Our History

Established in 1934

What began as morning lessons for six children at Mrs. Hannah Howard’s Tea Kettle Inn in 1912 has developed into a modern campus serving students from pre-school to eighth grade. Located in Montecito for 88 years, our campus has been relocated to a semi-rural spot surrounded by city parks and a vibrant agricultural community in Carpinteria, CA.

We are proud to be Santa Barbara's oldest continually operating private school, serving both Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The school has undergone some changes over the past 100 years, but what remains is our dedication to teaching the whole child. Keeping class sizes small gives us the unique ability to assist each child in reaching his or her full potential.

In 1982, The Howard School began teaching an academic program developed by educational pioneer, Mae Carden. The Carden Method® was originally established in 1934 and encompasses the developmental progression of every child. The comprehensive curriculum gives children the tools necessary to gain mastery of math, science, reading and writing. Reading skills are taught through a sequential presentation of phonics, rhythm, and visual imagery. Specialty programs including art, music, theatre, foreign language, technology and physical education are central to a Carden education.