Private School in Bay Area Settles Sexual Abuse Lawsuit for $2.25 Million

In March of 2026, multiple sources reported that a Bay Area private school had settled a sexual abuse lawsuit for $2.25 million. This development is the latest in a string of similar lawsuits and controversies across the Golden State, and while it should bring the victims some solace, it highlights the prevalence of sexual abuse in California’s schools. These lawsuits show no signs of slowing down. While their frequency is alarming to residents of the Golden State, they at least encourage others to come forward and make similar allegations. Families and individuals who are going through this are not alone, and school sexual abuse lawyers in San Francisco are here to help.

Multiple Victims Speak Out About Sexually Abusive Tutor at Castilla School

Palo Alto Online was one of many sources that reported on the $2.25 million settlement. This report states that three anonymous students came forward with allegations against an on-campus tutor who worked at Castilleja School in Palo Alto from 2007 to 2016. This is an all-girls, private middle school in Palo Alto.

After an investigation, the plaintiffs and their attorneys determined that this tutor was not an official employee of the school. It is not clear whether he had any teaching credentials. Although three plaintiffs decided to file a lawsuit against the school and the tutor, officials say that a total of 17 children were abused by the tutor over the space of almost a decade. Reports also indicate that the abuse may have started in the early 90s, when the tutor first started interacting with students.

The school did not supervise the tutor as he used this academic setting to molest children. The tutor waited until he was alone with the victims before grooming them and touching them inappropriately during one-on-one tutoring sessions. This mirrors many other similar incidents involving teaching professionals who used positions of trust to take advantage of children in one-on-one settings.

Around this time, an elementary school counselor was also arrested on child molestation charges in California. In this case, the abuser made sure that he was alone with the children before closing the blinds and abusing them under the guise of counseling sessions. Clearly, schools need to do a better job of protecting children from predators who try to get them alone. At the very least, school administrators need to properly screen these employees before allowing them to be alone with children.

Former Tutor Faces 55 Felonies for Lewd Acts With Minors

Although the civil case has been resolved, the defendant still faces 55 felonies for lewd acts with minors. He was arrested in 2020, and his trial will presumably move forward relatively soon. Back in 2022, a judge determined that there was sufficient evidence for a trial. The defendant now remains under house arrest with a GPS tracker. He is 76, which means that he will almost certainly spend the rest of his days behind bars if convicted.

Mary Alexander & Associates Asks Castellija School to “Do the Right Thing”

Aside from the criminal charges, another unresolved issue is the 14 other students who also experienced unacceptable abuse at the hands of this tutor. These individuals were not included in the settlement, and they have yet to receive compensation. There is talk of a second lawsuit.

Mary Alexander & Associates, one of the law firms involved in this case, believes that a second trial shouldn’t be necessary. Attorney Mary Alexander, a veteran of school sexual abuse cases, has urged Castilleja School to “do the right thing” and provide these 14 additional victims with compensation. However, it is unclear whether the Castilleja School will actually take on this responsibility unless they face additional legal action.

Victims Hope That Their Lawsuit Prevents Further Abuse

At least one of the victims is hopeful that her bravery will help protect other students from similar abuse at the same institution. This has certainly been a wake-up call for the school administrators, who have already reportedly taken steps to train staff about the dangers of sexual harassment. The school has stated that his training will be “ongoing.”

Despite these encouraging developments, the school’s failures to act remain glaring. The tutor’s tendency to touch girls inappropriately was ostensibly a well-known fact among students. Evidence suggests that the school was aware of these issues as early as 1992, and yet administrators continue to give him access to students. After hearing one complaint, the school moved him from the basement level to the first floor. This seems to be the extent of their efforts to protect their students.

Can a School Sexual Abuse Lawyer in San Francisco Help Me?

Mary Alexander & Associates was instrumental in securing this multi-million-dollar settlement, and the firm has achieved many similar victories in the past. If you have experienced similar types of school sexual abuse in the Bay Area, consider speaking with this law firm for further guidance. Even if the incident occurred decades ago, a lawsuit could still be possible. Contact Mary Alexander & Associates at 415-433-4440, or find us online. We serve victims of sexual abuse in a compassionate, respectful, and professional manner.