It is a registered landmark with the State of California. At the heart of the school is an excellent Library Media Center. A source of pride is the library's beautiful Douglas Parshall mural that depicts Olympic sports. The mural was painted in 1934 and each year it attracts many visitors from throughout the community. Santa Barbara Junior High School has extended learning periods on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with periods of 75 minutes each.
Students meet four of their assigned classes on one day and the rest the second day.
Also, these days include reading breaks and study halls. In addition to a rigorous academic program for all students, Santa Barbara Junior High is recognized for unique curriculum-based experiences. Seventh grade history study culminates with a Renaissance Faire in May, highlighting specific segments of the period including costuming, food, medicine, social justice, cultural practices, literature, music and academics. Eighth grade students have visited the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles for the past several years as part of their study of literature and history. This unit of study ends with an assembly where students hear from Holocaust survivors and their children.