Lower School Admission

The Beginning Is Everything

The admission process is selective and comprehensive. No one factor is given priority when making a decision about a student's admission. From tests which assess achievement and aptitude, to multiple opportunities to observe and interview candidates and their families, to the student's current and past school records and teacher recommendations: all of these components blend together to provide a comprehensive view of each candidate. As a result, the Santa Catalina student body is a truly remarkable group of young people. They come from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate a wide spectrum of talents and abilities. Our students share a great curiosity and desire to learn, and possess the high energy needed to participate in a vigorous academic environment with opportunities to excel in the performing and fine arts. We believe that in the process of preparing and guiding young people toward intellectual growth and moral and spiritual awareness, the beginning is everything.

Lower School Viewbook

Pre-Kindergarten

Santa Catalina School Pre-Kindergarten accepts children who will celebrate their fourth birthday on or before July 1 of the year of their enrollment. The admission process includes:

• an interview and tour of our campus
• completing an application for enrollment and returning it before February 1 to the Admission Office with the admission fee ($50 per child)
• bringing your child to the Pre-Kindergarten classroom for a visit and a Pre-Kindergarten Screening.

For additional information, please fill out and submit our online information requestform or call the Admission Office at 831.655.9351.

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten program admits students who celebrate their fifth birthday on or before July 1 of the year of their enrollment. All applicants participate in our Kindergarten screening process, which evaluates their development in such areas as number concepts, auditory skills, paper-and-pen skills, language concepts, visual skills, and gross motor skills. The admission process for Kindergarten also includes:

• An interview and tour of our campus
• Completing an application for enrollment and returning it before February 1 to the Admission Office with the application fee ($50 per child).

For further information on Admission to Kindergarten, please fill out and submit our online information request form or call the Admission Office at 831.655.9351.

Grades One Through Four

The admission process for Grades 1-4 includes the following steps:

• An interview and tour of our campus
• Completing the application for enrollment and returning it before February 1 to the Admission Office with the application fee ($50 per child)
• Admission test or screenings during February
• Provide transcripts and teacher recommendations from their current school
• Schedule a classroom visit to the grade they currently are in

For further information on Admission to Grades1-4, please fill out and submit our online information request form or call the Admission Office at 831.655.9351.

Grades Five Through Eight

The admission process for Grades 5-8 includes the following steps:

• An interview and tour of our campus
• Completing the application for enrollment and returning it before February 1 to the Admission Office with the application fee ($50 per child)
• Admission test during February
• Provide transcripts and teacher recommendations from their current school
• The applicant will provide a writing sample
• Schedule a classroom visit to the grade they currently are in

For further information on Admission to Grades 5-8, please fill out and submit our online information request form or call the Admission Office at 831.655.9351.

Admission Timetable

September-January

• Contact the Lower School Admission Office to receive a brochure and to arrange for an interview and campus tour.
• Complete the application for enrollment and return it to the Lower School Admission Office with the application fee.
• Attend Open House.
• Confirm that your student will attend Admission Testing.

January-February

• Arrange a time for your student to visit Santa Catalina so that he or she can attend classes and meet the students and faculty. This is a required part of the admission process.
• If applicable, confirm a Kindergarten Screening reservation.
• Complete Admission Testing.

To be considered with the first round of applicants, all application materials are due at Santa Catalina by February 1. Notification of admission decisions will be mailed on March 10. Applications received after the February 1 deadline will be reviewed as they become complete and will be subject to space availability.