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Strengths Founded 1910, 1,100-acre campus + 40-acre mountain campus, Harkness-style discussions, Servons (service) motto, Mountain sports and equestrian, Near Santa Barbara, Extensive arts programme, Senior Capstone
Clubs Chorale, Camerata, Orchestra, Jazz ensemble, Theatre, Dance, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, Digital media, Outdoors programme
Stages Secondary School
Introduction
Cate School, founded in 1910, is a co-educational boarding and day school on a 1,100-acre prairie campus with a 40-acre mountain campus near Santa Barbara. Offering grades 9-12 with Harkness-style discussions, a culture of inquiry, and the motto 'Servons' (Let us Serve), it features extensive arts, mountain sports, and equestrian programmes.
Cate School has 305 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English.
Location
1960 Cate Mesa Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Near Santa Barbara, 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
Stages
Grades 9-12.
Type
A co-educational boarding and day school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from multiple US states and countries.
Additional learning support
Peer mentoring through learning labs.
Academics
Cate School teaches American for students aged 14 to 18.
Curriculum
Culture of inquiry with Harkness-style discussions. Interdisciplinary, hands-on lessons with guided independent research. Senior Capstone research projects.
Higher Education Progression
College counselling programme.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Focus on character and compassion development.
Admissions
Admissions
Online application. Inquiry form available. Travel events for prospective families. Seeks curious, motivated students.
Scholarships
Financial assistance available.
FAQs
When was Cate founded?
In 1910.
How large is the campus?
1,100-acre Prairie campus plus a 40-acre Mountain Campus.
Is boarding available?
Yes, with 10 residential adobe houses.
What is Harkness-style teaching?
Discussion-based learning where students and teachers learn together around a table.
What arts are offered?
Chorale, orchestra, jazz, theatre, dance, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and digital media.
Is there an equestrian programme?
Yes, Western and English riding across three seasons.
What is the Senior Capstone?
A research project in the final year.
Is there a service programme?
Yes, Public Service Night every Wednesday, embodying the 'Servons' motto.
Where is the school?
Carpinteria, CA, near Santa Barbara, 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
