Resident Life

At Santa Catalina, we're involved with the learning that occurs after the school day ends. We feel that the growth that occurs in a Santa Catalina student happens "24/7"  - their needs don't stop when classes do. That's why resident students are surrounded by a support network that includes trained and accessible resident faculty (many of them alumna) to help with everything from learning new study skills to preparing that special cake recipe for a fellow student's birthday. Typical weekday evening events (besides study hours, of course) can include student government meetings, choir/dance troupe/theatre group rehearsal, workout and exercise activities, visits to the library, and visits with resident faculty. Seniors may also use the photo lab and the music center if their other academic work is completed.

Our boarders will tell you that one of their most essential boarding experiences is that of sharing space gracefully with others. Our students learn that sensitivity, thoughtfulness, respect, and patience both enhance life and enable them to contribute positively to the experience of others. The experience of being a resident student creates opportunities to become self-reliant and independent, and produces the positive effect of being more prepared for the college years.

Dorm Life
Students reside in either a single or double room, which comes equipped with beds, desks, drawers for clothes, and a lockable closet. Bathrooms are shared as are laundry facilities.  Resident faculty and their families live on each floor. Dinner for resident students is served at 6:15 and after dinner, students have study hours and time to relax in the dorm. At 10:00 p.m. dorm halls are quiet to allow for more studying or for sleep. Boarding students have access to the Olympic-sized pool, regulation tennis courts, state-of-the art exercise equipment, music, dance and art studios, and computer labs. Most dorm rooms are doubles, although a number of single rooms are available. Each dormitory has a living room/game room/tv room where girls can enjoy dorm parties or just relax and chat, in addition to the time they spend in their dorm advisors' apartments. Girls change roommates three times a year, which helps to promote new friendships and class unity.

Almost every Monday night, faculty and resident students come together for Community Dinner. This is an opportunity for teachers and students to socialize in a semi-formal setting, with one adult per table of students.  Topics of the day are discussed, as well as upcoming events, and participants use this time to get to know one another better.

Being a resident student doesn't mean you're on campus 24 hours a day. Students often participate in activities that take place off campus, such as surfing lessons or cross country practice.  Resident students embark on organized trips to Bay area attractions such as art museums and Great America. Other favorite activities include hiking in Big Sur, beach combing in Carmel, and  shopping trips to San Jose and San Francisco. Day students are welcome on these trips as well.

Residential students at Santa Catalina develop independence, sensitivity to the needs of others, and tolerance for individual differences. The girls become like sisters, and the invaluable friendships they form last throughout their lives.