Castilleja School — all-girls college-preparatory school in Palo Alto

Academic program and characteristics

Castilleja describes itself as a college-preparatory institution with a curriculum designed to combine rigorous academic study and skills for leadership. Core academic subjects are complemented by opportunities in the arts, technology, and languages. Class sizes and grade-level cohorts are intentionally modest to encourage participation, discussion, and mentorship between students and faculty.

Typical programs and student experiences

• Core coursework across humanities, mathematics, sciences, and languages designed for preparation for higher education.
• Visual and performing arts, with studio, music, and theater options that support creative growth.
• Extracurricular athletics, clubs and student-led organizations that promote teamwork, wellness, and leadership.
• Community service and civic engagement projects that connect students with the wider Bay Area.

History and development

Mary Lockey established the school in the early 20th century at a time when educational opportunities for girls were expanding in the United States. Over more than a century Castilleja has evolved from a small local academy into a well-known regional school that maintains an all-girls focus while remaining non-religious. Its program and facilities have expanded to meet contemporary academic standards while preserving an emphasis on female leadership.

Campus life and culture

The school's size fosters a community in which students can assume visible leadership roles and build close academic relationships. Activities range from competitive sports and performance ensembles to student government and peer mentorship. Faculty advisers, college counseling resources, and co-curricular programs seek to support both intellectual growth and personal development.

Distinctive role and importance

Castilleja is often noted for its single-sex educational model in a region with many coeducational options; it is recognized as the only nonsectarian all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Advocates point to the school's focus on leadership, collaboration, and academic rigor as central to its mission. For further institutional information and admissions details see the school's official pages and profile: school profile.