High School

Principal's Message

Dear Don Parents/Guardians and Students,

On behalf of our dedicated Santa Barbara High School staff we welcome all of you to the 2023-2024 school year. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the Interim Principal of this great school. Santa Barbara High School has a long and storied history of preparing our students for success in the classroom, readiness for college and equipping our students for the requirements of the 21st century workforce. At Santa Barbara High School we commit ourselves to building a strong relationship with our students and families knowing this bond is critical for your student/s to reach their highest academic potential. 

Santa Barbara High School has three distinguished academies- the Computer Science Academy (CSA), the Multimedia and Design Academy (MAD), and the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA). We also offer career-technical pathways in the fields of sports medicine, culinary arts, translation and interpretation and construction technology. Santa Barbara High School students can also take City College courses through dual enrollment, both on our campus and at City College. Santa Barbara High School offers Advanced Placement and Honors courses in all subject areas. 

We encourage all of our students to find that special niche at Santa Barbara High School by exploring and experiencing our wide range of extra-curricular programs and athletic teams. We have a fabulous Visual and Performing Arts program that includes a theater department that holds performances throughout the year, and a vocal program that hosts performances in our community and throughout the state, and lastly our band program continues to build and performs at school events and in our community.

“Once a Don, Always a Don'' is the motto that has been declared by Santa Barbara High School students, staff, and alumni for many generations. We are proud of our 148 year history and the school community that has been built and supported by our Dons for all these years. Santa Barbara High School Dons respect and value tradition, community, and diversity. These cherished values are promoted and strengthened in our school, and prepare our graduates to meet their aspirations in becoming a contributing force in their community. We ask you to join us all in this endeavor in readying your children for their future. We thank you and we look forward to working together this school year.