Laguna Blanca School

Laguna Blanca is an absolute gift to our family! The teachers are tireless individulas who know the students really well and challenge the kids to THINK, adequately express their point of view, and defend their argument. This is true in English but also History, Environmental Science and many other classes. The students are quite serious about their studies and have acceptance into some pretty fabulous universities. Parents of the graduated seniors go on and on about how prepared their kids were for college. At the Lower School (K-4) they have even the youngest kids very comfortable speaking in front of a large group. The parents are an amazing group of people, always willing to help whenever/however they can with Jogathon, Spring Gala, Team Parents, and Room Parents.. The teachers know they are valued and morale is high. It is a community-centered school and the kids support each other in sports, drama and music. My only regret is not getting my kid here sooner!
—Submitted by a parent

We can't say enough good things about Laguna Blanca! The level of caring and commitment by the staff, teachers and administrators is outstanding. They provide the right tools, expectations and an environment that leads students to the ideal college choice. They provide plenty of challenge and enough guidance to help the students succeed. The students are mature and accomplished; they support and inspire each other with their ambition and success. The setting is idyllic, the people are friendly, the academics are great!
—Submitted by a parent

The two pillars of great academic preparation are writing and mathematics, and Laguna shines in these two areas. My wife and I chose Laguna for our son based on the reputation of the school in these two areas, and we have been very happy. Laguna also has a friendly, supportive chemistry between the faculty and students, and I appreciate that teachers and coaches welcome students into programs and onto teams without having an exclusive "cut" policy. The Hope Ranch address can make it feel exclusive and snooty, but my wife and I have experienced nothing but a positive and welcoming environment from all of the other families. I highly recommend the school if you are serious about sending your son or daughter to college and serious about giving them the tools they need to excel once they get there.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a Laguna Blanca graduate who is a freshman at a top liberal arts university, I am overwhelmed by how well-prepared he is for the rigor of the academics and amazed at how he can manage his time and balance sports, social and student leadership. Laguna provided him so many opportunities with clubs, athletics, music and leadership. Our son had close relationships with the teaching staff and the administration and is able to mirror that in college. Laguna Blanca prepared him to take on challenges and to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
—Submitted by a parent

we were one of many throughout the last couple of years who had to pull our child out. This school has a very fixed mindset, no flexibility, no interest in growing and learning, no interest in childs well being. Good teacher comes to school to learn, Not to teach! Good teacher looks at each child as an individual! Things have gone bad in this school since the new had master came. Good private schools do not fire half of their staff, especially a great staff who were very connected to kids. And if you ask why..no one will talk about it. they are not allowed!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, especially the Middle School and the warm and wonderful Head of the Middle School Durward Brandis. He has a 'Hello' and smile for everyone he sees on campus. They have solid academics and a terrific line up of performing arts. The technology at the school is awsome, everyone has a projector, a smartboard or some cool gizmo to use with students. The computers classes are lead by a passionate, knowledgeable teacher and the kids learn how to be safe and smart on the internet. I do wish there were more tech classes offered, however. The school also has a new headmaster and I hear he is doing great things to make the school even better!
—Submitted by a parent

My children started in 4th grade and we loved the elementary school - great teachers, fantastic parental involvement, strong curriculum. Middle school was tougher but I tell parents that middle school anywhere is tough and the athletic participation was fantastic for hormonal boys. The relationships with teachers and emphasis on lots of writing was key. High school was over the top. I cannot say enough things about the curriculum, teachers, headmaster, college preparation, student diversity, acceptance and camaraderie. My son was tutoring others his freshman year in an elite 'little ivy' due to his preparedness from Laguna. My second child went to public high school - did AP and honors- but Laguna was soooo much better I am sorry he had to leave it ( due to sports). I am an unequivocal supporter of LBS.
—Submitted by a parent

This school offers great opportunities for students to excel and parents to help their kids in doing it and charges for that. The only thing we weren't impressed by was the quality of the science and computer education in 8th grade. The science teacher didn't seem to be excited about the subject and the computer content was not edaqaute for kids, who had already done their research at home and wanted to learn more beyond standard knowledge of how to do power point slides and how to use the computer in general.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended last year, our family was in the midst of an extremely hard time. My husband was in Iraq and we were new to Santa Barbara. The teachers and staff were extremely kind, compassionate and understanding. Never in my life have I seen a school so dedicated to its students. If you have the opportunity to send your child to this wonderful school, do it.
—Submitted by Erin Sparks, a parent

Great school, everyone goes to a college, I went there for only a few years, best school ever. The best money I have ever spent!
—Submitted by a former student