Castilleja School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 6-12
Enrollment: 424 students
Yearly Tuition: $59,600
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 9
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

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

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Castilleja School
6	62
7	63
8	63
9	71
10	54
11	50
12	61

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Year Founded

1907

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

424 students

Student Body Type

All-girls

% Students of Color

53%

State avg.: 52%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

62 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

87%

Average Class Size

15 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Average SAT score

1480

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Uniform

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 9

Yearly Tuition Cost

$59,600

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$4 million in Tuition Assistance per year

% on Financial Aid

22%

Admissions Director

Jill Lee

Admissions Associate

[email protected]

Endowment Size

$70 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

11 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

GolfLacrosse

SoccerSoftball

SwimmingTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

Water Polo

School Notes

Castilleja School educates motivated young women to become confident thinkers and compassionate leaders with a sense of purpose to effect change in the world. Founded in 1907, Castilleja is the only non-sectarian, all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area.

School Motto: Empowering Young Women Since 1907
School Mascot: Alligators

To learn more about the student experience at Castilleja, please visit www.castilleja.org
Women Learning, Women Leading
Since 1907, Castilleja has been creating confident thinkers and compassionate leaders in the only non-sectarian all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay area. We are a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community that remains true to our founding principles, the 5Cs-conscience, courtesy, character, courage, and charity. At Castilleja, each girl can develop confidence, make choices, and learn skills that allow her to discover what's possible for her.
School Mission
Castilleja School educates motivated young women to become confident thinkers and compassionate leaders with a sense of purpose to effect change in the world.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Ella Debenham, Pomona Pitzer, Water Polo (2024) -
- Olivia Detter, Northwestern University, Swimming (2024) -
- Ruby Flath, Tufts University, Volleyball (2024) -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Castilleja School cost?

Castilleja School's tuition is approximately $59,600 for private students.

What schools are Castilleja School often compared to?

Castilleja School is often viewed alongside schools like The Girls' Middle School by visitors of our site.

Who are famous alumni from Castilleja School?

Castilleja School famous alumni include: Ella Debenham, Pomona Pitzer, Water Polo (2024), Olivia Detter, Northwestern University, Swimming (2024) and Ruby Flath, Tufts University, Volleyball (2024).

What sports does Castilleja School offer?

Castilleja School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. Castilleja School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

What is Castilleja School's ranking?

Castilleja School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for Castilleja School?

The application deadline for Castilleja School is Jan. 9.

In what neighborhood is Castilleja School located?

Castilleja School is located in the Old Palo Alto neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA.

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 9/22/2023

Zeitgeist of all prep schools. 100% college admission rate. 100% your daughter will be highly successful and abundant in means. Castilleja produces winners, not supplicants.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Casti Alumna

5 1/19/2012

Fun athletic energetic school with good teachers

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Rand.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Palo Alto, CA is $40,477 for elementary schools and $45,519 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Palo Alto, CA is 57% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).