Focusing on the ‘Four Sides of the Diamond’

Written by Kristina Szaszy-Jones

More than 30 years ago, a group of conscientious students, parents and teachers established Santa Barbara Middle School to create a stimulating, creative academic environment that would be responsive to the diverse needs of middle school students.

“Santa Barbara Middle School cultivates in our students passion for life and lifelong learning, a deep sense of trust in themselves, strength and courage to succeed at life’s challenges and compassion and respect for others,” the school’s mission statement says.

SBMS’s philosophy encourages individuality, cooperation, effort, innovation, self-exploration and spirituality. The school has developed a unique approach to education. They call it the "Four Sides of the Diamond," which include Academic Excellence, Athletic and Creative Arts, Community Involvement and Outdoor Education.

Academic Excellence proffers a challenging, structured, innovative academic program that includes English, mathematics, social studies, science and foreign languages. Students exhibit varied learning styles as well as differing academic strengths. They are expected to be diligent and motivated. The student-to-teacher ratio averages 17 to one, respectively, which allows for one-on-one support.

The Athletic and Creative Arts component boasts a renowned electives program designed to nurture the artistic as well as the physical aspect of the adolescent student. The drama department is especially noteworthy, consisting of play production, drama scenes and summer stock. Other electives include choral and instrumental music, creative arts, flash animation, digital arts, digital video and movies, Web design, garden, photography and bicycle mechanics.

The athletics department consists of team sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee and flag football. There are no tryouts and no cuts; the emphasis is on participation. Individual activities include hiking, mountain biking, ocean sports, golf, tennis, archery and yoga.

Community Involvement is a weeklong experience where students volunteer and learn about career opportunities. Adolescents gain a deeper understanding of what it means to give back to the community and care for others and make a difference.

SBMS’ Web site best describes the Outdoor Education element: “We believe if you put a mountain in front of a child and show him that he can climb it, the sense of accomplishment and self-confidence he gains will fuel him all of his life.”

Three times a year, students and staff embark on extended field trips that require personal responsibility, cooperative efforts, physical fitness and stamina. These experiences cultivate lifelong friendships as well as a love and respect for the outdoors.

Christine Cowles, development director, says, “Santa Barbara Middle School is the only coed, stand-alone middle school accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools. [It] also received accreditation by the National Association of Experiential Education. All of our educational programs are designed to inspire adolescent middle school students. Our practice centers on understanding the academic, emotional and physical needs of this wonderful age group.”

Cowles says, “Students commit in writing to do their best at all times — we call it ‘The Deal.’” This “contract” between the school and its students “promises a vow of mutual respect.”

Santa Barbara Middle School is located at 2300 A Garden St., in Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www.sbms.org, or call 805.682.2989.

Santa Barbara Middle School is located at:
2300 A Garden St., in Santa Barbara
For more information call: 805.682.2989
or visit www.sbms.org