Cate School (Top Ranked Private School for 2024)

1960 Cate Mesa Road
Carpinteria, CA 93013

View full size Get directions

Tel: (805) 684-4127 Ext. 217

www.cate.org

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Cate School Photo #4 - The Harkness method is used in the majority of classes

Cate School Photo #5 - Eucalyptus trees on campus

Cate's student body is recognized as much for its talent-academic, artistic, and athletic-as it is for its warmth and vitality.

We welcome qualified applicants for openings in ninth, tenth and eleventh grades.

Cate is primarily a residential school; 82% of Cate students are boarders.

When considering applications, the admission committee, comprised of admission officers and faculty, reviews a student's previous record, recommendations from teachers, personal references, scores on the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), extracurricular interests and strengths, and impressions and information obtained in the candidate's personal interview.

The School strives to enroll exceptional students who bring a wide variety of skills, interests, and backgrounds to the Cate community.

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 304 students
Yearly Tuition: $69,515
Acceptance rate: 14%
Average class size: 10 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Cate School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Year Founded

1910

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

Link to Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students

304 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

39%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

57 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

5:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

83%

Average Class Size

10 students

Number of AP Courses

22 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Average SAT score

1350

Average ACT score

Average Percentile SSAT

80%

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Link to Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15

Yearly Tuition Cost

$69,515

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$54,825 for day students

% on Financial Aid

28%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$52,521

Acceptance Rate

14%

National avg.: 85%

Admissions Director

Charlotte Brownlee

Admissions Associate

David Soto

Sports

Total Sports Offered

18 sports

Sports

Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cross Fit, Dance, Football, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Polo

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

37 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:
Alianza (Latino Student Alliance), American Sign Language, Awkapella, Black Student Union, California Mathematics League, Caps for Good, Cate Artists' Theater Ensemble, Cate Liberals League, Cate Republicans, Cate Review (Literary Magazine), Chicken Club, El Batidor (Newspaper), Environmental Club, FLAG, French Club, Green Team, Holiday Cheer (Community Service), International Club, Junior State of America, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Pandamonium, Public Service Club, Round Square, Scuba Club, Senate, Spanish Club, Stream Team, Women's Forum, Writing Dangerously, Young Men's Forum

Arts and Music Programs:
Camerata, Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, Jazz Band

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Outdoors Program

School Notes

We do not offer an ESL program which means we require our international students to be fluent in English. Our international applicants must take the TOEFL as part of the application process.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- David Crosby - Singer/songwirter
- Garrett Lisi - Noted physicist
- Billy Steinberg - Musician/Songwriter
- Warren Breidenbach III - Pioneering surgeon
- Sir John R.H. Bond - Financier
- Mona Khalil - United Nations
- Dr. William New - Inventor and physician
- Joshua Yaro - Professional soccer (MLS)
- Ema Boateng - Professional soccer (MLS)

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cate School cost?

Cate School's tuition is approximately $69,515 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Cate School?

The acceptance rate of Cate School is 14%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Cate School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from Cate School?

Cate School famous alumni include: David Crosby, Garrett Lisi, Billy Steinberg, Warren Breidenbach III, Sir John R.H. Bond, Mona Khalil, Dr. William New, Joshua Yaro and Ema Boateng.

Does Cate School offer a summer program?

Yes, Cate School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Cate School offer?

Cate School offers 18 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cross Fit, Dance, Football, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Water Polo. Cate School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

What is Cate School's ranking?

Cate School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Cate School?

The application deadline for Cate School is Jan. 15.

School Calendar

View the Cate School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event

Date

Last Day of Classes for Seniors

May 20, 2024 (Monday)

School Reviews

Endorse Cate School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

April 25, 2024

Corporal Punishment Still Exists

Did you think that corporal punishment in our schools was extinct? Sadly, it isn't. Here are some facts and some suggestions as to what you can do to help eliminate corporal punishment once and for all.

April 25, 2024

Rolling Admissions

Discover why many institutions opt for rolling admissions and how it can offer flexibility and opportunities for applicants throughout the year.

March 21, 2024

Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools

We explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.