Goleta Family School (“GFS”) is an alternative public school program offered by the Goleta Union School District to families with children in kindergarten through grade six. For more than 30 years GFS has been providing a child-centered curriculum with an emphasis on creative expression, independent thinking, and cooperative social skills.
At GFS children learn to experience “real life” in our multi-age classrooms (K-1, 2-3, and 4-6). Our students learn to be active participants in the life of their community by working together in small groups. Our teachers facilitate these small groups, providing them with the opportunity to experience some of their own problem-solving strategies when learning new concepts. This allows them to take risks in a safe environment, supported by their peers and teachers. All GFS students participate together in daily community activities, as well as outdoor school days, plays, singing performances, and projects.
GFS is located on the Foothill Elementary School campus (711 Ribera Drive, Santa Barbara CA 93111) and share access to all of Foothill’s programs, facilities, and specialists.
Enrollment Procedures
GFS is open only to people who live in the Goleta Union School District.
Click the following link to see the district’s attendance area listed by street: http://www.goleta.k12.ca.us/?page_id=530.
If your street is not listed, you are not eligible to enroll in Goleta Family School.
Lottery System: March 1 drawing
GFS operates on a lottery system. Parents must attend one information session and one tour, and then fill out an application. Families will then be entered into the lottery, which takes place on March 1. At that time, open spots in all grades are filled and waiting list order is established. In the very unlikely event that all spots are not filled with the March 1 lottery, we will schedule another information session and another tour, and then hold a final lottery on May 1. Families from the March 1 lottery maintain their waiting list position and new families are placed farther down on the list. If held, information about a May 1 lottery will be posted in March or April at this site.
Please note: All spots for the 2016-2017 school year have been filled and there is a waiting list. We are accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year only -thank you.
Feel free to contact Heather Stevenson at heather@thewriteteam.net if you have questions about the tour or information session. Specific questions about the school will be answered at the information session and tour.
For more information about applying to GFS please click here.
