Our teachers are trained in the "Tribes Learning Communities," which is referred to as "Tribes." This programs supports our teachers in creating a positive social-emotional climate in the classroom and across the school campus. Through a variety of both personal and academic contexts, students are guided to explore their relationships with each other and create a safe and healthy environment.

The four basic agreements of TRIBES: Attentive listening, appreciation only and no put downs, mutual respect, and the right to participate or to pass.

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With these guiding principals, cooperation, goal-setting, and progress monitoring become group processes that ensure that everyone’s voice is valued and honored.  TRIBES is at the heart of our positive campus culture that celebrates all students and cultivates young citizens who value empathy, justice and leadership.

With over 17 years of experience at the school, Lauren leads daily classes getting students ready for three dance shows. a talent show and a musical theater performance.  Lauren's classes spark spontaneous dance parties during recess, encouraging joy, movement and self-expression among students. 

Our school’s music presentations are dynamic events, where students’ performances captivate the audience, demonstrating their dedication and proficiency in the music they’ve mastered. These classes are taught by the highly skilled musician, Sandra Limón.

We provide an articulated approach to developing STEM literacy. Our science and math programs incorporates project and problem-based learning which include elements of engineering and design that are applied to real-world problems like climate change and conservation of our local environment.

Language Arts is carefully integrated so that evidence-based reasoning and constructing explanations are developed. We also include computers for projects, reading, and learning digital literacy.

STEM learning happens inside and outside of our classrooms. Opportunities such as in-class experimentation, teleconferencing with scientists in remote locations and Field trips to s the LA Museum of Archeology, Lotusland, and Catalina Island Marin Institute make for rare opportunities for our students.  

Twice a year all students will have their art displayed, first at our Dia de los Muertos festival and then later in an off campus gallery setting for our Spring Artist Showcase. Whether it be through painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts or one of the many other mediums our artists get to work in each year, every child will find something that fills them with a love for the artist inside them.

Exciting events like the annual Jog-a-Thon, featuring themed activities like the Color Run with tie-dye powder, lap tracking through numbered bibs, a live DJ, and running kits (including t-shirts, sunglasses, medals, and prizes), add an extra element of fun to our students' fitness journey.

In addition, partnerships with local organizations, such as the YMCA, offer sports clinics that help students sharpen their skills in flag football, soccer, and basketball. A visit from the UCSB soccer team also inspires students to pursue academics and athletics, highlighting the path to becoming a student-athlete at the collegiate level.

Beyond class time, students can join the Adelante Run Club, where they run through the community, learning about fitness, safety, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara. Lastly, the interscholastic soccer tournament at SBHS encourages teamwork and prepares students for engaging in sports beyond the school setting.

All together, these experiences foster not only physical growth but also the development of essential social and emotional skills. By encouraging students to stay active, work together, and set personal goals, we’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of health, fitness, and success—both in and out of the classroom.