6 best private schools in Santa Barbara 2025

• The created learning environment is aimed at the individual development of each student, takes into account his personal interests, goals, talents and wishes.
• The curriculum provides for the study of a wide range of compulsory subjects and disciplines that are independently chosen by a foreign student.
• The formation of classrooms is based on the individual characteristics of each student and the academic results of students.
• In addition to high-quality education, a rich and exciting leisure program is organized specifically for international children and adolescents, participation in which allows the students to develop the necessary social skills in the future, the student can achieve high results in sports and creativity.
• A predominant number of leading schools are developing specialized language courses aimed at foreign teenagers, making it easier to adapt to a new language and cultural environment.
• Upon graduation from an elite school in Santa-Barbara, graduates become students of the best universities in the USA. While studying at elite universities, a foreign student can get a work permit in America.
• Universal recognition of the US school certificate among all countries of the world when applying to foreign universities.
• Foreign teenagers will enjoy their stay in California because of the high level of comfort and friendly environment created. The staying in a warm and sunny climate on the ocean coast, the presence of a large number of attractions will give only bright and positive emotions and impressions to your child.

The duration of obtaining a prestigious secondary education in Santa-Barbara is 12 years. Students study compulsory subjects — social and natural sciences, mathematics, literature, physical education — and elective subjects. As a rule, foreign students are offered the following subjects to study:

• Information and computer technologies
• Foreign language – it can be Greek, Latin, European or Oriental languages
• Statistics and economics
• Applied disciplines
• Journalism and others.

It is also worth noting that various creative and sports sections are opened especially for schoolchildren: in case of achieving high results at sports competitions, creative competitions, a graduate receives a significant advantage in the framework of admission to top universities in the USA and other countries.

Foreign students aged 12 to 14 are accepted for studying. Students can choose one of the possible accommodation options for the period of study:

• School comfortable residence
• Host family.

As a rule, the leading private school in Santa-Barbara is a whole student city, which has modern infrastructure equipment, sports grounds, and comfortable living conditions. In addition to studying, various educational and entertainment events are organized specifically for foreign teenagers. The majority of the international children and teenagers make a choice regarding accommodation for the period of study on full-board conditions.

It is worth noting that when deciding to enrol in a prestigious private school, get ready for serious preparation — the competition reaches 10 children per place. Below the main requirements are provided:

• Fill out a detailed questionnaire in English;
• Provide a report card of school grades for the last 2-3 years of study;
• Provide recommendations from an English language teacher;
• Pass an oral interview, the purpose of which is to identify the goals and motivation of the student (it is possible to pass on an individual basis or Skype);
• Take a test in academic disciplines;
• Provide an international language certificate: American SSAT test, SLEP certificates, TOEFL.

In case of insufficient English level, it is necessary to pass preparatory program or to spend holidays in summer language camp in the USA.

If you have any achievements in sports, studies, or volunteering, it is also better to provide supporting certificates and certificates that can not only increase the likelihood of admission, but also contribute to obtaining scholarships or grants for studying.

Most often, elite schools in Santa-Barbara conduct additional interviews with applicants to determine the level of language studying and motivation of the student.

The cost of studying for one semester will average from 20 to 50 thousand dollars — the difference is due to the ranking and prestige of the educational institution. The tuition fee includes meals and accommodation for the student, educational materials.