Head of School
From the Desk of Alexandra Lockett
At Cate, our inquiry-based curriculum is fueled by our commitment to fostering health and excellence in our community. Our academic, athletic, arts, and outdoors programs take advantage of our unique location. Nestled between the peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Carpinteria coastline, we offer countless opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and curiosity. Whether molding new ideas through the arts, questioning into the sciences, or observing the human condition in humanities, our students engage deeply and grow as they encounter diverse perspectives.
Visitors to Cate often comment on the stunning vistas, the tranquil setting, and the idyllic California weather. But what remains with them long after they leave campus is the warmth of our community. At Cate, students and faculty alike find a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy that enriches their lives and motivates them to make meaningful contributions to our world.
Our people, place, and inquiry method create what our founder, Curtis Cate, called the “spirit of this place”. We invite you to experience the spirit of Cate for yourself. Join us in Carpinteria, California to visit our campus, meet our students, and observe our program. We look forward to welcoming you to the Mesa!
Recent Updates from Ms. Lockett
February 7, 2025
Head of School’s Notebook – It’s About Time
Our dancers put on the most remarkable Dance Convocation this week centered on the theme of time and all its dimensions. Like the seasons, the various qualities of time have their own rhythm inviting us into a fuller experience into the cyclical nature of our inner lives. Many cultural and religious traditions speak to the …
January 24, 2025
Head of School’s Notebook
I welcome the opportunity to pause and reflect at the end of the week as it is my strong belief that the story we tell and the meaning we make from our life experiences is what shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Multicultural Programming Coordinator Kadeine Peterson, …
December 20, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook: Service in Spirit
As we head into the final days of the year where giving and receiving gifts is central to many cultural practices, I find myself reflecting on the adage, “It is better to give than receive.” Here at Cate, our ethos of Servons codifies our shared belief that life is made meaningful through regular and generous …
November 22, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook
Happy Fall Break! Today, our students are in various stages of travel on their way to their loved ones. We can already feel their absence here, yet we know how excited they are for this break and for the chance to reconnect with the people and places they know and love. As we all prepare …
