Over twenty years ago, a radical idea called "charter schools" became a public school reality. California passed its charter law in 1992, and in 1993 Peabody Charter School (the “Charter School”) became one of the first charter schools in the state. That remarkable time was 24 years ago, but Peabody's place in Santa Barbara history began long before that. Built in 1927 as Peabody Elementary, Peabody is situated on Santa Barbara’s north side on a large piece of land, which was sold to the Santa Barbara Unified School District (the “District”) for $5 by the Frederick Forrest Peabody family. From its simple beginnings that included a dentist office and a three room hospital, Peabody has steadily expanded to its current 34-classroom campus that also includes an auditorium and stage, cafeteria/kitchen, expansive fields/play areas, and state of the art Pinner Family Exploration Center which houses a beautiful science laboratory, a stunning library with fireplace and intimate amphitheatre, outdoor patio seating, and a computer lab that was renovated in 2010 with iMacs. These facilities were made possible by the generous support of Peabody families.  This physical growth and the enhancement of the campus over time create an apt metaphor for the development and exemplary nature of the educational program at our school.
 
Approximately 750 students in grades K-6 enjoy the fruits of inestimable labor and vision since 1927. The charter was renewed as a dependent charter school in 1998 and again in 2003, reflecting the research, creativity, and ideas of the school community, with the mission to "structure all school programs to provide an opportunity for all students to be successful life-long learners." The charter was revised and expanded in 2006-2007 with the goal of autonomy; and in March 2007, Peabody Charter School was granted the right to be an independent charter school.  The charter was again renewed in 2012 for a five-year term through June 30, 2017. Peabody receives most of its funding directly from the state and is responsible for all matters related to the governance and management of the Charter School, including its administration, fiscal operations, facility maintenance, food services, professional growth opportunities, curriculum development and implementation, and the methodology and delivery of instruction to our ethnically and socio-economically diverse student population.

Peabody Charter School opened on August 27, 1928 after receiving a generous gift of the land from Fredrick Forrest Peabody, founder of the Arrow Shirt Company and local public school benefactor. The school began with six classrooms and 115 children and has undergone three major renovations and a six-fold population increase in its 90 year history. The main building consisted of the two lateral wings and main entry that face Calle Noguera, with open-air covered hallways along the rear side.
 
In 1937, portions of the covered hallways were enclosed with glass walls to create offices and extra classrooms.
 
In 1950, in the midst of the WWII baby-boom, Peabody jumped from 210 students to almost 500. The result was a major renovation of the campus, including the construction of the auditorium, the kindergarten wing, the cafeteria, and a new curved wing of 6 classes with adjoining patios. It was at this time that Calle Laureles was closed to traffic and Peabody’s campus was expanded eastward to the right-of-way of Vista De La Cumbre.
 
The last major campus renovation was in 1973 to meet earthquake requirements of the Field Act.
 
In 1993, Peabody School was granted a “charter” from the State of California, establishing a new kind of partnership between the state, the local district and the school. Functioning as a charter school allows Peabody the authority, flexibility and latitude to provide innovative curriculum development and instruction. Peabody Charter School is autonomous and responsible for all things pertaining to the governance of the school, including on-site administration, staff development, curriculum development, methodology and delivery of instruction to our ethnically and socio-economically diverse student population.
 
Our most recent addition, The Exploration Center, opened in December of 2004 and houses three sections; a science wing, a computer lab, and a library, each allowing the school to fulfill its role in serving our community. With dynamic lessons during the day and engaging after school and evening programs for students and adults, the Exploration Center has quickly become an important community resource.

Peabody Charter School will work collaboratively to create a safe, caring, innovative, and challenging academic program to prepare students for life by developing both academic and non-academic life skills.

Peabody Charter School will work collaboratively to create a safe, caring, innovative, and challenging academic program to prepare students for life by developing both academic and non-academic life skills.

2024-2025 Annual Goals

Goal 1: Student Achievement with a focus on Emerging Bilingual and Special Education students.

Goal 2: Social-emotional and physical supports to aid in the full reopening of school.

Goal 3: School-wide Equity Development