Virtual Admission Hub
At Santa Catalina, relationships and community are at the core of our educational mission. While we aren’t able to experience this in person right now, we have a number of ways for you to connect virtually with our community.
(un)Commonly Catalina: An Open House Series
Our virtual Open House series is over, but it's not too late to start the journey to discover the true you! Watch recordings of our events to learn more about Catalina from students, parents, teachers, and our admission staff.
Upcoming virtual events
California Boarding Schools Webinar
4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12
Register
Join admission teams from boarding schools across California as we journey through boarding school life, academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and college placement. While each of our schools is unique in mission, culture, and education approach, we also embrace the California lifestyle: work hard, play hard. California is known for innovation, and for love of life. Register for our webinar to learn more about this exceptional educational experience.
Tours and Interviews
We can’t wait to meet you and introduce you to all things Catalina! To get to know each other better, a campus tour and interview are required components of the application process. Each applicant should schedule a tour of campus and an applicant interview, which will be conducted virtually via Zoom or Skype.
Virtual tours and interviews are available at a variety of times. The tour and interview are each one hour long and are scheduled separately. Call or email your admission representative to schedule a time that works best for you. Please schedule appointments a week in advance. (Note: It is not a requirement to submit an application prior to touring or interviewing.)
Student Corner
Watch the videos below to get students' views on the all girls experience, community at Catalina, and more.
Meet Cailin '22
Day student
Meet Olivia '22
Day student
Meet Kaly '22
Boarding student from Mexico
Meet Jane '21
Boarding student from the San Francisco Bay Area
Admission Blog
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Applying to an independent school can feel overwhelming sometimes. Let Santa Catalina School's admission team be your guide. In this blog, we share advice on everything from how to start your high school search to finding the right fit to nailing your application.
Explore Our Campus
Scroll through the slideshow to see how we use our beautiful spaces.
Our Campus
Spanish colonial architecture, lush gardens, and native tree groves are defining features of Santa Catalina’s 36-acre campus.
The Hacienda
The Hacienda is perhaps the most iconic building on campus. It houses the Head of School office, parlors, a small dining room, and administrative offices. Students and alumnae love taking their photos under the “Santa Catalina” arch.
Study Hall
The entire Catalina community gathers here four days a week for morning Assemblies, where students make announcements, celebrate birthdays, and cheer for their classmates.
Study Hall
Study Hall is the center of student life on campus. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends or catch up on classwork.
Rosary Chapel
The Catalina community comes together every Wednesday for a chapel service.
Rosary Chapel
Our weekly chapel services usually include hymns, readings from scripture, communal prayers, a time for meditation, and an opportunity for a student or faculty member to share an experience or reflection. This is a wonderful way for our community to celebrate our diverse thoughts and backgrounds.
Classrooms
Our classrooms allow for collaboration with students and teachers.
Art Studio
Guided by teachers who are also working artists, students explore all mediums in this bright and open space.
Sister Claire and Sister Christine Mathematics and Science Center
The newest building on campus, known lovingly as C2, was designed by a Catalina alumna.
C2
Aquaria allow students in the Marine Ecology Research Program to house live organisms for research and experiments.
C2
The upper deck of C2 provides stunning views of surrounding forests and the Pacific Ocean. It’s an awesome location to take a break between classes.
Robotics Lab
Members of our robotics team, Nuns-N-Bolts, tinker and build in this fully stocked workspace.
Sister Mary Kieran Library
The library is a cozy spot for studying alone or in small groups.
Sullivan Court
At the center of campus, in between the library and Study Hall, Sullivan Court is the site of special events like Cake Auction and graduation.
Rose Gardens
Rose gardens are scattered throughout campus, enhancing any walk between classes.
Front Lawn
On sunny days, the expansive front lawn is a favorite spot for students during lunch or study periods.
Dining Room
Students enjoy sustainably focused, locally sourced meals morning, noon, and night. On Mondays, boarding students come together with resident faculty members for Community Dinners, which may highlight world cuisines or feature performances from student groups.
Athletic Complex
Our outdoor athletes compete on a playing field, all-weather track, and six tennis courts. The field is also home to our annual junior-senior kickball game during Spirit Day.
Aquatic Center
Our competition-size outdoor pool is used not only for our swimming and water polo teams, but also for lifeguard training, class experiments, free swims, and more.
Bedford Gymnasium
The gym is home to our volleyball and basketball teams, and an annual relay competition during Cougar Day.
Mary Johnson Dance Studio
Students explore six dance styles in this spacious studio with a mirrored wall and spring-loaded floor.
Mary Johnson Recital Hall
More intimate than our Performing Arts Center, this 150-seat theater is used for private music lesson recitals, chamber ensemble and choir rehearsals, and special events such as the annual TEDxSantaCatalinaSchool.
Sister Carlotta Performing Arts Center
This 500-seat venue hosts three full-scale theatre productions each year, plus concerts, guest speakers, and the annual sophomore Shakespeare Festival.
Dorms
Boarding students live in three dorms at the top of campus: Thompson, for freshmen; Greer, for sophomores and juniors; and Hills, for seniors.
Dorms
For boarding students, learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. Within the dorms, friends and teachers alike are right there to support student growth.
Greer Patio
Greer Patio is a central hub for all three dorms. Pumpkin carving, bonfires, picnics, and more give students opportunities to spend time with each other and with resident faculty.
Alumnae Garden
Architectural Digest named Santa Catalina the most beautiful private high school in California.
Connect with us
Email a member of our admission team for region-specific questions, or email admission@santacatalina.org for general inquiries. Our team is also happy to set up virtual meetings via Zoom.
Jamie Buffington Browne '85
Director of Admission
Stephanie Hill
Associate Director of Admission
Sarah Kline
Associate Director of Admission
Ala Milani '87
Associate Director of Admission