Catlin Gabel has always emphasized a one-to-one relationship between teacher and student. Increased understanding of the learning process has served to deepen the awareness of each pupil as the focus of consideration. Styles and speed of learning, background influences, and individual interests and needs are taken into account as teachers plan courses, counsel advisees, and work with students.

The Upper School offers a broad and demanding arts and sciences curriculum. The educational experience of each student encompasses the progressive mastery of the tools of inquiry and expression, understanding of fundamental mathematical and scientific ideas and techniques, active participation in the arts, and development of coordination as well as a sense of working with others through physical education. The School believes that these skills are fundamental to the development of each student's "fullest powers as an individual and as a group member."

Each student is assigned to a faculty member who serves as his or her primary counselor and academic advisor throughout the Upper School years. Advisors function as the conduit for communication between school and home, fielding questions regarding most aspects of the student's experience. An advisor's advisees form a group of mixed ages called C&C (Conference and Conversation), which meets each morning to take attendance and exchange daily news. Parents are encouraged to call their child's advisor at any time during the year whenever questions or issues arise.

An array of interscholastic sports, exchange programs, and extracurricular activities enhances the opportunities for a broad and balanced education. Students are encouraged to take risks and to participate in a wide variety of experiences. They are given the opportunity and responsibility to share in the creation and leadership in many of these special programs.