Tutoring & Study Resources at SBHS

As Spring approaches, so does the dreaded testing season. To keep students prepared, Santa Barbara High School (SBHS) offers resources for free tutoring and other study help. 

In May, nationwide Advanced Placement (AP) testing happens from May 4 to 15. The sessions will begin at 8 a.m., but the duration of the test varies for different subjects. The afternoon sessions start at 12 p.m. In the case of extenuating circumstances, makeup tests take place from May 18 to 22. There are three SAT testing opportunities in Spring and Summer, including March 14, May 2, and June 6. American College Testing (ACT) testing is offered on April 11 and June 13. 

There are many nationwide upcoming tests along with class-specific testing, which leaves students asking questions like “where should I study?” and “how should I study?” Well, students asked, and SBHS answered. 

The library offers a safe and calm environment for students looking to study freely without distractions. Sherri Bryan, SBHS’s teacher/librarian, says the library has “all of the textbooks that are in use at school.” Students are welcome anytime to grab a textbook for a class to catch up on assignments. The library has “any kind of resource” such as “glue sticks, scissors, or post-its or poster paper and all that kind of stuff.” The library offers lots of tools too. 

From Aug. 20, 2025, to June 4, the Program for Effective Access to College (PEAC) offers after-school tutoring for free in the SBHS library. Students can come in at 3:30 p.m. and stay until 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday throughout the school year. The coordinator, Julieta Tomas, can be reached at [email protected]. Bryan says the tutoring sessions fill up the library, and they provide snacks. 

PEAC tutoring is an opportunity for students to study without direct instruction unless asked. Students sign in with PEAC and are free to study by themselves. There are usually between three and six tutors who check in with students for the duration of the time. Bryan says, “It’s basically a homework study, with help if you need it.”  

SBHS also offers things like teacher assistants (TAs) and academic mentors in a few select golden times. 

The Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) has offered free SAT/ACT tutoring known as Academic Prep. It consists of in-person study sessions and workshops. The dates that have been released were Feb. 21 and Mar. 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Central Library. 

Staying up-to-date with class assignments while preparing for big tests can be incredibly stressful on students, which reinforces the importance of mental health. Academic pressure can cause stress and anxiety. Poor mental health around studying can also diminish concentration and memory, overall affecting performance on tests. 

To avoid academic burnout, students can develop study habits that balance the school and test workloads. Healthy habits like good sleep and a healthy diet can contribute to a boosted mood and focus. 

SBHS offers academic support like PEAC tutoring, academic counselors to provide guidance, school-based therapists, a new wellness center, and the application Safe2SpeakUp to report mental health and other concerns. 

For more guidance, the College and Career Center can help students navigate future-related stress, like college prep.

Other local resources are the SAFTY crisis hotline (888-334-2777), the YouthWell program, and the Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center. 

As the end of term approaches, it is important to check in with mental health, school, stress, and test-related pressures.