History of College School District
One of California's Oldest Districts
For more than 180 years, education has been at the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley.
What began as California's first college has grown into today's College Elementary School District—continuing a tradition of learning, community, and opportunity that spans generations.
Did You Know?
The College of Our Lady of Guadalupe was California's first college.
California's First College
The story of College Elementary School District begins on March 16, 1844, when the College of Our Lady of Guadalupe was dedicated by Old Mission Santa Inés. Established through a 35,000-acre land grant from Governor Manuel Micheltorena to California's first bishop, Rt. Rev. Francisco Garcia Diego, the school served as a seminary for boys and is recognized as California's first college.
Located on what became known as College Ranch, the adobe campus included classrooms, dormitories, a chapel, kitchens, and living quarters for priests. Fresh water flowed from nearby Sanja de Cota, and students from throughout the region traveled by horseback and ox cart to study there.
Although the college closed in 1882 after nearly four decades, its legacy lived on. The surrounding land continued to be known as College Ranch, and when a public school district was later established in the area, it proudly adopted the name College School District.
A Community School Takes Root
As families settled throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, local children first attended classes in private homes before a two-story wooden schoolhouse was built on the site of today's College Elementary School.
Growing with the Community
1922: Fourth classroom added to accommodate growing enrollment.
1933: First school lunch program begins, providing one hot meal each day.
1938: Auditorium constructed and lunch program expanded.
1947: Valley's first kindergarten opens at College School.
1947: Army mess hall relocated from Santa Maria Air Base and converted into classrooms and cafeteria facilities.
1950–1951: Temporary classrooms built during construction of Cachuma Dam; school grows to eight teachers and a full-time principal.
1953: New permanent classrooms completed and a fully equipped cafeteria opens.
Continuing to Grow
Following World War II, College School experienced steady growth as more families made the Santa Ynez Valley their home. New classrooms, expanded lunch facilities, and improved school grounds reflected the district's commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment.
Construction of the Santa Ynez Elementary campus began in 1964, expanding educational opportunities for local families. The campus gymnasium was completed in 1971, providing additional space for athletics, assemblies, and community events.
Today, College Elementary School District continues its tradition of academic excellence while serving students at both the College Elementary and Santa Ynez Elementary campuses. Although our classrooms have changed dramatically since 1844, our commitment to educating children and strengthening our community remains the same.