📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (CAASPP 2023–24), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
20 Rated Districts in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Metro Area
CAASPP 2023–24 · percentile among California districts
Best School Districts in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Metro Area (2026)
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from CAASPP 2023–24 (California) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area? ▼
Among the 20 rated districts in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area, 2 share the top position at 10/10 (Excellent), 99th percentile of California districts on CAASPP 2023–24 reading and math proficiency: Cold Spring Elementary School District (Santa Barbara); Montecito Union Elementary School District (Santa Barbara).
How are these rankings calculated? ▼
Each district's rating comes from the share of its students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments, percentile-ranked against all rated districts in its state and converted to a 1–10 scale. Full methodology here.