Cristi and Art Spot are so great! I am an SYV local but had never been to Grimm's Bluff so jumped…read moreat the chance to do a painting in the vineyard event for a little introduction. Grimm's Bluff is stunning with so many fantastic sites to paint. Art Spot chose their private lake with the mountains and a bit of Cachuma Lake (Cristi joked about it being a unique painting in the vineyard experience to not actually paint vines!). Stunning scene. But before we proceeded to our painting location, we enjoyed sampling a bit of rose and estate sage honey and olive oil, with a little primer about Grimm's Bluff. I had persuaded a friend to join and had told her that I had done a watercolor class at Kaena, where the scene was penciled in and we were instructed on how to mix paints and water and layer in the paint, but it was easy and fun - almost like a paint by numbers with a good glass of wine. So when we got to our painting spot, I was surprised and somewhat intimidated to see completely blank canvases on easels with a few globs of acrylic paint! But Cristi is a great instructor and leader, and made the experience so fun and comfortable (the liquid courage from Grimm's Bluff didn't hurt, either). She gave us detailed tips on color mixing, which brushes to use, and how to just jump in and start. She had an easel up front and led the way, showing us on her canvas what to do. It was a blast and each one of us produced surprisingly passable if not beautiful little canvases - each unique in its own way. I highly recommend Art Spot. I have zero training or natural ability but with Cristi's guidance, now have two cute little paintings (including my Kaena watercolor). There is no reason to be fearful or intimidated- Cristi makes it so anyone can pick up a brush and release their secret inner artist. It is a lovely activity to do with friends on a gorgeous SYV day.

The experience was so fun and the guidance was helpful - I walked away with a painting I was proud…read moreof! The venue was great and the group made it all the more enjoyable.

A jewel of a parish. Lots of great family activities and solid scripture studies. Beautiful Church…read moreand great school too.

As a father of two boys currently attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, I couldn't be more…read moregrateful for the experiences our family has had here. This school is a true gem--not just for the beautiful Montecito setting, but for the heart and values it instills in its students every day. One of the most unique aspects of Mount Carmel is the way students of all ages interact and care for each other. It's common to see middle schoolers reading with kindergartners or helping them carry their backpacks after school. That kind of cross-grade mentorship and unity doesn't happen by accident--it's the result of a loving, intentional community where everyone is seen, known, and valued. The small class sizes have allowed both of my boys to receive individualized attention, and the focus on Catholic education has provided them with a solid foundation--not just academically, but morally and spiritually. The teachers and staff are deeply committed to their students. As an active volunteer, I've witnessed firsthand the passion, energy, and care they bring into the classroom each day. They know their students well, and their impact is lasting. Yes, like many private schools, Mount Carmel is thoughtful and creative in how it uses resources, but we see this not as a flaw--but as a strength. There's something very special about a school that brings together families from different communities who all want the same thing: a nurturing, faith-filled education for their children. This is not just a school--it's a community we're proud to be a part of. From school Masses to buddy programs, from the committed leadership to the incredible parent involvement, Mount Carmel truly lives up to its mission. If you're looking for a school where your child will be known, loved, and challenged to grow in character and intellect, Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a place worth considering.

A kid like me usually wouldn't like school but this school was one of the best schools in my entire…read morelife but sadly it went bankrupt I guess that sometimes good things fall apart but at least I got to be there when I could 1st grade to 4th my mom moved me to another school instead of oas for 5th and 6th grade because she moved and she was lazy so she decided to change my school to the closest one, elwood school, I hated elwood but at least oas gave me a good childhood

I couldn't say enough great things about OAS, its staff, teachers, students and parents. This is…read morewhat it looks like when community comes together. Dedicated staff and parents make it for an amazing experience. Parents are encouraged to participate in the classroom. I've been fortunate to work with the kids in writing three plays for them, after each kid chose the character they wanted to be. This is the kind of school every kid deserves.

Cold Spring School has always been such a wonderful place. I went there my self 40 years ago and…read morenow my daughter goes there. The teachers are on par with the best private schools. They STEAM program is top notch headed by Dr. Gradias just wanted to let people know of this little bit of paradise.

The preschool program here is fantastic and we found the elementary program to be very good as…read morewell. I like that the children are encouraged to learn additional skills such has prioritizing their own work and that they're not simply following directions. My children have all done very well there and the problems they were facing in the public school system slipped away as they progressed through the grades at Children's Montessori School. There are things I wish were better but that would be true anywhere. I'm very pleased with the experience from my children's educational and developmental perspective.

Our children have attended CMS since Spring 2013 and we are confident that they are receiving a…read morequality education. The Montessori method has been beneficial to both of our children, both in the Primary and Elementary classrooms. The teacher quality is exceptional. They truly care about each student in their care. We strongly believe in the Montessori Method which offers research and evidence to supporting their techniques. I would recommend CMS to any parent looking for a high quality school for their child.

Went there about 20 years ago and loved it. Went recently for an interview and saw the school was…read morethe same in the best ways. Would suggest to any family.

I love everything about St. Mark! We've had kids at SMP for more than 4 years now--my son attended…read moreages 2-5 and my 4yo and 1yo daughters are there now! Where to begin... The best thing about St. Mark is how warm and caring it is. The teachers and director create a home away from home where I know my kids are feeling love and support from their caregivers. And the teachers also constantly guide the kids to make kind choices toward one another. Next amazing thing--St. Mark is fun! The kids are outdoors more than half of the day and the play areas are big and varied. They are always getting dirty and imaginative and just get to be kids playing. My kids love being there and often don't want to leave, even after 9 hours! St. Mark is also structured. There is a routine to each day, from inside/outside time, songs, circle time, stations, free play, when to wash hands/use bathroom, etc. There's also weekly enrichment like special music classes and PE with Mr. B that the kids look forward to. The SMP community is forever! The school hosts lots of great events, big and small, and creates a space for the families to get to know each other and bond. From big events like winter sing and graduation to smaller ones like seminars, movie nights, and spring cleaning, there are tons of opportunities to make connections. I have such special friends from this school. I could go on and on. I'll also share that St. Mark is a tremendously supportive environment for children with food allergies. My family's experience working with the school to create a safe environment for a young child with severe allergies cannot have been better.

Loved the place. The couple who owns this place should be proud to have a place that has things…read moreorganized so well. The staff was attentive and was helpful in explaining where things were. We felt welcomed as first timers. We got several different kinds of fabrics and a sewing machine shaped brooch. My mom's creative juice is now unstoppable thanks to this awesome gem!

There was such a wide selection of fabrics and notions! We received such good assistance from the…read morestaff, too.

I had a list of the top preschool choices for Santa Barbara and visited BHY's campus first…read more Everything from security, cleanliness, staff education and credentials, to teaching philosophies, parent association participation and the general upbeat vibe got me filling out an application that day. I have two little ones attending and growing up with caring teachers and loving friends. It's a Jewish preschool, but the attendance is mixed Religon. If you're looking to tour preschools, you need to tour this one because this will be the one you compare all others too!

Our family loves BHY Preschool. My son cannot wait to go to school 3 days/week and sometimes even…read morebegs to stay when I arrive to pick him up. I have to say, that I toured many schools in town, but when I toured BHY, none of them could compare. We knew it was right for us. What sets BHY apart is the caring staff and teachers. I am constantly impressed at every teachers' interaction with my son. They even have 3 male teachers. I like my son having this wonderful example of gender equality. Having a healthy lunch and snack is important to me, their meal program is mostly organic and low sugar. When I ask my 3 year old what he wants for dinner, he responds "quinoa" (thanks BHY!). My son really likes outdoor activities, so the vegetable garden, shaded play areas and hiking are what he most enjoys. Another thing that continues to impress me is that there is a director and an assistant director that are not also teachers. This makes for a very organized school. All of this with a great teacher/student ratio...is my 2nd son 18 months yet?!