Throughout the application process, we want you to know that we are in this together. Our admission team is eager to connect with you personally, help you navigate our application process, and learn about “What’s Possible?” for your daughter at Castilleja.
The information listed below outlines Castilleja’s Admission process. Application forms as well as further details about each step can be found on our online application platform. If you have any questions or need assistance completing these steps or forms please call or email
Create Ravenna account
Castilleja is one of the many San Francisco Bay Area independent schools using a web-based application called Ravenna for the submission of online applications. Recommendation letters will be conveniently shared across multiple school applications.
Within Ravenna, you will be able to read detailed application steps, download admission forms, register for admissions events, electronically request teacher and principal/counselor recommendations, submit your application online, and track your application progress.
Learn more about castilleja through virtual events & webinars
The Admission team is excited to offer a series of virtual Discover Castilleja events that will showcase Castilleja to prospective families.
Discover Castilleja Events Scheduled for Fall This Year:
Submit a preliminary application
The preliminary application and fee of $75 is due by January 7,. If the $75 application fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please don’t hesitate to email or call the Admission Office to request a fee waiver.
We encourage you to submit your daughter’s preliminary application and fee ($75 or waiver) early in the fall of this year so she can begin the application process. Please note that some of our Discover Castilleja events require a preliminary application to be submitted before you may register.
Sign up for a student interview
The Admission team looks forward to getting to know each applicant during individual interviews (or we like to say, conversations) via Zoom. Applicants do not need to prepare because the conversations usually unfolds organically. There are no right answers in this—or really any—part of the application process. It’s just an opportunity for the applicant to learn more about Castilleja and share aspects of their own experience at the same time.
Note: The preliminary application and $75 fee (or waiver) must be submitted before an applicant can register for the Middle School student group activity and interview or Upper School Interview.
Sign up for a proctored writing sample
A Proctored Writing Sample is required from all applicants applying to Middle and High School. Please register your child for one Proctored Writing Sample session with any of the listed schools to which you are applying. The following Peninsula schools - Castilleja, Crystal Springs Upland, Harker, Menlo, The Nueva School, Sacred Heart, The Girls’ Middle School and Woodside Priory - have coordinated to allow students who apply to any of these schools to only have to do the writing sample once. Please do not register for a Proctored Writing Sample session at more than one school or for more than one session at the same school as we have limited spaces for all applicants. Students may only take the Proctored Writing Sample one time.
If your child has completed and uploaded a writing sample at another school be sure to return to your Castilleja application and click the link to submit their writing sample to Castilleja.
Complete all student questionnaires and essays
At Castilleja, we value each girl’s ideas and voice. With that in mind, the Student Questionnaires and Essays are opportunities for your daughter to share what is important to her.
Complete parent questionaire
We look forward to reading your Parent Questionnaire and learning more about your daughter. It is always a joy for the Admission Committee to get a glimpse into the excitement that motivates your daughter to apply to Castilleja.
Ask for recommendations
We ask that each applicant submit recommendations from the following educators:
Middle School Applicants
High School Applicants
Frequently Asked Questions:
Send a transcript
Castilleja’s Admission Committee will continue to review transcripts based on each school’s practices and policies. Rest assured that alternative grading methods utilized will be honored in the same manner as the school’s traditional grading scale.
Print, sign, and deliver the Transcript Release and Confidentiality Form to your daughter's current school. We ask that schools send transcripts for the current and next academic years(1st grading period) and any previous standardized testing.
We understand schools may not have completed grading for the fall term by the application due date (January 7,) and will accept transcripts through the end of January.
Testing is not required
Castilleja will not require standardized tests during the current admission season. Further, if we receive test results, we will not add them to applicants’ files. The admission committee will continue to rely on a holistic approach to our process, considering the countless ways that applicants can contribute to and thrive within our learning community.
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