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
September 27, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook
As we move into fall, I wanted to share a list of 10 highlights from the start of the year. As is true with life on the Mesa, each day contains moments of collective exuberance often followed by a quiet sliver of solitude – usually outside. I’ve learned to pay attention at every moment to …
September 12, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook
I often marvel at the spontaneous moments of magic that characterize life on the Mesa. Such as seeing a senior holding the arm of a younger student on her way to the health center or the happenstance conversation I had at the Amazon Locker Hub with sophomores minutes after their return from Yosemite, packs on …
May 10, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook: In Loco Parentis – How are the Kids?
Whenever someone asks me, “How are the kids?” I hesitate and often respond by saying, “Which ones?” I don’t know what this says about me as a mother, but my first instinct is to think about the “kids” at Cate. As we approach Mother’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on what in loco parentis means for …
April 26, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook: First and Forever
As I endeavor to learn all I can about Cate, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed examining artifacts from our archives. Each photograph, article, or set of meeting minutes lends me some clue about how who we are today was informed by our past. Most recently, I asked our archivist, Judy Savage, to help me find documents related …
