Midland School, located on a 2,860-acre ranch at the edge of the Los Padres Wilderness, has been the leader of place-based college preparatory education since 1932.
Everything we do-from the courses we choose to teach to how we maintain our campus to the way we feed ourselves-originates from an intentional curriculum that focuses not only on college preparatory classes, but also on leadership, community, and stewardship.
Our scale empowers students with authentic leadership opportunities, provides highly personalized learning, and inspires the pursuit of intellectual passions.
At Midland, thirty-eight percent of our students identify as students of color, over forty percent receive generous financial aid to attend, and the depth of our boarding experience facilitates both top-tier college admissions and future success.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 79 students
- Yearly Tuition: $73,900
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Midland School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1932
Student Body
Total Students
79 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 50%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
American Studies, Art, Biology, Calculus, English 12, Physics, Spanish
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$73,900
Tuition Notes
Midland is 100% boarding. International students are charged $2,750 for health insurance. Rates listed are for 2023-2024.
% on Financial Aid
43%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$42,600
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Cierra Rickman
Admissions Associate
Lorraine Shipman
Endowment Size
$22 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Black Student Alliance, Common Ground Service Club, LatinX Club, Queercus (LGBTQ+ & Ally Group), Student Council
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Equestrian Program, Garden, Outdoor Leadership, Rock Climbing, Strength and Conditioning, Surfing
Black Student Alliance, Common Ground Service Club, LatinX Club, Queercus (LGBTQ+ & Ally Group), Student Council
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Equestrian Program, Garden, Outdoor Leadership, Rock Climbing, Strength and Conditioning, Surfing
School Notes
Midland`s curriculum merges college preparation with experiential
learning. Using the extraordinary resources at hand - 2,860
acres in Santa Barbara County, a near 90-year-old culture of
responsibility to community and environment, and a committed
faculty - we develop personal agency in our students. Midland
cultivates the belief that it matters what we do, and we actively
engage students in their high school journey, both within and
outside the classroom.
- Midland students live their education, from exploring the natural and cultural history of the world beneath our feet in field-based UC-approved science and social science courses in 9th grade, to writing and presenting a senior thesis in 12th grade. With courses ranging from Algebra 1 to Calculus 3 (some years) and English 9 to British Literature, Midland meets students where they are and challenges them to think critically and problem solve resourcefully.
- To step into the Rich Arts Building during the academic day or evening and to see students engaged in the creative process of translating observations into 2D and 3D artworks in drawing, painting, ceramics, and metal is to see a school that values craftsmanship and design. To observe our interdisciplinary World and American Studies classes is to see a school that values discourse and cultural competency. Midland students learn to speak publicly and write fluently, in English and Spanish.
- To develop lifelong learners, our weekly Experiential Saturday program provides structure and staffing for ungraded 3-hour blocks every week that tap into the passions of faculty and students, including farm, ranch, and outdoor explorations; cultural events and talks; projects on campus; health and wellness discussions; and diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops at peer schools.
- While cultivating a life of the mind, Midland actively builds character, work ethic, and resilience through a daily Jobs program in which every student is not only valued but needed. Midland is preparation for college and life.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Midland School cost?
Midland School's tuition is approximately $73,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Midland School?
The acceptance rate of Midland School is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Midland School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Midland School offer?
Midland School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Midland School's ranking?
Midland School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Midland School?
The application deadline for Midland School is Feb. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Calendar
View the Midland School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break - Students off campus by noon
October 14, 2023 (Saturday)
Fall Break
October 15, 2023 (Sunday)
Fall Break
October 16, 2023 (Monday)
Fall Break
October 17, 2023 (Tuesday)
Fall Break
October 18, 2023 (Wednesday)
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People that viewed Midland School also viewed these schools: Dunn School, Cate School, The Webb Schools, Idyllwild Arts Academy and Pilgrim School.
The nearest high school to Midland School is Dunn School (4.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is The Family School (0.1 miles away)
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