Catlin Gabel School Photo #6 - We want all students to be able to experience success at their skill level. Any student who tries out makes a team in one of our 13 programs at the JV, JV2, or Varsity level. Selection is based on ability and skill.

Catlin Gabel School

Catlin Gabel is recognized as one of the finest schools in the nation, known for providing an education that is a catalyst for lifelong learning.
Because our approach is grounded in the principles of progressive education, students of every age, from preschool to high school, can harness their true potential.
They learn through discovery and conversation, which take place in our classrooms, in our forests, and beyond the confines of campus. Teachers encourage students to ask questions and search for answers, to advocate for themselves and others, and to keep trying when they don`t succeed the first time.This is all possible in a community of just over 782 students.
Here, we want to fuel curiosity with courage so that every student will have the confidence and ability to rise to the challenges of life, becoming global citizens who can change the world for good.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked OR School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 782 students
  • Acceptance rate: 26%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 21 / Feb. 4
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Catlin Gabel School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1957

Student Body

Total Students
782 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
52%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Catlin Gabel School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
17 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, Economics, English, French, History, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish, Statistics
Average SAT score
1393
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 21 / Feb. 4
Tuition Notes
Varies by division: $35,350-43,800
% on Financial Aid
27%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$28,560
Acceptance Rate
26%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Sara Nordhoff

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
40 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Advocates for Women in Science Engineering and Math (AWSEM), All Queer Environment (AQE)—LGBTQ+ Affinity, Asian American and Pacific Islander Affinity Group (AAPI), Astronomy Club, Competitive Programming Club, D.R.E.A.M. (Diverse, Resilient, and Essential American Migrants), DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Desi Affinity Group, GIRLS Rock, Global Economics, Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group, History Bowl/Bee Club, Impact: Tech Society, Interfaith, Jewish Affinity Group / Jewish Student Union, Math Club, Middle Eastern Affinity Group, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Multi-Culti, Philistine Club, Philosophy Club, Quiz Bowl, REquip Soccer, S.A.F.E. (Students and Friends for Equality), Science Ambassadors, Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate, TRIBE (The Real Indescribable Black Experience), Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:
ceramics, choir, drama, jazz band, media arts, music, rock band, visual art, woodshop

School Notes

  • Catlin Gabel is Portland`s nationally recognized progressive independent day school where students learn by doing. We're known for our talented faculty, for the breadth of our academic and co-curricular programs in our Beginning and Lower School (preschool-5th grade); Middle School (6th-8th grade) and Upper School (9th-12th grade), and for the success of our graduates. When students step onto our 67-acre campus, which is located minutes from downtown Portland, they find themselves at the center of the education experience. Students engage in learning in classes, in our woods and stream, in the wider Portland community, and beyond. In addition to our rigorous academic programs, students starting from the earliest years explore world languages, music, art, health, and wellness. We're also recognized for our sense of community; we strive to be inclusive and empathetic, and recognize that there's always more work to be done. We're committed to creating a culture of kindness, where we treat one another with the respect and dignity that we each deserve, as well as the environment in which we live. We invite you to learn more about the Catlin Gabel experience by connecting with our enrollment team who can provide further information about grade-level specific programs and introduce you to our state-of-the-art facilities, our wooded campus, as well as our teachers, students, and parents.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Catlin Gabel School?
The acceptance rate of Catlin Gabel School is 26%, which is lower than the national average of 89%. Catlin Gabel School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Oregon with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Catlin Gabel School offer?
Catlin Gabel School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Catlin Gabel School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for most sports offered.
What is Catlin Gabel School's ranking?
Catlin Gabel School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Oregon for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Catlin Gabel School?
The application deadline for Catlin Gabel School is Jan. 21 / Feb. 4.
In what neighborhood is Catlin Gabel School located?
Catlin Gabel School is located in the Cedar Mill neighborhood of Portland, OR. There are 6 other private schools located in Cedar Mill.

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked OR School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 782 students
  • Acceptance rate: 26%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 21 / Feb. 4
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Portland, OR is $13,238 for elementary schools and $16,129 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Portland, OR is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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