Our Mission

At CAT, we transform our students’ lives by preparing them for success in college and in life. Our school offers students a rigorous academic experience and a diverse, compassionate community in which to grow.  Our students are inspired and empowered to be leaders in their high school education and their communities.

Graduation and College

CAT students graduate ready to go to college.  Of last year's graduates, 94% are currently attending college.  All students take college preparatory classes and a rigorous course sequence that affords them opportunities to apply to the University of California Schools, California State, and other four-year colleges and universities.  Last year, CAT students were accepted to 8 UCs, 14 California State Universities, and a range of private colleges including: New York University, St. Mary’s, Cornell University, Eugene Lang College, Willamette University, Portland State, and many others.

Graduation at CAT is marked not just by a ceremony, but also by a graduation portfolio defense.  Students demonstrate their readiness for college through a formal presentation and dissertation-style defense of a portfolio of their work from each academic discipline. Similarly, 10th graders complete a portfolio to show they are ready for the 11th grade and are developing 21st Century Leadership Skills that include: Productive Collaboration, Effective Project Management, Clear Communication, Creative Expression, Critical Thinking, and Resourceful Problem-Solving.  Many students express that these presentations and portfolio experiences have been the most valuable of their educational careers.

Project Based Learning

Project-based learning (PBL) is a highlight of a student's experience at CAT.  Aligned with the California State Standards, the curriculum is hands-on, active, and engaging.  Through PBL, meaningful learning takes place as students apply knowledge and skills in the context of projects that matter to them.  Rigorous, relevant projects lead to great results for students.  Also highly engaging are Visual Arts, Digital Media, and Performing Arts classes that students take during their careers at CAT.  A centerpiece of PBL includes 3-4 exhibitions of student work per year, during which students make professional presentations of complex, interdisciplinary projects to family, peers, staff, and community members.  For more information about PBL at CAT, visit: http://www.envisionprojects.org.

Advisory

All CAT Students are part of an Advisory made up of 18-20 students who meet together 4 times per week to build community and receive both academic and personal support.  The advisor communicates regularly with the student's family at home and works closely with the student to ensure his/her success.  9th and 10th grade advisories focus on the transition to high school, college awareness, and a student portfolio presentations at the end of 10th grade.  11th and 12th grade advisors support students in securing internships in the community, the college application process (in conjunction with the college counselor), and a graduation portfolio defense.

Art and Technology

You don’t have to be a computer expert or an artist to attend CAT.  Teachers use art and technology as tools for expression and engagement in the classroom.  During their time at CAT, students take Digital Media, a course focused on design, media analysis, and computers as tools; Visual Arts, a studio art class focused on painting, sculpture, and drawing; and Literacy through Performing Arts, a course that prepares students for high demands in presentation and reading in high school and college.  Students regularly complete projects in all academic classes that give them an opportunity to develop and use the skills they are learning in their arts and digital media courses.

Workplace Learning Experience

During junior and senior years, in addition to academic classes, all students secure internships in the community.  Students work in a variety of settings that include companies, firms, non-profits, schools, businesses, and galleries.  During this experience, students experience the real world of work and professional life, and put their 21st Century Leadership skills to work. They are mentored by a professional, regularly visited by their advisor, and complete a large-scale project at their placement.  This experience transforms students as it gives them a sense of what they might want in their future professions and adds meaning to their education. 

Electives and Extracurricular Activities

Students at CAT have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities.  We have a new sports program that includes: Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Swimming, and Girls Volleyball. Out of Site, a youth arts organization on our campus, offers classes with professional artists: Dance, Music, Poetry, Digital and Black and White Photography, Drama, Architecture, and Mural Creation. Students plan, organize, and fundraise international trips for service learning with other organizations and travel to places like: Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela.  Finally, there are a variety of clubs that include the Peace and Social Justice Club, Student Events, Science Olympiad, Gay Straight Alliance, and others.