#1 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Cate School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Carpinteria, CA
A+Overall grade306 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Santa Barbara County, CA. Top 9 of 9 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Dunn School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
The largest independent school in Los Olivos
Los Olivos, CA
A+Overall grade218 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, 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
#4 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, 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
#5 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Midland School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Los Olivos
Los Olivos, CA
AOverall grade79 students4 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
Waldorf School of Santa Barbara
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Goleta
Goleta, CA
AOverall grade115 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, CA
The Howard School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Carpinteria, CA
A-Overall grade80 students7 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, 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
#9 Best Independent Schools in Santa Barbara County, 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.