info@cate.org www.cate.org/ For over 100 years, Cate has been combining the best of East Coast tradition and West Coast energy and innovation in the service of highly motivated, independent-minded kids. They come to this place of eucalyptus trees and Newtonian mechanics, this place of sunsets, ceramics, and Salinger, this Mesa between the mountains and the sea, and find it is the place for them. Maybe it is the place for you.
www.cate.org/dorms 1960 Cate Mesa Rd., Carpinteria, CA, 93013 (805) 684-4127 x217
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
At Cate, we are more than a school; we are a community.
From the beginning, Cate has been a place where students and teachers build a strong, supportive community together. Our focus on emotional, ethical, and physical wellbeing enhances each student’s academic achievements and enables the greatest growth possible for each learner.
The residential program is built on this commitment—you will live and learn in an exceptional setting alongside dedicated faculty and peers who share your drive for success.
Program Highlights
Empowering Autonomy: Our three-pronged “Take Care” philosophy promotes developmentally appropriate independence, guiding students to grow into confident, self-reliant individuals.
Dedicated Dorm Faculty: With over 85% of our expert faculty living on campus, students benefit from a balanced environment of professional care and personal freedom.
Inclusive Housing: Diverse accommodations with options for female-identifying, four maleidentifying, and all-gender housing, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Our state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities feature a skilled nursing and athletic training staff, dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of our students.
Exceptional Dining Services: Enjoy healthy, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, with our dining services catering to most dietary restrictions, ensuring all students’ needs are met.
Boarding school overall has taught me the importance of communication. Living with my peers has taught me to set boundaries while balancing my social life. I have gotten to know myself better and have learned how to set time aside for my friends and still prioritize my mental health and selfcare.
- Lorelei Roof ’26
“
9TH & NEW 10TH GRADE
Ninth-grade students begin their journey in one of two dedicated dorms, benefiting from enhanced support through 12th-grade prefects, larger dorm faculty teams, and carefully chosen roommates to ensure a smooth transition into residential life.
10TH & 11TH GRADE
After their first year, students can choose their dorm, including the option of the all-gender dorm. Existing structures like study hours, room checks, and a chore program foster growth and independence while maintaining accountability.
12TH GRADE
In their final year, students enjoy greater autonomy with no lights-out, no room checks, and minimal supervision during study hours after carefully scaffolded expectations in the previous years. Students may be selected as prefects, taking on leadership roles within the residential program.
