Photo: Mike Boucher · CC BY 2.0Montecito’s public schools outscore almost every California district
Math proficiency in Montecito’s districts is 89%, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the public school district serving Montecito, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2020’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Montecito’s schools, in brief
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 89% and math 89% in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $44,301 per student, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Crane Country Day School (private) and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Montecito’s grade
A+: better than 100% of California school districts, #1 of 847 California towns. Test scores are above the California average; there is no graduation rate to add.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Montecito, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Montecito
Montecito Union
Grades K–6 · 353 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Santa Barbara
1st grade in Montecito
Montecito Union
Grades K–6 · 353 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Santa Barbara
2nd grade in Montecito
Montecito Union
Grades K–6 · 353 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Santa Barbara
3rd grade in Montecito
Montecito Union
Grades K–6 · 353 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Santa Barbara
4th grade in Montecito
Montecito Union
Grades K–6 · 353 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Santa Barbara
Parts of Montecito (14% and 2% of its land) are served by Cold Spring Elementary and Carpinteria Unified instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Montecito
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Montecito vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Montecito’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Montecito | A+ | Montecito Union Elementary K–6 · Santa Barbara Unified |
| Santa Barbara | B+ | Santa Barbara Unified |
Every school in Montecito
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Montecito’s schools
Are Montecito’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Montecito children attend outscore 100% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #1 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 99%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020.
What school district is Montecito in?
Santa Barbara Unified School District, which runs grades and enrolls 0 students in 0 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Montecito are served by Cold Spring Elementary and Carpinteria Unified.
How much does Montecito spend per student?
$44,301 in Montecito Union Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Montecito?
Yes: Crane Country Day School (nonsectarian, grades K–8, 252 students) and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 240 students).
Parents talk
What Montecito families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Montecito → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2020) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.