Start Your Catalina Journey
Early Decision is a binding admissions option for domestic and international students who know that Santa Catalina is their first-choice school. If you're ready to commit and want to complete the admission process early, this could be a great fit for you!
Important Dates
| Apply by | Friday, December 4, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Receive your decision | Friday, December 18, 2026 |
| Enroll by | Friday, January 8 (includes signing your contract and submitting a tuition deposit) |
Early Decision FAQs
Early Decision is ideal for students who:
- Have a strong connection with Santa Catalina and are excited to be part of our community
- Know that Santa Catalina is their first-choice school
- Want to simplify the admissions process and get an early answer
- Are ready to enroll if accepted
If you’re all in on Santa Catalina—this is your path!
“Binding” means that if you’re admitted through Early Decision, you’re agreeing to:
- Enroll at Santa Catalina
- Withdraw any other school applications
This is why Early Decision is best for students who know Santa Catalina is the right place for them.
If you have a sibling at Santa Catalina or your parent/guardian is an alumna, that’s something we celebrate!
Many families choose Early Decision because they already know and love Santa Catalina. If you're excited to continue that tradition, Early Decision is a great way to show your commitment.
Yes! Whether you're from the Monterey Peninsula or across the country or globe, boarding and day students are an essential part of our community and are invited to apply through the Early Decision program.
You can apply to other schools through Regular Decision, but you may only apply Early Decision to one school. If you’re accepted by Santa Catalina through Early Decision, you're expected to:
- Withdraw applications to other schools
- Submit your binding enrollment contract and a 30% non-refundable deposit to Santa Catalina
Yes. Ninth grade students who apply for the Veritas Scholarship do have to apply through the Early Decision process. Scholarship finalists will be notified of their standing when they receive their admission decision on December 18. Non-finalists who are admitted through Early Decision will have until January 8 to indicate if they will attend Catalina. Finalists will have additional time, after the Veritas Weekend Experience, to return their contract.
No. The Veritas Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship for an incoming freshman that recognizes a student’s heart for service and commitment to excellence. Because of the program’s competitive nature, not all students may choose to apply for the scholarship. The Veritas Scholarship application is optional for current eighth grade students who are studying in the United States. Therefore, students who are studying and living outside the United States, as well as all students applying to Grades 10 and 11, are not eligible to apply for the scholarship. However, we encourage all students who know they want to attend Catalina to apply through Early Decision.