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The Family School

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The Family School is an accredited independent nonprofit co-educational preschool through 5th grade school located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, 6 miles from the center of Los Olivos.
Serving 90+ students, The Family School provides challenging, developmentally appropriate academic and artistic programs that establish a strong educational foundation and inspire a love of learning.
A low student/teacher ratio (12:1) provides individual attention for each child and fosters close, caring relationships between and among teachers and students.
The curriculum design assures that students master the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics, and that their studies are authentic and meaningful.
Science (including hands-on ecology and environmental studies), Spanish, physical education, art, musical theater, and social studies, taught by specialty teachers, are integrated into the school week across the grade levels providing a broad enriched program.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 93 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $12,000
  • Acceptance rate: 48%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Family School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1974
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Campus Size
7

Student Body

Total Students
93 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
The Family School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
44%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
41%
Acceptance Rate
48%
National avg.: 81%
Application URL

School Notes

The Family School believes that children are born eager to learn, and that given the proper tools, will continue to seek out knowledge all their lives. The school supports our students' joy of learning by creating an enthusiastic and safe learning environment. Our teachers cultivate curiosity, encourage participation in a wide range of activities, and provide the foundation and time for children to make powerful connections. The entire school community demonstrates respect for each individual in an atmosphere of trust and alliance.

The Family School is dedicated to:

  • The education of the whole child: physical, emotional, intellectual, and social.
  • The nurturing of the child's positive self-image and self-respect in an atmosphere of trust and dignity, instilling self-discipline, and engendering respect for others;
  • The development of the child's critical and creative thinking processes for problem solving, conflict resolution, tolerance, understanding, and effective communication;
  • Working together with families and encouraging parent participation in both the school and the child's learning experience.





Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Family School cost?
The Family School's tuition is approximately $12,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Family School?
The acceptance rate of The Family School is 48%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. The Family School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What is The Family School's ranking?
The Family School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for The Family School?
The application deadline for The Family School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 93 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $12,000
  • Acceptance rate: 48%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Barbara County, CA is $24,131 for elementary schools and $41,747 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Santa Barbara County, CA is 67% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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