2026 lists
Private high schools in Santa Barbara County, CA with the highest overall grades. Top 8 of 8 schools.
#1 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Independent Catholic school · Grades 9–12
Smaller classes than 86% of Catholic schools in California
Santa Barbara, CA
#2 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Carpinteria, CA
#3 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The largest independent school in Los Olivos
Los Olivos, CA
#4 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades Pre-K–12
The only Christian school in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
#5 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
#6 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Los Olivos
Los Olivos, CA
#7 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Diocesan school · Grades 9–12
Serving families in Santa Maria since at least 2011
Santa Maria, CA
#8 Best Private High Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Baptist school · Grades Pre-K–12
One school from pre-K through 12th grade
Santa Maria, CA
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.