Santa Barbara Charter School

Posted: June 2, 2024

We have only been at Charter for one year and could not be happier. We transferred from Peabody because my son was overwhelmed by its size and we were disappointed in their lack of social emotional support. Our child often told us that the teacher at Peabody told the class she didn’t have time to answer questions and would often just play them videos.

Charter could not be more different. Our teacher and aide are incredible people. Both so smart, creative, and emotionally intelligent. The focus on art and creativity woven into all aspects of the day is incredible and so important to us.

Parent engagement is STRONG. In any given day there is almost always a parent volunteer. The community is so kind and welcoming.

The orchard and discovery garden are great. The bathrooms are a long walk from the classrooms but it has not been an issue for us. I think it’s so funny that people complain about them so much. There are 4 single stall all gender bathrooms. Two are part of the Goleta Valley Middle building and two are on the playground. There is a hilarious rumor that one is haunted and the kids love this lore. There is no library which initially worried me but each classroom is incredibly well stocked with books and comfy space to read.

My son’s confidence has grown 10 fold since we’ve started there. It’s such a special place full of passionate, caring staff and educators. Beyond grateful for this place!

Posted: June 2, 2024

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Posted: January 3, 2024

This school sells a great story and is very charming to eager parents who want an alternative to regular public schools. However, the reality is this school operates on its own, separate from district policies and any accountability. The school lacks infrastructure (no library/has portable bathrooms). The academics here are horrendous.

Posted: February 26, 2018

Excellent. We love this school and our son cannot wait to go every morning.

Posted: February 26, 2018

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Posted: February 20, 2018

I had two kids go through SB Charter and they are now in high school and middle school. Both are in top 2% of their class. People sometimes say SBCS is not academic enough but it was not true for my kids. They got to be kids and have lots of art, music, gardening and fun projects. Amazing teachers too. Not too much homework too early. Now they look back to their charter school years as a great time in their lives.

Posted: February 20, 2018

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Posted: August 28, 2013

We are so happy to have our kids at SB Charter. The emphasis on arts, education, and relationships are really what puts this school ahead of all others. The amazing teachers at this school really work hard at making sure that that the kids are learning socially and emotionally as well as academically. There is no place I would rather have my children. I can't recommend it enough.

Posted: August 18, 2013

We love this school. Great teachers and staff. Very happy with our choice to go and stay at this school!

Posted: August 18, 2013

This is the best school in our area. My daughter has flourished since she started attending it. There is a big emphasis in the development of children as people, not just as students. Arts, music, conflict resolution are some of the things I appreciate about the school. The teachers and staff are all very caring as well; I could not have found a better school for my child!

Posted: April 26, 2010

Santa Barbara Charter School was a pioneering charter school and now mentors other start-up Charters. A smaller school of about 200 children in K-8, it offers a congenial community and plenty of supervision and involvement. Major school decisions are made by a board of parents, teachers, and administrators, but parents and teacher team to create many different learning experiences. The system of aides used by the school insures a very high adult/child ratio, and makes it possible to offer a higher level of individualized education. As a parent, I enjoy the parents, and love the teachers (especially the K-2 teachers; I have less experience with the rest.)