Community Profile

K-12 & Youth Activities

Early Childhood Education & Care

Children’s Resource & Referral Program provides up-to-date information for parents seeking to enroll their young children in preschool or child care learning environments. Contact this free service for a listing of local, licensed, quality home-based and center-based programs or for information on becoming a licensed child care provider. Contact: 805-737-0073.

Kindergarten - High School Graduation

Lompoc Unified School District provides comprehensive K-12 learning for all school-aged children. LUSD serves the City of Lompoc, Mission Hills, Vandenberg Village and other unincorporated areas in the county. The district covers approximately 300 square miles with close to 10,500 students attending the 10 elementary, three middle and three high schools. Two elementary and one middle school operate on a year-round schedule offering options for families. Lompoc Unified has a work force of more than 1,000 experienced, qualified and dedicated professionals serving students and families. More than 600 full-time teachers are employed, with almost 98 percent fully credentialed. Many faculty hold master’s degrees. In addition to faculty, the district has over 500 employees working in pupil services, classified positions and administration. LUSD School Board policy encourages input from all stakeholders. Parents find opportunities for involvement through local PTA/PTSA, ELAC (English Learner Advisory Council), an annual Parents Are Teachers, Too! conference, School Site Councils and many district-wide task forces.

The high schools offer several small “school-within-a-school” experiences for students interested in agriculture, marine biology, space technology, horticulture and more. All schools offer a full array of sports, clubs and service opportunities to help youth learn leadership responsibilities and have fun. In particular, Cabrillo High School has been recognized for an outstanding aquarium project, while Lompoc High School has sported a CIF championship football team for three years in a row and received academic accolades for its space and technology program. Maple High School offers an alternative academic experience and houses the CalSAFE (School Age Family Education) program for teen parents. All high school seniors are encouraged to prepare for the world of work through regional occupational programs that fulfill many interests including automotive technologies, teaching/child development, criminal justice and environmental sciences.

Mission Valley School, formerly Lompoc Learning Center, provides K-12 alternative education through independent study. Finally, LUSD Adult Education School (the best kept education secret in Lompoc) promotes “Learning4Life” by offering popular courses in languages, parenting, crafting, career skills, GED preparation and more. Contact LUSD at 805-742-3300.

Private Schools and Homeschooling

In addition to public schools, Lompoc Valley offers private schools and a thriving network for homeschooling children. There are several private faith-based schools in Lompoc Valley including La Purisima and the Christian Academy. In addition to the independent study program at LUSD, there are three homeschool groups in Lompoc: Lompoc Christian Educators, Lompoc Valley Home Educators, and Family Homeschool Adventures.

Youth Leadership & Activities

Keeping children healthy, involved and growing up smart is the goal of the many nonprofit sport associations that offer children, teens and parents an opportunity to join clubs and to play sports. From the Lompoc Girls Softball Association to AYSO Soccer, from Little League or Babe Ruth to PeeWee football, from the Police Activity rock climbing wall to the award-winning drill teams, Lompoc is a competitive and lively place to play.

Young people will find a place to be safe and have fun at the City Parks & Recreation Department, the local Boys & Girls Club, Lompoc Family YMCA, Lompoc 4H Club and faith-based youth programs. The Endeavour Center provides space education programs for youth ages 7-14 and families, including Endeavour Camp, Saturday Science Seminars (November through April), and school/group field trips. Meet Space Cowboy and Space Dog! K-12 teachers can also visit the NASA Educator Resource Center at the Center. For program applications call 805-734-1747 or visit endeavours.org/sec. Teenagers can apply to join the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, the City of Lompoc Youth Commission and the many organizations that welcome young volunteers.