OPEN ALTERNATIVE

Open Alternative is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Santa Barbara Unified school district, located in Santa Barbara, CA with about 70 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 4 teachers, Open Alternative has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Open Alternative School, located on Foothill Road in Santa Barbara, is a unique K-6 program within the Santa Barbara Unified School District that prioritizes a progressive, student-centered approach to learning. Unlike traditional academic settings, the school emphasizes "active learning," where students are encouraged to take agency over their educational journey through hands-on projects, inquiry-based exploration, and multi-age groupings. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and creativity, aiming to develop not just academic proficiency, but also the social-emotional well-being and personal responsibility of each child.

A hallmark of the Open Alternative experience is the heavy emphasis on community and parent involvement. The school operates on a philosophy that education is a collaborative effort between teachers, students, and families, often requiring a high level of commitment from parents in the classroom and school activities. By integrating core academics with themes of social justice, environmental stewardship, and community service, the school provides an environment that values diverse learning styles and encourages students to become active, engaged citizens in their local and global communities.

For more information, contact Open Alternative at (805) 683-3127 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.