People
When a student arrives on campus on move-in day, she meets a whole cast of people who will become her friends, neighbors, classmates, and second family. Seniors line the driveway, cheering and waving to welcome the parade of new students. A senior Big Sister helps her carry boxes and get herself settled into her new room. This sense of community, of having the support of everyone on campus, is an essential part of the Catalina experience.
Meet Our Students
Isabelle
Madison
Jenna
Q:Why did you choose to come to Catalina?
A: There was something that set Catalina apart when I stepped on campus. You could tell everyone really wanted to be here. The girls I met while touring were kind, intelligent, poised, and above all, fun. Catalina's atmosphere is rare and difficult to describe. Visit campus once and you will see what I mean.
Q: Why do you love being a boarding student at Catalina?
A: My friends and I have SO much fun living together. Our relationships grow deeper and more meaningful each year. I've met girls from around the world and have been exposed to new cultures I would have never found at home. There is always a friend to study with, a shoulder to cry on, and at least one person with the same Netflix series addiction. I have truly learned the meaning of sisterhood at Catalina.
Q: How have members of the Resident Faculty made your time at Catalina more meaningful?
A: They double as our coaches, advisors, dorm parents, and close friends. I regularly slide drafts of essays under my english teacher's door and stop in for tea and cookies. Their advice never fails to be meaningful, genuine, and significant. I would not be the girl I am today without many of them.
Hometown
- Piedmont, CA
Activities
- Admission Tour Guide
- Lacrosse
- Sailing Club, Captain
- Tennis, Captain
Q:Why did you choose to come to Catalina?
A: I chose to come to Santa Catalina because it is such a well rounded school. Not only does Catalina have challenging academics, successful sports, and an amazing theater program, but there are long lasting traditions that build a tight knit community. The teachers here excel in their respective fields and they are extremely supportive when you have any questions or concerns. Also, the fact that Catalina is all-girls really drew me to the school because the environment is so welcoming and I really liked how there is a strong sisterhood between all of the girls.
Q: How has being a boarding student at Catalina allowed you to more fully pursue your passions?
A: Being a boarder here at Catalina has allowed me to more fully enjoy my time on the swimming and water polo teams because I do not have spend a lot of time commuting to school. As soon as I’m finished with practice, I walk up to my dorm room in three minutes instead of getting into a car for an hour long drive. This advantage has saved me a lot of time that I use on my homework and it helps me get to bed at a decent time.
Q: How have members of the Resident Faculty made your time at Catalina more meaningful?
A: As a boarder, you get to know the faculty living on campus really well. We eat all of our meals together in the dining room and it is really nice when we go to Mass on Sundays and all of the families that live on campus are there.
Hometown
- Gilroy, Ca
Activities
- Lamplighter (student newspaper)
- Swimming, Captain
- TEDxSantaCatalina, member
- Water Polo
Q:Why did you choose to come to Catalina?
A: I chose to come to Catalina after I realized how much I grew as a camper at Summer at Santa Catalina. I came to camp here shy and reserved, and went home to my parents two weeks later vocal and self-sufficient
Q: How has being a boarding student at Catalina allowed you to more fully pursue your passions?
A: I am passionate about volunteering, and as a student at Catalina, I am able to volunteer regularly at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. I plan to work in the medical field and through my volunteer opportunities, I can explore different medical fields and gain a better understanding of different career opportunities in medicine.
Q: How has being a boarding student at Catalina changed you?
A: As a boarding student, I've learned about responsibilities like laundry and managing my plans. I love seeing the reactions from family and friends when I explain my daily routine. They are always impressed with how being a boarding student has allowed me to mature.
Hometown
- San Rafael, Ca
Activities
- Accents (student performance group)
- Soccer
- Theatre Tech
- Track and Field
Fellow students, boarding and day alike, will be her companions over the next four adventurous years of inquiry and discovery. Many of them will also be just down the hall if she wants a study partner, has a question about an assignment, or just feels like chatting with a friend.
Meet Our Resident Faculty
Resident faculty members are mentors, offering advice and homework help in and out of the classroom.
A World of Experiences
Since 16 percent of our student body is international, a new student might find that her roommate is from China and her neighbor down the hall is from England. Every day she’ll be able to learn something new about a different country and culture, opening her mind to new customs and perspectives.