: K-12 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 154:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Visions Academy Charter (Closed 2015)
Charter School
3412 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(661) 272-1225
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(661) 272-1225
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
3491 Point Sal Rd.
Casmalia, CA 93429
(805) 937-6515
Casmalia, CA 93429
(805) 937-6515
Gr: K-8 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Santa Barbara County, CA?
The top ranked public middle schools in Santa Barbara County, CA include Santa Barbara Charter, La Colina Junior High School and Solvang Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Santa Barbara County?
41 public middle schools are located in Santa Barbara County.
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County public middle schools minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Santa Barbara County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Santa Barbara County include: La Cumbre Junior High School vs. La Colina Junior High School, Santa Barbara Junior High School vs. La Colina Junior High School, Lompoc Valley Middle School vs. Vandenberg Middle School
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