Cate Viewbook

CATE SCHOOL

LIFE ON THE MESA

Welcome to Cate, a 9-12 co-educational boarding and day school school that sits atop a Mesa where the ocean meets the mountains, and adventure awaits at every turn.

Our mission is to prepare students for a lifetime of learning, through Cate’s dedication to

COMMITMENT, SCHOLARSHIP, COMPANIONSHIP, and SERVICE.

Nestled in the heart of sunny Southerna California, our campus rests between the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains and the glistening Pacific Ocean. Imagine the gritty sand beneath your feet, the salty waters lapping at your toes, and the warm sun on your face - this is where you’ll find your new home at Cate School. Discover what Curtis Cate, the School’s founder, called the spirit of this place for yourself.

CATE = COMMITMENT

Unwavering determination to a place for all

At Cate, we are committed to creating a place for all students to engage, learn, and grow. Our unwavering determination to this goal is reflected in everything we do, from our outstanding academics to our exceptional outdoor program, athletics, arts, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and sustainability initiatives.

150

ACRES

2000 acres of backcountry surround the Mesa

sports

FALL

Boys Water Polo

Girls Tennis

Girls Volleyball

Cross Country Football

WINTER

Boys Basketball

Boys Soccer

Girls Basketball

Girls Soccer

Girls Water Polo

SPRING Baseball

Boys Lacrosse

Boys Tennis

Boys Volleyball

Girls Lacrosse

Swimming Track

Over 25 leadership opportunities including: Prefect, TA, DEI Rep, El Batidor Editor, Round Square Leadership Council, Student Activities Committee

Affiliated Clubs and Organizations

Food Bank, community engagement, affinity groups, garden club, beekeeper club, JSA, BSU, International Club, Scuba Club, Writing Dangerously Club...and much more.

24 ARTS OFFERED

44 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 2022-2023

EXPLORE

Our outdoor program offers students a chance to explore the natural world around them. From hiking and camping to paddleboarding and surfing, our students are able to challenge themselves, take risks, and build confidence while learning about the environment and conservation.

At Cate, commitment means taking concrete actions to create a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable.

BELONG

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are also central to our commitment at Cate. We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.

CREATE

At Cate, our exceptional arts program nurtures creativity and fosters artistic growth. With a wide range of disciplines to explore, including drawing, photography, ceramics, music, theater, and dance, Cate offers a comprehensive and diverse artistic experience. The state-of-theart facilities and dedicated faculty provide a supportive and inspiring environment for young artists to thrive. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, composing music, acting on stage, or perfecting dance moves, students have the opportunity to delve into their artistic passions, develop their skills, and express their unique voices through the transformative power of the arts.

PLAY

At Cate, athletics is not just about competition, but about teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. We offer a wide range of sports, including football, soccer, volleyball, and basketball, and our coaches are dedicated to helping our students develop both their physical and mental strength.

“Our students are not expected to know all the right answers. Rather, we encourage our students to ask the right questions. This allows a student’s academic journey to seek out a state of perpetual momentum. The search for a simple answer is a search for a place to stop. But, with the right question, think of all the places one’s curiosity can go.”

Nicole Sintetos, English Department Chair

“Cate is an extraordinary community of educators, administrators, and staff members who have dedicated their lives to shaping the minds and spirits of our students with joy and commitment that is inspiring as a leader. At this moment in history, places like Cate are more important than ever — welcoming and diverse environments filled with supportive adults that make each student feel seen, valued, and included.”

Alex Lockett, Head of School

“Cate is one the first school I’ve worked in that has given me the opportunity to develop courses tailored to my field of study. I have been especially proud of the Animal Behavior course I have created and the culminating trip to Santa Rosa is a definite highlight of my year.”

Kadeine Peterson, Biology Instructor

“At the end of their four years at Cate, students are equipped with tools that allow them to enter the world beyond with confidence. Having 4 children who graduated from Cate, I can see their talents blossom to my amazement. Seeing the responsibility and maturity of Cate students inspires me, and I love teaching here because of the everlasting impact I can have on the lives of young people.”

“Cate students graduate having experienced the empowerment that comes from an inquirybased learning environment. This sets students up for tremendous success when they go on to college. Indeed, Cate students are ahead of their peers in self-directed and innovative learning. As a former professor at a university, I have been thoroughly impressed by this higher level of learning that Cate students are asked to do in their time here.”

“I love living and working in a community distinguished by curiosity and kindness. Both the kids that I teach and the adults I teach with are among the finest people I have ever known, inspiring me to show the same traits. I so value the relationships that I get to build throughout Cate life: in the classroom, on the fields, and in the dorm.”

Laura Moore, History Instructor

Dr. Jamie Kellogg, Science Instructor

Mamadou Pouye, Modern Language Department Chair

CATE = SCHOLARSHIP

The Greatest Growth Possible

Cate’s inquiry-based curriculum, rooted in the traditions of a Harkness-style classroom, has evolved into a dynamic and innovative approach that encourages students to explore, collaborate, and think critically.

CURIOSITY & GROWTH

At Cate, our faculty is committed to nurturing each student’s unique potential by encouraging them to reach beyond their limits. We believe that every student has the ability to achieve great things, and our program is designed to support the greatest growth possible. Through peer-to-peer learning opportunities, our students develop leadership skills and encourage a deeper engagement with the subject matter through a new lens.

MOVING FORWARD

Our rigorous academic program has led to impressive college placement rates for our graduates. We are proud to provide our students with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to succeed in college and beyond.

THE EXTENDED CLASSROOM

Our extended classroom invites unparalleled opportunities for our students to learn in a variety of environments. Imagine taking a biology class at the beach or hiking in the nearby mountains as part of an environmental study. With access to the expansive campus on the Mesa and the natural environment that envelops the school, our students are contiunously engaged in experiential learning.

EDUCATION PRINCIPLES

KNOWLEDGE

Essential knowledge and core competencies and standards of honorable scholarship

CURIOSITY

A desire to discover the unknown and acquire the ability, imagination, and initiative to ask and pursue questions of real value

COMPASSION

Recognition of the needs and interests of others; empathy and respect; the skills of collaboration, leadership, membership, and service

DETERMINATION

The ability to identify worthy risks; the methods and skills of the academic disciplines and one’s own best learning practices; the grit, patience, and self-discipline to persist at hard work; the resilience to deal with both failure and success

COMMUNICATION

The skills to collaborate productively with others, to present information clearly, and to be effective presenters, listeners, and respondents employing verbal, quantitative, and visual languages skillfully, using a range of media

80% of faculty members hold advanced degrees Faculty of color: 39%

GRADE LEVEL THEMES

9TH ORIENTATION AND ORGANIZATION

10TH AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY

11TH CONNECTIONS AND PURPOSE

12TH MASTERY, SELF-DETERMINATION, AND LEADERSHIP

153 CLASSES

51 HONORS & ADVANCED COURSES

5:1

STUDENT/ FACULTY RATIO

10-11 average class size

CATE = COMPANIONSHIP

Living and Learning, Together

We believe that learning is best when it is shared, and our small, close-knit community embodies this principle. At Cate, everybody knows your name, and we value the importance of living and learning together.

Traditions

305 STUDENTS

79% boarding students

21% day students

9 57 33 4

dorms campus dogs

faculty residences

3 weekly assemblies weekly community gatherings

54% STUDENTS OF COLOR

30+ Clubs and Organizations

Beekeeping Club

CateNet Masters (student tech support)

Girls Who Code

El Batidor (school newspaper)

Astronomy Club

Black Student Union

Asian Student Union

Hispanic LatinX Association

Kayaking Club

Mesan (school yearbook)

Ross Robins Club for Equality (GSA)

Engineering Club

Women’s Forum

18% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Our residential program is designed to help students feel supported, cared for, and connected. Our small-group advisories provide personalized attention and guidance to help students navigate their academic and personal lives. We also have an intentional focus on health and wellness, with a comprehensive program that includes mental health support, healthy eating options, and training and resources for an active lifestyle.

HONORING TRADITION

Our community values time together, and prioritizes traditions like assembly three times a week, formal dinners throughout the year, and two annual family weekends where families can engage with the school. We also honor diversity through programming like the International Food Fair, International Convocation, and a variety of clubs that celebrate the myriad interests of our eclectic community.

EMBRACING DIFFERENCES

At Cate, we value the diversity of our student body, and believe that our differences enrich our community. Our students come from all over the world, and we embrace this through a variety of cultural events, including the annual Lunar New Year Festival, celebration and learning opportunities during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Day, and thematic Convocation speakers from different backgrounds that bring fresh perspectives to the Mesa every week.

“During my first visit to Cate, I was lucky enough to attend assembly. Seated in the back row, I heard the dorm cheers for the first time, the Cal Math League chant, and various other echoes from the audience. I returned to Cate in the spring to attend Revisit Day and I was also able to pick up on the openness of the student body and faculty. During my shadow of a science class I noticed that each student was valued for their voice, and that rich discussion would arise from the sharing of these various perspectives.”

“No matter what you do at Cate, you are surrounded by people who want to see you thrive. Whether it be my teachers or friends, everyone lifts each other up and supports one another. I have formed friendships here that will last a lifetime and I couldn’t imagine life without the people I have formed relationships with at Cate.”

“Coming to Cate has broadened my cultural and social awareness; by interacting with classmates and friends from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, I have been able to develop a broader perspective of the world and an appreciation for diversity. Being at Cate has encouraged me to actively participate in community service and engage with the people around me. I have also developed an even stronger work ethic and more effective timemanagement skills.”

Justin Musyimi '23

Ramya Bangaru '26

Lucy Guilbert-Neal '25

“My teachers, advisor, and coaches have been such great guides at Cate. They help me feel welcome — I am never afraid to ask questions, or to just have a conversation. My advisor is always there to lend a helping hand when I am overwhelmed with work, or need someone to lean on.”

“Cate showed me that I could continue to pursue my old hobbies and interests and try new things at the same time and provided a strong foundation for all that I wanted to pursue in all aspects so I wouldn’t have to sacrifice things that mean a lot for me. For example, I can dance and play volleyball while still keeping a good grade in Biology and getting my photography projects in on time. I am still growing and learning about myself and being here lets me do that.”

“My favorite team experience thus far has been Junior Varsity Football. The coaching staff for football is amazing and prepares you incredibly well for tackle football, even if you have never played before. Once I learned the foundations for quarterback, JV games were the perfect time to represent what I had learned. I was also able to play many other positions both on offense and defense. The football team and staff are a very special thing to be a part of and was a great way to start my freshman year.”

Abby Oke '24

Chase Meyer '26

Mike Barrera '25

CATE = SERVICE

Making A Difference in the Lives of Others

At Cate, we believe in making a difference in the lives of others through service. The School partners with RoundSquare for a robust international service program globally and has an impact at home through service trips and ongoing collaborations with local organizations through weekly Public Service Nights. Our students seek out and actively participate in making their communities stronger everywhere.

290 students +

65 adults participated in

Round Square Opportunities

Conference delegates on average per year: 12 students & 4 adults

Exchanges on average per year: 2 incoming & 2 outgoing

Postcard delegates (online) in 2022-2023: 29 students & 1 adult

Postcard baraza/breakout room leaders: 10 students & 2 adults

Over 50 Community Groups supported including:

PATH Santa Barbara

Carpinteria Children’s Project

Habitat 4 Humanity

Girls Inc.

Santa Barbara Zoo

Carpinteria Arts Center

Boys & Girls Club

SERVONS - LET US SERVE

At Cate, we believe that service is a way of life. That’s why our school’s motto is Servons, which means “let us serve” in French. We encourage our students to embrace this philosophy and to take an active role in their communities. Our community is also constantly in service of one another. We are quick to lend a helping hand and take care of each other in a loving and familial way.

Through our transformative service experiences, students learn the value of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. They leave Cate with a deep understanding of their place in the world and a desire to make a positive impact both on and off the Mesa.

SUSTAIN

Our sustainability initiatives are designed to minimize our impact on the environment and promote sustainable practices. From our LEED-certified buildings to our organic garden and composting program, we are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future.

VISIT CATE

We designed our in-person program to show students and parents/guardians Cate’s unique programs, campus, culture, and community. During a campus visit, you will experience a student-led tour, attend an all-school assembly, have a chance to chat casually with faculty and tour guides and have an interview with an admission committee member.

September - January: Campus Visits and Interviews

APPLY

Welcome to Cate! As you explore our community, we aim to be your guide in the high school application process. Discovering your ideal school means understanding your priorities. If you’re looking for a blend of East coast tradition and challenge with West coast innovation and a frontier mindset, Cate could be your perfect match.

At Cate, we’re dedicated to providing an enriching, inspiring student experience. Our pillars— Commitment, Companionship, Scholarship, and Service—shape everything we do. Cate students show resilience, curiosity, and a drive for excellence. Here, education revolves around inquiry; Cate is a place of questions, not just answers. We nurture world-minded individuals who embody inquiry, compassion, purpose, and excellence. We’re in search of motivated, capable, and integrity-driven students who are prepared for academic rigor, athletic growth, and diverse opportunities.

As you search for your school home, keep asking the important questions. Our application process offers various ways to learn about us. Visit our website for an overview of Cate’s programs, purpose, and people. Yet, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Join us for a visit and discover the essence of our founder’s “spirit of this place.”

AFFORDING CATE

Cate students come from every corner of the world, and every kind of community, which attests to the fact that these qualities know no boundaries. Cate’s need-based financial assistance program works to ensure that attendance costs do not preclude access to an extraordinary educational experience. We are committed to making the Cate experience accessible to families of all income levels.

QUESTIONS?

For further information, reach us at 805-684-4127, extension 217 or visit us online at www.cate.org/admission.

CATE.ORG/APPLY