Santa Barbara Junior High School

Posted: May 23, 2026

I was a student here for both 7th and 8th grade, and in all honesty, the rating checks out. I feel a little bad for trashing on my old junior high, but as an alternative theater kid floating between the weird clique and the smart clique, it was such an intangible experience that I don't think I truly have the words to describe. I genuinely blocked most of 7th grade out because it was probably one of the worst school years of my life, and I'm not sure if that was just because of the school, or if that's just a normal junior high experience, but I feel like the atmosphere at this school was incredibly toxic and unfriendly compared to the school I'm at now. My only safe spaces were my friends and a select few teachers that pulled me out of my slump (and improved who I was as a person), but for the most part, it was an uncaring environment.

Importantly, during eighth grade, my friend group had an issue with a certain person who genuinely made me and my friends feel unsafe, and we could not get him to leave us alone. After reporting him multiple times to the staff, and having many eyewitness accounts of his harassment, we were ultimately brushed off by the staff members, even though he had quite literally sent unsolicited explicit videos and images to my friends, and continued his behavior after we told him a hundred times to stop and leave us all alone. A majority of the staff members (particularly the counselors as of 2023-2024) are very biased, and have very little regard for the emotional wellbeing of their students. I pray to god for the sakes of the students currently enrolled that they have started caring more.

Posted: May 23, 2026

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Posted: July 5, 2015

I gave this three stars because my daughter was happy there, socially. Not a great school for high achievers. Mixed bag of teachers and an absolutely terrible principal that should be replaced. He's apathetic and unapologetically dismissive with parents and students. I noticed in earlier reviews that parents loved the principal, however those reviews were PRIOR to Principal Lito M. Garcia being appointed to this position in May of 2011.

The school tends to focus on bringing the bottom up to improve school test scores, and doesn't provide much support or encouragement for good students to reach beyond the formulaic and unchallenging Honor's classes..

Posted: July 5, 2015

Some are quite good, while other's are not very good at all. If your child missed 7th grade there, you might not have a chance to get classes with the good 8th grade teachers.

Posted: July 5, 2015

Posted: July 5, 2015

Heavy drug and alcohol use and cheating (some teachers help students cheat). School turns back to strong racial divide and double standards concerning tolerance.

Posted: December 18, 2013

Principal does not have open door policy with parents and is not supportive of parents. Behavioral and academic problems do not get handled properly, and there is overall lack of communication with parents unless parents actively pursue help. I have one son at this school and it has been very difficult getting support from principal and counselor. I have another son in a different school district and the difference is night and day. The other school is very pro parent and pro communication and "How can we help" attitude. Principal communicates weekly and has open door policy for parents. Also, she doesn't make mountains out of molehills, but knows when to act.

Posted: July 22, 2013

I have had my stuff stolen been threatened and the principal and.vice principal *MS.BOLLTON* did nothing about it... sometimes i wad scared to go to school horrible school!

Posted: February 18, 2013

I was a student at this school in both 7th and 8th grade and loved it!!! The teachers were fantastic, and encouraged each and every student to succeed. The dress code was enforced, and the guidance counselors were readily available to meet with students and parents as needed. The 20-30 minute study hall before lunch every day was perfect if you needed help or had questions. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a public high school with exceptional academics, a great leadership program, awesome sports programs, and a beautiful campus!

Posted: September 10, 2009

Posted: February 2, 2008

Posted: January 30, 2008

Posted: November 3, 2007