CATE SCHOOL
COMMUNITY & BELONGING
At Cate, the opportunities are limitless. Cate makes LIVING and LEARNING on the Mesa an extraordinary journey of personal and academic growth.
the me•sa
noun
A flat-topped hill with steep sides; the affectionate nickname of the Cate School campus.
serv•ons verb
Meaning “let us serve” in French; a way of life at Cate.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Cate isn’t just a school - it’s a home. We take pride in our inclusive community that extends a warm welcome to students from near and far. Our exceptional boarding and day school experience is tailored to provide unwavering support, genuine care, and meaningful connections for every student. Our thoughtfully designed residential community features gender-specific dormitories, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment. We also offer an all-gender dormitory option, ensuring inclusivity for all. Our dedicated dorm faculty reside on-site, ready to offer support and guidance during every moment, whether it’s celebrating triumphs or navigating challenges. Day students can forge meaningful connections through our boarding buddy program, offering a rejuvenating respite between classes or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our Day Student Lounge. Indulge in culinary delights at the Otis Booth Foundation Dining Commons, where you’ll savor flavorful and nutritious meals throughout the day, complemented by a variety of healthy snacks.
BALANCE & BELONGING
At Cate, balance and belonging are at the heart of our community, with intentional resources in place to nurture the well-being of each individual within the Mesa’s close-knit fabric. Health and wellness is a top priority, with a dedicated team of empathetic and caring nurses providing exceptional care in our state-of-the-art facilities. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts form the bedrock of our community, guided by a committed team of faculty who strive to create an inclusive environment throughout every facet of Cate life. Student inclusion representatives amplify the student voice, fostering a robust and meaningful experience for all. Counseling services are a vital pillar of support, with two full-time staff counselors and collaborations with local counseling organizations. These partnerships provide access to a wide range of resources for mental health, forming strong and supportive bonds that prioritize the well-being of each student.
FINDING FAMILY IN COMMUNITY
In our small-group advisories, students find a sense of family on campus. Meeting weekly during assemblies and designated advisory sessions, advisors guide each student’s academic journey, serving as mentors, parents away from home, and champions for their students. Whether it’s a comforting home-cooked meal or a compassionate ear on a challenging day, advisors are there to provide unwavering support and cheer on the triumphs. Balance and belonging are essential for the personal growth of each student. Our commitment to comprehensive health services, inclusive practices, robust counseling support, and caring advisory relationships ensures that every member of our community feels valued, supported, and connected.
HONORING THE PAST, EMBRACING THE FUTURE
Tradition is deeply woven into the fabric of life at Cate, creating moments of reflection, connection, and celebration. They pay homage to the past, celebrate the present, and ignite inspiration for the future. They cultivate a collection of shared experiences, fostering profound connections and leaving an enduring mark on the hearts and minds of all who become part of this community.
Sunset Ceremony
The Sunset Ceremony, marking the beginning and end of the school year, holds a special place in the hearts of the community. Led by the Head of School, passages of meaningful text are read as the sun sets on the edge of the Mesa, bringing the entire community together to soak in the moment and embrace the year ahead or reflect on the journey completed. Seniors are particularly honored with a heartfelt hug line, symbolizing the cherished connections they have made throughout their time at Cate.
Commencement
Commencement marks the end of a student’s journey at Cate. Following inspiring speeches from the Head of School, a chosen faculty speaker, and a selected student speaker, each senior is celebrated through a brief personal citation read by the Head of School, acknowledging their unique contributions and accomplishments throughout their Cate journey.
Family Weekend
Family Weekend is a beloved tradition held in both the Fall and Spring. Parents and family members are warmly welcomed to experience life at Cate firsthand. They witness the vibrant pulse of the campus through classroom visits, sports games and practices, art gallery installations, theater and musical performances, and engaging interactions with families from around the world. This special weekend fosters a sense of belonging and connection between families, the school, and the broader Cate community.
A THRIVING COMMUNITY
A sense of community thrives at Cate because intentional efforts are made to foster connections and create a sense of togetherness. The regular Assembly gatherings, held three times a week, provide a platform for a variety of activities, from important announcements to entertaining skits. These moments not only keep everyone informed but also offer an opportunity to build community through shared laughter, joy, and camaraderie. The Servons Speaker Series, a cherished tradition taking place every Thursday in the beautiful Katherine Thayer Cate Chapel on campus, showcases the growth and reflections of senior students during their time at Cate. These inspiring talks not only foster gratitude and reflection but also serve as a testament to the transformative journey each student undertakes, deepening their connection to the Cate community. Weekends at Cate are filled with an array of engaging activities designed to bring students closer together. Whether it’s embarking on captivating camping trips to breathtaking destinations, enjoying a fun-filled day in Santa Barbara with friends, belting out tunes during karaoke nights in the dining hall, or dancing the night away, these shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within the community.
TAKING CHARGE
Cate’s comprehensive program is designed to cultivate leadership skills in every student, empowering them to make a positive impact both within the school community and beyond.
At Cate, leadership opportunities abound, allowing students to develop their unique strengths, nurture their passion for service, and embrace their potential as future leaders.
One avenue for leadership development is through our Inclusion Representatives program, which offers 9th to 12th-grade students the opportunity to champion inclusivity and foster a sense of belonging for all. These representatives partner with faculty and the Board of Trustees and play a vital role in ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Prefects, as leaders in residential life, take charge of organizing activities and fostering a strong sense of community within our residential halls. They are vital to the creation of a supportive environment, serving as campus leaders, liaisons between students and faculty, and role models.
The Tour Guide Program provides another avenue for students to step into leadership roles. While seniors hold the position of Head Tour Guides, 10th and 11th-grade students can also become tour guides, showcasing their enthusiasm and knowledge to prospective families, offering a glimpse into the vibrant Cate experience.
For new students, Cate implements the Big Sibling program. Incoming students are paired with current students, offering guidance, friendship, and support. This mentorship not only eases the adjustment process but also creates lasting bonds that enhance the overall sense of belonging across our community.
DIVERSE VOICES, INSPIRING PERSPECTIVES
The Convocation Speaker Series expands horizons, fuels intellectual curiosity, and sparks profound conversations. With a tapestry of diverse perspectives and boundless insights, this remarkable program invites the community to embrace the power of knowledge and ignite a lifelong pursuit of learning. On most Mondays, the community eagerly gathers to witness captivating talks that delve into an expansive range of topics, spanning from the intricacies of cryptocurrency to the artistry of choreography. Esteemed individuals, including Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert, renowned activist Malala Yousafzai, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, have graced the stage, leaving an indelible impact on all in attendance. The series also serves as a homecoming for accomplished alumni, who return to share their personal journeys, offering inspiration and insights to current students. These remarkable individuals serve as a testament to the transformative power of a Cate education.
Malala Yousafzai, Educational Activist
Ryan Gellert, Patagonia CEO
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist
Kai Martinez, Choreographer
Elan Harper '16, Web3 Developer & Product Manager at Alchemy
BEYOND THE MESA
At Cate, service is a way of life. Guided by our mission and embraced through our motto, “Servons,” we prioritize service to others and strive to make a meaningful impact on both our immediate community and the world at large. Every Wednesday, our students eagerly participate in Public Service Night, a cherished tradition where they dedicate their time and energy to various service projects in the local area. As a distinguished RoundSquare school, Cate actively collaborates with global partners to provide extraordinary opportunities for learning, personal growth, and service. Our students embark on life-changing trips to destinations such as England, Kenya, India, and Canada, where they immerse themselves in diverse cultures, expand their perspectives, and engage in impactful service initiatives that address local needs.
In the spirit of cultural exchange, we warmly welcome students from around the world to join our community and experience the vibrant Cate environment firsthand. We are also committed to fostering empathy and understanding of complex social issues. Each year, a dedicated group of faculty and students embarks on the transformative Los Niños trip to Mexicali, where they extend a helping hand to border residents and gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by immigrant communities. At Cate, service is more than an obligation; it is a privilege and a calling. Through our exceptional service programs, we empower our students to become compassionate leaders, change-makers, and global citizens who are committed to making a positive difference in the world.
www.cate.org