Admission
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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Visit our Campus
We’re excited to welcome prospective students and their families to Cate for campus visits beginning on Wednesday, September 30.
2026 – 2027 Admission Timeline
September–January — Campus Visits & Virtual Interviews
October 15–19 — Closed for Family Weekend
November 23–December 2 — Closed for Fall Break
December 21–January 7 — Closed for Winter Break
January 15 — Application Deadline
February 1 — Financial Assistance Application Deadline
March 10 — Admission Notification Day
April 10 — Admission Enrollment Deadline
Virtual Interviews
An admission interview is required for all applicants to Cate. Interviews are conducted virtually via Zoom.
To schedule your virtual interview, applicants must first:
- Complete the Gateway to Prep Candidate Profile
- Pay the application fee (fee waivers are available for those who qualify)
- Submit TOEFL results (international applicants only)
Once these requirements have been met, families will receive instructions for scheduling their interview.
Interviews last approximately 45 minutes and give applicants the opportunity to share more about their interests, experiences, and goals. Following the applicant interview, we welcome the opportunity to speak with a parent or guardian and answer any questions about Cate and the admission process.
Affording Cate
We are committed to making a Cate experience accessible to families of all income levels.