At Santa Barbara Middle School (SBMS), learning is a journey of self-discovery—one that blends intellectual exploration with immersive experiences and academic rigor.
We are dedicated to making the middle school years meaningful, fostering authenticity, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
Since our founding in 1976, SBMS has been a pioneer in experiential education, integrating academics with real-world applications.
Three core pillars—resilience, relevance, and relationships—shape our approach. Each year, students spend over 20 nights exploring breathtaking landscapes across the western United States.
These expeditions challenge them physically through mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking while also strengthening their emotional intelligence as they form new friendships, disconnect from technology, and adapt to life away from home. These experiences cultivate independence, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.
Our outdoor program is a catalyst for both personal and academic growth, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. However, our commitment to intellectual vitality extends beyond the trail.
Lessons learned outdoors echo in the classroom, reinforcing the belief that “we can do hard things.”
Whether tackling complex physics experiments, building sailboats with master boat builders, interviewing inspiring leaders through our Teen Press program, or shaping surfboards, students develop the confidence and creativity they need to thrive.
This journey is amplified by the unwavering support of our teachers, who serve as mentors every step of the way.
“At SBMS, we believe our multidimensional approach fosters intellectual vitality, as reflected in our graduates’ ability to think critically, embrace diverse perspectives, and harness their creativity to achieve their highest potential.”
— Marco Andrade, SBMS Class of ’83, Dean of Students and Community
While SBMS prepares students for today’s academic challenges, we understand that true education is about equipping them for an evolving future.
The SBMS experience fosters deep connections between students and teachers, ensuring learning remains relevant and aligned with each student’s passions.
In a world shaped by rapid technological change, human connection remains the foundation of a life-defining education.
At SBMS, it’s not about the miles covered on a bike, the grades earned, or the tests taken—it’s about the moments that shape students during their transition from adolescence to adulthood.
By igniting intellectual curiosity and confidence, we empower students to become engaged learners, thoughtful individuals, and resilient young adults with a strong sense of self.
“I swear he always comes back older from these trips—kinder, wiser, more grateful, and truly his best self. I know nature is part of the magic, but the SBMS factor is clearly a multiplier.”
— Current SBMS Parent
Education at SBMS goes beyond academics—it’s about shaping lifelong learners who approach the world with curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Through a dynamic blend of rigorous coursework, immersive expeditions, and meaningful relationships, our students develop the creativity to innovate, the resilience to thrive, and the confidence to embrace life’s challenges. SBMS isn’t just a place to learn; it’s a place to grow, explore, and discover limitless potential.
