Open Alternative School

5.0 (4 reviews)

Elementary Schools

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Nicholas G.

7 years ago

A kid like me usually wouldn't like school but this school was one of the best schools in my entire life 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 read more

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Isaac H.

171

15 years ago

I couldn't say enough great things about OAS, its staff, teachers, students and parents. This is what 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. read more

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Rod C.

14 years ago

OAS is a great community of loving staff, parents, and great kids. Our kids have attended both public and private schools in Santa Barbara and we really feel OAS was the best option for our family. The teaches not only care about academics, but encourage the children to be better people. We couldn't ask for more in a school and we are very happy with how our kids have grown at OAS. We recommend this school to everyone we know who has kids entering elementary school. read more

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Jeanne W.

13 years ago

Open Alternative School has meant the world to our family. My first child went there from K through 8th grade. My daughter is now in 3rd grade there. Every school has challenges, and OAS is no different. But my primary focus was on a sense of community and support for my children's individual needs. The teaching staff and admin support has been with me every step of the way, and I am so grateful. Families should not have to worry about paying the tuition of a private school in order to get the kind of support and set of core values that they can find at OAS. read more

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More info about Open Alternative School

4025 Foothill Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
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(805) 683-3127
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Vieja Valley School

5.0(1 review)

1.2 mi

This is such a wonderful school that is student focused and parent/teacher driven! The school has…read moregood size classrooms and the teachers are superb! Every teacher I've met is so focused on making fun education fun and teaching kids building blocks for a strong future (respect, cooperation, and confidence to name a few). The PTA does a great job raising funds for a variety of school programs such as science, art and PE (which isn't included in school budget). They also help fund 5th and 6th grade outdoor education trips, teacher supplies and same-day field trips. Love this school and how they get involvement from teachers, students and families!

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Discoveries Learning Center

4.4(7 reviews)

1.3 mi

We are so lucky to have gotten in. From the first moment, our son and family felt welcomed, cared…read morefor, and comforted. Every single teacher is kind, generous, and thoughtful. Every day is full of new, surprising experiences, and simple fun. The leadership is similarly wonderful. If you're considering it, please visit. If you're not, please consider it.

Our little guy Christopher is completing his last day at Discoveries today. It's been the most…read moreincredible experience and our little guy has grown so much in the last couple years. He's made so many dear friends, he's learned so much and he's really developed as a human being. That's all because of Discoveries. The entire team at Discoveries is so committed to developing little ones in the most optimistic and thoughtful way possible. The facilities are so cute, a beautiful lil world for kids to explore, learn and most importantly laugh! Despite some of the needed changes during Covid, the entire team was so incredible at making the experience as natural as possible. I thank them for everything they've done for our son and I wholeheartedly recommend Discoveries.

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Isaac G.

11 years ago

this school is notorious for not accommodating children with special needs. both of my children were discriminated against and ostracized at oas. one of my children was afraid to go to school every day because her teacher, ann, was so mean. she intimidated the children and often yelled and belittled them. I witnessed another teacher, alex behave in the same way. a lot of bulling occurs at this school and nothing is done unless the parents tell the principal. there is a lack of supervision at this school and when my child went to the office for help she was turned away by the staff. its sad because this school has a great philosophy and many wonderful teachers. if they could only get rid of the bad teachers and provide a safe and accommodating environment it would be the school it was meant to be and I would feel good about putting my children's education in their hands. the experiential learning is superb so its unfortunate all my children remember is their traumatizing experience. shame on you oas. practice what you preach! my children didn't love where they learn :( read more

Heather W.

14 years ago

OAS is not just a school, but a community. OAS is a Progressive Education model school, a nice continuation of whole-child development that begins at preschools like Starr King or the Oaks...OAS is a MUST VISIT for family's who enjoy co-ops or parent /child workshops. I am so pleased to watch my son developing into a confident, independent, creative thinker with a sense of social and environmental responsibility. I can't take credit for all of that. The teachers, aides. other parents and administrator are invested in him - - we all work together. read more

Jack S.

11 years ago

Open Alternative is a great school with a fantastic philosophy that makes educating kids a true delight.

Open Alternative School - elementaryschools - Updated October 2026

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Vieja Valley School

Discoveries Learning Center

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3 reviews that are not currently recommended

Open Alternative School - elementaryschools - Updated October 2026

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Open Alternative School

Open Alternative School Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Open Alternative School

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Vieja Valley School

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3 Open Alternative School reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

3 reviews that are not currently recommended

Open Alternative School - elementaryschools - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

People found Open Alternative School by searching for…

Related Searches in Santa Barbara, CA

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People who viewed Open Alternative School also viewed

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