²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Catlin Gabel School

8825 SW Barnes Road Portland, OR 97225

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked OR School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 788 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $47,600
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 17 / Feb. 4
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Catlin Gabel School Photo #1 - Catlin Gabel is recognized as Oregon's top independent school. 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 - Learning happens both in classrooms and off campus. We cultivate courageous citizens of the world through extraordinary experiences including hands-on lessons, field trips, outdoor education, and global travel.
Catlin Gabel School Photo #3 - Learning is hands-on, inquiry-driven, and student led. We reward, inspire, and develop curiosity in our students. Our small class sizes create an environment in which students are active participants in their learning.
Catlin Gabel School Photo #4 - Athletes, artists, scientists, and scholars all find a place in our community, and success after graduation. Most students go on to attend a 4-year college or university of their choosing, with 97%+ reporting satisfaction with their post-graduation plans.
Catlin Gabel School Photo #5 - Catlin Gabel students are strong competitors, whether they are first-time participants learning new skills or seasoned players aiming to win a state championship. Our no-cut policies encourage students to take risks and develop skills from the ground up, while our competitive spirit has helped make Catlin one of the best private school athletic programs in Portland.
Catlin Gabel School Photo #6 - 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 #7 - Catlin Gabel's high school engineering and robotics program involves students with real-world engineering, computer science, design, math, and applied physics. The team and project-management skills learned here last a lifetime.
Catlin Gabel School Photo #8 - 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 #9 - Visual, digital, and performing arts are a sustained priority at Catlin Gabel, from preschool through 12th grade. Upper School theater productions take place throughout the year in our Black Box Theater and Cabell Center Theater, which seats over 400 people. Students can take part in improv, acting, technical theater, and costume design.
School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked OR School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 788 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $47,600
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 17 / Feb. 4
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

Upcoming Events and News

  •  - 06/12/2026
    The Class of 2026 takes the stage in Cabell Theater this weekend to receive their diplomas and celebrate their accomplishments. They've completed independent senior projects, applied to colleges and universities ...morearound the globe, taken challenging classes that pushed their thinking and expanded their skillsets, and made lifelong friends along the way. hide
  •  - 06/08/2026
    From middle school milestones to state-level success, student-athletes delivered a year of resilience, record-breaking performances, and standout achievements.
  •  - 02/02/2026
    Recent graduates return to campus to share insights into the college experience
  •  - 02/01/2026
    In a cross-curricular Middle School project, students take a deep dive into the scientific method, data collection, and presentation skills
  •  - 10/01/2025
    A ceremony marked the officially start for the project-a modern facility for youth athletics, alumni, and community events that opens in 2027.

School Rankings

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

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Students By Grade
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1957
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 10, 2027
Campus Size
67 acres
School Motto
Catlin Gabel fosters compassionate and curious citizens of the world by inspiring in every student a love of learning and the courage to take responsible action.

Student Body

Total Students
788 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
52%
State avg.: 26%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
15 students
Average SAT score
1431
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
32
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
ChemistryChinese
Computer ScienceEconomics
EnglishFrench
HistoryMathematics
PhysicsSocial Studies
SpanishStatistics

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Dec. 17 / Feb. 4
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Varies by division: $38,750-$47,600 Financial assistance available
% on Financial Aid
27%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$30,400
Acceptance Rate
45%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Kristina Berman
Application URL
Endowment Size
$42.4 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Colors
White, Blue, Royal blue
School Mascot
Eagles

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
35 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
All Queer Environment (AQE)—LGBTQ+ AffinityAsian American and Pacific Islander Affinity Group (AAPI)
Astronomy ClubCompetitive Programming Club
D.R.E.A.M. (Diverse, Resilient, and Essential American Migrants)Desi Affinity Group
GIRLS RockGlobal Economics
Global EducationHispanic/Latinx Affinity Group
InterfaithJewish Affinity Group / Jewish Student Union
Math ClubMiddle Eastern Affinity Group
Mock TrialModel United Nations
Multi-CultiOutdoor Education Program
Philosophy ClubQuiz Bowl
RoboticsScience Ambassadors
Science BowlSpeech and Debate
TinkeringTRIBE (The Real Indescribable Black Experience)
Yearbook Club


Arts and Music Programs:
CeramicsChoir
DramaJazz Band
Media ArtsMusic
Rock BandVisual Arts

School Notes

  • Catlin Gabel is a nationally recognized progressive private day school, offering an exceptional education for preschool through 12th grade.
  • We nurture each student's curiosity and individuality in an inclusive community that values creativity, character, and a lifelong love of learning.
  • Students are empowered to think critically, explore boldly, and contribute meaningfully to the world.
  • Catlin Gabelis anationally recognizedprogressive private day schoolin Portland, Oregon, offering an exceptional education for preschool through 12th grade.
  • At Catlin Gabel,teachers build transforming relationships with each student. Byhonoring each child's innate capacities, encouraging exploration, welcoming questions, and always presenting new intellectual and creative challenges, our private school nurturesyoungscientists,storytellers,artists, andathletesto thrive.
  • Catlin Gabel supports inspired learning leading to responsible action through dedicated teaching, caring relationships, achallenging curriculum, andcommunity service. We value each person's effort, imagination, andpositive contributions to the community. We celebrate being inclusive and the partnership between family and school.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Gas Van Sant '71 - Filmmaker, photographer, painter, and musician
    • Roger Gantz '89 - Retired soccer defender and midfielder for the Portland Timbers
    • David Julian Shipley '81 - Journalist and book author, deputy editorial editor at The New York Times
    • Nadya Okamoto '16 - Social entrepreneur, founder of non-profit Period Inc.
    • Megan Amram '06 - Comedy writer, producer, and performer
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Catlin Gabel School cost?
Catlin Gabel School's tuition is approximately $47,600 for private students.
What schools are Catlin Gabel School often compared to?
Catlin Gabel School is often viewed alongside schools like Oregon Episcopal School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Catlin Gabel School?
The acceptance rate of Catlin Gabel School is 45%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Catlin Gabel School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Oregon with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Catlin Gabel School?
Catlin Gabel School famous alumni include: Gas Van Sant '71, Roger Gantz '89, David Julian Shipley '81, Nadya Okamoto '16 and Megan Amram '06.
What sports does Catlin Gabel School offer?
Catlin Gabel School offers 8 interscholastic sports: 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?
When is the application deadline for Catlin Gabel School?
The application deadline for Catlin Gabel School is Dec. 17 / 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.

School Reviews

Endorse Catlin Gabel School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school

Recent Articles

When Your Child Outpaces the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School Curriculum
When Your Child Outpaces the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School Curriculum
Learn what parents can do when a child finishes private school coursework early, including acceleration, curriculum compacting, advanced classes, enrichment, and signs the school needs a new plan.
How Much Teacher Access Does Your Child Get?
How Much Teacher Access Does Your Child Get?
Learn how to evaluate teacher access at private schools, including extra-help time, advising, communication, academic support, and the questions families should ask before choosing a school today.
When a ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School Teacher Leaves Midyear
When a ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School Teacher Leaves Midyear
When a private school teacher leaves midyear, parents need clear answers. Learn what schools should do, what children may experience, and when a departure signals deeper concerns.
School location map

Request Info

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Portland, OR is $14,037 for elementary schools and $17,569 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Portland, OR is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

0:28

Quick Links