Admission

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Welcome to Cate!

We are so excited that you’re interested in Cate School! Here, you’ll find the traditions and academic rigor often associated with the East Coast, blended with the creativity and frontier spirit of the West Coast — a balance that makes our community truly unique.

Start your application journey by completing our Inquiry Form.

Maude Y. Bond

Head of Admission & College Counseling

Cate is a place that values stories, and we are excited to hear yours. Each year, our campus welcomes artists and athletes, scientists and scholars to the mountains where they meet the sea. These diverse voices enrich our traditions and create a community where storytelling lies at the heart of connection.

We tell our stories in many ways—on hiking trails winding through National Parks, on bus rides after spirited games, in the warmth of dorm common rooms, and beneath stage lights where creativity shines. Every encounter is an opportunity to listen, share, and grow together.

At Cate, stories are not just memories—they are invitations to belong, reminders that each person contributes to a larger narrative. This tapestry of experiences is what makes our community thrive, and we look forward to welcoming the story you will bring.

Servons,

Maude Bond

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2025 – 2026 Admission Timeline

September – January: Campus Visits and Interviews
October 16 – October 20: Fall Break (no tours)
November 22 – December 1: Thanksgiving Break (no tours)
December 20 – January 6: Winter Break (no tours)
January 15: Application Deadline
February 1: Financial Assistance Application Deadline
March 10: Admission Notification
April 10: Admission Enrollment Deadline

Additional Resources

Campus Visit and Interview 2025-26

Cate requires an interview as part of the application process.

Our visit program is designed for prospective students and their families. You will experience a student-led tour, attend an all-school assembly, and have a chance to chat casually with faculty and tour guides. Visiting students will even have an opportunity to attend a class. The day ends with an interview with an admission committee member.

Can’t make it to Cate in person? Schedule a virtual interview.

To schedule a virtual interview, we require the following:

To schedule your campus visit or virtual interview, please contact the Admission Office at 805-684-4127 ext. 217, admission@cate.org.

 

Affording Cate

We are committed to making a Cate experience accessible to families of all income levels.

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