Top 8 Boarding Schools In Santa Barbara And Fees (2025)

Santa Barbara, California, is not only known for its stunning coastline and Mediterranean-style architecture but also for being home to some of the finest educational institutions on the West Coast. With its ideal climate, academic excellence, and holistic learning environment, Santa Barbara offers an array of prestigious boarding schools that combine strong academics with personal development, athletics, and the arts.

In this article, we’ll explore the top boarding schools in Santa Barbara, their programs, annual fees, and what makes each one an excellent choice for students seeking a world-class education in a nurturing environment.

Top Boarding Schools In Santa Barbara And Fees

1. Cate School

Location: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, CA
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition: Around $72,000 (boarding)

Cate School is one of the most prestigious college preparatory boarding schools on the West Coast. Founded in 1910, Cate offers a rigorous academic curriculum designed to challenge students intellectually while nurturing their personal growth. The school emphasizes its core values: curiosity, determination, compassion, and courage.

Students at Cate enjoy small class sizes and a strong faculty-student relationship that ensures personalized attention. The campus spans over 150 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering an inspiring setting for learning and reflection. Apart from academics, students engage in community service, athletics, and arts programs that promote teamwork and leadership.

The boarding community is close-knit, with dormitories designed to make students feel at home. Weekends often include hiking, beach trips, and cultural excursions. Cate School graduates regularly attend Ivy League and other top-tier universities, making it one of the most competitive boarding schools in California.

2. Dunn School

Location: Los Olivos, near Santa Barbara, CA
Grades: 6–12
Annual Tuition: Around $70,500 (boarding)

Dunn School is a dynamic independent boarding and day school emphasizing whole-student education. Founded in 1957, it has developed a reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Its mission revolves around helping students find purpose, integrity, and independence.

The academic program includes college preparatory coursework, honors, and AP classes, along with a strong focus on creativity and critical thinking. Dunn’s signature Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program allows students to explore real-world business ideas, preparing them for future leadership roles.

Boarding life at Dunn is vibrant and diverse. Students come from over 20 countries, promoting cultural exchange and global awareness. Dorms are structured to build community, with faculty members serving as resident mentors. The campus includes modern classrooms, art studios, and an innovation center designed to support collaborative learning. Dunn also boasts strong athletics programs, particularly in soccer and tennis.

Graduates go on to universities like Stanford, UCLA, and NYU, making Dunn School a perfect choice for families seeking a balance between academics, creativity, and character development.

3. Midland School

Location: Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, CA
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition: Around $63,000 (boarding)

Midland School stands out for its unique approach to education — one deeply rooted in sustainability, simplicity, and self-reliance. Founded in 1932, Midland is located on a sprawling 2,800-acre ranch, giving students a distinct opportunity to connect with nature and learn responsibility through hands-on experience.

The school’s philosophy emphasizes independence, stewardship, and community. Students participate in daily campus maintenance and sustainability projects such as organic farming, renewable energy systems, and environmental conservation efforts. This hands-on lifestyle cultivates discipline and resilience.

Academically, Midland offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with a focus on critical thinking and experiential learning. The average class size is small, allowing for personalized instruction and mentorship. Outdoor learning, horseback riding, and camping are integral parts of the school’s identity.

Graduates of Midland are self-motivated learners who often attend selective universities such as UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Colorado College. For families seeking a boarding school experience that combines academic rigor with environmental responsibility, Midland School is an exceptional choice.

4. Garden Street Academy

Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Grades: K–12 (boarding for upper grades)
Annual Tuition: Around $55,000–$60,000 (boarding)

Garden Street Academy offers an innovative and holistic educational model designed to develop intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence. While it serves day students from kindergarten through high school, it provides boarding options for grades 9–12, attracting both local and international students.

The school’s approach integrates academic excellence with creative and emotional development. Small class sizes allow teachers to personalize instruction, ensuring that each student’s learning style and interests are supported. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, arts integration, and global awareness.

Garden Street Academy also places a strong emphasis on wellness and mindfulness. The campus atmosphere is calm and encouraging, creating an environment where students thrive both academically and emotionally. Students participate in visual arts, drama, music, and community service programs that foster creativity and leadership.

Graduates of Garden Street Academy often attend leading colleges across the U.S., making it a great choice for families who value balance between academic success and emotional well-being.

5. Laguna Blanca School

Location: Santa Barbara & Hope Ranch, CA
Grades: K–12 (boarding available for high school students)
Annual Tuition: Around $65,000 (boarding)

Laguna Blanca School is a top independent college preparatory school known for academic excellence, leadership development, and community spirit. Established in 1933, it offers a rigorous curriculum enriched with arts, athletics, and service-learning opportunities.

For boarding students, Laguna Blanca provides a structured yet supportive environment. The school partners with local host families and residences that foster a sense of belonging and cultural exchange. Students enjoy an innovative academic program featuring honors, AP courses, and advanced STEM initiatives.

The school also emphasizes public speaking, debate, and leadership through extracurricular programs. Its arts department is robust, offering opportunities in theater, film, and fine arts. With small class sizes and individualized college counseling, Laguna Blanca ensures that students receive guidance throughout their academic journey.

Graduates regularly gain admission to top universities, including Stanford, USC, and UC Santa Barbara. The school’s combination of rigorous academics and supportive culture makes it one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable educational institutions.

6. The Ojai Valley School

Location: Ojai, near Santa Barbara, CA
Grades: Pre-K–12
Annual Tuition: Around $69,000 (boarding)

Although technically located about 40 minutes from Santa Barbara, Ojai Valley School (OVS) deserves mention for its reputation as one of Southern California’s premier boarding schools. Established in 1911, OVS combines strong academics with outdoor education and personal growth.

Students engage in an enriched curriculum that includes honors and AP classes, equestrian programs, outdoor adventures, and fine arts. The school’s philosophy focuses on developing character, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. Experiential learning is central to OVS’s identity — from hiking in the nearby mountains to participating in community service projects.

Boarding students enjoy a warm, family-like atmosphere. The school emphasizes respect, self-discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. International students make up a significant portion of the population, enhancing cultural diversity.

Graduates of OVS attend elite universities such as Stanford, Columbia, and UC Berkeley. The combination of academics, outdoor education, and strong community values makes Ojai Valley School one of the best boarding options near Santa Barbara.

7. Besant Hill School of Happy Valley

Location: Ojai, near Santa Barbara, CA
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition: Around $71,000 (boarding)

Besant Hill School of Happy Valley is an intentionally small college-preparatory boarding school that focuses on creativity, individuality, and community. Founded in 1946, its motto — “Aún Aprendo” (I am still learning) — captures the school’s commitment to lifelong learning and self-discovery.

The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and environmental awareness. Students participate in project-based studies and small seminars designed to foster intellectual curiosity and personal responsibility. Arts and music play a central role, and every student is encouraged to explore their creative potential.

The 520-acre campus in the Ojai Valley provides an ideal environment for reflection, creativity, and community life. Boarding students enjoy modern dormitories, nutritious meals, and a nurturing atmosphere that feels like home. The school also places great importance on sustainability and outdoor education.

Graduates attend top-tier universities like Brown, UC Santa Barbara, and NYU. For families seeking a progressive and creative boarding school near Santa Barbara, Besant Hill is a top contender.

8. Santa Catalina School (for Girls)

Location: Monterey, CA (serving Santa Barbara families)
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition: Around $71,500 (boarding)

While located a few hours north in Monterey, Santa Catalina School attracts many families from the Santa Barbara region due to its strong reputation for academic excellence and character development. Founded in 1950, it offers an all-girls college preparatory boarding program focused on leadership, confidence, and service.

The curriculum includes honors and AP courses, as well as electives in arts, sciences, and global studies. The small class sizes and individualized college counseling help students excel academically and personally. Santa Catalina’s spiritual and ethical education complements its rigorous academics, promoting integrity and compassion.

Boarding life at Santa Catalina is enriching and supportive. Students participate in community service, athletics, and cultural activities that prepare them for global citizenship. Graduates consistently earn admission to elite universities, including Stanford, Harvard, and UC Berkeley.

For Santa Barbara families seeking a reputable all-girls boarding experience, Santa Catalina School is a top-tier choice.

Conclusion

Santa Barbara’s boarding schools offer an exceptional blend of academic excellence, character development, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional academic rigor of Cate School, the innovative spirit of Dunn School, or the sustainable lifestyle of Midland School, there’s an option to suit every student’s aspirations.

When choosing a boarding school, consider factors such as:

Academic programs (AP, IB, or specialized programs)
Student-teacher ratio and personalized learning
Campus environment and extracurricular offerings
Values and philosophy that align with your family’s goals
Tuition fees and available scholarships

Investing in a boarding education in Santa Barbara means investing in a child’s future — one shaped by discipline, creativity, and lifelong learning. With their combination of strong academics, caring communities, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Santa Barbara’s boarding schools continue to rank among California’s best educational destinations.