Our Traditions
Empowering women since 1907.
Whether she comes to Castilleja as a 6th grader or a rising junior, every student shares in Castilleja’s traditions big and small. They provide a common experience through which friendships are forged and classes bond—and through which generations of alums are united in sisterhood.
One of our beloved year-round traditions at Casti is 8th grade speeches and senior speeches. In these rites of passage, students in Middle and Upper School address and inspire their peers at school-wide assemblies.
Fall
OPENING DAYS
Opening Day at Castilleja is full of traditions and festivities that reinforce the joyful and supportive nature of our community.
Tie Ceremony
Seniors Drive the Circle
Later in the morning of Opening Day, senior students have the opportunity to "Drive the Circle". Students jump into cars and (very slowly) drive the perimeter of the central part of campus while cheering and celebrating the beginning of their final year.
Spirit Week
Crazy costumes, class colors, and school spirit are on full display during Spirit Week in the fall. Students, faculty, and staff celebrate with a pep rally and a Carnival on the Circle with games like bowling, cornhole, tug-of-war, and a three-legged race, as well as face painting and tie dye. Bonus points: students get to dunk teachers in a dunk tank, roll around in a human hamster ball, and enjoy a scrumptious barbecue.
Ringing
Castilleja's "ringing" tradition for juniors and seniors is much more than a twist on receiving class rings—ringing has reinforced the bonds of sisterhood amongst Upper School students for decades. The junior "ringee" will carry out various random acts of kindness for their senior "ringer" such as sending encouraging notes and small gifts and surprises on campus. Finally, the "ringee" reveals their identity and asks the senior to "ring them."
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
On Grandparents and Special Friends Day, students invite their grandparents or other special people in their lives to campus. It's a heartwarming afternoon filled with student performances, classroom visits, games on the Circle, and delicious treats! This event is typically held the day before Thanksgiving Break.
Spring
Rivalry
Castilleja students have a long history of building community through friendly competition and creative and spontaneous performance. Currently, this manifests itself in Junior/Senior Rivalry each Spring.
Junior / Senior Banquet
The culmination of Rivalry Week is a celebratory dinner that brings students together for a fun and special meal together featuring an elaborate theme and sprinkled with performances throughout.
Founder's Day
Castilleja's founder, Mary Lockey, initiated a school tradition celebrating Arbor Day each year by planting a tree or shrub on campus. For decades, this time was used to beautify the campus and in 1940, Arbor Day at Castilleja became Founder's Day, in honor of Miss Lockey and the holiday she loved. Today's festivities include a lunch and program for students and a parent or guardian guest on the Circle. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members and spend the afternoon together honoring the school's rich history.
Fun on the Circle
Castilleja students have been building community and having fun on the Circle for over a century. Whether part of a decades-old tradition, or a spontaneous display of creativity; sisterhood, self-expression, and fun are values central to the student experience.