Castilleja School

#3 Best Private School in the SF Bay Area

Description

Castilleja School, located in the heart of Palo Alto, CA, is a distinguished all-girls institution that has been empowering young women since 1907. With a strong focus on academic excellence and personal growth, Castilleja fosters an environment where students become confident thinkers and compassionate leaders. The school’s unique blend of rigorous college preparatory programs and a supportive community ensures that each student can thrive both intellectually and emotionally. Known for its commitment to the 5 Cs—conscience, courtesy, character, courage, and charity—Castilleja prepares its graduates to make meaningful contributions to the world.

General Info

Tuition

Annual Tuition
$62,400
This number reflects the tuition amount for the highest grade level offered. For full tuition details, please contact the school directly.
Received Financial Aid
20%
Average Financial Aid
$47,058

Sports Offered

  • Swimming
  • Golf
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country

Languages Offered

  • Spanish
  • Mandarin
  • French

Clubs Offered

  • Climate Action Club
  • Women's Leadership
  • Reproductive Justice Club
  • Youth Vote Coalition

Sports Offered

  • Swimming
  • Golf
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country

Languages Offered

  • Spanish
  • Mandarin
  • French

Clubs Offered

  • Climate Action Club
  • Women's Leadership
  • Reproductive Justice Club
  • Youth Vote Coalition

School Map

Reviews

An immensely positive experience for my daughter

July 11, 2024

My daughter has been attending Castilleja for four years now, and I couldn’t be more pleased with her development. The school offers a rigorous academic program that challenges students to excel in all subjects. The teachers are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely care about the students’ success. The community is very supportive, and my daughter has made lifelong friends here. The only downside is the high tuition, but the financial aid program has been a great help for us. Overall, I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a top-notch education for their child.

Grateful that I attended Castilleja

June 17, 2024

Castilleja was the best choice I have ever made, and I am eternally grateful that my parents made the sacrifice to send me there. Castilleja has made me the person who I am today and has given me lifelong friends. I believe there are very few schools in the world that instill the same love of learning, confidence, and camaraderie among women. When I compare my high school experience to that of my college friends, I understand that Castilleja is incredibly unique. The traditions, experiential classes, global programming, connection to the community, and brilliant fellow students encouraged me to be the best version of myself. The teachers at Castilleja are some of the best people I have ever met. They truly care deeply about their students’ learning inside and outside of the classroom. I am still friends with my former teachers to this day. Every job I have earned post grad I learned about through a Castilleja alumni—the network is incredible and expansive.

The best high school you could ask for

May 24, 2024

I am currently a senior at Castilleja, and I would never choose to attend another high school. When I first came, I was a little nervous as I had heard of Casti’s reputation as rigorous and competitive. After four years, I have found that the academic rigor has only improved my experience and has never lead to competition between classmates. With sixty girls in one grade, it would seem that competition would be prevalent, especially during the college process. However, the community is one of care, and everyone at the school aims only to celebrate your achievements and encourage you to put forth your best work. Every single one of my classmates will become amazing women when they grow up, and Castilleja has been instrumental in developing our confidence, poise, ability to express ourselves, and compassion for others. Thank you Castilleja! My life is forever changed and I will bring the lessons you have taught me throughout the rest of my life. Supportive but challenging environment

As a parent, you could never ask for a better school

May 10, 2024

The Castilleja school has been a god send for my kids and I. 100% the best private school in the Bay Area!

Great school academically but can feel a bit cliquey at times

March 7, 2024

The academics at the Castilleja School are top notch. However, especially if your kids didn’t attend private primary school, Castilleja can feel a bit cliquey. Don’t be surprised if it takes your child a while to fit in and make new friends.

Too much pressure

February 2, 2024

As a student, I feel there’s too much pressure at Castilleja. The workload is intense, and the culture of perfection can be overwhelming. It’s not for everyone.

Awesome school

September 3, 2023

Castilleja is truly a special place. We are so so happy with the supportive but challenging environment, the academics, the social and emotional support and the overall caliber of students who attend the school.