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 (2024)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 304 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:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1910
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
304 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
39%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
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
$69,515
Tuition Notes
$54,825 for day students
% on Financial Aid
28%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$52,521
Acceptance Rate
14%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Charlotte Brownlee
Admissions Associate
David Soto
Sports
Total Sports Offered
18 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
37 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Alianza (Latino Student Alliance), American Sign Language, Awkapella, Black Student Union, California Mathematics League, Caps for Good, Cate Artists' Theater Ensemble, Cate Liberals League, Cate Republicans, Cate Review (Literary Magazine), Chicken Club, El Batidor (Newspaper), Environmental Club, FLAG, French Club, Green Team, Holiday Cheer (Community Service), International Club, Junior State of America, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Pandamonium, Public Service Club, Round Square, Scuba Club, Senate, Spanish Club, Stream Team, Women's Forum, Writing Dangerously, Young Men's Forum
Arts and Music Programs:
Camerata, Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, Jazz Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Outdoors Program
Alianza (Latino Student Alliance), American Sign Language, Awkapella, Black Student Union, California Mathematics League, Caps for Good, Cate Artists' Theater Ensemble, Cate Liberals League, Cate Republicans, Cate Review (Literary Magazine), Chicken Club, El Batidor (Newspaper), Environmental Club, FLAG, French Club, Green Team, Holiday Cheer (Community Service), International Club, Junior State of America, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Pandamonium, Public Service Club, Round Square, Scuba Club, Senate, Spanish Club, Stream Team, Women's Forum, Writing Dangerously, Young Men's Forum
Arts and Music Programs:
Camerata, Chamber Orchestra, Chorale, Jazz Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Outdoors Program
School Notes
- 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 84%. 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?
Cate School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Cate School?
The application deadline for Cate School is Jan. 15.
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The nearest high school to Cate School is Oak Grove School (11.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is The Howard School (1.7 miles away)
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