Founded in 1976, Santa Barbara Middle School is the only accredited stand-alone 6th - 9th grade middle school in California. Through our students’ immersion in stimulating Academics, Creative Arts and Sports, Community, Career Studies and our Acclaimed Outdoor Education Program, the foundation is laid for a defining educational experience. Our community is based on mutual respect, compassion, gratitude and a unique understanding of this specific age. Few adults remember junior high as an affirming high point in their lives; our alumni do. SBMS graduates are admired for their creativity and "can-do confidence," as well as their eye for design and innovative approaches to problem solving. We encourage students to question, evaluate, and think creatively and independently – a mission that runs seamlessly through the past, present, and future of our school.