Castilleja School
Castilleja School General Information
Overview
Castilleja School is an elite independent girls’ school located in Palo Alto, California, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of women leaders. Founded in 1907, the school provides a transformative college-preparatory education for students in grades 6 through 12. With its motto “Women Learning, Women Leading,” Castilleja emphasizes intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and global awareness. The academic environment at Castilleja is both rigorous and nurturing, encouraging girls to take intellectual risks, think critically, and engage deeply in their communities.
The school fosters interdisciplinary learning, combining traditional subjects with modern fields like computer science, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. Its small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and strong student-teacher relationships. Beyond academics, Castilleja offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities including athletics, arts, service learning, and leadership programs that empower young women to become confident, compassionate changemakers. The school’s strong alumnae network and partnerships with top universities further reflect its commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
Contact Information
Address: 1310 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone Number: (650) 328-3160
Email Address: info@castilleja.org
Castilleja School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1907 |
| Motto | “Women Learning, Women Leading” |
| Type | Independent, All-Girls, College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered | 6–12 |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 7:1 |
Castilleja School Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position |
|---|---|
| California Private High School Ranking | Top 5 |
| U.S. All-Girls School Ranking | Top 10 |
| STEM Excellence Ranking (National) | Top 20 |
| Overall Academic Achievement | A+ Rating |
Castilleja School Academics
Castilleja School Faculties / Departments
- English and Literature Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science and Technology Department
- History and Social Studies Department
- World Languages Department
- Visual and Performing Arts Department
- Physical Education and Health Department
- Leadership and Global Programs Department
Castilleja School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Advanced Mathematics (Algebra II, Calculus, Statistics)
- English Literature and Writing
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Computer Science and Engineering
- History and Global Politics
- Spanish, French, and Mandarin Language Programs
- Visual Arts, Theater, and Music
- Ethics, Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies
Online Learning
Castilleja School embraces technology-enhanced learning while maintaining its strong in-person academic culture. The school provides digital resources, hybrid learning platforms, and online enrichment courses to ensure flexibility and accessibility. Students use learning management systems to collaborate, conduct research, and engage in global virtual exchanges with partner schools. Online learning became integral during remote education phases, and now serves as a supplementary tool that extends classroom learning and supports individualized instruction.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1410–1500 |
| ACT | 31–34 |
| AP Exam Pass Rate | 96% |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Castilleja School boasts a 100% retention and graduation rate, with all graduating seniors advancing to top-tier universities. The school’s emphasis on academic rigor, mentorship, and college counseling ensures that students not only graduate but also transition smoothly into higher education environments. Students are guided through a comprehensive four-year college preparation program that includes academic advising, leadership development, and social-emotional support.
Castilleja School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The GPA range for admitted students typically falls between 3.8 and 4.0, reflecting Castilleja’s academic excellence. While standardized test scores are not required for admission to the school itself, applicants demonstrate high academic performance and strong aptitude through transcripts, teacher recommendations, and personal essays.
Castilleja School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 18% |
| 2024 | 17% |
Castilleja School Application Requirements
Applying to Castilleja School is a selective process designed to identify motivated and intellectually curious young women. The application includes an online form, academic transcripts, and two teacher recommendations—one from a math/science teacher and another from a humanities teacher. Prospective students must also complete a student statement that reflects their interests, goals, and leadership potential. An interview and campus visit are strongly encouraged. For financial aid applicants, supporting documentation is required to ensure equitable access to Castilleja’s education regardless of economic background.
Application Process
- Submit online application form through the school’s portal
- Upload academic records and teacher recommendations
- Complete student and parent essays
- Schedule an interview and campus tour
- Submit optional standardized test scores
- Receive admission decision
Castilleja School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September 1 |
| Application Deadline | January 12 |
| Interviews and Campus Visits | October–February |
| Decision Notification | March 15 |
| Enrollment Deadline | April 10 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are often asked to reflect on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. A typical prompt includes: “Describe a time when you took initiative or faced a challenge. What did you learn about yourself, and how did you grow as a result?”
Castilleja School Scholarships
Castilleja School offers generous financial aid to ensure accessibility for all qualified students. Around 25% of students receive need-based scholarships each year. Aid packages may cover tuition, books, and extracurricular expenses, depending on family income. Additionally, leadership and merit awards are occasionally granted to students who demonstrate exceptional academic or community achievements.
Castilleja School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Middle School (Grades 6–8) | $60,500 |
| Upper School (Grades 9–12) | $63,000 |
| Activity and Technology Fee | $1,200 |
| Books and Supplies (Approx.) | $800–$1,000 |
Castilleja School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Castilleja School serves an all-female student population of approximately 430 students aged 11 to 18. The community is diverse, with 45% of students identifying as students of color, including Asian American, Hispanic, African American, and multiracial backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and fosters a culture of inclusivity and understanding. Students come from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting the school’s commitment to accessibility and representation in education.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Castilleja School ensures that every student, regardless of financial or physical challenges, receives equal access to its programs. About one in four students benefit from financial aid programs. The school’s learning specialists collaborate with teachers to provide academic accommodations and individualized learning support for students with documented disabilities or learning differences. Social-emotional counselors also play a vital role in ensuring a balanced, supportive academic experience for all students.
Student Body
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 430 Students |
| International Students | 5% |
| Average Class Size | 14 Students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 7:1 |
University Diversity
Diversity is a core value at Castilleja School, reflected in both its student body and its educational philosophy. The school’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiative actively promotes cross-cultural understanding and celebrates differences through curriculum, student clubs, and community events. Global leadership programs and cultural exchange partnerships further broaden students’ perspectives. By nurturing empathy and awareness, Castilleja ensures its graduates are equipped to lead with integrity in an interconnected world.
Average Earnings
While Castilleja School does not track graduate earnings, its alumnae frequently attend prestigious universities such as Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and MIT, often pursuing careers in STEM, business, law, medicine, and public service. Many former students become leaders in their fields, reflecting the long-term value of a Castilleja education in fostering ambition, confidence, and professional success.
Castilleja School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Castilleja’s faculty includes over 70 experienced educators, most of whom hold advanced degrees in their fields. The staff is known for fostering academic rigor while supporting personal growth and well-being. Faculty members continuously participate in professional development programs and collaborate to design dynamic, student-centered curricula that integrate innovation and leadership.
Faculty Profiles
Many faculty members are recognized leaders in education, with expertise in STEM innovation, liberal arts, and equity in education. Several have published research on girls’ education and have been awarded fellowships for excellence in teaching. Their combined experience contributes to the vibrant intellectual environment that defines Castilleja’s reputation for excellence.
Castilleja School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Castilleja campus spans six acres in the heart of Palo Alto and features state-of-the-art academic buildings, science labs, art studios, athletic facilities, and a newly renovated Innovation Lab. The school offers a vibrant day-school environment, with no boarding facilities. Students participate in leadership retreats, athletic programs, debate, robotics, theater, and service initiatives. Clubs and student organizations encourage creativity, collaboration, and social responsibility, enriching campus life beyond the classroom.
Transportation
Located in a residential area of Palo Alto, Castilleja School is easily accessible via public transit, bike routes, and carpools. The school encourages sustainable transportation through its Green Commuting Program, which promotes biking, walking, and carpooling among students and staff. For families commuting from nearby cities, shuttle services are available from select areas in the Bay region. Parking facilities are limited, emphasizing the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community-friendly access.