For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public charter schools serving 1,082 students in Santa Barbara, CA.
The top ranked public charter schools in Santa Barbara, CA are Peabody Charter and Adelante Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Barbara, CA public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the California public charter school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 48% statewide average). Charter schools in Santa Barbara have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of California public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public charter school average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Charter Schools in Santa Barbara, CA (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 776 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Adelante Charter
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1102 East Yanonali St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-7392
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-7392
Gr: K-6 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Santa Barbara, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
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
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%
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 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%
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%
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public charter schools in Santa Barbara, CA?
The top ranked public charter schools in Santa Barbara, CA include Peabody Charter and Adelante Charter.
How many public charter schools are located in Santa Barbara?
2 public charter schools are located in Santa Barbara.
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara public charter schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public charter schools average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.