Cate School
1960 Cate Mesa Road, Carpinteria, California 93013
(805) 684-4127
Through commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service, each member of the Cate community contributes to what our founder called “…the spirit of this place… all compounded of beauty and virtue, quiet study, vigorous play, and hard work.”
Founded in 1910, Cate is a 9th-12th grade four-year coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school in Southern California. We look for curious, motivated students who value growth, connection, and independence, and are enthusiastic about living and learning in community.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Alexandra Lockett
Director of Admissions:
Kyle Mason
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Nondenominational
Total Enrollment:
300
Percent Boarders:
80%
Percent International:
17%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway
Testing Plan:
Required
Curriculum
In freshman and sophomore year, you will build and reinforce fundamental skills, taking courses in English, history, humanities, art, math, science, foreign language and human development. Then you get to choose from more than 35 elective courses to explore your personal interests and pursue greater mastery of a subject. Advanced courses are also available to you, offering well-rounded and thoughtful ways to go deeper into a subject of interest. We feel these are more fruitful and effective than default Advanced Placement courses.
Programming
So many programs are availabel to students at Cate, athletic teams, performing arts, theater, outdoor programs, learning development programs, etc. are all available for students to dive deeper into their passions.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Students must participate in an after school program which could include an athletic team, varisity or junior varsity, or theatrical production, or students may choose service to help young students.
Dress Code
Mondays students wear formal attire for convocation but other than that students are asked to dress appropriate.
Seated Meals
Several meals per week, faculty and students engage in formal seated meals as a community.
Study Hall
During evening study hours, a faculty proctor provides a structured, quiet work environment to help students cultivate productive work habits and promote academic success.
Saturday Programming
Throughout the year, students have the option to sign up for numerous weekend trips. Recent trips include a ski trip to Mammoth, a surfing trip to Jalama Beach, a hiking trip to Santa Cruz Island, a climbing trip to Bishop, and a hiking trip to Pinnacles National Park, to name a few! Athletic team games and tournaments also take place on Saturdays allowing students to gather and cheer for their peers!
Residential Life
Your dorm is your home, and privacy is respected. Unwind, study, catch up with friends, and watch a movie, all from a gorgeous vantage point on campus. Get together with friends from around the world, just down the hall. Each dorm has assigned senior prefects who report to faculty and serve as leaders, liaisons, and role models. Faculty and their families also live on campus, which helps strengthen the bonds and trust in our community.