Public · Santa Barbara Unified School District · Est. 1875
Santa Barbara High School
Last updated 2024. How we source this →
Quick facts
- Grades served
- 9-12
- Enrollment
- 1,924
- Founded
- 1875
- Student–teacher ratio
- 21.24:1
- Mascot
- Dons
- School colors
- Olive and gold
- Principal
- Ed Gomez (as of July 1, 2025)
- Phone
- (805) 966-9101
- Website
- sbhs.sbunified.org
About
Founded in 1875, Santa Barbara High School ('SBHS') is the oldest public high school in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. The downtown campus is known for its century-old performing-arts theater and its three career academies (Computer Science, Multimedia Arts and Design, and Visual Arts and Design). It is one of Santa Barbara's three comprehensive public high schools and a longtime athletic rival of San Marcos and Dos Pueblos.
Academics & public data
Academic indicators
- Niche grade
- A- overall (2026, Niche)
- Average SAT/ACT
- SAT ~1250 / ACT ~29 (2026, Niche self-reported, 263 SAT and 84 ACT responses — NOT an official CA figure)
- Graduation rate
- 93% (2023, U.S. News/PublicSchoolReview; CA avg 87%)
- AP exam pass rate
- 29% passed at least one AP exam (2025-26 rankings cycle, data from 2023-24, U.S. News; 42% took at least one AP exam)
- College-going rate
- CA Dashboard College/Career Indicator 'Prepared' 60.4% (2024, caschooldashboard.org, Green, +8.3%); a true post-secondary enrollment rate was not separately verifiable this session
- A-G completion rate
- 57.03% of graduates completed all UC/CSU a-g required courses (2023-24, SARC 2024-25 / sarconline.org; 97.82% were enrolled in UC/CSU-required courses)
- GreatSchools rating
- 6/10 (2026, GreatSchools)
- US News national rank
- #6,843 nationally; 819th in California (2024, U.S. News)
- CAASPP ELA proficiency
- 33% met/exceeded (2023, PublicSchoolReview via CDE; CA avg 47%)
- CAASPP Math proficiency
- 22% met/exceeded (2023, PublicSchoolReview via CDE; CA avg 34%)
- US News AP participation rate
- 42% (2024, U.S. News)
Funding
- Per-pupil spending
- $16,835 per student, district-wide (Santa Barbara Unified, ~2021-24, U.S. News/NCES; not school-specific)
- District budget context
- Part of Santa Barbara Unified School District
Data as of 2024.
AP & advanced coursework
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Computer Science A
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Environmental Science
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP U.S. Government and Politics
- AP Human Geography
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Physics 1
- AP Psychology
- AP Seminar
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
- AP Studio Art: Drawing
- AP U.S. History
- AP World History
22 AP courses listed on the school's College & Career Readiness site (2025-26, sbhsdonsccreadiness.weebly.com); the SARC reports 26 AP courses offered across subject areas (2024-25) with the caveat that not every course runs each year. AP participation: 24.2% of students enrolled in AP courses (2024-25, SARC). AP exam pass rate is not published in the SARC or CDE sources (null). No IB program (IB is at Dos Pueblos).
Academies & signature programs
Computer Science Academy (CSA)
Computer science, coding, mathematics, robotics, software design, app development, computational art, and 3-D printing.
Founded in 2012, the CSA aims to demystify software engineering and broaden participation (especially among female students). Course sequence includes Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Science A (Java), Computational Art in Processing, and Mobile App Development in Swift.
Visual Arts & Design Academy (VADA)
Project-based, career-focused visual arts and design integrated with rigorous college-prep academics (a 'school-within-a-school').
A California Partnership Academy since 1999 (funded jointly by the CA Dept. of Education, Santa Barbara Unified, and the nonprofit Friends of VADA), serving ~200-225 students in grades 9-12 with collaborative teaching teams, mentorship, workplace learning, and industry partnerships.
Multimedia Arts & Design (MAD) Academy
Media arts and technology — traditional and interdisciplinary, project-based learning in the evolving media-arts field.
One of SBHS's three signature academies, preparing students for college and the workplace in media arts and technology through project-based learning.
Athletics
Fall
Football
Boys · Multiple
Historic program; Nate Mendoza hired Jan 2023 after three Channel League titles at Dos Pueblos.
Girls Volleyball
Girls · Multiple
Reached CIF-SS Division 5 semifinals in 2025.
Boys Water Polo
Boys · Multiple
Historically dominant aquatics program under longtime coach Mark Walsh (since 1997); SBHS water polo programs have won numerous CIF titles.
Girls Tennis
Girls · Multiple
Won the CIF-SS Division 3 championship in Nov 2024, defeating Santa Monica 12-6; honored at the SBART luncheon Dec 2024.
Girls Golf
Girls · Multiple
Girls Flag Football
Girls · Multiple
Cross Country
Coed · Multiple
Boys squad has contended for county team titles (county title in 2023). Scored by meets/invitationals rather than win-loss records.
Winter
Boys Basketball
Boys · Multiple
Back-to-back Channel League champions; strong recent run with a top-40 California ranking in 2024-25.
Girls Basketball
Girls · Multiple
Girls Water Polo
Girls · Multiple
Reached the CIF-SS Division 2 championship game in 2025-26, losing to La Serna 11-5. Storied program under Mark Walsh.
Boys Soccer
Boys · Multiple
Girls Soccer
Girls · Multiple
Spring
Boys Volleyball
Boys · Multiple
Storied program; alum Karch Kiraly led the Dons to the 1978 CIF-SS title (jersey retired in J.R. Richards Gym). School hosts the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions. CIF-SS runner-up 2007 and 2008 under Arneson.
Baseball
Boys · Multiple
Channel League champions in 2024 (2023-24 season).
Softball
Girls · Multiple
Boys Tennis
Boys · Multiple
Boys Golf
Boys · Multiple
Boys Lacrosse
Boys · Multiple
Won the program's first-ever Channel League title in 2026 (shared with Dos Pueblos); John Keogh named Channel League Coach of the Year.
Girls Lacrosse
Girls · Multiple
Girls Beach Volleyball
Girls · Varsity
Earned MaxPreps national/state rankings in 2025-26.
Track & Field
Coed · Multiple
Scored by meets/invitationals rather than win-loss records.
Swim & Dive
Coed · Multiple
Part of the strong SBHS aquatics program; scored by meets/league finals rather than win-loss records.
Intramural sports
Like most California public high schools, SBHS centers competitive interscholastic athletics (CIF Southern Section / Channel League) rather than formal intramural leagues; informal recreational play occurs through clubs such as Ultimate Frisbee and Surf Club.
Championships & athletic honors
- CIF State titles
- Boys Cross Country won the CIF Division 2 State Championship in 2023; Boys Soccer won the CIF Division 1 State Championship in 2018 (Wikipedia: Santa Barbara High School).
- Standout programs
- Aquatics powerhouse: under coach Mark Walsh (since 1997) Santa Barbara has won at least 14 CIF-SS water polo titles (6 boys 1997-2019, 8 girls 1998-2006). Also a historic boys volleyball school (Karch Kiraly's alma mater; CIF-SS titles 1978/1992/2021) with the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions on campus, plus recent strength in boys basketball, boys cross country (2023 state title) and boys soccer (2018 state title).
- League championships
- Channel League. Recent Channel League titles: Boys Basketball (back-to-back, 2024-25 and 2025-26, 13-1 league each year); Baseball (2023-24 season, 11-2-1 league); Boys Lacrosse (2026, co-champions shared with Dos Pueblos — program's first-ever league title). (data/sports.json, sourced from Noozhawk/MaxPreps.)
- Olympians & pro athletes
- Karch Kiraly (volleyball; 3x Olympic gold — indoor 1984 & 1988, beach 1996). Kami Craig (water polo; Olympic silver 2008, gold 2012). Thalia Munro (water polo; Olympic bronze 2004). Jamaal Wilkes (basketball; 4x NBA champion). Sam Cunningham (football; USC, College Football HoF 2011). Randall Cunningham (NFL QB). Tom Curren (surfing; 3x world champion). Ryan Spilborghs and Dylan Axelrod (MLB). (Wikipedia: Santa Barbara High School.)
- CIF Southern Section titles
- BOYS WATER POLO CIF-SS champions in 1997 (Div IV, def. Righetti 15-14 OT), 2000 (Div IV, def. Ventura 8-7), 2001 (Div IV, def. Ventura 11-7), 2003 (Div IV, def. San Marcos 10-8), 2006 (Div II, def. Ventura 14-11) and 2019 (Div 3, def. Schurr 9-7) — all under coach Mark Walsh; six titles, consistent with Noozhawk reporting the 2019 win as Walsh's sixth (cifss.org Boys Water Polo record book; Noozhawk). GIRLS WATER POLO CIF-SS champions in 1998 (Div II, def. Cabrillo 17-8), 1999 (Div II, def. San Marcos 11-4), 2000 (Div II, def. Agoura 7-6), 2002 (Div II, def. Ventura 9-1), 2003 (Div IV, def. Cabrillo 18-3), 2004 (Div IV, def. Royal 17-8), 2005 (Div IV, def. Agoura 18-7) and 2006 (Div IV, def. Agoura 8-7) — eight titles under Mark Walsh (cifss.org Girls Water Polo record book); girls were CIF-SS Div 2 RUNNERS-UP in 2026 (lost to La Serna). BOYS VOLLEYBALL CIF-SS champions in 1978 (Karch Kiraly's senior year, def. Laguna Beach; coach Rick Olmstead), 1992 (Div 4-A, def. Huntington Beach 15-7,15-8,15-10; coach Bob Moore) and 2021 (Div 2 — program's first since 1992; Santa Barbara Independent 'Dons Capture Elusive CIF Title') — boys volleyball CIF-SS runners-up in 1976, 1997, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2013 (cifss.org Boys Volleyball record book; Karch Kiraly bio). GIRLS TENNIS CIF-SS Division 3 champions in 2024 (def. Santa Monica 12-6).
Compare across schools: Water Polo · Volleyball · Football · Basketball · Soccer · Baseball · Softball · Tennis · Track & Field · Cross Country · Lacrosse · Swimming · Golf
Notable alumni
- Josh Brolin (Academy Award-nominated actor)
- Karch Kiraly (3x Olympic gold medalist, volleyball)
- Eddie Mathews (Baseball Hall of Famer)
- Jamaal Wilkes (4x NBA champion)
- Randall Cunningham (NFL Pro Bowl quarterback)
- Sam Cunningham (USC All-American, College Football Hall of Fame)
- Tom Curren (3x world champion surfer)
- Martha Graham (modern dance pioneer)
- Alonzo King (dancer and choreographer, LINES Ballet)
- Taylor Hackford (Academy Award-winning filmmaker)
- Ron Shelton (writer-director, 'Bull Durham', 'White Men Can't Jump')
- Charles Schwab (founder, Charles Schwab Corp.)
- Leon Litwack (Pulitzer Prize-winning historian)
- Ward Kimball (Disney animator, Academy Award winner)
- Floyd Norman (Disney/Pixar animator and writer)
- Chris Shiflett (lead guitarist, Foo Fighters)
- Jordan Maron 'CaptainSparklez' (YouTuber)
- Tanya Atwater (geophysicist, plate tectonics pioneer)
- Stephen Benton (inventor of the rainbow hologram)
- Al Geiberger (PGA Tour golfer, first to shoot 59)
- Kami Craig (Olympic gold & silver medalist, water polo)
- John Northrop (aviation pioneer, founder of Northrop Corporation)
- Timothy Bottoms (actor, 'The Last Picture Show')
Clubs & activities
Academic
Statewide scholarship and honor society recognizing academic achievement and service.
How to join: Apply each semester based on GPA/grade criteria
Advisor: Spencer Barr (per official 2025-26 SBHS Dons clubs site; verify yearly)
Honor society recognizing scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
How to join: Apply; selective based on GPA and service
Advisor: Spencer Barr (per official 2025-26 SBHS Dons clubs site; verify yearly)
College-readiness support and community for AVID students.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Tuesdays at lunch, room 22)
Advisor: Joseph Velasco (2025-26; verify yearly)
Casual and competitive chess play.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Thursdays at lunch)
Advisor: Matt Whitney (2025-26; verify yearly)
Practices competitive debate and argumentation.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays at lunch, room 208)
Advisor: John Tormey (2025-26; verify yearly)
Simulated courtroom trial competition team.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays 6-7 PM, room 31)
Advisor: Mr. Stark (2025-26; verify yearly)
Arts
Watches, discusses, and makes films.
How to join: Attend a meeting (1st Friday of each month at lunch, room 75)
Advisor: AJ Henning (2025-26; verify yearly)
Theater and stagecraft, based in the historic SBHS theater.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Thursdays at lunch, in the theater)
Advisor: Gioia Marchese (2025-26; verify yearly)
Student journalism and publications.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays at lunch, room 87)
Advisor: Joanne Cloutier (2025-26; verify yearly)
Cultural
Community, culture, and advocacy for Black students.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays)
Advisor: Miranda Vasquez (2025-26; verify yearly)
Chicano/Latino cultural identity, empowerment, and advocacy.
How to join: Attend a meeting (every other Thursday at lunch, room 207)
Advisor: Alison Mendoza (2025-26; verify yearly)
Traditional Mexican folkloric dance.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Thursdays at lunch, room 22)
Advisor: Joseph Velasco (2025-26; verify yearly)
Celebrates and shares diverse cultural traditions among students.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Thursdays at lunch, room 110)
Advisor: Diana Castro / Carolyn Betz (2025-26; verify yearly)
Service
Service projects in partnership with the American Red Cross.
How to join: Attend a meeting (every other Tuesday)
Advisor: Tania Viscarra (2025-26; verify yearly)
Humanitarian service tied to Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays, senior lawn)
Advisor: Linnea Mendoza (2025-26; verify yearly)
Assembles gift baskets and goods to support those in need.
How to join: Attend a meeting (twice monthly at lunch, room 80)
Advisor: Gerlyin Gonzalez (2025-26; verify yearly)
Promotes mental health awareness and peer support.
How to join: Attend a meeting (every other Monday at lunch, ASB room)
Advisor: Ms. Wooster (2025-26; verify yearly)
Environmental sustainability projects and advocacy.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Fridays at lunch)
Advisor: Jose Caballero (2025-26; verify yearly)
Special Interest
Safe, supportive space and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students and allies.
How to join: Attend a meeting (every other Thursday at lunch, room 67)
Advisor: Kat Ross (2025-26; verify yearly)
Surfing outings for students; reflects the coastal location.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Mondays and Thursdays)
Advisor: Travis Mañach (2025-26; verify yearly)
Recreational and competitive ultimate frisbee.
How to join: Attend a meeting (last Thursday of each month)
Advisor: Joe Chenoweth (2025-26; verify yearly)
STEM
Designs and builds competitive robots; tied to the Computer Science Academy.
How to join: Attend a meeting / sign up at club rush
Student leadership supporting the Computer Science Academy (CSA).
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays at lunch, room 25)
Advisor: Sky Adams (2025-26; verify yearly)
Explores cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and computer security topics.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Wednesdays at lunch, room 26)
Advisor: Kyle Stewart (2025-26; verify yearly)
Explores medical and health careers for aspiring pre-med students.
How to join: Attend a meeting (Thursdays at lunch, room 301)
Advisor: Rachel Phelps Hadidian (2025-26; verify yearly)
Introduces sports medicine, athletic training, and health sciences.
How to join: Attend a meeting (every other Friday)
Advisor: Maria Rivera (2025-26; verify yearly)
Facilities
- Gymnasium
- Pool/Aquatics— Pool used for water polo and swimming/diving programs
- Tennis courts
- Athletic fields— Fields for track, football, lacrosse, and soccer
- Peabody Stadium— On-campus stadium, renovated 2020 (~$39M); football, track, lacrosse, soccer
- Beach volleyball— Beach volleyball facilities (reflecting coastal Santa Barbara location)
- Performing Arts Theater— Historic ~800-seat Dons theater with modern lighting and sound for theatrical and choral productions
Leadership opportunities
- Associated Student Body (ASB) / student government
- Leadership class
- Club officer roles across 40+ student clubs
- Academy leadership (e.g., Computer Science Academy Leadership Club)
- Peer mentoring and transition support (AVID)
College & career support
SBHS offers counseling and a college/career center with A-G coursework support, AVID for college readiness, and dual/concurrent enrollment with Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) through the district partnership. Career-themed academies (Computer Science/CSA, Multimedia Arts & Design/MAD, Visual Arts & Design/VADA) provide industry-aligned pathways.
Community
Parent–Teacher Association
Active SBHS PTSA — described as one of the oldest PTSAs in California (100+ years). Source: sbptsa.org (verify board details yearly).
Athletic boosters
Athletic/program support is run primarily through the Foundation for Santa Barbara High School (foundationforsbhs.org), which since 2020-21 runs a joint fundraising campaign with the PTSA supporting academics, programs, and athletics. A separately named standalone 'Dons' athletic booster club was not independently verified; confirm yearly.
Frequently asked questions
- What grades does Santa Barbara High School serve?
- Santa Barbara High School serves grades 9-12.
- How many students attend Santa Barbara High School?
- Santa Barbara High School enrolls approximately 1,924 students, based on the most recent published figures.
- Is Santa Barbara High School a public or private school?
- Santa Barbara High School is a public high school in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
- What is Santa Barbara High School's mascot?
- Santa Barbara High School's mascot is the Dons, and its school colors are olive and gold.
- When was Santa Barbara High School founded?
- Santa Barbara High School was founded in 1875.
- What sports does Santa Barbara High School offer?
- Santa Barbara High School fields 23 sports teams. See the Athletics section above for the full list by season.
- Where is Santa Barbara High School located?
- Santa Barbara High School is located at 700 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103.
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