Santa Ynez Valley Union High

Tucked into the rolling wine country hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, this small-town high school serves a tight-knit community where agriculture, ranching, and outdoor life are woven into everyday culture. Families who love the slower pace of Santa Barbara County's inland valleys — think horseback riding, local rodeos, and weekend trips to the coast — tend to thrive here, and the school's solid math and science scores reflect a student body that takes academics seriously despite the laid-back surroundings. It's a genuine community school in the best sense, where students aren't lost in the crowd and the scenic setting is hard to beat.