Welcome to Santa Barbara Middle School's website!
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“I think SBMS played a fundamental role in allowing me to explore and express who I was and to determine who I wanted to be. The teachers at SBMS were my friends; they were interested in me, they believed in me, and they respected me, which taught me to think in the same way about myself, my teachers, and my peers. I think SBMS developed my innate instinct to build strong and loving communities around me, and to act as a leader within those communities. I also learned that I was capable of a lot physically and in the wilderness, and that I loved being outdoors and achieving a lot with my body. That confidence in my physical abilities has brought great joy to my adult life.”
- Elizabeth Schwyzer, Class of 1994

For more on "The School That Changes Lives" visit our TESTIMONIALS page.

Welcome Visitors

We are an independent, coeducational day school for grades 6-9.

SBMS was founded in 1976 by a group of students, parents, and teachers concerned about the junior high years. This group, many of whom are still involved, sought to create a school that would combine an innovative, challenging academic program with an environment responsive to the many needs of adolescent students.

For 30 years Santa Barbara Middle School has worked to fulfill and exceed these goals. Enrollment in our dynamic student body is limited to the middle grades, our specialty. See About Our School for more!

Santa Barbara Middle School Newsletter
THE DIAMOND

Career Study Week

For over 30 years, the Career Study Week program has given SBMS students an experience of life in the workplace and taught skills to get a job. Championed by Whitney Ingersoll, CSW gets our students out into the community to learn by doing. Find out more about it here...

A Shining Diamond

Our school symbol, a diamond in a circle,represents our four-sided curriculum: Academics, Athletics & Creative Arts, Outdoor Education and Community Involvement. It is now also the title of our bimonthly newsletter. Check out the inaugural publication of The Diamond (525KB in PDF format) here...

Ocean Sports

For nearly 25 years and 2,000,000 miles,SBMS has been known as the “bikingest” school in America. But for as long as we have been pedaling, SBMS kids have also been paddling, swimming, surfing, snorkeling and kayaking the central California coast. Find out more about it here...

Mountain Bike Club

Sieze the Dirt! The 13th year of the SBMSMBC is happening, starting Friday, September 12. Check out the site for announcements, calendars, ride photos and more...

Academic Calendar

The schedule for the 2008-2009 school year is available via the link, or in the "Students & Parents" section. Check the schedule and plan accordingly...

8th Grade Retreat

Coming December 18-19, the 8th Grade will head off for a special time of exploration and reflection. Check out the site for dates, equipment list and more...

Welcome SBMS

7th Grade Science

The trebuchets were out this week, with students measuring the results of their design and the effects of physics. Check out a few moments on the field!

SBMS Merchandise

This holiday season, you can support SBMS by purchasing SBMS merchandise. A portion of your purchase is donated to our school!

Team Sports Schedule

...is now posted online. Click the link above, then select your sport from the "Choose Your Team/Activity" popup menu!

Order Lunches Online

Online ordering of lunches from The New Deli is now available for the Winter Trimester. Check it out--orders are due soon!

Career Study Week

Career Study Week is over, but the memories live on. Check back soon to see interviews with some of our students and their employers. Review the programs for:

A New DIAMOND

View the latest edition of the SBMS newsletter, THE DIAMOND, in its beautiful new format. Hats off to Christine!

The Fall Trip - SBMS On The Road

Check here to see photos posted from the road, as SBMS undertakes it's all-school Fall Expedition. Check in on the adventure here...

HOMECOMING

Be sure to come to Homecoming, at SBMS on Saturday, October 25, at noon. Be there!

Simple Site Map

Alternative navigation is now available for those who for one reason or another do not have Flash active on their computer. Search engines welcome...

9th Grade Academics

The 9th Grade Academics website premieres, with information about programs, teachers and homework. Check out the terrific new site by the 9th grade faculty...

The Fall Trip - Plan to Attend, Plan to Succeed

Information about our Fall Trip is now available, including itinerary, forms and equipment list. Please note that there is an update for 8th Grade Students and Families. Review the data and plan accordingly...

Electives

Electives are one of the features that make our school great. The Fall 2008 electives are listed, and feature work by the Drawing and Painting class. Check out the list of current elective offerings in the new section of our site...

Jungle Book

Coming in November (the 13th, actually), the latest dramatic incarnation of the incredible book. And incredible it will be! Check out the Teaser Trailer...

Girl's Volleyball Schedule

The girls vollyball teams are practicing, playing and already competing. Get the skinny on team rosters and schedule here...

Teen Press @ INTERBIKE

The SBMS Teen Press traveled to Las Vegas for North America's largest trade show devoted to bicycles, taking Bike Monkey Aaron R. along to share the research opportunities. Check it out on the Teen Press site...

9th Grade @ Channel Islands

From the Vision to the Source: The 9th Grade just returned from spending three days aboard the Vision exploring San Miguel, Santa Rosa & Santa Cruz Islands. Get a taste of what they experienced...

Goleta Pedal & Picnic Pictures

The 6th & 7th grades went on a biking seminar/adventure, starting and ending at Goleta Beach on Friday, Sept. 5. Some even started at the Sunrise Swim! View the photos of the event now...