Sycamore Canyon School
EXCELLENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Sycamore Canyon School

Nurturing young minds through exceptional elementary education in Santa Barbara since 1985. Where curiosity meets excellence and every child discovers their unique potential.

450+
Students
45
Dedicated Faculty
38
Years of Excellence

About Our School

Welcome to Sycamore Canyon School

Established in 1985, Sycamore Canyon School has been a cornerstone of educational excellence in Santa Barbara for nearly four decades. Our school was founded on the principle that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Located in the picturesque Sycamore Canyon area, our campus provides a safe and inspiring setting for learning. We serve students from kindergarten through fifth grade, offering a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic rigor with creative expression and physical development.

Our mission is to develop lifelong learners who are curious, compassionate, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We believe in educating the whole child, focusing not only on academic achievement but also on character development, social skills, and emotional intelligence.

At Sycamore Canyon School, we celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive community where every student feels valued and supported.

Sycamore Canyon School campus view

Our Mission & Values

"To inspire a lifelong love of learning, foster intellectual curiosity, and develop compassionate leaders who will positively impact their communities and the world."

Compassion

Teaching empathy, kindness, and respect for others in everything we do.

Curiosity

Encouraging questioning, exploration, and a love for discovery.

Integrity

Building character through honesty, responsibility, and ethical behavior.

Community

Creating strong connections between students, families, and staff.

Academic Programs

Kindergarten

Ages 5-6

Our kindergarten program focuses on developing foundational skills through play-based learning, social interaction, and early literacy.

  • Phonics and early reading
  • Number sense and basic math
  • Social-emotional learning
  • Creative arts exploration
  • Outdoor learning experiences

Primary Grades (1-3)

Ages 6-9

Building on foundational skills with a focus on reading fluency, mathematical thinking, and developing independent learning habits.

  • Comprehensive literacy program
  • Mathematics problem-solving
  • Science exploration
  • Social studies and community
  • Art, music, and physical education

Upper Grades (4-5)

Ages 9-11

Preparing students for middle school with advanced academic challenges, project-based learning, and leadership opportunities.

  • Advanced mathematics
  • Science labs and experiments
  • Writing across subjects
  • Research and presentation skills
  • Leadership development

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Sarah Johnson

Dr. Sarah Johnson

Principal

25 years in education, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Mr. David Chen

Mr. David Chen

Director of Curriculum

18 years experience, M.A. in Elementary Education

Ms. Maria Garcia

Ms. Maria Garcia

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

15 years specializing in early childhood education

Our Campus

Ready to Join Our Community?

Schedule a tour to experience the Sycamore Canyon difference firsthand.