For many families, the traditional education model of long days, crowded classrooms, and standardized pacing, simply doesn’t fit. Montecito Academy, a Kindergarden–8th boutique micro academy in Summerland, was founded a decade ago on the belief that learning should be both rigorous and flexible, honoring the unique ways children thrive.

​

With small cohorts, credentialed teachers, and a mastery-based approach, students accomplish in just 12 hours a week, what most schools take a full five day week to achieve, freeing time for travel, passions, and family. Mornings focus on core academics; afternoons offer electives like art, Spanish, cooking, music, and outdoor adventure.

​

Led by caring, credentialed educators Montecito Academy blends academic excellence with real-world learning, cultural awareness, and outdoor exploration. Tech free and with no political or ideological affiliation, we focus on developing successful and confident students, emotional intelligence, and a genuine love of learning. Montecito Academy offers proof that learning can look different and still be extraordinary.