General Information

Santa Catalina is an independent Catholic boarding and day school dedicated to the education and personal growth of young women. We believe that the all-girls environment fosters the development of each girl as a unique individual with exceptional talents and gifts. Our dedicated faculty, 7:1 student-faculty ratio, and average class size of 14 enhance this development.

A rigorous curriculum including Advanced Placement classes offered across all disciplines contributes to Santa Catalina's superior college preparatory program and college acceptance record.  The College Board confers AP Scholar awards of distinction each year to students who have performed exceptionally well on college-level advanced placement exams. In 2007, 35 Santa Catalina Upper School students distinguished themselves in the following categories:

AP Scholars (granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams):

• 12 Santa Catalina students

AP Scholars with Honors (granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams):

• 12 Santa Catalina students

 AP Scholars with Distinction (granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams):

• 10 Santa Catalina students

 National AP Scholar (granted to students in the United States who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams):

• 1 Santa Catalina student

Nationwide, approximately 18 percent of the more than 1.4 million high school students in more than 16,000 secondary schools taking AP exams merited the designation of AP Scholar.

Santa Catalina School has offered AP courses in the following subjects:  Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, French Literature, Latin, Macro Economics, Micro Economics, Music Theory, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, US History, and, upon request and by tutorial, Calculus BC and Physics.

Santa Catalina's outstanding programs in fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a rich variety of clubs, community service, and other activities complete the on-campus offerings. In all its endeavors, Santa Catalina fosters strong moral values, self-esteem and leadership. In 2007-2008, Santa Catalina students hail from 17 different states and 7 different countries, contributing to the diversity of geographic, ethnic, socio-economic and religious backgrounds of our student body.

All applications begin with submission of the Preliminary Application found at the back of the viewbook. Once this is received, the Admission Office sends a formal application package containing all forms necessary to complete the applicant's file.

At Santa Catalina, we believe that there is no better way to get a true sense of our community than by spending time on campus. A candidate's visit to Santa Catalina is as important for her as it is for the Admission Committee. Interviews usually take place on weekday mornings while school is in session so that applicants and their families can attend daily Assembly, tour campus with student guides, attend classes and have the opportunity to ask questions of students and of the admission representative with whom they have their interview. All application materials must be completed by February 1.  Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis and are subject to space availability. To receive more information on Santa Catalina or to schedule a visit to campus, please fill out our on-line inquiry form or call the Admission Office at (831) 655-9356. We will contact you to discuss the application process and answer any questions you might have about Santa Catalina. We also encourage you to consult the links on the Visitor Information page for assistance in planning your trip to Monterey.