Midland School is a college-preparatory, grades-9-12 boarding school in Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, California.

Founded in 1932, Midland School has built a reputation as a pioneer in experiential, place-based education. Nestled on a breathtaking 2,860-acre working ranch in Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, the school’s philosophy emphasizes learning through direct interaction with the environment. Its remote yet accessible location—just hours from Los Angeles and San Francisco—offers students an immersive, distraction-free educational experience that sets it apart from traditional boarding schools. Over i...

Founded in 1932, Midland School has built a reputation as a pioneer in experiential, place-based education. Nestled on a breathtaking 2,860-acre working ranch in Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, the school’s philosophy emphasizes learning through direct interaction with the environment. Its remote yet accessible location—just hours from Los Angeles and San Francisco—offers students an immersive, distraction-free educational experience that sets it apart from traditional boarding schools. Over its 90+ year history, Midland has cultivated generations of independent thinkers, environmental stewards, and community leaders. Midland’s academics are intentionally designed to be both rigorous and relevant. With only 72 students and an intimate 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, teachers provide personalized mentorship, ensuring that every student is known and challenged.