Catlin Gabel School (Top-Ranked �� School for 2026)

Name: Open House
Start: 2026-10-22T16:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-10-22T19:00:00-07:00
Location: Catlin Gabel School

8825 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97225

Tel: (503) 297-1894

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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.

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.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked OR School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 784 students
Yearly Tuition: $45,800
Acceptance rate: 42%
Average class size: 17 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / 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.
- 09/05/2025
Hiking along ancient pilgrimage routes, students get in touch with themselves, each other, and their surroundings.
- 09/05/2025
Members of the Catlin Gabel community share what the new Beginning & Lower School play space means to them.
...read more

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

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1957

Colors

White, Blue, Royal blue

School Calendar

First Day of School

Mon. Aug 31, 2026

Last Day of School

Thu. Jun 10, 2027

Campus Size

67 acres

Student Body

Total Students

784 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.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

88%

Average Class Size

17 students

List of Courses Offered

AP/Advanced Courses

BiologyCalculus

ChemistryChinese

Computer ScienceEconomics

EnglishFrench

HistoryMathematics

PhysicsSocial Studies

SpanishStatistics

Average SAT score

1393

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15 / Feb. 4

Yearly Tuition Cost

$45,800

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Varies by division: $37,300-$45,800 Financial assistance available

% on Financial Aid

27%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$28,560

Acceptance Rate

42%

National avg.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

99%

Application URL

Endowment Size

$43.22 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

8 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

GolfSoccer

SwimmingTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

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

Show More (11)Hide

Arts and Music Programs:

CeramicsChoir

DramaJazz Band

Media ArtsMusic

Rock BandVisual Arts

School Notes

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.
School Mascot: Eagles

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Catlin Gabel School cost?

Catlin Gabel School's tuition is approximately $45,800 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 42%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. 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?

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. 15 / 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.