Business Details
Transformative Middle School Education in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Middle School has been redefining middle school education for nearly five decades through an experiential learning model that integrates academic rigor with personal growth and community engagement. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor expeditions, and creative expression, preparing students for high school and life beyond. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, we cultivate intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, and ethical decision-making in a supportive environment. Our unique approach combines core academic subjects with real-world applications, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.The school's commitment to expeditionary learning challenges students to develop resilience and self-confidence through immersive experiences. We maintain a strong focus on community values, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and valued throughout their educational journey. Our graduates emerge as globally aware thinkers and compassionate leaders, equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Services
Academic Programs
Outdoor Expeditions
Creative Arts
Team Sports
Language Acquisition
Life Skills Development
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of experience in expeditionary middle school education
- Our program integrates outdoor learning with academic curriculum
- Small class sizes ensure personalized student attention
- We develop leadership through community-based projects
- Our faculty combines teaching expertise with adventure education
What people say
Lifelong skills
Supportive community
Experiential learning
Personal growth
Passionate teachers
Services
Outdoor Expeditions
Our expeditionary program integrates outdoor experiences with academic curriculum, challenging students to develop resilience and leadership skills. Through three annual extended trips, students engage in hands-on learning that reinforces classroom concepts while building teamwork and environmental awareness. The program emphasizes safety and personal growth in natural settings.
Creative Arts
Visual and performing arts programs foster creativity and self-expression through drawing, filmmaking, drama, and music. Students participate in productions like the Spring Musical and Songfest music festival while developing technical skills and artistic confidence in a supportive environment.
Team Sports
Our 'Play All' philosophy ensures every student participates in competitive sports including soccer, volleyball, and surfing. The program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in an inclusive environment without cuts or tryouts.
Language Acquisition
Spanish courses emphasize practical communication skills through cultural immersion and interactive projects. Students progress from basic proficiency to advanced grammar and conversation, preparing for high school-level language study through real-world applications.
Life Skills
Personal development curriculum builds self-awareness, empathy, and ethical decision-making through community-based learning. Students explore identity, relationships, and social responsibility while developing practical skills for navigating life's challenges.
People
Mandy Westerman
Director of Admissions
Mandy leads admissions with a commitment to connecting families with SBMS's unique educational approach. She guides prospective families through the application process and school community engagement.
Betsy Heafitz
Parent
Parent of two SBMS graduates, Betsy advocates for the school's character development and expeditionary learning approach. She highlights the program's impact on her children's personal growth.
Questions
What grades does SBMS serve?
Santa Barbara Middle School serves students in grades 6 through 9.
What makes SBMS unique?
Our expeditionary learning model combines academic rigor with outdoor education, creative arts, and character development in a supportive community environment.
Are there sports programs available?
Yes, our 'Play All' philosophy offers soccer, volleyball, basketball, and surfing with no cuts or tryouts for any student.
How does outdoor education work?
Students participate in three annual extended expeditions that integrate with academic curriculum, building leadership and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences.
What arts programs are offered?
We provide visual arts, drama, music, and filmmaking programs including the Spring Musical and Songfest music festival.
How does the admissions process work?
Start by requesting information, then attend events or shadow days before completing our application process through the Admissions portal.
