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
January 18, 2024
Head of School’s Notebook
Last year, after accepting the job at Cate, my family and I visited the Mesa during MLK weekend. We attended all of the festivities that day and I remember thinking to myself how powerful and unusual it felt to see a community collectively taking ownership of building a beloved community. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. …
December 8, 2023
Head of School’s Notebook: Love & Perspective
This fall, I was invited to join The 1911 Group established one year after the founding of Cate. I recently attended the annual conference at Princeton and as the newest and youngest member of the group, I had the opportunity to listen and learn from an incredibly impressive array of school leaders. As part of …
November 10, 2023
Head of School’s Notebook
On the eve of Veterans Day, I feel compelled to reflect on the members of our Cate community who have devoted their lives to serving the United States Armed Forces. One alumna in particular, Boyden Rohner ’95, will be receiving the Cate Distinguished Alumni Award tomorrow in recognition of her service in the US Navy …
October 27, 2023
Head of School’s Notebook
I had the pleasure of meeting a former Cate parent this week who said something to me that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind: “Dream big, start small, go deep.” This resonated as I feel that this is exactly what I’ve been trying to do as I move through this first …
