Welcome from the Head of School

Dr. Barbara Ostos sitting on a bench and smiling

Welcome to Santa Catalina School!

Santa Catalina School is a vibrant and intentional community of learners created over seven decades of educational excellence. It is a school grounded in its mission to develop in each student a striving for excellence, a maturing awareness of moral and spiritual values, a sense of responsible purpose, and a determination to serve the world with courage, grace, and compassion. Excitement and respect for such a community brought me to Santa Catalina School. I am humbled to serve as the school’s fifth Head of School.

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School serves PreK through Grade 8 boys and girls. Our all-girls Upper School, with its robust boarding and day program, serves Grades 9 through 12. Learning at all levels is designed by expert teachers who know and value each student as an individual; they believe that students learn best by doing and exploring. The result of an education based on strong relationships and on the honoring and encouragement of students to be their true selves, our graduates are ready to take on the challenges of high school, college, and life with confidence and integrity.

Santa Catalina School is a transformational experience for every student. Following the words of our patron saint, Catherine of Siena, who said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire,” our graduates change the world.
 
While this website gives an overview of the school, the magical place and space that is Santa Catalina is best experienced on campus, in person. You will find joy in all corners of the campus, a gracious faculty and staff, appreciation for teachers from students, a committed parent body, and an involved alumni community.

I invite you to visit and see for yourself!
 
Be well and blessings,
Dr. Barbara Ostos



Head of School search process

Dr. Barbara Ostos was announced as Santa Catalina's fifth Head of School in June 2021. She began her tenure on July 1, 2022.

Learn more about the search process here.