Castilleja School

My daughter entered 6th grade in fall of 2010. After becoming bored at her last (private) school, she has become highly motivated by her experiences at Casti. She likes almost all her teachers, who seem genuinely interested in treating her as an individual and adapting to individual styles of learning. The curriculum in all the subjects seems demanding and thought provoking. There is a lot of homework, but I think it goes with the territory. This is a school for highly motivated, academically focused girls. There is also an active extra-curricular scene, from "clubs" addressing community service, creative writing, hobby, crafts, and sports; to athletics; to a vibrant performing arts offering. My daughter performed in the middle school play which was a fabulous, professional production. She has also had the chance to try out robotics, debate, and dance, all at the age of 11. We're glad we chose Casti (so far so good!).
--Submitted by a parent

7 amazing years. I will wear my class ring forever, or at least until I lose it.

The students are wonderful, the faculty is excellent (and a handful are master teachers in the truest sense of the term), but the administration is troubled and troubling. Time will tell whether the problems at the top erode the educational quality.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at Castilleja and all I am going to say is that i never want to leave. The curriculum is exceptional and the facualty and staff are sooo lovely. I will agree though that sometimes there is a bit of pressure. It is nice to have friends that think like you do. Casti also has a wonderful sports program, that is how i fell in love with water polo.
--Submitted by a student

I am the parent of two Castilleja school graduates. Both went to an Ivy League college. The elder got a master's degree from another Ivy League college. The younger has been accepted to medical school. As I recall, 3/4's of the girls in my younger daughter's class rated National Merit Commendations or above. To state the obvious, Castilleja has one of the top academic programs in the country. As such, it is probably less than ideal for an average or under motivated student. Yes, the faculty and staff are excellent at addressing the developmental issues that young women face. Yes, school offers an outstanding arts program and a good athletic program. Nonetheless, this is not a school for those for whom academics are not thier top priority. The school counts among its parents various Silicon Valley movers and shakers and that too can be intimidating.
--Submitted by a parent

It really is a great school! Very good and very great!
--Submitted by Mary Smith, a former student

There is no better high school than Castilleja. Although serving grades 6-12, my daughter joined the 9th grade class. The academic rigor, the small class size and quality environment of facilities, teachers, and staff make this the ideal environment for the academically gifted student. Although the academic intensity is high, the support, academically and relationally is such that the journey is doable. Typically more than 50% of the graduating seniors make National Honors. Normally 100% of graduating seniors go on to four year colleges. While sports are a strong suit, there are other activities available including music and drama. As a presitigious school, they are able to draw in outstanding guest speakers. Just last night I attended a speech by former vice-president Al Gore. Girls are challenged and encouraged to go beyond simple learning and to become active learners. Outstanding Administrative leadership provides strong direction and support to staff and students.
--Submitted by a parent

My mother worked there as a house mother when Miss Espanosia was head mistress. The facilities were good, well maintained, and the staff were caring and helpful.
--Submitted by a staff

Good academic program and art and chrous. Very good
--Submitted by a former student

I would recommend this school to any parents. It is just an outstanding school, in my opinion. The student-teacher ratio is just unbelieveable.
--Submitted by a parent