#1 Best Private Middle 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 Middle Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Private schools in Santa Barbara, CA with middle-school grades and the highest overall grades. Top 8 of 8 schools.
#2 Best Private Middle 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 Middle 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 Middle 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 Middle 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 Middle 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
#7 Best Private Middle Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Middle School
Alternative school · Grades 6–9
Growing: enrollment up 47% since 2011–12
Santa Barbara, CA
B+Overall grade185 students9 students per teacher
#8 Best Private Middle Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Fusion Academy
Independent school · Grades 6–12
One of 7 independent schools in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
B-Overall grade95 students11 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.