How much is tuition at Cate School?

At Cate School, boarding tuition is $87,340 per year and day tuition is $70,990 per year (2026-2027). The figure comes from the school's own published tuition page.

Does Cate School offer financial aid?

Yes. 24% of students at Cate School receive financial aid (2026-2027). Award sizes vary by family income and assets, so the published tuition is not what every family pays.

What grades does Cate School serve?

Cate School serves grades 9-12.

Is Cate School a boarding or day school?

Cate School offers both boarding and day enrollment. It is coeducational.

How many students attend Cate School?

Cate School enrolls about 285 students.

Where is Cate School located?

Cate School is located in Carpinteria, California.

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both

coed

9-12

Cate School

Carpinteria, California

Financials

Source year 2026-2027 · Tuition source · Verified August 13, 2026

Day tuition (2026-2027)

$70,990

Boarding tuition (2026-2027)

$87,340

Financial aid

24% of students

Enrollment

285

Student:Teacher

5:1

Founded

1910

Can you actually afford this? Claire works out what Cate School costs your family after aid — and whether it fits your child.

What Cate School actually costs

Estimates — verify with the school

Published tuition is only part of the picture. This projection adds the costs families actually pay (tuition source year 2026-2027), with ~4%/yr tuition inflation.

Program

Distance from home

Years attending

Expected financial aid0% of tuition

24% of students at this school receive aid. Use the school's net price calculator for your family's real number.

Year 1 real cost

$96,040

vs $87,340 published tuition

4-year total

$407,285

incl. $36,398 beyond tuition

Hidden costs per year

Books, laptop & course materials$800
Athletics gear & team fees$900
Activities, trips & event fees$1,200
Travel home & breaks$2,000
Dorm setup & storage$400
Spending money & incidentals$2,400
Health & student fees$1,000

About

Cate School is a coeducational boarding and day school perched on a 150-acre mesa above the Pacific coast in Carpinteria, California. Founded in 1910, Cate is known for its small size, close student-faculty relationships, strong outdoor program, and a service requirement built into daily campus life.

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Common questions

How much is tuition at Cate School?: At Cate School, boarding tuition is $87,340 per year and day tuition is $70,990 per year (2026-2027). The figure comes from the school's own published tuition page.
Does Cate School offer financial aid?: Yes. 24% of students at Cate School receive financial aid (2026-2027). Award sizes vary by family income and assets, so the published tuition is not what every family pays.
What grades does Cate School serve?: Cate School serves grades 9-12.
Is Cate School a boarding or day school?: Cate School offers both boarding and day enrollment. It is coeducational.
How many students attend Cate School?: Cate School enrolls about 285 students.
Where is Cate School located?: Cate School is located in Carpinteria, California.

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