#1 Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Providence School
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades Pre-K–12
The only Christian school in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
A+Overall grade295 students8 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Private schools in Santa Barbara, CA with elementary grades and the highest overall grades. Top 6 of 6 schools.
#2 Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Laguna Blanca School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
AOverall grade422 students7 students per teacher
#3 Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Crane Country Day School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Santa Barbara, CA
AOverall grade252 students7 students per teacher
#4 Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Notre Dame School
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 77% of Catholic schools in California
Santa Barbara, CA
AOverall grade75 students13 students per teacher
#5 Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–8
One of 4 Catholic schools in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
B+Overall grade210 students17 students per teacher
#6 Best Private Elementary Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
The Riviera Ridge School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Santa Barbara, CA
B+Overall grade220 students8 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.