Anacapa Middle School

Ventura, CA 93003

Phone: (805) 289-7900
Fax: (805) 289-7909
District: Ventura Unified School District

6

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 6,7,8 • 592 students

Anacapa Middle School, a public school located in Ventura, CA, serves grades 6-8 in the Ventura Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Anacapa Middle School is a public school located in Ventura, CA. 592 students attend Anacapa Middle School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 5/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth 6/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: June 3, 2025

Our experience at Anacapa Middle School has been overwhelmingly positive, thanks to its thoughtful commitment to the whole child approach. From the moment students walk through the doors, they are made to feel seen, valued, and supported in every aspect of their development.

One of the most impressive features is the House system, which fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. Students are welcomed into their Houses with open arms, instantly becoming part of a smaller, close-knit group within the larger school. This structure not only builds camaraderie but also helps students form lasting friendships and find their place socially and emotionally.

The teachers and staff are truly exceptional. They go beyond academics, taking time to understand and support each student’s emotional and social well-being. Safety, kindness, and care are clearly top priorities here. Whether it’s checking in with students one-on-one or designing engaging, hands-on lessons, the educators make learning both fun and meaningful.

What stands out most is how the school consistently integrates life skills into everyday learning. Students are taught the value of responsibility, self-respect, and respect for others, which helps shape them into thoughtful and capable individuals. These lessons extend beyond the classroom and prepare students for success both in and out of school.

This middle school is a shining example of how education can empower the whole child—mind, body, and heart. It’s a place where students thrive, grow, and feel truly at home.

Posted: June 3, 2025

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Posted: May 23, 2025

Teachers are always looking forward to improving students learning and wellbeing, they are always supportive and welcoming. Teachers encourage students to take school seriously and implement tactics to improve students academic performance.

Posted: May 23, 2025

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Posted: May 23, 2025

Posted: February 8, 2025

Since I first stepped into this great school all staff welcomed me in a very positive way, teachers are really supportive and great educators. Teachers are what make of anacapa a great school and they are always there for the success and well being of every student no matter what. I have seen this school as my second home and will always do.

Posted: February 8, 2025

Posted: February 8, 2025

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Posted: February 8, 2025

Posted: February 18, 2024

It’s bad. They give out moldy cheese and rotten milk for lunch and etc. they don’t do anything to stop bullies and are really bad at protecting people from fights. It’s just bad.

Posted: February 18, 2024

Posted: February 18, 2024

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Posted: February 18, 2024

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Posted: February 18, 2024

Posted: November 1, 2023

As a former student, do not send your kid here. Unless you want your kid to have horrible memories from this place go ahead. The staff doesn’t do much to help and will always side with the students they favor. I had a horrible time here. I think this school really needs major help. The kids here do whatever they want and teachers do nothing so there is no discipline. I was told me being bullied was basically my fault, who says that? Everyone who comes here always ends up leaving and it’s for a reason. Do not come here, there are way better schools than this mess. You basically have to be a bully so you enjoy this school. It’s just not as good as it once was.

Posted: November 1, 2023

Posted: November 1, 2023

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Posted: February 14, 2023

never go here unless you want your kid to suffer horrible flash backs.

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: February 14, 2023

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Posted: February 14, 2023

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Posted: February 14, 2023

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

Coming from a past student- this school sucks, the people there are so mean and irresponsible. The teachers can’t even teach because they’re yelling at the students half the time. This school doesn’t even provide proper counseling. Don’t send your kid to this school unless you’re punished them.

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

How a teacher can go on a Q anon rant then still keep her job just blows my mind. Lawsuit incoming.

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: November 4, 2021

Posted: June 6, 2019

Struggling students are not given help with it.

Posted: June 6, 2019

A total lack of support for students struggling.

Posted: June 6, 2019

Administration and counselors lie right to your face.

Posted: June 6, 2019

Very punitive administration even when students are in crisis.

Posted: June 6, 2019

Advocated for my child's rights all year but rather than helping her they continued to berate her.

Posted: June 6, 2019

Horrific! I don't know why these people work with kids if all they care to do is intimidate them.

Posted: February 27, 2019

Very unstructured during recess and lunch, reactive policy with lack of support for students who have ADD or students who have trouble with focus.

Posted: February 26, 2019

One teacher is great, some are good, some not so good. However, what really is specially bad is administration and school climate.

Posted: February 26, 2019

My kids has had more problems since he started this school.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Big turn over, ineffective leaders who don't know how to handle things with grace.

Posted: February 26, 2019

They have no effective support for students who need more guidance.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Reactive policy and always targeting the most already targeted students.

Posted: March 15, 2018

My time at Anacapa is amazing. I have met so many new friends and great teachers! (Mr. Hutchison is my personal favorite!) They have great electives and great kids. Every time I am in the office I am asked how I am doing. It is so nice to see smiling faces in every room you enter! Anacapa has great clubs and activities. I love it so much at Anacapa and it is such a friendly environment. If you end up going there... you will have a great middle school year!
- I hope you feel the same and get that chance :)-

Bye!

Posted: March 15, 2018

Posted: March 15, 2018

Posted: March 15, 2018

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Posted: March 15, 2018

Posted: March 15, 2018

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

I finished up my last year at Anacapa in June, and now am a freshman at Buena High School. My experience at Anacapa was amazing. Let me start this off with saying, 1.) The negative reviews below are hilariously outdated, 2.) Most Anacapa were barely involved, and most complain without knowing what actually goes on with their students education, 3.) Students here are very prone to spinning webs of absolute crap and having a generally negative attitude about school, and probably complain to their parents just because they want something to complain about.

Not only the teachers, but the whole staff cares about the students. My personal favorites are Mr. Hutchison (the music teacher, though now he's just the band teacher because Mr. Garnett took over the Orchestra. Mr. H is amazing. Easily my favorite teacher), Mr. Vaglica (my 8th grade math teacher), and Mrs. Abbe. She has a mixed review for most students but she pushes you to be your academic and personal best.

The attendance lady remembered me and actually asked about my braces when I would come into the office and the vice principal Mr. Askay really cares about the music program and equal fund distribution for the programs. Overall great school. Loved it.

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: August 20, 2015

Posted: August 20, 2015

Posted: August 20, 2015

Anacapa Middle School has a new principal (just starting her 2nd year with AMS) who is experienced and passionate about providing quality education and impactful experiences for children as well as making sure the staff and educators have the skills and tools to provide the best learning experience for the students. The Two-Way Immersion program is outstanding. This is going to be a great year!

Posted: August 19, 2015

Welcome Back to the 2015-2016 School Year!
We look forward to guiding your students through the 21st century through collaboration, communication, technological advances, and compassion!

Posted: February 9, 2015

Very pleased with Anacapa. Outstanding GATE program, a wide variety of electives, and a great faculty. Our daughter is certainly thriving at the school.

Posted: November 3, 2013

I don't agree with any of these reviews at all. Yes, maybe not all the staff is great but you can't expect perfection from a middle school. To be honest, the school is not so bad. One thing I like is the freedom of expression which Balboa does not have. I also had a teacher who did a fantastic job of preparing me for high school and she was not even there for half the year due to health issues. Everyone is hating on this school but I have never thought it was ever that bad.

Posted: August 14, 2012

I agree with the last person's entry (06/01/12). My oldest just finished her last year there (8th grade) and during her time we often had "meetings" and it seemed that it was the teachers issues (some personal as well) being taken out on my child. Ridiculous. I am so glad she is done with that school! The teachers critisize and humilate children rather than teach them. Not very organized with their student charts either. I had to fax over my child's emergency card and update it more than once - when it was already done at the beginning of the school year. I started keeping copies to keep track and have proof things were being submitted on my end. They just couldnt get it right. No offense to others that havent had these experiences, but there either needs to be a good sweep of staff there. What happened to back to teachers that want to teach children? not belittle them....

Posted: May 31, 2012

Geez... I cant even type ... below I meant to type "close" to my work..... And I was going to say that I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT SCHOOL HAS A 4 STAR RATING? REALLY? That is far too generous in my opinion.... and yes, I know that I am entitled to it. I do not mean to offend those who are satisfied with school, or even like it... I just am not of that group.

Posted: December 4, 2011

EXTREMELY unhappy with this school!!, they think its teaching when they criticize a child, and publicly humiliate them. they don't accept late work, or give test back to correct what was wrong. I give this school an F

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

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