This is where learning gets deep. 

The Ocean is Your Classroom

Santa Catalina sits just two miles from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, an environment so rich in biodiversity it's known as "The Serengeti of the Sea." Because of our location, we have developed a signature program that exposes our students to the wonders of Monterey Bay and allows them to take full advantage of its great educational value.

Three-Year Program

Year 1

Students go into the field to gain experience with the scientific process and develop the conceptual and technical skills needed to undertake independent research the following year.

Year 2

Students undertake a guided independent research project, beginning with the development of a scientific question embodied in a research proposal. Research builds on the practice and fundamentals of science, with special attention paid to literature review and background work.

Year 3

Students synthesize and communicate the results of their research, including sharing their work at the yearly Western Society of Naturalists professional conference—where they are the only high school students presenting.

Professional Partnerships

Santa Catalina’s proximity to Monterey Bay means the school also has access to world-class researchers. When developing their independent research projects, students often collaborate with researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Lab, and the Naval Postgraduate School.

Hawaii Research Trip

After every school year, rising seniors take a trip to Hawaii to monitor the health of coral reefs, an ongoing research project in which each year's students build on the observations of the last. Students also hike across volcanic craters, walk through native rainforests, swim among juvenile reef fish, and explore green sea turtle habitats.

Lisa Marrack

Upper School

Upper School