Cate School
Website: https://www.cate.orgLocation: 1960 Cate-Mesa Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013 School Type: Private (coeducational college preparatory boarding and day) Grades Served: 9-12
School Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $83,580 boarding / $67,290 day (2025-26) |
| Enrollment | 311 |
| Endowment / Total Funding | $135M endowment |
| Notable Donors / Investors | Emmett Family, Sprague Family, Horowitz Family (Adam Horowitz, David Horowitz), Boswell Foundation, Charles P. Berolzheimer Foundation, Dan Emmett, Wyatt Gruber |
Why They Stand Out for Tech Innovation
New Inquiry Collaborative with makerspace, digital arts lab, computational thinking classroom; faculty with CS/robotics expertise; Python-based scientific computational modeling; emphasis on inquiry-based, interdisciplinary STEM education in a boarding setting.
Technology and Innovation Programs
Inquiry-based curriculum with interdisciplinary computational modeling using Python; computational thinking integrated into science; recent Inquiry Collaborative academic hub supports innovation.
Maker Spaces and Innovation Labs
Inquiry Collaborative features school's first makerspace, ceramics studio, digital arts lab, computational thinking classroom.
AI, Robotics, and Computer Science
Faculty expertise in CS (James Kellogg), engineering/robotics (Aurora Santangelo); computational modeling courses; physics emphasizes computational thinking. No dedicated AI/robotics courses listed.
Key Partnerships
No specific tech company or university partnerships identified.
Leadership and Contacts
| Role | Name / Contact |
|---|---|
| Head of School / CEO | Alexandra Lockett |
| Technology / Innovation Director | Kim McCormack (Director of Technology) |
| Admissions Email | sandi_pierce@cate.org |
| Main Phone | (805) 684-4127 |
Sources
Cate Quick Facts, Cate Tuition, Cate Leadership, Cate Directory, Cate Library, Cate Science, HFO Profile PDF, CA Dept of Education, BoardingSchoolReview, Endowment Funds