The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is headquartered in Santa Monica and serves the diverse coastal communities of Santa Monica and Malibu. It is located in Los Angeles County and serves 8,700 students in Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade in eight elementary schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, a continuation high school, a K - 8th grade alternative school and a Project-Based Learning High School pathway. One elementary school, Edison Language Academy, is a dual immersion program and Will Rogers Learning Community is an International Baccalaureate World School, Primary Years Programme. The district is also home to 11 early childhood education centers and an adult school. The first classroom opened with 52 students in March 1876.

SMMUSD employs approximately 1,400 staff members.SMMUSD's annual budget for the 2023-24 school year is $192 million.

SMMUSD is proud to be supported by the Santa Monica Education Foundation. The Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists solely to raise funds for programs in SMMUSD, for Santa Monica schools. Each year, annual donations and the Ed Foundation's endowment fund millions of dollars of programs for students, including visual and performing arts, STEM, instructional assistants, student wellness, library support and other enrichment programs. The Ed Foundation launched an athletics endowment in 2023. A similar foundation is in the formation stages to support Malibu schools. The Shark Fund supports programs at Malibu Middle and High School. 

The Santa Monica-Malibu Parent Teacher Association (SMMPTA) is a tremendous partner in supporting student achievement and success, academically and social emotionally. The District is fortunate to have an engaged group of parents and staff, working together to provide an exemplary education and meaningful programs and resources to benefit all students.

U.S. News and World Report has named both Santa Monica High School and Malibu High School as Top High Schools in the nation and state, reporting Samohi with a ranking of 829 in the nation and 108 in the state, and Malibu High School with rankings of 1,170 and 176, respectively in 2022.

Extra-curricular programs, including visual and performing arts and athletics at the high school level, are focal points within each campus. Students begin their visual and performing arts instruction in elementary school and access continues through high school.

Students attending Santa Monica High School and Malibu High School have a graduation rate of about 95%, with the majority of students moving forward with post-secondary education options. The district has a robust Career Technical Education program, along with a growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) pathway to meet the demands of 21st- century careers. College and career readiness is a top priority for SMMUSD.

Students and families can feel confident knowing that all campuses are safe environments and that safety and security of students and staff is the top priority of SMMUSD.

The communities of Santa Monica and Malibu have approved school bonds in recent years for the modernization, technology and safety updates of schools. Measure BB was approved in 2006 for $268 million and Measure ES in 2012 for $385 million. Measure SMS for $485 million was passed in Santa Monica and Measure M for $195 for Malibu in 2018. Local voters also passed Measure Y/YY in 2010 and Measure GSH/GS in 2016, along with Measure R parcel tax in 2008. The district appreciates the support of the communities it serves.

The SMMUSD Mission Statement: "Extraordinary achievement for all students while simultaneously closing the achievement gap".

Updated: July 2023