Be ready to feel completely at home!

 

Where Home Feels Like Family

There’s just something about Santa Catalina that feels like a family. Is this the quintessential California setting? (Dramatic coastline, beaches, sunsets?) Absolutely. But our boarding students come from all over. And they’ll be the first to tell you they get “homesick” for school..

Discover, Connect, Thrive at Santa Catalina

This is where you find independence, gain valuable life skills, try new things, and discover your true passions and potential.

Community is a big deal here. We love to gather—especially around a great meal! Every Monday students, staff, resident faculty, and their families come together for Community Dinner, often featuring themes that reflect student experiences.

More than 20 percent of our student body is international. You might find your new roommate is from China and your neighbor down the hall is from Mexico. Every day gives you the chance to learn something new about a different country and culture, opening your mind to new customs and perspectives.

Support, Adventure, and Community

  • You always have a trusted adult to turn to. Geometry question on a Saturday afternoon? No problem! Resident faculty are always nearby and available when you need them.
  • Dorms are for more than sleeping. Our three dorms—Thompson for freshmen, Greer for sophomores and juniors, and Hills for seniors—have cozy living rooms where students can chat, play games, and watch movies, while the central patio is a favorite spot for s'mores and pumpkin carving.
  • Off Campus and Weekend Adventure. Venturing off campus, students explore downtown Monterey and Carmel, finding their favorite coffee shops and lunch spots as day students help boarders get to know the area. Weekend trips to San Francisco or hiking excursions in state and national parks give students the opportunity to enjoy a new sense of independence and dive into unfamiliar territory with confidence.

One thing I love about living at Catalina is constantly being surrounded by friends. Whether it's after school for sports, doing homework at night, or leaving campus on weekends, there's always someone to hang out and have fun with.

Andriana ’25, boarding student from Los Gatos, CA

At boarding school, you get to learn things that will prepare you for college and put you way ahead of the game. Boarding also helps you to gain a sense of independence that many students won't experience for a while.

Rehema ’24, boarding student from Georgia

Wondering whether boarding school is right for you?

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