Dear Friends…for there are no strangers here,

Welcome to the world of Marymount of Santa Barbara! We are so happy that you’re visiting our website so we can share this special place with you. Nestled on a lush mountainside in an area aptly referred to as “the American Riviera,” Marymount welcomes students from Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Its extensive campus overlooks red-tiled roofs in the valley below and the sapphire waters of the Pacific to the west. Marymount of Santa Barbara prides itself on maintaining a close-knit family atmosphere, embracing familiar faces and newcomers alike in the supportive bonds of community and friendship. Marymount draws its strength from traditions dating back to the school’s founding in 1938; but our energy and mission are fully modern and borne of our consistent commitment to knowledge, values, and community.

Though originally rooted in Catholicism, Marymount of Santa Barbara is an independent school whose students are drawn from every faith tradition. The school prizes its commitment to character development, service learning, and enriching the spiritual lives of its youngsters. Catholic and non-Catholic religion classes focus on ethics, morals, scripture, and an understanding of the world’s major religious traditions. Non--denominational and Catholic services punctuate the year, bringing children of all religious traditions together in a faith-filled community bound by its common values and love.

Marymount’s Lower School is tucked under the trees amid flowering shrubs and manicured lawns. It houses spacious sun-filled classrooms alive with children constructing meaning from the building blocks of an engaging curriculum. A generously stocked library stands as the intellectual hub of the school, while the school’s large multi-purpose room hosts concerts, performances, and gatherings large and small throughout the year. Our dynamic Middle School is lodged in newly constructed Pollock Hall whose architecture echoes the elegant Spanish mission style of our neighbors on the hill. Nearby Battistone Hall houses a variety of activities and theatrical performances throughout the year. The middle school’s rigorous academic programs are complemented by a variety of educational expeditions around the state (and beyond) for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. An array of student-friendly electives and a fully developed advisor-advisee program further enhance Marymount’s appeal to early adolescents.

Marymount of Santa Barbara is rich in opportunities to learn and grow. We point with pride to outstanding core academic programs as well as Spanish, drama, music and art. The sparkling waters of a Spanish style tile-lined pool buoy the children’s interest in swimming and support their exploration of water polo. Our tennis courts and acres of green space ensure that children expend their energy in healthy, creative sports and games as well as informal play throughout the day. After school sports programs provide students robust opportunities for good sportsmanship and teambuilding, while honing their skills for competitive sports or just a life of healthy leisure time activity. Across the grades and through the years, we dance to the music of Marymount life: the flight of song and the hum of technology; the rhythm of rituals, feasts, and traditions; and the happy hubbub of curious, eager children at work and play.

While the pictures that follow may well be worth the proverbial “thousand words,” a personal visit to our campus will convey far better than either words or photos ever could just how warm and welcoming a school we are. Come meet us here at Marymount!

Fondly,
Mrs. David