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.

Love this place. Been here for 6 years, all 3 kids go here. All teachers we have had have been…read moreamazing, tremendous energy, engaging and caring. Small class sizes. We are so lucky to attend.

This school is as good as it gets. They have the resources…read moreto give our children the best of the best. Small class sizes, violin lessons, science lab, organic gardens, parent education classes, student trips to DC, teacher in services at Harvard....I could go on and on. This is a public school but is better than most private schools. We are fortunate our children go here.

Our time at Crane has been first class. The quality of the student body, the Staffulty, and the…read moreparent community is fantastic. The school has created a warm, inclusive, and engaging student atmosphere. There are daily assemblies where students give presentations to the whole school, gaining confidence and public speaking abilities. The curriculum is structured to teach at or above grade level, but done so in a way that engages students and gets them hungry for more. When we attend our child's grade level presentations the students are so invested in their presentations and excited to share them with the community. Our child is thriving in this wonderful school. They've somehow struck a perfect balance between academic rigor and social/emotional development. We are so fortunate for our kids to grow up here and get an education at such a wonderful place.

Laguna Blanca is far superior. Attended crane from 5th-8th and was not given half the education…read morethat I received at Laguna.

We love Laguna!! So happy and highly recommend to any family looking for a small school in an ideal…read moresetting!!

The Howard School is a gem! The staff is very committed to the students, and they want these…read morestudents to be the people of the future. Students are greeted by the principal each morning and every student is known on a first-name basis. Class sizes are small allowing the teachers to focus on each child's needs and goals. If you are looking for a kind, caring community, and a wonderful emotional and academic experience then look no further.

We are incredibly lucky to have found this school in the small community of Carpinteria. At Howard…read morethere is a big emphasis in the development of children as people, not just as students. You can see this in the way that the older students interact with the younger students. They seem to really have gained strong interpersonal skills specifically - emotional intelligence, responsibility, and empathy. The small class sizes and a strong emphasis on higher level thinking within the curriculum are really what makes this school great. We've loved every teacher we've met. There is no place I would rather have my children. I can't recommend it enough.

Looking for strong academics with incredible teachers and staff? Come check out Laguna Blanca…read moreeither at the Lower Campus (elementary)in Montecito or the Upper Campus (middle & high school) in Hope Ranch. Both campuses are beautiful, large green spaces and expansive with nice classrooms and many outdoor areas for learning and exploring. There is a huge field for sports at the Upper Campus. Brand new science and engineering labs and classrooms are at the Upper Campus and it's all under the expertise of brilliant teachers who care about their students. The academics are very strong here and they raise the bar high for all students, but in a way that is not stressful. They work hard to support each student's needs. From the core classes to the electives to summer camp....they have it all. Want to get involved as a parent? They have the Parent's Auxillary and board with activities and events all year long. The administration here is tops on both campuses. Friendly, intelligent, kind, hard working and truly devoted team of people at every level here.

I had the best experiences attending this school, and their rigorous academic standards well…read moreprepared me for college and law school.

I loved our experience at ElMo Early School. Right from the start they made every effort to…read morefamiliarize the kids with the school from a home visit (if you want), a photo album of the school and staff, school wide play date and a tour. They went above and beyond to help my daughter as she adjusted to a classroom environment. Each school day is planned with periods of focus and free play. The campus has multiple outdoor play areas and a beautiful campus attached to El Montecito Presbyterian Church. The school not only prepares children academically for kindergarten, but puts a strong emphasis on kindness and empathy. When you arrive at ElMo in the morning there is coffee waiting for you and the teachers greet you and your child in the hall as you arrive. Not only were the families cared for, you got the sense that the teachers felt valued and supported as well. This was a safe and loving environment for my daughter, I'm so glad she was able to have this experience.

My kids love this school, and I can see why, staff is very nice and outgoing! I love how the school…read moredoesn't tolerate bullying and teasing--the schools i went to never punished bullies, and I love how my kids have a bully-free zone :)

Parking for the bowl was excellent. An easy walk to the venue. Weeeeee for good finds!read more

This appears to be a well-kept older theatrical venue for the local junior high school. The…read moretheater was clean and the seats comfortable. Even from the back, there was a good view of the stage. I did not see the rest of the school as I was only there for a performance.