School Overview
Data & methodologyOverall
A+
Matriculation
A+
Academics
A+
Extracurriculars
A-
Geo & Community
B
Reviews
A
Located one mile from the ocean, in the foothills of Santa Barbara County, Cate School is a coeducational college preparatory boarding school. Founded in 1910, the School delivers a demanding academic program resulting in a breadth and depth of scholarly inquiry. Cate School seeks students with the capacity to handle a demanding college-preparatory curriculum, with the curiosity to engage in our student-centered small classes, and with the compassion and character to be active and caring members of our small community. The student body of 265 students (83% are boarders) comes from 22 states and 19 foreign countries and is both academically talented and remarkably diverse (41% students of color). In an intimate setting, students and teachers together pursue high ideals. Cate's mission statement reads: "Through commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service, each member of the Cate community contributes to what our founder called "the spirit of this place...all compounded of beauty and virtue, quiet study, vigorous play, and hard work."
Show more
Gallery
Ranking
Top 10
College Matriculation Rankings
Top 25
Academic Rankings
Top 100
Review Rankings
Top 100
Extracurricular Rankings
If you would like to add Cate School to your favorites, compare it with other schools, or share it with friends, here are some quick links.
School Stats
Average
Current school
Tuition
$83,580
Enrollment
307
International Students
17%
Faculty with Advanced Degrees
71%
Teacher-Student Ratio
1:5
Endowment
$90 million
Average SAT Score
1352
Average ACT Score
33
Class Size
10
Boarding %
78
Matriculation
College Matriculation
(2020-2024)| Ranking | University/College | Students |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Princeton University | 3 |
| #2 | Columbia University | 8 |
| #2 | Harvard College | 4 |
| #2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 |
| #5 | Yale University | 7 |
| LAC #1 | Williams College | 2 |
| #6 | Stanford University | 5 |
| #6 | University of Chicago | 14 |
| Parsons The New School for Design | 2 |
Login to view all
Summer School
(2026)Cate Summer Institute
|
Program Overview
Cate Summer Institute generates excitement for academics and the outdoors through creative learning, out-of-the-box thinking, and inclusivity of all people, ideas, and cultures. We empower our students to build confidence in their own abilities and appreciate the differences of others.
|
|
|
Official Website Click link to view
|
Duration 1 weeks
|
|
Application Deadline
|
Start Date 6.14-20, 6.21-27, 7.26-8.1
|
|
Ages / Grades Grade 6-7
|
Tuition $2,175 per week
|
|
Program Overview
Cate Summer Institute generates excitement for academics and the outdoors through creative learning, out-of-the-box thinking, and inclusivity of all people, ideas, and cultures. We empower our students to build confidence in their own abilities and appreciate the differences of others.
|
|
|
Official WebsiteClick link to view
|
Duration 1 weeks
|
|
Application Deadline
|
Start Date 6.14-20, 6.21-27, 7.26-8.1
|
|
Ages / Grades Grade 6-7
|
Tuition $2,175 per week
|
|
Tuition Notes $2,175 per week
|
Tuition Link
Click link to view
|
|
Program Overview
An unforgettable week long residential experience that develops leadership skills and builds confidence. Outdoor Adventure campers will enjoy all the natural beauty Santa Barbara County has to offer while challenging themselves with activities such as stand up SUP, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, and ropes course. Urban Hiking offers campers the opportunity to learn about urban planning, route mapping, and street. As we explore each new neighborhood, we will find creative ways to build trust and kindness within the community. CSO is committed to respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.
|
|
|
Official WebsiteClick link to view
|
Duration
|
|
Application Deadline
|
Start Date Outdoor Adventure - 7.6-10, 7.13-17, and 7.20-24
|
|
Ages / Grades Grade 6-10
|
Tuition $1025 per week
|
|
Tuition Notes $1025 per week
|
Tuition Link
Click link to view
|
|
Program Overview
Our coaches truly care about your child's independent growth. CSA places an emphasis on both athletic advancement and personal development. We believe in a unified sports camp culture so regardless of your chosen sport, you will interact with all athletes during meal times, group activities and in the dorms to foster friendships and a sense of community during your time on the Mesa. CSA is committed to respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.
|
|
|
Official WebsiteClick link to view
|
Duration 4 weeks
|
|
Application Deadline
|
Start Date 6.15-26
7.6-31
|
|
Ages / Grades Grade 3-11
|
Tuition
|
Academics
Sports
(16)|
Baseball
|
Basketball
|
|
Cross Country
|
Dance
|
|
American Football
|
Lacrosse
|
|
Baseball
|
Basketball
|
|
Cross Country
|
Dance
|
|
American Football
|
Lacrosse
|
|
Off Piste Skiing
|
Outing Club
|
|
Soccer
|
Strength and Conditioning
|
|
Surfing
|
Swimming
|
|
Tennis
|
Track and Field
|
|
Volleyball
|
Water Polo
|
View all
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
(20)|
Black Student Union
|
California Mathematics League
|
|
Camerata
|
Cate Review (Literary Magazine)
|
|
CateNet Masters
|
Chamber Orchestra
|
|
Black Student Union
|
California Mathematics League
|
|
Camerata
|
Cate Review (Literary Magazine)
|
|
CateNet Masters
|
Chamber Orchestra
|
|
El Batidor (school newspaper)
|
Foster Homes (community service)
|
|
Gay-Straight Alliance
|
Green Team (recycling)
|
|
International Students Club
|
Jazz Band
|
|
Kayaking Club
|
Los Ninos (community service)
|
|
Mesan (school yearbook)
|
Mock Trial
|
|
Peer Tutors
|
Student Book Club
|
|
Student Senate
|
Tour Guides
|
View all
Arts
(10)|
Art History
|
Art
|
|
Choral
|
Choreography
|
|
Music Production
|
Theater
|
|
Art History
|
Art
|
|
Choral
|
Choreography
|
|
Music Production
|
Theater
|
|
Digital Art
|
Studio Art
|
|
Visual Arts
|
Tech Theater
|
View all
Basic Info
Application Info
Frequently Ask Questions about Cate School
Tell me a bit about Cate School.
Cate School is Co-ed private boarding school located in California, US. It was founded 1910 , and currently has about 307 students, 17.00% of whom are international students.
For more official information, please visit http://www.cate.org.
For more official information, please visit http://www.cate.org.
Does Cate School have rigorous academic requirements?
Cate School also have 71% of faculties whose degrees are master and above.
Where do Cate School students typically go for their colleges?
Based on the most recent matriculation data, 22.03% go to top 50 US universities and colleges*, 21.77% go to top 25, and about 11.39% go to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and MIT.
*Ranking is based on the 2024 US News College Ranking.
*Ranking is based on the 2024 US News College Ranking.
What is the application requirement for Cate School?
Similar to most private schools in the US, Cate School’s typical admission requirements include school transcript, recommendation letter, application essay, TOEFL for international students, and interview (often optional, but highly recommended).
What is the Boarding Tuition for Cate School?
The total fee for Cate School in 2024 is
$83,580 which typically includes tuition, boarding fee, student management fee and a few other fees associated with managing international students.
For more information, please contact school’s admission team at admission@cate.org .
For more information, please contact school’s admission team at admission@cate.org .
Where is Cate School located?
Cate School is located in the State of California of USA.
How popular is Cate School on the FindingSchool network?
Based on FindingSchool monthly traffic data as well as onsite search record, Cate School is among the most popular schools, within top 35 for all schools on FindingSchool.
Also Cate School has been favorited by 904 users.
Also Cate School has been favorited by 904 users.
How do I complete an application for Cate School?
The first stop is to carefully review the school profile on FindingSchool to learn more about Cate School. Most of them are directly provided by the school.
Also it is highly recommended to visit Cate School’s official site: http://www.cate.org or call them at 805-684-4127.
Also it is highly recommended to visit Cate School’s official site: http://www.cate.org or call them at 805-684-4127.
Are there additional schools that are located close to Cate School?
What is the FindingSchool rating for Cate School?
The overall rating for Cate School is A+.
The section ratings of Cate School are:
A+ for Matriculation
A+ for Academics
A- for Extracurriculum
B for Community
A for Students and Parents reviews
The section ratings of Cate School are:
A+ for Matriculation
A+ for Academics
A- for Extracurriculum
B for Community
A for Students and Parents reviews
Nearby City
Los Angeles, commonly known as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second most populous in the U.S. It serves as the commercial, financial, and cultural hub of Southern California. With a population of around 3.9 million as of 2020, L.A. is famous for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population, and as the epicenter of the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood. The city also offers a rich mix of cultural landmarks, including world-class museums, beaches, and a dynamic food scene, making it a global metropolis.
Population (2022)
3,833,995
Cost of Living
Higher than average 54%
Nearby Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
FindingSchool collects its data from a variety of reliable sources, including schools, advisors, official U.S. statistics, and feedback from actual parents and students.