Cate School Photo #9

Cate School

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 (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 299 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

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1910
Colors
White, Blue
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 30, 2025
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 10, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
299 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
37%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Cate School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
83%
Average Class Size
10 students
Number of AP Courses
22 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1350
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Average Percentile SSAT
80%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$54,825 for day students
% on Financial Aid
28%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$52,521
Acceptance Rate
14%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Charlotte Brownlee
Admissions Associate
David Soto

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
37 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Alianza (Latino Student Alliance)American Sign Language
AwkapellaBlack Student Union
California Mathematics LeagueCaps for Good
Cate Artists' Theater EnsembleCate Liberals League
Cate RepublicansCate Review (Literary Magazine)
Chicken ClubEl Batidor (Newspaper)
Environmental ClubFLAG
French ClubGreen Team
Holiday Cheer (Community Service)International Club
Junior State of AmericaMock Trial
Model United NationsPandamonium
Public Service ClubRound Square
Scuba ClubSenate
Spanish ClubStream Team
Women's ForumWriting Dangerously
Young Men's Forum


Arts and Music Programs:
CamerataChamber Orchestra
ChoraleJazz Band


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness ClubOutdoors Program

School Notes

  • School Motto: Think critically, reason creatively.
  • School Mascot: Rams
  • 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

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 80%. 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?
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.

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
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Educational Podcasts
Educational Podcasts
I've selected some general purpose and some robotics podcasts to enrich your classroom teaching. With over 2 million podcasts available, be careful to review any podcasts you want to use at home or school.
Educating Your Gifted Child
Educating Your Gifted Child
This article provides comprehensive guidance for parents of gifted children, covering identification of giftedness, common characteristics, enrichment strategies, dealing with perfectionism, and selecting appropriate schools. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing a gifted child's unique abilities while addressing their social and emotional needs.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 299 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $69,515
  • Acceptance rate: 14%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Barbara County, CA is $24,131 for elementary schools and $41,747 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Santa Barbara County, CA is 67% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links