Education in Santa barbara, CA
Updated 2026 • Schools and education data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 estimates (Population 25+: 63,429)
Education Levels (Age 25+)
Median Earnings by Education Level
Annual median earnings for full-time workers aged 25+
School Enrollment
Education in Santa barbara
Families considering Santa barbara, CA will find a highly educated community. Approximately 50% of adults have earned a bachelor's degree — well above the national average. With 30 schools serving the area, students have access to diverse learning opportunities. Explore school ratings and data below.
Schools in Santa barbara, CA
Showing 30 schools — including public, private, and charter schools with student-teacher ratios and graduation rates.
| School Name | District | Level | Teachers | Students | Ratio | Grad. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara County ROP-South | Santa Barbara County ROP | High | 0 | 0 | N/A/N/A | — |
| Adams Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 27 | 517 | 1/18 | — |
| Cleveland Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 21 | 243 | 1/11 | — |
| Franklin Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 23 | 441 | 1/18 | — |
| Harding University Partnership | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 21 | 353 | 1/16 | — |
| La Colina Junior High | Santa Barbara Unified | Middle | 41 | 900 | 1/21 | — |
| La Cuesta Continuation High | Santa Barbara Unified | High | 8 | 80 | 1/9 | — |
| La Cumbre Junior High | Santa Barbara Unified | Middle | 26 | 458 | 1/17 | — |
| Monroe Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 20 | 322 | 1/15 | — |
| Roosevelt Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 24 | 442 | 1/17 | — |
| San Marcos Senior High | Santa Barbara Unified | High | 93 | 2020 | 1/21 | 96% |
| Santa Barbara Junior High | Santa Barbara Unified | Middle | 32 | 560 | 1/17 | — |
| Santa Barbara Senior High | Santa Barbara Unified | High | 102 | — | — | 97% |
| Washington Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 28 | 524 | 1/18 | — |
| Santa Barbara Community Academy | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 12 | 197 | 1/15 | — |
| McKinley Elementary | Santa Barbara Unified | Elementary | 14 | 257 | 1/18 | — |
| Alta Vista Alternative High | Santa Barbara Unified | High | 9 | 117 | 1/12 | 88.5% |
| Alta Vista | Santa Barbara Unified | Middle | 1 | 7 | 1/3 | — |
| Santa Barbara Unified Early Childhood | Santa Barbara Unified | Not reported | 0 | — | — | — |
| Peabody Charter | Peabody Charter District | Elementary | 32 | 767 | 1/23 | — |
| Adelante Charter | Adelante Charter District | Elementary | 16 | 297 | 1/17 | — |
| Cold Spring Elementary | Cold Spring Elementary | Elementary | 15 | 193 | 1/12 | — |
| Foothill Elementary | Goleta Union Elementary | Elementary | 17 | 374 | 1/22 | — |
| Hollister Elementary | Goleta Union Elementary | Elementary | 18 | 344 | 1/19 | — |
| Mountain View Elementary | Goleta Union Elementary | Elementary | 18 | 352 | 1/19 | — |
| El Camino Elementary | Goleta Union Elementary | Elementary | 17 | 313 | 1/18 | — |
| Monte Vista Elementary | Hope Elementary | Elementary | 14 | 270 | 1/19 | — |
| Vieja Valley Elementary | Hope Elementary | Elementary | 15 | 300 | 1/20 | — |
| Hope Elementary | Hope Elementary | Elementary | 15 | 269 | 1/17 | — |
| Montecito Union | Montecito Union Elementary | Elementary | 29 | 353 | 1/12 | — |
Santa Barbara County ROP-South
HighSanta Barbara County ROP
Adams Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
Cleveland Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
Franklin Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
Harding University Partnership
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
La Colina Junior High
MiddleSanta Barbara Unified
La Cuesta Continuation High
HighSanta Barbara Unified
La Cumbre Junior High
MiddleSanta Barbara Unified
Monroe Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
Roosevelt Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
San Marcos Senior High
HighSanta Barbara Unified
Santa Barbara Junior High
MiddleSanta Barbara Unified
Santa Barbara Senior High
HighSanta Barbara Unified
Washington Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
Santa Barbara Community Academy
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
McKinley Elementary
ElementarySanta Barbara Unified
Alta Vista Alternative High
HighSanta Barbara Unified
Alta Vista
MiddleSanta Barbara Unified
Santa Barbara Unified Early Childhood
Not reportedSanta Barbara Unified
Peabody Charter
ElementaryPeabody Charter District
Adelante Charter
ElementaryAdelante Charter District
Cold Spring Elementary
ElementaryCold Spring Elementary
Foothill Elementary
ElementaryGoleta Union Elementary
Hollister Elementary
ElementaryGoleta Union Elementary
Mountain View Elementary
ElementaryGoleta Union Elementary
El Camino Elementary
ElementaryGoleta Union Elementary
Monte Vista Elementary
ElementaryHope Elementary
Vieja Valley Elementary
ElementaryHope Elementary
Hope Elementary
ElementaryHope Elementary
Montecito Union
ElementaryMontecito Union Elementary
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •Friendly community vibe
- •Quality schools and education
- •Diverse dining options
- •Low crime compared to cities
- •Vibrant arts and culture scene
- •Active nightlife for young adults
- •Near wine country and mountains
- •Beautiful beaches and weather
- •Strong tourism industry
- •Great outdoor activities
Cons
- •Water shortage problems
- •Political divide among residents
- •Limited job opportunities
- •Traffic congestion issues
- •High cost of living
- •Less diversity in some areas
- •Limited public transport options
- •Can feel touristy at times
- •Wildfire risks in summer
- •High homelessness rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa barbara, CA? ▼
The cost of living in Santa barbara, CA is 0% equal to the national average, with a cost of living index of 100 (where 100 represents the U.S. average). Housing typically accounts for the largest portion of living expenses. See full cost of living breakdown →
Is Santa barbara, CA a safe place to live? ▼
Santa barbara, CA is average in terms of safety, with crime rates near the national average. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. View detailed Santa barbara crime statistics →
How are the schools in Santa barbara, CA? ▼
Santa barbara, CA has 30 schools serving the community, including public, private, and charter options. School quality varies, so we recommend checking specific school ratings and test scores. See Santa barbara school ratings →
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa barbara, CA? ▼
The best neighborhoods in Santa barbara, CA depend on your priorities. For families, look for areas near top-rated schools with lower crime rates. For affordability, neighborhoods vary in price depending on proximity to amenities and schools.
How are the taxes in Santa barbara, CA? ▼
Tax rates in Santa barbara, CA include state and local components. The cost of living index of 100 reflects a moderate cost environment compared to the national average. View detailed Santa barbara tax information →
How does Santa barbara, CA compare to nearby cities? ▼
Santa barbara, CA offers comparable costs to nearby communities. With a cost of living index of 100, median home prices of $0, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents, you can compare these metrics side-by-side. Use the compare feature to evaluate specific cities.
What is the weather like in Santa barbara, CA? ▼
Weather in Santa barbara, CA varies by season. Climate data varies by season. View detailed Santa barbara climate & environment data →
How do schools in Santa barbara, CA compare to state average? ▼
School quality in Santa barbara, CA varies by district and individual school. We recommend checking specific school ratings, test scores, and parent reviews for the neighborhoods you're considering.
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), National Center for Education Statistics