The middle school years can be awkward, challenging, and difficult to navigate. Santa Barbara Middle School has spent almost half a century dedicated to helping middle school students navigate this transformative time in their lives and, as such, specialize in the middle school years. Vast amounts of research, time, experience, and effort have gone into formulating a program that is intentional in its differences. Yes, this time in young people’s lives is notoriously difficult to manage, but with the right mentorship, a lot of compassion, and a program tailored to middle schoolers, a metamorphosis happens, and it’s magical.
Entering Santa Barbara Middle School wide-eyed and full of wonder, new 6th and 7th grade students are not fully aware of the magical journey they are about to experience. ‘Beginnings are important,’ and at Santa Barbara Middle School, those beginnings start by forming relationships through an overnight orientation ride from Santa Barbara to Carpinteria as part of an intentional ‘rites of passage’ program that leads to a series of transformative events and adventures. This is the incubation phase of Middle School students, who begin their middle school experience in the safety of their cocoons as they continue to develop into young adults.
“When I started my journey at SBMS I had a lot of feelings. I was nervous for what was ahead, but I was also extremely excited. We started out school with the Pedal and Picnic. I also had a lot of mixed feelings there, but by the time we got to the place where we were going to eat our snack, the feelings of uncertainty had dissolved. I had expected something very different from what actually happened. By the time the Carpinteria trip came, I was starting to be myself around other people. The campfire was amazing, it was so immersive and magical, it felt like you were in a different place. When I woke up the next day, I was really sad that the experience was over. When I got back from Carpinteria I thought to myself, look how far I’ve come and I have only just started. I can’t imagine how the fall trip will go, but I’m ready for it.“
– Mackay Presant, Class of 2027
As students move into 7th and 8th grade years, there is a marked difference in their confidence and that outer shell is starting to crack. The first year at SBMS is set up intentionally. Students’ preconceived ideas of their limitations are challenged through an outdoor education program complete with over twenty nights in tents, hundreds of miles on a bike, a robust academic program, ten different electives, and a plethora of service opportunities. Students have opportunities to perform in front of hundreds of people at Songfest, play rugby for the first time, find a passion for mountain biking, or realize an artistic flair they never knew existed. They start to see themselves as leaders of their own learning, and leaders of the community.
“After having spent a year here at SBMS, I think I better understand what Santa Barbara Middle School is all about. All these trips, Friday town meeting opportunities, and Songfest performances have helped me get out of my comfort zone, break out of my shell and better understand myself and what I want. SBMS is a place for becoming who you are and having a community to help and support you through it. SBMS teaches you that you can be whoever you want and do anything even if you think you aren’t capable.”
– Esther Hernandez, Class of 2025
Unique to Santa Barbara Middle School is this 9th Grade leadership year. Students who choose to stay for 9th grade experience the biggest metamorphosis. Out of their cocoons, these young adults emerge, confident, powerful, and ready to fly. The 9th grade leadership program, ‘The Call,’ provides a space for students to lead in a manner that suits them by supporting younger students on expeditions, in electives and during sports. ‘The Call’ helps students discover themselves, become leaders, and serve their community.
“Not even a month into my 9th grade year I am more mature than ever, a role model for the younger kids, and a leader. Being a Bike Mechanic leader has played a big part in this growth. By the end of 9th grade, I know I will have transformed completely from my 6th-grade self. The theme of this year is “Becoming Us. Metamorphosis and Magic.” I think it fits very well, as this school is all about becoming your best real self and expressing that… the 9th grade is where the magic happens and I see that already, the other grades are just not the same. I don’t know how to describe it. When I became a 9th grader the magic began and it’s only gotten more magical since.”
– Ray McPhee, Class of 2024
While most people shy away from these challenging middle school years, the staff and faculty at Santa Barbara Middle School believe that these are the most important, influential, and exciting times in an adolescent’s life. The entire program, from grades six through nine, is purposefully designed to deliver a defining educational experience by providing them with the skills, tools, and internal compass to navigate their journey through high school, college, and beyond.
-About Santa Barbara Middle School-
Founded in 1976, Santa Barbara Middle School is an independent co-educational day school specializing in grades 6-9. Our balanced approach to Academics, Creative Arts and Sports, Building Community, and Outdoor Education prepares students for their future by providing a transformative middle school experience.
Our saying “Carpe Diem” could not ring more true as students embrace what it means to live in the moment. State standards, project-based learning, and experiential learning guide our academic program, supported by our unique outdoor educational program, which includes biking, camping, exploring the outdoors, and much more.
Students become difference-makers by giving back to the local community and cultivating a love for arts and sports through daily electives. We base our approach on mutual respect and an exceptional understanding of the adolescent years. SBMS graduates are admired for their intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, creativity, and “can-do” confidence. 1321 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, 805-682-2989; sbms.org
