Upper Profile 2021–2022

Women Learning. Women Leading. Our Learning Community

OUR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION Castilleja was founded in 1907 to equalize educational opportunities for women, and that work continues today as we seek to amplify women’s voices and inspire our middle and high school students Nanci Z. Kauffman to become leaders who will effect meaningful and necessary change. To pursue our motto—Women Head of School Learning. Women Leading—we rely on the most current research regarding the critical advantages of Anne Rubin deep-dive, interdisciplinary learning within the all-girls setting. While Castilleja’s program emphasizes Head of Upper School intellectual curiosity and growth, we are equally committed to fostering innovative problem-solvers, empathetic community members, and engaged global citizens. As the only non-sectarian all-girls Laura Zappas middle and high school in the Bay Area, Castilleja is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Head of 35 miles south of San Francisco and 15 miles north of San Jose.

OUR STUDENTS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT Castilleja’s student body reflects the region’s ethnic and economic diversity, with65% of students identifying as students of color and 21% of students receiving tuition assistance. Our students Gabrielle McColgan embrace a mindset based in curiosity and compassion, and they work to empower themselves and Director of College Counseling each other to make bold choices and define success on their own terms. They understand that each and Upper School Academic Policy individual brings experience that enriches our collective whole, so they lead with empathy inside and (650) 470–7761 outside the classroom. In the past three years, our student-athletes have been recruited to play at [email protected] the following NCAA college programs: Brown, Cornell, Duke, Grinnell, Pomona, Princeton, Alyson Tom of Pennsylvania, Wellesley, and Williams. Our students have been recognized locally, regionally, and Associate Director of College Counseling nationally, as individuals and as ensembles and teams in creative writing, performing and visual arts, (650) 470–7739 robotics, and research science. Our student leaders are engaged with issues of diversity, antiracism, [email protected] human rights, environmental awareness, the world economy, and developing economies. Through this work, they have been nominated for and awarded distinctions for their accomplishments and service.

Heidi Gallegos OUR FACULTY Registrar and Administrative Assistant Relationships are at the heart of Castilleja. Our talented faculty members build meaningful and lasting to College Counseling connections with their students while also challenging them to develop their own voices and pursue (650) 470–7706 their passions. Our teachers steadily work to strengthen interdisciplinary connections to deepen [email protected] learning and empower independent exploration. Some 83% of our faculty hold advanced degrees from and throughout the world and have been recognized by local, state, and CEEB/ACT CODE national organizations for their contributions to student learning and thought. 052-330 Our Mission, Values, and Affiliations SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION MISSION Castilleja School Castilleja School educates motivated young women to become confident thinkers and compassionate 1310 Bryant Street leaders with a sense of purpose to effect change in the world. Palo Alto, CA 94301

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (650) 328–3160 Each member of the Castilleja community is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and castilleja.org just community. Together, we commit to learning from diverse voices and experiences, and we aspire to engage our differences with courage, honesty, intellectual curiosity and respect. We believe this CastillejaSchool commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to developing compassionate leaders.

Castilleja_School AFFILIATIONS CastillejaNews Castilleja is accredited by the Western Association of and Colleges and is a member of One Schoolhouse, the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Association for College School/Castilleja-School Admission Counseling, the Western Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, and is a partner and summer site for the Peninsula Bridge Program. Facts and Figures COVID-19 Updates Castilleja began distance learning in March 2020, began hybrid learning in January 2021, and re-opened fully in May 2021. We have not made significant changes to our calendar, grading system, course offerings, or academic Castilleja by the Numbers requirements during this period. Due to significant test center cancellations in the Bay Area, as of August 2021, over 40% of the Class of 2022 has had no Upper School enrollment (9–12): 238 opportunity to sit for an SAT or ACT exam. We expect SAT and ACT scores for the Class of 2022 to be similar to previous years. Middle School enrollment (6–8): 184 Test Scores for the Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:1 Classes of 2019–2021

Average class size in the Upper School: 14 (ACT takers = 104; SAT takers = 117; best test results used)

Students in the Class of 2022: 50 TEST MIDDLE 50% MEAN Median unweighted GPA after 6 semesters: 3.92 ACT Composite 32-35 33 Median weighted GPA after 6 semesters: 4.10 SAT EBRW 700-760 730 SAT Math 690-790 730 % of students enrolling in 4-year colleges: 97% Course Load Balance % of students on a gap year: 10% Given the rigorous demands of the Castilleja curriculum, we strongly encourage students to take no more than five core academic courses In May and June 2021, 89 students each semester. Students may be limited in their selection of courses due to took 155 AP exams: 78% scheduling conflicts and the enrollment limitations of a small school. Scores of 4 or 5: AT courses in any academic discipline are our most rigorous courses and are generally only available to juniors and seniors. We strongly recommend that Scores of 3 and above: 94% students limit themselves to no more than four AT courses per semester. All Castilleja students enroll in AT US History, AT English: American Voices, and two AT English Senior Seminars.

Class Rank and Grading System Advanced Curriculum Students are not ranked. In the Upper School, GPAs include grades 9-12; plus As of Fall 2020, Castilleja has completed the transition from an Advanced and minus grades are weighted (e.g. B+=3.33, A-=3.67); AT courses are given Placement (AP) to an Advanced Topics (AT) curriculum. First taught in the an extra point in the weighted GPA. We do not give academic credit or grades 2012-13 academic year, AT courses are designed by Castilleja faculty and for cocurricular pursuits or courses taken outside of Castilleja. Students grounded in research into how adolescent girls learn best, what college with an unweighted GPA of less than 2.5 are placed on academic probation. faculty expect entering students to know, and what skills are essential for Castilleja is on a semester system; quarter grades are not given. success in upper-level college courses. AT courses are the most rigorous courses available in each academic discipline and are thoughtfully designed Students may enroll in a limited number of courses through One Schoolhouse to replace the AP curriculum, exploring topics in greater depth and (formerly Online School for Girls). One Schoolhouse courses are noted on the emphasizing experiential learning. Castilleja transcript and included in the GPA.

AP® Exams Honor Code & Reporting Policy

Beginning Fall 2020: While Castilleja does not teach an AP curriculum, we The Castilleja Honor Code and Acceptable Use Policies, developed and written recognize that in certain cases strong AP exam scores can provide value primarily by our students, speak to the promotion of trust and respect by and to students once they get to college. When a Castilleja AT course prepares for all members of our community, both in terms of academics and personal students for a specific AP exam, any student enrolled in that AT course will conduct. Violations of either code may be reviewed by the Student Advisory have the option to sit for that AP exam at Castilleja. Board or a select administrative committee. The Head of School has final authority in all disciplinary matters. It is Castilleja’s policy to be forthcoming Castilleja offers the following AP exams on campus: when asked by a college about major disciplinary action. When requested, Art: 2-D Art & Design or Drawing, Chinese Language & Culture, Computer Castilleja will report to colleges any incidents in grades 9-12 that result in Science A (not offered 21-22), English Language, English Literature, French probation, suspension, or expulsion. Language & Culture, Calculus: AB or BC, Statistics, Music Theory, Spanish Language & Culture Upper School Course Offerings

LEGEND: new courses * not offered in 2020-21 # not offered in 2021-22 + single semester course

SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS COURSE OFFERINGS Computer Science and Artificial IntelligenceHonors + Engineering I: The Design and Science of Advanced Topics Courses: Engineering Introduction to Computer Science in Java + Everyday Things + Computer Science: 1 semester required Engineering II: Electro-Mechanical Object-Oriented Problem Solving & (Class of 2023 & beyond) Systems Design + Design in Java #+ Software Product Development * Engineering: Product Development * +

English English I English II Advanced Topics Courses: 4 years required American Voices English I (gr. 9) Senior Seminars: English II (gr. 10) Autobiography & Memoir * + AT English: American Voices (gr. 11) Literature of Immigration * + Two semesters of AT English Senior Satire and Comedy * + Seminars (gr. 12) Unreliable Narrators +

Fitness and Wellness Fitness and Wellness I Fitness and Wellness II 2 years required (gr. 9-10)

History–Social Science Cultures and Civilizations Junior and Senior Electives Advanced Topics Courses: 3 years required The Individual and Society + Artificial IntelligenceHonors + Art History + Cultures and Civilizations (gr. 9) U.S. Government + Gender & Sexuality Studies Honors * + Asian American Studies + The Individual and Society (gr. 10) International Relations Honors + Psychology + U.S. Government (gr. 10) Latin American History Honors # + Research and Writing + AT History: US History(gr. 11) Macroeconomics Honors + United States History * Modern World Religions Honors # +

Mathematics Algebra II and Trigonometry Introductory Calculus Advanced Topics Courses: 3 years required Algebra II and Trigonometry Honors Introductory Calculus Honors Calculus Algebra II (gr. 9) Euclidean and Analytic Geometry (formerly Introductory Calculus BC Calculus with Infinite Series Geometry (gr. 10) Euclidean and Analytic Geometry Honors Honors) Calculus with Infinite Series (Extended)* + One additional year Multivariable Calculus + Statistics I + & II +

Science Physics Junior and Senior Electives: Advanced Topics Courses: 3 years required Chemistry Astronomy # + Biology: Genes, Development Physics (gr. 9) Chemistry Honors Biotechnology & Bioethics + and Evolution Chemistry (gr. 10) Biology Global Climate Change + Chemistry: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Biology (gr. 11) Biology Honors Organic Chemistry * + Thermodynamics Physics: Modern Mechanics

Visual and Core Arts Theatre Arts: Advanced Topics Courses: Performing Arts Dance: Theatre I + and II + Art History + 2 years required, including Dance Production Workshop I + and II + Advanced Theater + Art: Studio Art Core Arts (gr. 9) and two semesters in Advanced Dance Production Workshop (formerly The Actor and The Director) Theater: Production + a single arts discipline Music: Visual Arts: Music: Theory and Musicianship Vocal Music Workshop I + and II + Ceramic Design I + and II + Advanced Vocal Music Workshop + Drawing & Painting I + and II + Photography I + and II + Advanced Visual Art +

World Languages Chinese IB Spanish I Advanced Topics Courses: Through level III Chinese II Spanish II Chinese: Language and Culture (Classes taken in grades 7 and 8 may Chinese III Spanish III Chinese: Seminar help meet the requirement) Chinese IV Spanish IV French: Language & Culture French IB French: Seminar French II Spanish: Language & Culture French III Spanish: Seminar French IV

Additional Requirements Presentation of Senior Talk (12) Global Leadership Program (9-12) Community Leadership Program (9-12) Enhanced Learning Opportunities

ACE CENTER promotes Awareness, Compassion, and Engagement to foster COMMUNITY-BASED LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING connects Castilleja women leaders through experiential learning. Leadership programming students with local organizations to support the guiding principle of is designed and assessed using Castilleja’s signature leadership matrix reciprocal learning and partnership; the goal is community action that is which focuses on students’ development of initiative, agility, and purpose. authentic, sustainable, and develops a life-long commitment to community Leadership is learned and practiced through classroom experiences, grade- building. Local partners include Ada’s Cafe, LifeMoves, Rosener House, level programming, student-led initiatives, internships, and volunteering Peninsula Bridge, and Girls Learn International. opportunities. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING is designed to provide unique ANTIRACIST LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING is a key component of experiential learning opportunities through a curriculum aligned with our fostering student leaders’ initiative, agility, and purpose. Woven throughout social justice programming to explore first-hand the socio-political and the curricular and co-curricular experiences, students internalize key habits economic complexities of globalization. The Global Investigator Program, an of mind that help them understand their positionality, listen to competing endowed travel opportunity, gives juniors the opportunity to collaborate narratives, and sit with dissonance. Through affinity group experiences, with social change agents, educators, and students on the ground in Castilleja students find strength in their personal identifiers. Students either China, the Dominican Republic, or Senegal. Students collaborate actively interrogate their respective marginalization or dominance relative in reciprocal project-based learning with partners, including Mariposa DR to specific contexts whether they are in class, on the sports field, on a Foundation (Dominican Republic) and ImagiNationAfrika (Senegal). stage, or leading a community engagement program. GLOBAL WEEK engages the entire school in a deep exploration of issues BOURN IDEA LAB, the firstFabLab@School established in a U.S. school and affecting the larger global community. The week is designed to examine in collaboration with , is a workshop space equipped a globally relevant topic through workshops, projects, and in-depth with traditional and digital fabrication tools that empower girls to design engagement with speakers. Past themes have included Women, Peace & and build projects geared to help them develop creative confidence and Security; Artificial Intelligence; Human Migration; Climate Change; and Equity technical skills, enhancing individual and collaborative learning across the in Education. curriculum.

Class of 2021 College Choices We share this exciting and diverse list in order to celebrate the excellence of every college to which our students are admitted and choose to attend. All 64 members of the Class of 2021 will follow in the footsteps of Castilleja’s previous classes to extraordinary educational experiences, whether in the fall of 2021 or after a gap year. (Bold type indicates matriculation by at least one student.)

American University Georgetown University Saint Louis University University of Exeter Amherst College Grinnell College San Diego State University University of Glasgow Bard College Harvard University San Francisco State University University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Barnard College Harvey Mudd College San Jose State University University of Maryland, College Park Bates College Haverford College Santa Clara University University of Miami Boston College Humboldt State University Sarah Lawrence College University of Michigan Boston University Johns Hopkins University Smith College University of North Carolina, Bowdoin College Kenyon College Sonoma State University Chapel Hill Brandeis University King’s College London Southern Methodist University University of Oregon Brown University Lehigh University St. John’s College (NM) University of Pennsylvania Lewis & Clark College Stanford University University of Pittsburgh Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Loyola Marymount University Syracuse University University of Redlands California State University, East Bay Macalester College The Ohio State University University of Rochester California State University, Massachusetts Institute of Trinity College University of San Diego Monterey Bay Technology Tufts University University of Southern California Carleton College McGill University Tulane University University of St Andrews Carnegie Mellon University New York University University of Alabama University of Texas, Austin Case Western Reserve University Northeastern University University of Arizona University of Toronto Chapman University Northwestern University University of British Columbia University of Vermont Clemson University Oberlin College University of California, Berkeley University of Virginia College of William & Mary Occidental College University of California, Davis University of Washington Columbia University Ohio Wesleyan University University of California, Irvine University of Westminster Cornell University Ohlone College University of California, University of Wisconsin, Madison Denison University Pennsylvania State University Los Angeles Vanderbilt University Duke University Pitzer College University of California, Merced Vassar College Durham University Pomona College University of California, Riverside Washington University in St. Louis Eckerd College Purdue University University of California, San Diego Wellesley College Elon University Reed College University of California, Wesleyan University Emory University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Santa Barbara Whitman College Emory University - Oxford College Rice University University of California, Santa Cruz Whittier College Fordham University Rochester Institute of Technology University of Chicago Willamette University George Washington University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology University of Colorado, Boulder Williams College University of Edinburgh Yale University

Castilleja School • 1310 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 • (650) 328–3160 • castilleja.org