Catlin Gabel School (Top Ranked Private School for 2024-25)

8825 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97225

Catlin Gabel School Photo #1 - Catlin Gabel is recognized as one of the finest schools in the nation. When students step onto our 67-acre campus, they find themselves in the center of our educational experience-fir trees, meadows, and apple orchard, as well as multimedia classrooms, a creative arts center, state-of-the-art science labs, divisional libraries, soccer fields, tennis courts, an outdoor track, and much more.

Catlin Gabel School Photo #2 - Students of every age take advantage of outside learning opportunities.

Catlin Gabel School Photo #3 - Our small class sizes create an environment in which students are active participants in their learning, engaging with each other and their teachers.

Catlin Gabel School Photo #4 - A key component of a Catlin Gabel education is experiential learning, where students learn through doing. They work closely with classmates and their teachers to solve problems and develop creative solutions.

Catlin Gabel School Photo #5 - Catlin Gabel students have access to an array of labs and have represented the State of Oregon in the National Science Bowl Championships, have competed and won at local and national levels in robotics championships, as well as other science-related ventures.

Catlin Gabel School Photo #6 - Productions take place throughout the year in our Black Box Theater and our Cabell Center Theater, which seats over 400 people. Students can take part in improv, acting, technical theater, and costume design.

Catlin Gabel School Photo #7 - 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 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

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Top Rankings

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

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1957

School Calendar

Link to School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

782 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

52%

State avg.: 25%

Students 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

Link to List of Courses

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

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Link to Matriculation 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

Total Sports Offered

9 sports

Sports

Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

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

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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, Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars 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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