EF Academy Tri-Campus Brochure EN

Where tradition meets innovation

3 exceptional campuses, 1 fresh new approach

All parents want their children to be happy and successful. That’s what we want too. So, we started a new kind of school. It allowed us to take the best of the past and fuse it with the best of the future. At its core is total immersion. We believe you learn more when you are right in the thick of it. We’ve redesigned every aspect of the high school experience so that learning is highly individualized, totally hands-on, and in a global community of 60+ nationalities — the EF Academy Difference.

Our Philosophy

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Our Academics

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Our Campus life

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University Results

page 10

EF is a pioneer of immersion learning

EF Academy’s approach may be new, but EF is certainly no start-up. We were founded nearly 60 years ago with the belief that a truly transformational education starts with immersive, handson learning. We’ve helped millions of people learn languages, see new places, experience new cultures, and build new skills.

Pasadena

New York Oxford

Our Philosophy

Total immersion is a better to learn

A truly global school: classmates from 60+ countries

Few other schools can match the “mini-UN” vibe of an EF Academy campus. Virtually every class, activity, and event becomes “global studies.” You’re constantly expanding your worldview with multiple perspectives while sharing your own culture and traditions.

Personalized education — one size never fits all

Every student is unique — that’s why every learning journey must be unique. We craft a custom pathway just for you, based on your talents and strengths. We help you set personalized growth goals with your advisors, then develop a plan for achieving them with courses and co-curricular activities you actually care about.

Mastery of skills, not memorization of facts

Here you learn how to think – the real secret to success. All your courses are designed around the skills and knowledge you will need to flourish in adult life, not just facts and figures to pass the next test. Because it’s not the knowledge itself that’s important. It’s all about how you use it.

When you study marketing in IB Business Management in Oxford, you’re asked to bring in fashion ads from your country. Together, you and your mulicultural classmates analyze differences of approach to messaging, design, sustainability and cultural sensitivity.

In New York, we offer the flexibility of taking select IB courses in subjects where you know you’ll excel. If you’re passionate about the arts, you can take Higher Level IB Visual Arts (Jessica Eddis, who teaches this class, is a professional artist who regularly exhibits her art in galleries and venues in and around New York City) while still taking your core subjects in math and science.

We’ve re-imagined Pasadena’s weekly calendar with fewer classes per day, so you have time to focus on real-world challenges and perform field study off-campus. In math class, you might find yourself dropping a basketball off the roof so you can calculate exactly how far it falls using quadratic equations, trigonometric ratios and vectors.

immersion better way learn

My favorite thing about EF Academy is the diversity here. I have made so many friends from all over the world. We come together and talk about global issues and celebrations as part of the EF Academy community. This definitely helped me express myself more and become open-minded.

Yoonje from South Korea Class of 2023

Our Academics

Great teachers who are experts in their field

A great education starts with great teachers. Over 90% of our faculty members have advanced degrees. Our teachers share their deep knowledge and real-world experience to inspire the best in you. Many have led successful professional careers in their subject areas and offer first-hand insight into how it really works on the ground.

Real-life learning — way beyond textbooks

The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries — in and outside the classroom. We keep class sizes small (13 students on average) so you focus on building first-hand skills and knowledge through group projects that bring key concepts to life. You also tackle real challenges and find real solutions through field study and service learning.

Customized counseling: 4,000 universities, but only one you

Applying to university can be overwhelming. Our one-to-one advising with a professional counselor helps you get into your dream school. They work with you from your first year to choose the right courses and co-curricular activities, then craft enrollment applications that showcase your talents and skills to get into the right university program to meet your goals in life.

Stephen Fleming has been bringing Science to life in New York for 12 years by leading an annual marine biology trip to Belize. Stephen also taught in Poland and founded a nonprofit that brings marine biology to underserved schools.

With our signature Innovation & Impact program in Pasadena, you will collaborate in a multicultural team to design a solution to meet a UN Sustainability Goal. One team recently tackled the sustainability of lithium-ion batteries, performing chemistry experiments and making 3-D printing models.

In Oxford, we helped a recent student follow her dream of studying Law in the UK. We advised her to focus her A-Levels on Business, Psychology, and Mathematics, join the Law Society, and attend a Model UN conference at our New York campus. She got into all of her topthree universities.

your hands with realworld challenges

I love my teachers. They approach their subject with passion and joy. There’s always a dialogue and our knowledge is put into practice. It’s not only a scholastic relationship, but we are also all a kind of family. There is respect, but there is no fear.

Vittoria from Italy Class of 2023

Our Campus Life

Learning everywhere at anytime

Deeply immersive campuses in unbeatable locations

All three of our campuses boast access to world-class cultural centers yet offer the comfort and safety of a welcoming residential community. All are designed with immersion learning in mind. Wherever you choose to study, count on tech-equipped academic facilities, spaces for creativity and collaboration, an impressive range of leisure facilities, and full-service student residences.

Daily mentorship and 24/7 support

House parents, advisors and teachers work as one team to look after your well-being and success. You join an advisory group that meets multiple times per week throughout the year and also get the additional support of professional well-being counselors. This helps you flourish at all levels: academically, socially and personally.

Where you can be you: your home away from home

Our welcoming campus community allows you to come as you are and become who you want to be. Together, we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Sharing everyday life – studying, eating, rooming, exploring, hanging out –is a priceless life-preparing experience.

Our new campus in Pasadena sets the standard for 21st century learning: cutting-edge science and design labs, creative studios for art, dance and music, a fully equipped fitness center and pool, and facilities for team sports like soccer, basketball, and beach volleyball.

Your advisory group sessions are far more than just daily check-ins. In Oxford, you discuss a full range of health and well-being “life hacks” — from personal finance and positive relationships to stress management and social media best practices.

In New York, you will be matched with roommates from different countries. Together, you find common ground by sharing your cultures. The diversity of your dorm isn’t just about passports, but also about personal expression. It’s impossible to feel alone because you’ll always find someone to connect with!

Learning happens everywhere and anytime

The very fact of living on campus has helped me so much in gaining a new appreciation of the resources around me. I have constant support from teachers and staff members. Many of my IB teachers were available to sit down with me after school and even on weekends at the library to help.

Ada from Norway Class of 2023

University Results

Yes, EF Academy students secure spots at the world’s top universities. The vast majority get into their dream school, and our immersive approach also ensures they graduate with the key knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career and a happy life.

Top 100 in the world

Offers received from 45% of the world’s top 100 universities

Top 50 in the US

Offers received from 28 out of the US’s top 50 universities

Top 20 in the UK

Offers received from 20 out of the UK’s top 20 universities

92% Successful placement in the student’s first or second-choice university

99% Successful university placement upon graduation

More university placement and results

The results above reflect the past six years at our New York and Oxford campuses; Pasadena has not yet had a graduating class.

In the last three years, our students have gone to the following universities:

USA

Abertay University

American University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Baruch College – City University of New York

Baylor University

Bentley University

Berkeley College New York City

Berklee College of Music

Binghamton University – State University of New York

Boston Architectural College

Boston College

Boston University

Brandeis University

Brooklyn College – City University of New

York

California Institute of the Arts

California State University – Fullerton

California State University – Los Angeles

California State University – Monterey Bay

California State University – San Marcos

Carleton College

Champlain College

Chapman University

Clark University

Colgate University

College of Saint Rose

Colorado School of Mines

Columbia College Chicago

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art

Cornell University

Dallas College

DePaul University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University –

Daytona Beach

Emory University

Everett Community College

Fashion Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Foothill College

Fordham University

Franklin & Marshall College

George Mason University

George Washington University

Gonzaga University

Goucher College

Hilbert College

Howard University

Indiana University Bloomington

Iona College

Iowa State University

Iowa Western Community College

Keiser University

Kenyon College

Lehigh University

Lewis & Clark College

LIM College

Long Island University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago

Lynn University

Manhattan College

Maryland Institute College of Art

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Mercy College

Merrimack College

Miami Dade College

Miami University – Ohio

Michigan State University

Michigan Technological University

Missouri State University

Monroe College

Musicians Institute – Los Angeles

New York University

Northeastern University

The Ohio State University

Orange Coast College

Otis College of Art and Design

Pace University

Parsons School of Design –

The New School

Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg

Pennsylvania State University –University Park

Pratt Institute – Main

Purdue University

Rhode Island School of Art & Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University – New Brunswick

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

San Francisco State University

Sarah Lawrence College

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of Visual Arts

Seton Hall University

St Francis College

St. John's University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stony Brook University – State University

of New York

Suffolk University

Syracuse University

The New School

Tufts University

Tulane University

Union College

University at Buffalo –State University of New York

University of Arizona

University of California – Berkeley

University of California – Davis

University of California – Irvine

University of California – Los Angeles

University of California – Riverside

University of California – San Diego

University of California – Santa Cruz

University of Central Florida

University of Connecticut

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Guelph

University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana –

Champaign

University of Kansas

University of Massachusetts – Amherst

University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

University of Missouri

University of North Dakota

University of San Francisco

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of Utah

University of Vermont

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Vanderbilt University

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University

Wentworth Institute of Technology

William Rainey Harper College

Woodbury University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

UK

Birmingham City University

Brunel University London

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Coventry University

Goldsmiths, University of London

Hult Business School

International School of Creative Arts

Keele University

King's College London

Kingston University

Loughborough University

Manchester Metropolitan

New College of the Humanities

Nottingham Trent University

Oxford Brookes University

Queen Mary University of London

Regent's University London

Richmond, The American International

University in London

Royal Holloway, University of London

Solent University Southampton

UCFB Manchester

University College London

University of Aberdeen

University of Bath

University of Birmingham

University of Brighton

University of Central Lancashire

University of Essex

University of Greenwich

University of Leeds

University of Leicester

University of Liverpool

University of Oxford

University of Sheffield

University of Southampton

University of Sussex

University of the Arts, London

University of the West of England –UWE Bristol

University of West London

University of Westminster

Worldwide

Bocconi University

Copenhagen Business School

Dongguk University

EADA Business School

EBS University

Ecole Hotelier Lausanne

EDEM – Escuela de Empresarios

EDHEC Business School

EHL

Erasmus University Rotterdam

ESCP Business School

Escuela Universitaria de Diseño, Innovacion y Tecnología

European University of Madrid

Francisco de Vitoria University

Glion Institute of Higher Education

Hanze University

Hosei University

Hotel Institute Montreux

IE University

Institut Culinaire de France

Istituto Marangoni

James Cook University

John Cabot University – Rome

Le Cordon Bleu -Shanghai

Les Roches International School of Hotel

Management – Marbella

LUISS Guido Carli

Maastricht University

McGill University

National Taiwan University of Arts

Nebrija University

Ontario College of Art and Design

Politecnico di Milano

Shibaura Institute of Technology

SUNY Korea

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Tecnológico de Monterrey, Santa Fe Campus

Temple University Japan

United International Business Schools –

Zurich

Universidad Anahuac

Universidad Panamericana

University College Utrecht

University of Amsterdam

University of Bologna

University of Groningen

University of New York in Prague

The University of New South Wales

University of Queensland

University of Toronto

University of Warsaw

University of Waterloo

Utrecht University

Vin University (Vietnam)

Warsaw Medical University

Notable rankings

Top 20 UK Universities (US News)

Top 100 US National Universities (US News)

Top 50 US Liberal Arts Colleges (US News)

Top 10% of Worldwide Universities (QS)

Top 30 Worldwide Arts & Performance and Notable Universities (QS)

Live the California dream

Pasadena campus

Sunny, Southern California

Pasadena is a peaceful, palm-fringed residential community. Our campus is ideally located between sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains just a 30-minute drive from all the attractions of downtown Los Angeles. It’s easy to make Southern California your classroom as you explore its natural wonders, respected universities, arts and science museums, and world-famous entertainment industry.

Equipped to the highest standard

Our new campus sets the standard for immersive learning, featuring tech-

equipped academic facilities and collaboration spaces, cutting-edge science and design labs, and light-filled creative studios. After class, exceptional onsite recreational facilities include a fitness center, pool, as well as a soccer pitch and gym for your favorite team sports.

Signature immersion program

In our Innovation & Impact program, you use all the skills you’re learning in your other subjects each year to solve real-world problems with real solutions by collaborating in a multicultural team to meet one of the UN Sustainability Goals.

Academic programs

US High School Diploma (+ AP Courses, Advanced Study Courses)

∙ Innovation & Impact Program

One-to-one university advising Sports & Clubs

Team sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, cross-country running

Fitness: Running, hiking, skiing, yoga, lifting, cross-training

Clubs: Art & Design, Astronomy, Business & Finance, Cooking, Cinematography, Model UN, Music, Outdoor Adventure, Robotics, STEAM, Student Council, Student Newspaper, Theater, Yearbook

Events & Activities

Events: Winter Formal, Arts Night, Culture Fair, Wellness Fair, Prom Activities: Movie night in the pool, s’mores making, dorm lounge karaoke, holiday cookie decorating

Excursions: Old Town Pasadena, Disneyland, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Sign, Big Bear ski trip

My most memorable moments include holding a speech at the official opening ceremony for my school and creating connections and relationships with new and wonderful people from all over the world. I am truly excited about spending more time here in beautiful Pasadena and California.

Olivia from Norway Grade 12

Discover America’s most iconic city

New York campus

Steeped in US history and culture

Our tranquil campus in the quiet suburban town of Thornwood is a little over an hour from New York City. Firstrate academic and residential facilities are surrounded by woodlands and ponds teeming with wildlife. Experiential learning opportunities abound with frequent class trips to New York’s historic sights, museums, art galleries and universities.

Exceptional campus amenities

Academic facilities include techenhanced classrooms as well as fully equipped science labs, art studios and

music room. For your well-being, there’s a fitness center, gymnasium, tennis courts and soccer pitch as well as mountainbiking and running trails – all on campus.

Mastering critical thinking

Choose to follow the IB or US High School Diploma program — or combine the best of both! Either way, you’ll participate in our “Learning and Knowledge Program” course which offers a progressive syllabus over all four years to develop key life skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.

Academic programs

US High School Diploma (+ AP Courses, EF Academy Preparation Program)

∙ IB Diploma Programme & IB Certificates

∙ One-to-one university advising

Sports & Clubs

Varsity sports: Soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross-county running, tennis, cheerleading.

Intramural sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball

Fitness: Running, lifting, cross-training, yoga, skiing, hiking, biking, dancing

Clubs: National Honor Society, Model UN, Outdoor Leadership, Ambassador Program, Student Council, Business, Robotics, Yearbook, Art, Drama, EFATV, Literary Magazine

Events & Activities

Events: Culture Fair, Prom, Academy Rocks concert, Spring Fling, Sports Extravaganza, Earth Day, Arts Night, film festivals, drama productions

Activities: On-campus TEDx talks, student vs staff sports, karaoke, smores’ and bonfires, outdoor dance parties, painting by the pond, training service dog puppies

Excursions: Plaza Hotel, Metropolitan Museum, Bear Mountain hiking, ski trip to Vermont, DNA Learning Center, pro soccer and basketball games

My favorite part of EF Academy is the diversity. I love hearing about other people’s countries and values. It is so incredibly special to be part of such a diverse and interconnected community. It absolutely taught me so much about the world.

Abigail from the US Grade 12

Study in the academic heart of the UK

Oxford campus

Centrally located campus

EF Academy Oxford embraces the aweinspiring atmosphere of England’s oldest university city. You’ll feel immediately at home at our leafy campus on Pullens Lane, where historic Cotuit Hall will become your social hub. Students enjoy access to the library and sports facilities of Oxford Brookes University as well as regular opportunities to attend lectures at Oxford University.

Designed for active learning

The focus is on real-life learning, thanks to tech-equipped classrooms, new

science labs as well as studios for art and music. During the evenings, students get together at Cotuit Hall to enjoy movie nights or make pizza in the outdoor brick oven.

Personalized learning with impact

Choose the right educational pathway for your future. We offer both the IB Diploma and the A-Level programmes. Either way, you’ll get the chance to participate in IB’s Creativity, Activity and Service program and collaborate in multicultural teams on projects that make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Academic programs

A-Level program

IB Diploma Programme

One-to-one university advising

Sports & Clubs

Sports clubs: Tennis, rock-climbing, running, football, volleyball, hip hop, badminton, cycling

Clubs: Economics and Business, Model UN, Debate, Yarn, STEAM, Theater, Music, The Arts, Student Council, Leadership, Ambassador Program, Volunteering, Italian Culture, Polyglot, Mahjong, Drama, Book, Law, Duke of Edinburgh, Self Care

Events & Activities

Events: Culture Fair, Ted-ED Student Talks, Science Fair, Lunar New Year, student art show, short story contest

Activities: Hot chocolate nights, taco nights, paintball, punting, ice skating

Excursions: London, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Cadbury’s World, go-karting, theatre trips, Begbroke Science Park, Natural History and science museums, British Museum, Brighton, Harry Potter World, Oxford Literary Festival, Cambridge, Bear Grylls adventure park

I think my favorite part of our school is that we all come from different countries, we have different cultures, and that makes us open minded people. That’s something that a lot of people don’t have access to.

Jimena from Spain Year 2

Choose the right program for you

Each of our campuses offers a range of program options to personalize your own pathway through the school experience — all with the help of a dedicated Advisor and University Counselor.

US

The US High School Diploma program provides university preparation in mathematics, science, history, English, world languages, the arts, and physical education. You work closely with your University & Academic Counselor to customize a personalized pathway to graduation based on your goals. On successful completion, graduates are awarded a US High School Diploma and earn a transcript of high school credits necessary to apply to most universities around the world.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum develops critical thinking, active participation and research- and writing skills to prepare you for universities worldwide and a globally interconnected world beyond. You follow six subjects and three core requirements in languages, social studies, science, mathematics and the arts, all taught by qualified IB Diploma instructors, and graduate with the globally respected International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma.

AP Courses

EF Academy Preparation Program

The A-Level program is perfect for students who wish to prepare for university in Great Britain — and the qualifications you earn are also internationally recognized. Choose any combination of three or four subjects that align with your target university and career goals. Co-curricular activities, exam preparation and university advising sessions help increase your chances of entering your dream university.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are recognized worldwide for their academic rigor and are often a requirement for admission to top universities. They introduce high school students to first-year college content in a broad array of subjects. High performance on AP exams can frequently earn students college credits and some universities outside of the US require a particular set of AP courses and exams as part of their admission requirements.

Gain the necessary academic English skills to start your high school experience with confidence. Available at our New York campus, our EF Academy Preparation Program is ideal for non-native speakers who do not yet meet the English language requirement (see efacademy.org/ admissions). Follow a uniquely designed, accelerated curriculum that provides subject-specific content and proficiency skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Learn more

Residential options

∙ Dates and program fees

∙ How to apply

About EF Academy

Let’s talk!

Though your grades and test scores are important, it’s essential for us to get to know you as a person, including your strengths, talents and goals in life.

Immersive education designed to ignite curiosity, growth and well-being – the building blocks of a happy and successful life.

Pasadena Campus

1505 E Howard St, Pasadena California 91104, USA

T: +1 626 507 9223

New York Campus

582 Columbus Avenue

Thornwood New York 10594, USA

T: +1 914 495 6056

Oxford Campus

Cotuit Hall, Pullens Ln., Oxford OX3 0DA

United Kingdom

T: +44 1865 759667

@efacademylife

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Accreditations and Memberships

EF Academy New York and Pasadena are fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

EF Academy New York and Oxford are IB World Schools, offering the IB Diploma Programme.

EF Academy New York is a Member of the Council of International Schools.

EF Academy New York is recognized by the New York State Education Department.

EF Academy Oxford is proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award.