How to Get Into Castilleja School: A Complete Admissions Guide for Parents

Quick Answer for Busy Parents

Getting into Castilleja School requires a strong academic record, compelling teacher recommendations, a thoughtful personal statement, and evidence of character that aligns with the school’s mission of educating girls to become confident, ethical leaders. 

To be competitive, a student needs a clear, authentic story: one that shows who your child is, what drives them, and how they’ll add something real to the community. 

Why Do Families Choose Castilleja School?

Castilleja School was founded in 1907 by Mary Ishbel Crawford, a Stanford graduate who believed deeply that girls deserved the same rigorous academic preparation as boys. Over a century later, that founding conviction has only deepened. 

Situated on a beautifully maintained 6.5-acre campus in the heart of Palo Alto, Castilleja is one of the oldest all-girls schools on the West Coast, and it wears that history with purpose rather than nostalgia. Castilleja is recognized for its commitment to shaping learners into confident, ethical leaders. 

Families choose Castilleja School for the combination of academic rigor and genuine warmth. The all-girls environment, backed by decades of educational research, allows students to explore leadership, take intellectual risks, and develop voice in ways that can feel harder in coed settings. For families who prioritize both excellence and character formation, Castilleja is a compelling fit. 

How Hard Is It to Get Into Castilleja School?

It is generally considered difficult to get into Castilleja. The school has a reputation for having a very selective admission process and a low acceptance rate. The admissions committee chooses girls who have intellectual curiosity, are actively involved in their communities, and exhibit a genuine love of learning. With 65% of its population identifying as students of color, the school also emphasizes diversity and strives for a well-rounded student body. Many families applying to Casti are also considering other top private schools across the U.S., including The Nueva School, Crystal Springs Upland, and Harker School. 

To increase your chances of getting into Castilleja, working with experienced admissions consultants and preparing early are keys to success. Nobody knows the admissions process better than our private school consultants at Cardinal Education. For almost two decades, we have helped numerous families gain admission and become successful Gators. 

Top Tips For Families Who Want to Get Into Castilleja School

• • Start the process in the spring or summer before your application year.
• • Build the strongest possible academic foundation now. 
• • Focus on depth over breadth in your activities. 

Best Practices for Students Applying to Castilleja School

• • Visit campus before submitting the application. 
• • Start the standardized testing process early. 
• • Talk to current Castilleja School families if possible. 

Common Questions Parents Ask About Castilleja’s Admissions

Q: Does Castilleja require standardized test scores?
A: Castilleja School does not require ISEE or SSAT test scores in its holistic evaluation of applicants.

Q: What GPA do you need to get into Castilleja?
A: There’s no published minimum GPA, but admitted students consistently perform at the top of their class. 

Q: What grades does Castilleja admit?
A: Castilleja admits students to grades 6 through 11, with the primary entry points being 6th and 9th grades. Spots in other grades occasionally open but are limited. 

Castilleja School’s Admission Process

Creating an account in Ravenna is the first step in Castilleja’s admission process. There, you will be able to sign up for events and submit the required documents for your application.

1. Create your own Ravenna account
2. Participate in Casti Admission Events
3. Submit a Preliminary Application
4. Schedule and attend a campus visit and student interview. 
5. Sign up for the Online Writing Sample.
6. Complete student & parent questionnaires
7. Delegate recommendation letters to 
   1. Math teacher
   2. English teacher
   3. Principal or counselor
8. Submit transcripts

For more details and to begin your application, visit Castilleja’s Admissions page.

Castilleja School Application Requirements

Virtual and In-Person Events

There are several events listed on Ravenna that you are encouraged to attend, such as:

1. High School Virtual Preview Event
2. High School Campus Tours 
3. Parent/Guardian Admission Information Sessions 
4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Program 
5. Parent Meetups
6. High School Meetup Focused on Athletics, Performing Arts, Robotics/Maker Space

These events are meant for you to learn more about Castilleja and understand what it takes to become part of the community. You will discover if it is a good fit for your daughter and with your values as a family. Attending these events will show admissions officers that you are really interested in attending the school.

The challenge when attending is how to stand out and get noticed by admissions officers. We know how to help you! Our admissions consultants can teach you how to demonstrate interest, what relevant questions to ask, and how to conduct yourself in front of the counselors, teachers, and other staff.  

Preliminary Application Form

The preliminary application form is a simple form that collects essential information about your daughter and should be submitted before the deadline, together with the application fee.     

Campus Visit and Student Interview

You may only register for a campus visit if you have submitted and paid for the preliminary application. This activity allows admissions officers to get to know you and your daughter. The interview will last for approximately 20 minutes and will be a casual conversation, and there are no correct responses. 

Admissions interviews, no matter how casual or informal they may be, could be a make-or-break in your application. With our interview preparation program, our admissions consultants will guide you on how to evaluate questions and give responses that are authentic and leave a positive impression on the interviewer. Mock interviews will familiarize you with commonly asked questions and help you answer with confidence.  

Online Writing Sample

An online writing sample is required of all grades 6 through 12 applicants for some Palo Alto schools and Bay Area private schools. Students must respond to questions in a virtual exercise proctored by Test Innovators within the allotted 30 minutes. Many students find this difficult and struggle to organize their ideas and write them clearly. 

Our Online Writing Sample Preparation program teaches students how to organize their thoughts and write persuasive essays. Our writing tutors provide writing exercises to hone skills after determining where your child needs assistance through a writing assessment.

Student Questionnaire and Essay

Applicants will be required to select one essay question and respond to it in roughly 500 words, as well as complete the student questionnaire that calls for shorter answers. Through the student questionnaire and essay, your daughter can express herself in the Student Questionnaires and Essays by talking about the things that are significant to her.

The admissions committee would like to learn more about your child and her current situation as well as her past experiences. We are aware that many stories and illustrations may pop into your head, but we will assist you in determining which ones are pertinent to Castilleja. They are searching for distinctiveness, anything that will set your daughter apart from the other candidates. Writing abilities will also be demonstrated. How can you write a fascinating, impactful essay with few words? Our admissions consultants can help in selecting original anecdotes and producing essays of the highest caliber. Cardinal Education offers a Program in Writing and Reading (PWR) to assist in the development of reading and writing skills.

Parent Questionnaire

The parent questionnaire contains questions about your child. Answer several questions that elicit responses that show your child’s strengths and weaknesses as well as your goals as a family. 

Admissions officers are not only focused on your child but on your whole family as well. After the family interview, they would want to know more through the parent/guardian statement. Simple, truthful, and authentic answers will never go wrong. However, you should know which responses will increase or harm your chances of admission. As we get to know you through our holistic admissions process, we can guide you in identifying your strengths and values that will appeal to the admissions committee because we know what they value most.

Recommendation Letters

Upper school applicants must submit recommendation letters from the current teachers in English and math teachers and also from the principal or school counselor. Castilleja does not encourage sending additional letters of recommendation from other teachers, coaches, or mentors. 

Since we have spent almost two decades assisting students in getting into Castilleja School, we are aware of what the admissions committee looks for most. Our admissions consultants will assist in securing glowing recommendations that highlight your child’s abilities, academic successes, distinguishing traits, and special talents. These must, however, be backed up by further credentials, such as test results, grades, and active engagement in extracurricular activities. 

Do letters of recommendation really matter?

Letters of recommendation ought to be able to set your child apart from other candidates. In our experience, many students are frequently convinced that they can enroll in their ideal school because they think highly of themselves as learners. Being an extraordinary candidate differs from being a great student. You should be aware that a sizable number of applicants may be applying with GPAs and achievements that are identical to your child’s or even better. We established, enhanced, and mastered techniques as private school admissions experts that will assist you in receiving glowing recommendations from the guidance counselor, principal, and teachers. 

Transcript

All applicants are required to submit the official transcript from the previous academic year and the first grading period of the current year as well as any prior standardized testing. The Transcript Release and Confidentiality Form should be printed, signed, and delivered to your daughter’s present school. 

Transcripts demonstrate readiness to take on Castilleja’s coursework in addition to academic excellence. If your child’s grades aren’t so great, we suggest that they start tutoring in the topics that are the most difficult as soon as possible because improving grades takes time. The Bay Area’s top tutoring services are offered by us. Our tutors will see to it that your child gets better marks and fulfills all the requirements. We provide academic coaching and in-person or online tutoring for a range of subjects to help your child build executive function abilities, get ready for difficult tasks, and eventually succeed academically.

Testing

ISEE or SSAT results are not considered in Castilleja’s evaluation of applicants throughout the admissions process. Test results will not be added to the files of applicants even if submitted. The admissions committee will keep a holistic perspective in mind as they assess the numerous ways that applicants can benefit from and contribute to our learning community.

Top Tips for Castilleja’s Admissions Interviews and Events 

• • Encourage your child to come to the interview with at least one genuine question 
• • Always review the school website to confirm the application requirements and process. 
• • For campus tours, have your daughter pay attention to things she can speak to specifically in her application or interview. 

Best Practices for the Interview and Visiting Campus 

• • Arrive on time—or a few minutes early—for any interview or campus event. 
• • Don’t coach your daughter to give the “right” answers. 
• • Thoughtfully prepare for interviews by reviewing unique offerings by the school and getting a great understanding of the school’s core values and how it matches your family’s. 

Common Questions Families Ask About Interviews and School Events

Q: Is the Castilleja admissions interview required?
A: Yes, the interview is a required part of the admissions process for all applicants. It is typically scheduled after the written application is submitted. 

Q: Can parents attend the admissions interview?
A: Parents are not part of the student interview, though admissions officers often have a brief separate conversation with parents during the visit. 

Q: How long does the Castilleja campus tour take?
A: Campus tours typically last about one hour and are led by current students. They cover classrooms, labs, the library, athletic facilities, and key social spaces on campus. 

What is Student Life Like at Castilleja School?

Girls at Castilleja receive the support they need to become successful in their academic and personal journeys from the relationships they build with other students, teachers, and staff. The school emphasizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, encouraging students to prioritize their well-being and take care of themselves. 

The overall student life experience at Casti goes beyond the classroom. Every student participates in the school traditions that offer a shared experience and allow for the development of friendships between classes and the fostering of sisterhood among generations of graduates.

Castilleja Academics

The academic program at Casti focuses on building skills in the core competencies through experiential learning. There are four centers that support the curriculum and provide the necessary resources to aid students in their learning and encourage them to explore. 

The Awareness, Compassion, & Engagement (ACE) Center fosters initiative, agility, and student purpose through different local and global learning experiences. Students engage in classroom projects, age-appropriate programs, community service, mentoring programs, local and international partnership projects, and programs for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. 

The Bourn Idea Lab is an engineering design studio and robotics lab where students engage in various hands-on projects and turn abstract ideas into reality. There is a wide variety of modern state-of-the-art materials, digital equipment, and traditional tools for students to use.

The Margarita Espinosa Library contains a vast collection of resources and provides high-quality library services to support all academic endeavors of the students. The library also hosts several interesting events to encourage students to visit and explore the myriad materials available.

21st Century Assessment ensures that students are equipped with the skills necessary to become effective learners and leaders in the present and future. Students are gauged according to initiative, agility, and purpose. 

Castilleja Activities

Castilleja offers a variety of clubs and student-led organizations that give students opportunities to learn, build relationships, develop new skills, engage with their communities, raise awareness about important issues, travel, compete, and perform. These groups allow students to pursue their interests while making meaningful contributions both on campus and beyond.

Organization	Primary Focus	Opportunities for Students
ActNow	Social Justice Awareness	Encourages students to address social justice issues and raise awareness within the school community.
Halford Young Women Leaders Program	Leadership & Mentorship	Helps students develop leadership and mentoring skills by partnering Upper School students with young girls from under-resourced communities to provide academic support.
Green Team	Climate Change Awareness	Focuses on educating the community about the effects of climate change and promoting environmental policies.
Other Student Groups	Diverse Interests	Provides opportunities for students to participate in clubs and organizations that align with their individual interests and passions.

With a wide range of student organizations available, Castilleja students can explore new interests, develop valuable skills, and build lasting connections throughout their school experience.

Castilleja Athletics

Gator athletics play a significant role in the lives of Casti students not just in developing their skills in sports but also in building confidence and fostering teamwork. There are state-of-the-art sports facilities and professional coaches who lead the teams to winning league titles and championships. Students can choose to participate in sports such as swimming, cross country, lacrosse, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, water polo, golf, track and field, and tennis. 

Castilleja Arts

Castilleja offers dance, music, theater arts, and visual arts courses for students to develop their skills and provide an avenue for self-expression. Throughout the year, exhibits, concerts, dance performances, musicals, and theatrical plays are held where young girls get to display their creativity and talents. 

Castilleja Summer Camps

Castilleja also provides summer opportunities that encourage learning, creativity, and personal growth beyond the school year.

Casti Camp (Grades 2-9)

• • Designed to make summer more fun and engaging
• • Focuses on play, creativity, discovery, and exploration
• • Encourages students to try new activities and interests
• • Builds excitement and connection among participants each year

Peninsula Bridge Program (Grades 5)

• • Hosts about 30 students each summer
• • Supports strong academic growth in reading, math, and computer science
• • Includes Castilleja-designed, student-led elective activities
• • Helps students “bridge” summer learning gaps
• • Involves collaboration with Castilleja High School mentors and the ACE Center

Together, these summer programs reflect Castilleja’s commitment to fostering curiosity, confidence, and continuous learning in every student beyond the school year.

Castilleja School Famous Alumni

Castilleja School, an all-girls independent school in Palo Alto, California, has a long-standing tradition of empowering students to become confident leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, leadership development, and civic engagement, Castilleja alumnae have gone on to make meaningful contributions across fields such as science, technology, public service, the arts, media, and entrepreneurship.

Below are some notable Castilleja alumnae whose achievements reflect the school’s mission of preparing young women to lead with purpose and impact:

• • Pamela Silver. A leading cell and systems biologist and bioengineer, Pamela Silver is one of the founding Core Faculty Members of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Her research has significantly advanced synthetic biology and biomedical engineering, with global influence in scientific innovation and biotechnology. 
• • Amy Chow. An Olympic artistic gymnast who competed in the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics, Amy Chow made history as the first Asian American woman to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics. She is widely recognized in U.S. sports history for her achievements and contributions to elite athletics. 
• • Julie Packard. A prominent marine conservationist and Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, Julie Packard is a leading voice in environmental protection and ocean conservation. She is a recipient of the Audubon Medal, honoring her national impact on sustainability and marine science education. 
• • Helen Katherine Forbes. An influential American artist and arts educator known for her landscape paintings of Mexico, Mono Lake, and the Sierra Nevada in the 1920s. Her work contributed to early 20th-century American art history and continues to be recognized in art institutions and exhibitions. 
• • Grace Slick. A singer, songwriter, musician, artist, and former model, Grace Slick is a well-known figure in rock and roll history. She gained international recognition as a member of Jefferson Airplane and played a major role in shaping the music scene of the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. 

These alumnae reflect Castilleja School’s continued legacy of preparing students in Palo Alto, California, to become influential leaders, innovators, and creators who make a lasting impact across industries and communities worldwide. 

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