6th Grade Matriculation Booklet

6th Grade

Matriculation Information

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child and Family

Compiling a list of schools to look at for your child can seem like a daunting process at first because of how many options there are to choose from, but the range of choices can also be reassuring. There are many to choose from in and around Pasadena, as well as in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. When it comes to choosing a school at any level, finding a good fit is the ultimate goal. Try to remain open throughout the process. There is no best school, but there are certainly schools that will fit your child well.

Below are five things to think about as you put your list of schools together:

Reflect carefully on who your child is as a learner. What type of environment will be most conducive to growth and success? A traditional environment with lots of structure? A less structured environment with more choice and fewer restrictions? Are you looking for an extremely rigorous academic program or one that is more balanced? A smaller school with opportunities for more teacher attention or a school with a larger student body and wider social pool?

Assess your child’s strengths and needs. What are your child’s greatest strengths and interests? Will the school nurture those interests and help your child make the most of his or her strengths? What are your child’s needs? Will a school address those needs?

Make a list of things you and your child want to see in a middle school.

Consider academics, extra-curricular activities, physical environment, the school’s mission and educational philosophy, emphasis on character building, attention to socialemotional learning, size, and geography (are you willing to commute to the San Fernando Valley?). You and your child should each make a list. These two lists will likely differ, but this is a family decision, so having this conversation will help you in the process immensely

Know what you do not want, but try to remain open to different possibilities. You may rule out a certain school or type of school, but if you remain open to more options, at least in the beginning, you may later find that they offer other things that are appealing and what was once a deal-breaker is less of an issue for you.

What type of school is a good fit for your family and your values?

The school your child attends will become a place where you spend significant time. Look for schools at which you will all feel comfortable and that support the values you hold as a family.

Young Alumni Panel

Each year, Walden invites recent graduates to return and speak about their middle school experience. It will be held in October in the early evening. More information about the event will be sent in the fall. It is a great opportunity for students and parents to hear about the experiences of recent grads and also get the inside scoop of some of the schools you may be looking at for your child.

Release of Records Requests and Teacher and Administrator Recommendations

Release of Records Requests (Transcripts):

All schools will ask for a transcript as part of their application, which typically includes their progress reports and standardized test scores from 4th and 5th grade as well as your child's fall 6th grade progress report. Though test scores are a standard request for most schools, they do not weigh them heavily if they even look at them at all. Most schools that are interested in test scores prefer to see how students do on the ISEE and only refer to other standardized tests sparingly.

All Release of Records requests should come directly to the Walden front office by November 15, 2024. Many Walden 6th graders will apply to a given school. It is most convenient and well-received by the schools that all applicant transcripts be sent together. Walden will process all transcripts after that November 15th date but before the deadline for application materials. Once they are sent, Walden will confirm with the school that they have been received. Please be aware that due to the number of applications that some schools receive, they may not keep their admission portals up to date. Walden will confirm receipt of the materials

Teacher Recommendation Requests:

It is very important to turn in these recommendations on or before the November 15th deadline. Because of the high volume of requests and the time required of teachers and administration to complete the recs, not turning them in on time can cause issues. Most schools still provide online forms that can be printed out and completed. All paper teacher recommendation requests must go directly to the Walden front office. You can request the teacher you would like to write the rec, but that teacher will not accept the form from you Walden’s 5th and 6th grade teachers will write a letter on behalf of your child and there is no need to make a request of them, but if you would like a specialty teacher to write one, please ask them in advance.

Once all letters and forms for a given school are complete, Walden will send them to the schools and then confirm that the mailing has been received. Most schools will specify whom they would like you to get recommendations from and do not allow additional recommendations.

Matriculation Process: Important Points and Dates

School List

During the initial phase of the process, which often begins over the summer and continues from September to mid-October, you will be compiling a list of schools you want to visit and perhaps apply to Some will only look at independent schools, while others will also look at faith-based, charter, or public schools.

Ways to Visit Schools

School websites are usually quite clear about the ways you can visit. Most schools have weekday tours for parents only These events are created for adults and usually involve visiting classrooms during the school day and listening to administrators speak about the school. An Open House is most often held on a Saturday and is open to adults and children, giving you an opportunity to speak with administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Outside of an Open House, students typically visit the school as part of the application process in the form of an interview and shadow day. They will get a tour of the school, see classrooms, perhaps chat with some teachers and students, and then have an interview with admissions office staff. Most schools will also give some form of assessment on a visit such as writing an essay. See below regarding interviews.

Student Interviews

The interview can be a very important part of the admissions process. Admission officers may get some information about families through meeting them at events, but the interview is the opportunity to have a real conversation. It will be short, but admissions staff can learn a lot in that short time The matriculation team will be working with students throughout the fall to prepare them for this experience. Ultimately, they want students to be able to speak articulately and passionately about the things they love to do. It could be a group interview or one-on-one, sitting down in a formal setting or done casually while walking around the school.

Parent Interviews

Not all schools have parent interviews, but for some schools, it is an important part of the process. Welcoming a child into their community means welcoming a whole family, so getting a sense of who the child’s parents are is important. They expect you to say many positive things about your child, so take the opportunity to do that and hopefully offer some insight into who your child is. They are also trying to get a sense of how you would work with teachers and administrators. Ask insightful questions that go beyond what can be found on the website and highlight some things that your child can bring to the school and not just what you love about the school for your child They want you to be open to a partnership in which you trust the school to do what’s right for your child. Admissions committees inevitably discuss how the parents were. A great parent interview isn’t going to get a child admitted, but a poor one could lessen a child’s chances.

*A note about Online Teacher Recommendations: If you are applying to schools that no longer use paper forms, you will need to follow their process online. This process usually involves entering the email address of the recommenders, and the rest is done through email and secure links to the school’s system. Please inform Danica that you have completed an online rec request to be sent to a Walden teacher or Terra. Sometimes, those requests don’t actually make it to Walden teachers or Terra. If we are aware that you have sent them, we can confirm receipt.

Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)

While the ISEE has previously been required for admission to many independent schools, most of those schools are starting to report that they will likely either be "Test Optional" or "Test Blind," as they all were this year. Schools that are test-optional may not require the ISEE for admission, but they will include the scores for those who choose to submit them. Schools that are "blind" will not accept scores into the files that are used to admit students, though they may accept them should your child attend their school in the future.

Some schools are making it optional to submit either the ISEE or take their own in-house test they have developed for their admissions process. These tests usually mimic sections of the ISEE such as the testing essay and a math section. Since this kind of essay writing is also commonly used in secondary education, an introduction to the testing essay is taught to all 6th grade students in class in the fall.

If your child will be taking the ISEE, please ensure they also take a practice test so they are familiar with the format on the actual exam day. November or December is a good time to schedule an exam, as it gives the student time to prep but testing anxiety won’t spill over into winter break. For questions about what would be the best test preparation for your child, get in touch with Danica Hamilton, Matriculation Specialist. Visit the ERB website at www.erblearn.org for more information and to register for a test date.

Please note: We encourage your child to take the ISEE only once if they take the test, but if you are concerned and would like your child to have the option to take it twice, be sure to sign up for the first test in November and not December.

If your child will be taking the test online from home, which is a new option since this past year, they can also use a free online practice test provided by Test Innovators at www.iseepracticetest.com.

Every year, Walden has paid for every 6th grader to take one full-length test with Unlocking Potential, so if you would like a paper version to practice with, contact Jenni at info@uptestprep.com to request one and let her know you have a Walden 6th grader so she can waive the fee for you.

If your child should receive accommodations for the ISEE, make sure to contact Amy Schroder Doss as soon as possible at aschroderdoss@waldenschool.net to get the proper paperwork signed so you can register. There are both in-person locations as well as athome accommodations available.

Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) - Resources

The ISEE may no longer be required by many independent schools in the Pasadena and Los Angeles areas, but schools that make it optional are using it as an assessment tool in their admissions process. For most students, it is to their advantage to take the test to submit scores if that option is available. Preparation will depend on the individual child, and many families get private or group tutoring for their children.

Below are some resources to help you as you choose the type of preparation you find the most appropriate. Please consult with Danica, Terra, Kelli Dawn (or Amy, if needed) if you are unsure of how to proceed.

Educational Records Bureau (ERB)

ERB administers the ISEE. Their website has information about the exam and a registration portal. Visit www.erblearn.org for information.

Unlocking Potential

Classes, and private tutoring using their unique curriculum and practice ISEE tests; www.uptestprep.com

Learning Encounters

This is a small, personalized group (maximum 8 students) offering test prep for both the ERB and the ISEE; http://www.learningencounters.com/workshops erbstar.php

C2 Education of Pasadena

Offers test prep programs and private tutoring for students of all skill levels; https://www.c2educate.com/locations/pasadena-ca/

Huntington Learning Center

Individual tutoring and test prep for ISEE; www.huntingtonhelps.com

Compass Education Group

Offers practice tests and individual tutoring at your home; https://www.compassprep.com

ISEE Accommodations

Eligibility for ISEE Accommodations

A student with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations such as extended time (50% extra time) on the ISEE.

The student must:

Have a disability or physical challenge that necessitates testing accommodations. Have complete and specific documentation that establishes a current need for the requested accommodations. Currently receive and utilize the requested accommodations, due to the disability, on a regular basis for school-based testing in the student’s present school environment.

Types of Supporting Documentation That May Be Submitted for ISEE Accommodations

Formal Testing - a complete psycho-educational evaluation dated within the last three years. (If it is not within the last three years, and you want to request accommodations for your child, consider a re-evaluation soon.)

An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan from the current calendar year

A School Accommodation Plan from the current calendar year

Physician Letter - a letter from a medical doctor is required if the accommodations are due to a medically-treated issue [such as a vision impairment, deafness, paralysis, ADHD (treated with prescriptions), etc.] or a physical disability.

Continued on next page.

ISEE Accommodations -

Accommodations Approval Process

Please note that there have been recent changes to this process.

Seek approval first and then select a test site and date.

Approval stays with the student for 15 months from the date of that approval (this means you can register now if you already have the documentation).

To register, you first create an online account at https://iseeonline.erblearn.org/ and then select “Yes” for accommodations.

When prompted, list the accommodations your student utilizes at Walden for standardized tests.

Give or email the Current School Statement Form, listing requested accommodations, to Amy Schroder Doss for a signature.

She will return it to you for your submission with your additional documentation. Once you have sent all the documentation, you will hear back from ISEE and can sign up for the testing date and site

IMPORTANT: Please note that approved accommodations do not guarantee an available test site location. ISEE test site locations offer only specific accommodations and most do not offer all accommodations. If the approved accommodation(s) for your student are not offered at any available test site location, you will need to arrange for an individual ISEE administration with the admission office of one of the ISEE test site schools to which your student applying.

Middle School Matriculation Calendar

Summer 2024

Read through Walden's matriculation materials and do some preliminary research of schools that seem like a fit for your child and family.

Decide on a preparation strategy for the test prep if you are applying to a school that makes the ISEE optional or requires its own exam.

For taking the ISEE, select a testing season and test date.

https://www.erblearn.org/parents/isee-registration.

Email Amy to secure testing accommodations if needed.

Schedule a practice ISEE test for your child if taking the test.

Compile your initial list of schools to look further into. We recommend at least 6-8.

August: You will receive an email from the Walden Matriculation Team (Danica and Terra) to schedule your fall meeting. Please respond promptly.

September/October

Meet with the Matriculation Team to discuss your preliminary list of schools.

Open Houses and tours begin; schedule a time to visit the schools of interest. Some schools require appointments for parent visits.

Register your child for the ISEE if you chose a later test date.

Written applications, registration forms, and viewbooks become available.

Gather documents needed for application and registration at many schools (birth certificate, social security number, proof of residence, etc.)

Attend Walden's Young Alumni Panel in October to hear from students about their matriculation experiences and ask questions.

Interview practice: Walden 6th grade parents host Interview Practice.

November

Open Houses and tours continue.

End of school research and finalize the list of schools you will apply to.

Turn in all signed transcript release and recommendation forms to the front office. All requests for transcripts and teacher recommendations must be turned in by November 15th, 2024 to assure timely processing of all documents.

Notify Danica of which teachers you sent online teacher recommendations to.

The matriculation Team will create a sign-up for student mock interviews during the day. Applications for some independent and religious schools are due. Pay attention to deadlines.

Some public/charter school initial registrations are due.

Family and/or student interviews begin.

Register your child for the Character Skills Snapshot assessment if required.

Middle School Matriculation Calendar

December-February

Independent and religious school applications are due. Pay attention to deadlines. Public/Charter school written applications and registrations are due.

Family and/or student interviews continue.

Once applications are submitted, most will schedule shadow days for your child. Your school research continues: choose your top three schools and email the Walden Matriculation Team your top choice schools by February 1, 2025.

You can feel confident we will submit all transcripts and teacher recommendations on time Remember that schools that use online portals have an automated system that will notify you if application materials are missing. This can be helpful for you to get parent materials in on time, but disregard reminders for transcripts and teacher recommendations and transcripts. We complete 6th grade progress reports early to ensure transcripts can be sent on time, and should we need additional time for a school with a particularly early due date, we arrange that in advance. Due to school requests and to be equitable, we submit all transcripts at the same time, and the online systems often take additional time to get updated after they have been sent.

March

Read and observe the 6th grade agreements about school choice and sharing in class. Admissions decisions are sent via email, snail mail, or posted on their online portal that you need to login to see. All schools use different approaches for acceptances and financial aid.

Pasadena and Los Angeles Consortium Schools: Early/Mid March 2025 (tentatively) If necessary, meet with teachers or members of Walden's Matriculation Team to discuss acceptance or waitlist decisions. Run magnet and charter lotteries. Accept admission, pay fees, and register!

Notify schools you were accepted to that your child will not be attending as soon as possible so other students on their waitlist can be notified of acceptance.

Graphic from The Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child's School with Confidence, by

Bryan C. Hassel,

Graphic from The Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child's School with Confidence, by

Bryan C. Hassel, Ph D and Ayscue Hassel

Overview of Area Middle Schools

Alverno Heights Academy (Sierra Madre)

Affiliation: co-ed Catholic independent school (was previously an all girls high school for the past 62 years and since 2023 is only TK-8th which began in 2020.)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Their values include: courage, diversity, compassion, humor, generosity, nurturing , creativity, academic achievement, and intellectual growth.

● A traditional school environment with uniforms and grades but also with a focus on social and emotional learning and leadership.

● Additional classes include Art, Coding , Robotics, PE, Music, Makerspace lab, Technology Center for STEAM, Speech and Debate and Mock Trails, and Spanish. Students also get a 12 week class called ROAR to explore their passions in art, theater, science, engineering and more

● Religion is a required class but not all students have to be Catholic to attend. 7th and 8th graders attend a retreat as part of a ministry program.

● The middle school is 5th through 8th grade

● Sports include Coed Football, Girl’s & Boy ’s Volleyball, Girl’s and Boy ’s Basketball, Golf, Track and Cross Country Academics

● Schedule: Block scheduling

● Homework: Unfinished classwork is taken home with no new homework assigned

● Learning Support: Student Support Team, Special Education Team, Reading Inter vention, Inclusion Assistants in every classroom, Learning Center, MFT Counseling and School Counselor

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: basketball, volleyball, flag football, yoga, and cheerleading.

● Extra-Curricular Options: 30 electives and 6 clubs. There is also peer-to-peer tutoring after school and vocational programs such as food ser vice and technology.

● Technology: computer programming

● AP and advanced courses: Advanced courses can be taken at PCC

● Special projects: several academic contests, Senior Projects (yearlong), “Pathways” to explore passions throughout high school, and “Flex Studies” is a hybrid independent studies program with learning in a classroom setting on or off campus

Parent involvement and communication is encouraged through Action Teams, Parent Liaisons, Parent/Student/Teacher Triads, Celebrations of Learning and Community Forums and there is an online system called “Luma” for parents to check ongoing progress with skills.

Aveson Global Leadership Academy (Altadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian; California State Content Standards and the Common Core aligned charter through PUSD, students learn using the Personalized Mastery Learning (PML)

Key Cultural Highlights

● AGLA students will “Investigate the World, Recognize Perspectives, Communicate Ideas, and Take Action” in a progressive, democratic learning community, where students are global leaders with opportunities for community ser vice.

● Personalized Mastery Learning Program: Teachers are Academic Advisors who collaborate with students to design what their learning experience will be, how to achieve student goals, and when they are ready to demonstrate evidence of learning to the community in a self-paced, individualized, and experiential program.

● Program is self-paced and student-led, project-based for science and social studies with English and math integrated with other subjects in multi-age classrooms

● No “D’s” or “F’s” are given, as students only receive a letter grade once they have shown proficiency with their skills.

Academics

● Schedule: Block scheduling

● Homework: Unfinished classwork is taken home with no new homework assigned

● Learning Support: Student Support Team, Special Education Team, Reading Inter vention, Inclusion Assistants in every classroom, Learning Center, MFT Counseling and School Counselor

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: basketball, volleyball, flag football, yoga, and cheerleading.

● Extra-Curricular Options: 30 electives and 6 clubs. There is also peer-to-peer tutoring after school and vocational programs such as food ser vice and technology

● Technology: computer programming

● AP and advanced courses: Advanced courses can be taken at PCC

● Special projects: several academic contests, Senior Projects (yearlong), “Pathways” to explore passions throughout high school, and “Flex Studies” is a hybrid independent studies program with learning in a classroom setting on or off campus

Parent involvement and communication is encouraged through Action Teams, Parent Liaisons, Parent/Student/Teacher Triads, Celebrations of Learning and Community Forums and there is an online system called “Luma” for parents to check ongoing progress with skills.

Barnhart (Arcadia)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-denominational

Key Cultural Highlights

● Mission: We grow difference-makers.

● Core values: integrity, safety, inclusiveness, flexibility, perseverance, and fun

● Chapel focuses on The Virtues Project™ , character education and citizenship program, focusing on universal values found in all cultures.

● Character Strengths focused on in the Social and Emotional Learning model are: Empathy & Compassion, Courage & Perseverance, Teamwork & Communication, Integrity & Self-Control, Humility & Gratitude, and Curiosity

● Buddy program: 7th paired with Kindergarteners

● Required community ser vice hours as well as a community garden

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: Differentiated instruction and accommodations enhances all learning styles and interest levels of students as well as a “Student Success Team.”

● Language: 1 year of high school Spanish

● Math: High school algebra in middle school

● Sports: volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, and track & field.

● Extra-Curricular Options: 7 electives and 6 clubs including

● Technology: robotics and woodworking

● Special projects: speech and debate tournaments, math competitions, and gifted programs

● Special Trips: week-long trips in October (6th and 7th alternates between AstroCamp, Yosemite, and 8th grade to Washington DC)

Parent involvement and communication: minimum of 20 volunteer hours each year

Bethany Christian School (Sierra Madre)

Affiliation: co-ed and Christian (enrollment is not contingent upon acceptance of their Statement of Faith, but families must be aware of the Christian values that will be taught.)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Mission is to partner with parents to educate, develop, and nurture STUDENTS for a life of Christ-centered excellence in academics, Christian character, and ser vant-leadership as a biblical world view is integrated throughout the curriculum.

● Chapel as well as leadership and ser vice opportunities. Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: baseball, basketball, football, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 15 electives and a few clubs

● Technology: focus on STEM, computer lab and classroom chrome books

● Special projects: Middle School Science Fair & Math Olympics

Parent involvement and communication:

● Parent Action Teams: Science & Technology (STEM), Hospitality & Fellowship, Fundraising , Classroom & Student Support, Marketing , and Spiritual Care

Blair International Baccalaureate School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, Core Curriculum with IB focus public school

Key Cultural Highlights

● IB program encourages students to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate and understand people from other countries and cultures in a democratic and diverse community

● Qualities of an IB learner: to be reflective, caring , knowledgeable, open-minded, balanced and principled, and to be a risk taker, inquirer, communicator and thinker

● Besides being IB, they also have programs that include: Health Careers Academy, JROTC, International Academy, Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program

● Prospective students may attend a shadow day on specific dates in December.

Academics

● Schedule: late start on Mondays, traditional bell schedule

● Learning Support: full inclusion is a goal with academic programs for students needing greater than 50% specialized academic instruction. Other ser vices provided are for speech and language, adapted physical education, and special classes for the severely handicapped. Blair helps students determine how they learn so they can develop study methods most effective for them with a goal to reach each type of learner.

● Language: Spanish required and French as an elective

● Sports: baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, soccer, cross country, swimming , volleyball, football, track, and “Students Run Los Angeles” program

● Extra-Curricular Options: 7 electives and about 20-30 clubs going at a time, varying depending on student interest

● Technology: 1:1 lap top ratio

● AP and advanced courses: 3 courses taken at a time are higher level and 3 that are at a regular level. AP classes also offered.

● Special projects: Personal and class-wide projects are required every year along with required community ser vice projects, 10th grade students have a self-directed personal long-term project, and for the diploma program a creativity, action and ser vice project of at least 150 hours.

Parent involvement and communication: Family Resource Center, 9 boards or committees for parent participation, Middle School Advisory for parents to learn about student programs, and an online parent portal to see grades, missing assignments, attendance and much more.

Bridges Academy (Studio City)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian; 2e students, gifted with a behavioral or learning disorder

Key Cultural Highlights

● The term “twice-exceptional” (or “2e”) often is used to describe students with high ability and potential who simultaneously experience learning , executive functioning , production, and/or social challenges. They are challenged in most schools by a misalignment between their learner profile and the school's curriculum and instructional approach.

● Students go to Bridges defined by their challenges but graduate defined by their strengths and talents.

● Social understanding and life-skills development

● Student-led strength-based, student-centered and talent-development driven with differentiated instruction

● Monthly community meetings and opportunities to get involved in learning about sustainability.

Academics

● Schedule: Block scheduling

● Learning Support: specializes in learning needs and gifted students

● Sports: basketball, cheering , cross country, track and field

● Extra-Curricular Options: 15 electives in middle school and an additional 30 in high school, a wide variety of clubs based on student interest, and over 10 after school classes.

● Technology: computer programming , graphics and animation, robotics, digital art, auto mechanics, and theater tech

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Association organizes volunteers and plans events

Brighton Hall (Burbank)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Expected School-Wide Learning Results (ESLRs): effective communicators, creative individuals, self-motivated scholars, critical thinkers, collaborative workers, and contributing community members

● Creative and student-centered learning

● Majority of students are working professionals

Academics

● Schedule: flexible and shortened school day ends at 1pm

● Homework: online program for receiving and submitting homework called Jupiter

● Learning Support: On-site tutoring and online class accommodation

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: after school fitness program but no sports

● Extra-Curricular Options: about 8 electives and about 6 Clubs

● Technology: electives like digital media and clubs like robotics, Scratch, and electronics

● AP and honors classes: 5 AP courses and 6 advanced courses

● Special projects: high school students take on leadership roles in inquiry-based projects

Parent involvement and communication: 40 hours of volunteer work or $400 annual pledge

California School of the Arts (Duarte)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, public charter for Duarte Unified School District and aligned with Common Core and associated with their founding school, the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Students in 7th-8th grade attend Duarte public middle school in the morning and bused to CSArts for the afternoon for pre-professional arts conser vatory training. In 9th grade students are on the CSArts campus all day.

● Students choose a focus conser vatory in one school:

o School of Music: guitar, pianist, strings & orchestra, vocal arts, wind & jazz

o School of Dance: classical and contemporary, commercial dance

o School of Theatre: acting , musical theatre, production and design

o School of Fine Arts and Media Arts: creative writing , integrated arts, visual arts

● There is a placement activity that is scheduled for January-February to determine a good fit and your child may apply to two conser vatories. A portfolio may also need to be submitted for some conser vatories. Performance ability is not a factor in admissions as they want to admit all students who have a passion to learn.

● They do not limit admission for academically low-achieving students.

● Students are exposed to renowned guest artists, university faculty, and industry leaders who visit the school’s campus to share their expertise through residencies, master classes, lectures, performances, presentations, and hands-on training.

Academics

● Schedule: alternating block schedule with 90 minute classes

● Homework: $10 after school homework club available

● Learning Support: Special Ser vices Support Team and academic inter vention as needed

● Language: Mandarin and Spanish

● Sports: For those not already in the dance program, dance electives and Taekwondo.

● Extra-Curricular Options: about 8 electives and over 10 clubs

● Technology: DUSD has a 1:1 technology initiative and online system Schoology and electives such as biotechnology and computer science

● AP and advanced courses --30 AP and honors classes through high school

Parent involvement and communication: an online portal for parents in Aeries to keep up to date with their child’s grades, attendance, assignments and more. There is also a group to collaborate with administration to improve the school as well as a social group called “Encore.”

Campbell Hall (Studio City)

Affiliation: co-ed and Episcopal (accepts students of all faiths)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Traditional and innovative, student-centered, hands-on activities, use of technology for learning , collaborative problem-solving , and inspiring self-discovery Diversity and social justice emphasis and mindfulness instruction and social and emotional learning.

● Weekly chapels, (two days a week) while grounded in Judeo-Christian prayers and readings, embrace and celebrate many religions of the world with a culture is to ask questions rather than assert answers in an interfaith community

● Clean fuel bus available with Wifi from Pasadena and outdoor learning spaces, gardens and terrace. Inspires and nurtures environmental sustainability and ser vice-learning opportunities, striving to be a model green school.

Academics

● Schedule: 75 minute rotating block schedule and late start in the day

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: educational support ser vices team and accommodations, inter ventions, and differentiation is used. Accommodations that are not available include one to one class room aides, private room testing or oral testing.

● Languages: Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese

● Sports/PE: ballet, baseball, basketball, cheering, cross country, dance, equestrian, flag football, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and tield, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: about 30 electives for 7th graders, 5 more added for 8th grade, and well over 10 more in high school including online programs

● Technology: theater technology, recording /video/TV production, photography and darkroom, computer science, rockets, robots & gizmos, Maker Lab, robotics, engineering , and 3D printing

● AP and advanced courses: 25 AP and honors level courses even in middle school

● Special projects: high school independent study classes

● Special Trips: overnight trips every year for experiential/outdoor education

Parent involvement and communication: parent education program, mindfulness group, and Parent Association to volunteer, and a grandparent community as well.

Chandler School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● According to a parent sur vey a few years ago, 100% who responded say Chandler has exceeded or equaled their expectations, and the 3 top reasons for being there are the quality faculty, their care and concern for each child, and the school atmosphere and culture.

Academics

● Schedule: block

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: resource center provides support for students who demonstrate short-term needs for either enrichment or remediation and recommendations for outside support if on-going inter vention is needed.

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: baseball, basketball, diving, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: Over 30 electives and a few clubs and competing debate team

● Technology:: 1:1 student to lap top ratio, STEAM electives are often created based on student interest and also include robotics, 2D media, 3D media, 3D design and printing , multi-media projects, woodworking , design and build personal computers, digital photography

● Special Trips: overnight outdoor education and bonding trips include canoeing the Colorado river in 7th grade and 8th grade takes a 6 day back-packing trip to the Sierras. There is an opportunity for a Hong Kong exchange.

Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy (Altadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, Magnet School with Arts Theme (Music, dance, theater, visual arts)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Academic Common Core classes infused with the arts and project-based.

● School partners with many different local community and professional organizations that mentor teachers and students including artists in residencies.

● Display their art in their own exhibitions twice a year.

● There is a school uniform.

● There are ser vice opportunities and a community garden.

● Shadow days are available October through March.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Sports/PE: all students do PE and sports offered include flag football, soccer, basketball, cheer, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: Over 20 electives over 20 clubs and PCC after school tutoring.

● Technology: two computer labs, robotics, digital citizenship, innovation exploration, video recording and production,

● AP and advanced courses: honors classes offered in every academic area

● Special Trips: regular field trips to art exhibitions and performances

Parent involvement and communication: School Site Council, Parent Teacher Association, Grade-Level Committees, English Language Advisory, African-American Parent Council, Magnet Committee, and an online parent portal

Clairbourn School (San Gabriel)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-denominational, operated by Christian Scientists and accepts students of all faiths

Key Cultural Highlights

● Base their school success on student grades, the number of students on Honor Roll and Headmaster ’s List, high school acceptances, feedback about alumni success and sur vey comments from graduates and parents.

● Graduates are: academically prepared, leaders, and kind-hearted and ser vice-minded

● The values of respect, responsibility, citizenship, spirituality, and honesty, from Clairbourn’s Code of Ethics in a traditional educational program. Character education and 21st century skills emphasized.

● School motto: "Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart."

● Merit scholarships are available in middle school.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Language: French, Latin, Spanish

● Sports/PE: Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: over 20 electives including Student Council and many after school offerings such as Mandarin, Sign Language, Dance and Kung Fu.

● Technology: 1:1 student to lap top ratio, Lego Engineering , Robotics, 3D Design, Computer Programming , Computer Simulations, Coding , Stop Motion Animation, Digital Art Design, Photography

● AP and advanced courses: high school algebra can be completed by end of 8th grade

● Special projects: ser vice-learning activities, frequent "Drop Everything and Build" challenges and Engineering Week with Design Challenge each year, math competitions

● Special Trips: outdoor education class trips and optional travel opportunities to Costa Rica and Australia

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Involvement and good communication with families.

The Country School (Valley Village)

Affiliation: coed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● A progressive program, they promote student-led inquiry, creative and critical thinking , hands-on learning , and a project-based curriculum.

● Emphasis on issues of diversity and honoring and respecting student voices.

● Daily meditation with an emphasis on ser vice learning , social and emotional learning , developing self-awareness, personal character, and resilience.

● Values: respect children as the individuals they are, innovative learning , play, discovery, personal growth and social awareness, community, and differentiation.

● circulating brook and pond and small wetland creatures

Academics

● Homework: begins 2nd half of 5th grade year and increases gradually each year

● Learning Support: support for mild learning differences, and they map a unique educational strategy for each child’s strengths and challenges.

● Language: Spanish and Latin

● Sports/PE: Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: main specialty classes in art and music including multi-age choir, violin ensemble, and theater arts

● Technology: students use their own laptops, tech lab, Lego Robotics, SmartBoards, Google Classroom, STEM challenges

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Association to volunteer and host events

The Episcopal School of Los Angeles

Affiliation: co-ed and Episcopalian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Very strong emphasis on having a diverse community, ser vice, and social justice.

● Over 40% of our overall tuition revenue is funded by need-based scholarships.

● Family-style meals provided by the school along with breakfast and afternoon snack.

● Emphasis on community-building , social justice, and the highest academic standards. A dedication to raising young people who understand the value of ethical self-reflection, rigorous inquiry, and generous civic engagement.

● Chapel 3 days a week which is based on Episcopal values but not bound to any particular religious doctrine.

Academics

● Learning Support: psychologist and learning specialist

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: students are always enrolled in PE

● Extra-Curricular Options: all students either have study skills or study hall, and other electives that rotate are visual arts (2D design), music (song writing and recording), and religion/ethics/philosophy. There are many progressive student-founded and student-led organizations. Free after school programs also available such as an open art studio and science lab.

● Technology: 1:1 student to lap top ratio, Chromebooks provided by the school, computer lab, robotics, virtual reality headsets, 3D printers

● AP and advanced courses: high school AP classes available

● Special Trips: many walking field trips to nearby art galleries and studios with many neighborhood connections, ser vice-learning opportunities in the neighborhood community, and in high school two-week trip to Costa Rica

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Portal to keep track of student academics

Flintridge Preparatory School (La Canada Flintridge)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Many leadership opportunities such as Student Senate, Student Community Action Council, Athletic Council on Leadership, Peer Counselors (seniors mentor 7th and 9th graders), 8th grade buddies with seniors, Senior Leaders, Student Mentors, and tutoring

● There is a tour just for Walden students and their parents, usually in November.

● Additional recommendations (besides the required ones) may be submitted.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional and block schedules

● Languages: Spanish, French, and Latin

● Sports: (many Varsity as well as Jr. Varsity teams in high school): cross country, track & field, football (high school) flag football (middle school), tennis, volleyball, water polo, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, golf, swimming

● Extra-Curricular Options: 16 electives and about 80 student-created/led clubs

● Technology: Robotics Club, computer programming and application, digital photography, and computers in most classrooms and the library

● AP and advanced courses 25 AP classes offered in High School. Students have the option to take “rapid courses” and accelerate to the next level.

● Special projects: “Prep Exchange” gives internships to juniors to work with alumni and parents, Community Speakers series and projects integrated into the curriculum

● Special Trips: Week-long outdoor education trips in 7th (Big Bear), 9th grade (Catalina Island), and the Senior Trip (El Capitan), includes team building. There are also sophomore and junior retreats in the spring. Senior Horizons is a 2-day program for graduating seniors. Yearly Spanish trip to Nicaragua and Latin trip to Rome, science trip to Arizona, art trip to Cuba, language and culture trip France, and identity and development trip China. (More potential trips are in the works such as drama and archaeology trips.)

Parent involvement and communication: A large percentage of parents volunteer: Parents Association, Father ’s Club, and an online parent portal with information about events and life at Prep.

The Frostig Center (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and nonsectarian, ser ves children with learning disabilities

Key Cultural Highlights

● Students are encouraged to develop a set of characteristics known at Frostig as the Success Attributes. Research has shown that the Success Attributes–goal setting , perseverance, emotional coping strategies, self-awareness, support networks and pro-activity–are necessary to live a rewarding and productive life.

● Weekly social skills class

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: 4 nights a week, individualized by the teachers for each student

● Learning Support: This is Frostig ’s specialty, especially with complex learning challenges including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, high functioning autism spectrum disorder and other challenges. There is onsite clinical ser vices including Counseling , Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Assistive Technology

● Language: high school Spanish

● Sports: flag football, football, soccer, basketball, softball, track, swimming , and volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 6 electives and an additional 3 in high school. Tutoring and after school enrichment classes also offered.

● Technology: 1:1 lap top ratio, computer science

● Special projects: “ Transition Program” to prepare for life after high school, ser vice-learning projects

Parent involvement and communication: Parents’ Association meetings once a month

Fusion Academy (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, one-to-one education

Key Cultural Highlights

● 1:1 means an increased sense of connection, optimism, gratitude, and emotional regulation because of the positive, mentor relationships they have with their teachers.

● Wellness and Life Skills classes included in addition to academics and electives to promote social and emotional learning and preparation for life after graduation.

● Part time options to support homeschooling , get credit to transfer to another school, get tutoring , or to get support with transitioning such as from elementary school to middle school.

● There are scholarships available, made possible by corporate sponsors.

● Students have an IROC – Individual Reassessment of Commitment – every three months.

Academics

● Schedule: personalized for each student between 7:30am-8:30pm

● Homework: done on campus throughout the day with tutors available. There is a Homework Café with one silent room and another one for socializing.

● Learning Support: support all different learning styles including ADD, gifted, dyslexia, milk learning differences, social challenges, twice exceptional, and anxiety. Classes are self-paced

● Languages: Spanish, German, French, Latin, Mandarin, Japanese, ASL (and in high school) Italian, Hebrew

● Sports: board sports (skateboarding , paddle boarding , and surfing), yoga, independent PE (off campus), dance, personal fitness

● Extra-Curricular Options: 4 main electives in middle school and high school has about 50 very unique classes like a liberal arts college as well as an internship opportunity. Clubs are student-driven based on interest.

● Technology: (in high school) robotics, computer science, computer programming , engineering , digital photography, DJ performing arts, recording arts, graphic design

● AP and advanced courses: 3 levels of classes: essential, college prep, and honors.

● Special projects: “Forums” are once a week to promote 10-week courses to work in collaboration with others in a group class with an ending presentation.

Parent involvement and communication: Teachers send daily updates to parents and are available to answer parent questions.

Futures Academy (Previously known as Halstrom Academy) (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Highly personalized settings blending one-to-one instruction and small group classes

● There is “ The Hangout,” a place for students to work together and socialize.

● Part time and homeschool enhancement options

● Their “EMPOWER” model is used to promote social and emotional learning and students are: authentic, curious, driven, mindful, self-aware, optimistic, and collaborative

● Leadership opportunities include mentoring , the Student Ambassador program, Student Government, National Scholars programs, and campus-coordinated community involvement.

● Part time options available, with middle school classes costing $3,550 per class.

● There is both a traditional grading system and alternative forms of assessment available other than just test-taking

Academics

● Schedule: flexible scheduling for each student, 7:30am-6:30pm

● Homework: After class, students complete homework in “Guided Study ” with tutors available

● Learning Support: supports learning differences such as ADHD, Dyslexia, or social anxiety and accelerated learning

● Languages: Spanish, German, French, Latin, Mandarin, ASL ,

● Sports: yoga, PE

● Extra-Curricular Options: 70 options with a focus on 21st Century Skills. Clubs are student selected with a wide range of variety.

● Technology: robotics, coding , game design, digital arts, cyber security,

● AP and advanced courses: 18 AP, 27 honors, and college prep courses available

Parent involvement and communication: parents receive regular progress reports and an online parent portal

The Gooden School (Sierra Madre)

Affiliation: co-ed and The Episcopal Church (accepts students of all faiths)

Key Cultural Highlights

● School motto: Respect for self, Respect for others, Respect for the world.

● Mission is to use both traditional and progressive approaches, valuing diversity, character development, and life-long learning.

● All students participate in the STEAM program and in visual and performing arts and rotate through one enrichment class per trimester, which include Faith and Ethics, Geography and Current Events, or Drama and Improvisation.

● All students participate in either orchestra or band, at least one drama production per year, and ser vice projects at each grade level as well as a “buddy ” program.

● Chapel twice a week, focused on character education.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: support with mild learning differences and a commitment to differentiate learning for different learning styles

● Language: Spanish and Latin

● Sports: basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and track and field

● Extra-Curricular Options: 8 electives primarily in music and art. All students learn an instrument and learn to read music in either band or orchestra.

● Technology: technology class is a required specialty class

● Special Trips: overnight trips include PALI Institute in San Bernandino and Washington D.C.

Parent involvement and communication: The Gooden Family Association organizes events and coordinates volunteers

Har vard Westlake School (Los Angeles)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Har vard was founded in 1900 and 1904 for Westlake; the schools merged in 1989.

● They are looking for bright and motivated students who are eager to contribute to a diverse community that follows an honor code and commits to community ser vice.

● Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team of staff and diverse student club groups including a student diversity leadership cohort

● Recommended (but optional) summer orientation program.

● An online inquiry is required before applying. To get a guaranteed inter view on campus, apply by a date usually in November. Though an inter view is not required, it would help. Submitting a recording of a performance is not required but will be accepted. There are 3-4 applicants for every one of the 215 spaces in 7th grade. Submitting ISEE test scores is also not required but has been accepted.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: no more than 30-45 minutes per academic subject per night (1.5-2.5 hours a night is what the school claims, although students say it could be up to 4 hours a night.) Students make use of their free period to lessen the load at night.

● Languages: Spanish, French, Chinese, Latin

● Sports: 28 sports played on over 90 teams. There is also at least one no-cut sport per season, so anyone can play

● Extra-Curricular Options: 8 student publications (3 in middle school), a broadcast station, over 50 art classes, over 40 concerts, dance recitals, plays and performances each year There are over 100 clubs and activities, over 28 community ser vice clubs, and 7 affinity groups.

● Technology: 1:1 lap top ratio (students bring their own)

● AP and advanced courses 28 AP classes and many honors classes

● Special projects: Many ser vice learning projects, senior independent study projects, Scholar in Residence programs, and Directed Study classes that are proposed by students and taught by faculty 3 times a week.

● Special Trips: grade level retreats: 7th (El Capitan), 8th (Catalina Island), 9th (Colorado River), 12th (Big Bear)

Parent involvement and communication: 6 diversity parent groups and a parent association to volunteer and host events

High Point Academy (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● High Point's four core pillars: Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility, and Community

● Focus on the Six C's of a 21st century education: embrace creativity, critical thinking , communication/public speaking , character education, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: supports students with mild learning differences

● Languages: French, Spanish, ASL

● Sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, flag football, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 12 electives and about 10 after school classes and clubs.

● Technology: coding , robotics, and STEAM classes including 3D printing , Makerspace, game development, sustainability program, video recording production, 1:1 lap top ratio and online portal

● Trips: overnight trips to Catalina Island (7th) and Pali Institute in San Bernandino (8th)

Parent involvement and communication: Parent group with a dozen ways to volunteer and an online parent portal

Hillside School and Learning Center (La Canada Flintridge)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, supports students with learning disabilities

Key Cultural Highlights

● The Hillside School offers five programs, each aimed at solving a particular educational challenge for students between the ages of 13 and 18. The five programs are: The Hillside Day School, Hillside Dual Enrollment, Hillside Summer School, Hillside Afterschool Credit Programs and Hillside Educational Therapy

● Small class sizes, one-to-one teaching techniques, positive reinforcement and psychological ser vices

● They don’t believe in teaching less; they believe in motivating students more and having a challenging program that prepares students for college.

● Individual and group counseling available and additional learning support ser vices are not included in tuition. Typically students take 6 classes, but there is flexibility to take fewer for a cheaper cost.

● Some scholarships are available.

Academics

● Schedule: Traditional full-time or flexible part-time scheduling

● Learning Support: Support with mild to moderate learning differences. Each student moves at his or her own pace and receives the level of direction and guidance necessary to address their learning issues. Teachers are trained to work with learning disabilities and there are three learning specialists, a psychologist, and an educational therapist.

● Language: Spanish, French, and beginning German

● Sports: basketball, golf, soccer, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: electives in Visual and Performing Arts and Social Sciences, and 6 clubs

● AP and advanced courses: 5 AP courses

Parent involvement and communication: Aeires online parent portal

Immaculate Heart (Los Angeles)

Affiliation: All-Girls’ School, Catholic (accepts students of all faiths)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Students embrace a life-long commitment to compassionate ser vice, leadership, and humanitarian values.

● Traditional and innovative with an honor code, academic and small group counseling , tutoring with high school students, and a Big and Little Sister program.

● They have their own evaluation which can help to qualify for merit scholarships and honors class placement or they accept ISEE.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Languages: Spanish and French

● Sports: basketball, cross country, diving, equestrian, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, modern dance, yoga

● Extra-Curricular Options: a middle school newspaper and electives in visual and performing arts, community ser vice, and religious studies, and in high school there are more options. There are a few club options in middle school and over 30 clubs in high school.

● Technology: middle school 1:1 iPad to student ratio and in high school a 1:1 Macbook Air lap top ratio, both provided by the school. Additionally in high school there is robotics with 3D design (a middle school club) and engineering with computer programming , digital video production, graphic design, and technical direction

● AP and advanced courses: over 30 AP and honors classes

● Special projects: Middle School has a Mock Trail and Historical Figures Research Reports is a middle school community project and presentation, Family Heritage Day, and Spring Showcase Night for performances and presentations from an Art and Science Fair

● Trips: Yearly day-long , off-campus retreats and juniors and seniors have an overnight spiritual retreat. In high school there are optional trips to Costa Rica, Germany and Switzerland, China, and Washington D.C.

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Council opportunities to volunteer and an online portal to track their child’s schedule, grades, and more.

International School of Los Angeles (Burbank)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Core values are excellence, diversity and resect, and they have an appreciation for cultural differences and multiple world views.

● Mission: Our mission is to develop bilingual critical thinkers who are open-minded, confident and caring , and equipped to thrive in a diverse, competitive world.

● Over 40 languages spoken by those on campus and about half of the students have more than one nationality

● All students study a common bilingual program from preschool through 9th grade after which they have a choice between the rigorous and well-balanced French Baccalauréat and International Baccalaureate Diploma programs.

● Required community ser vice

● Progressive teaching methods that promote critical thinking.

Academics

● Schedule: extended day

● Languages: bilingual classes in English and French. Spanish language class is added as a requirement. Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and German are offered as electives.

● Sports: badminton, basketball, dance, equestrian, freestyle skiing, indoor soccer, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: Over 10 electives in visual and performing arts and a range of after school classes available

● Technology: tech skills class, creative coding elective, and a robotics club

● AP and advanced courses: About 30 AP classes

● Special projects: History Week

Marlborough School (Los Angeles)

Affiliation: All-Girls’ school and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Core values are community, excellence, and confidence, and honor Students follow an Honor Code.

● Developing actively engaged global citizens. A thoughtful and effective social justice focus with most of the clubs being opportunities for authentic advocacy for students to follow their passion, ongoing events for ser vice, and class ser vice as well as ser vice learning built into the curriculum. There are also affinity groups on campus.

Academics

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: School psychologists, a PALs program with trained seniors supporting middle school students (Peers are Listening), Mental Health Awareness Program

● Languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Latin

● Sports: 38 athletic teams for ballet, basketball, cross country, dance, equestrian, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, winter track and over 10 PE options

● Extra-Curricular Options: There are senior student-driven electives, and over 30 electives in middle school with even more in high school, and over 50 student-led clubs. There are 8 student government councils.

● Technology: computer science, coding , robotics, remote car club, digital arts, engineering , digital citizenship, tinkering and making with technology, 3D design and build, and middle school STEM classes such as drawing and animation with code and Maker ’s Space. There are many courses from The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

● AP and advanced courses: 20 AP classes and over 10 honors classes that go beyond AP

● Special projects: Juniors and seniors can do Honors Research and Capstone Projects offered in the arts and social justice. A student who has taken all advanced courses in a subject can do an independent study as well. There are art gallery exhibitions of student work and guest artists

Marshall Fundamental (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, public lottery-based school

Key Cultural Highlights

● Values: Engagement, Support, Connection, and Partnership with Parents

● Marshall Students; Embrace diversity, Act responsibly, Graduate prepared, Lead with integrity. Engage in learning , SUCCEED!

● The Academy for Creative Industries (ACI) allows students to explore the creative arts industry as they learn and prepare for their college and/or career options. ACI offers real-world experience brings learning to life by motivating and engaging students with knowledge in their area of interest.

● Free “LEARN” after school program until 6pm to support students with homework

● 50% of spaces are given to those in certain residential areas. Apply for a permit to enter the lottery

● There is a new shadow day for all interested on a day in January

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Learning Support: special education program with inclusion whenever possible, and a program called Puente that provides four areas of ser vice to students: teaching , writing , counseling , and community leadership to support their high school graduation.

● Languages: Spanish, Mandarin, and ASL

● Sports: Middle school sports include flag football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling , and soccer, and in high school add on cross country, track and field, swimming , baseball, softball, tennis, and cheerleading

● Extra-Curricular Options: 16 electives and about 30 clubs

● Technology: 3D printing , graphic arts, robotics lab has 40 laptops, journalism class has 20 laptops, 1,869 Chromebooks on lap top carts, 1 computer lab with 28 computers and 51 more in the library

● AP and advanced courses: over 20 AP classes and many honors classes

● Special projects: AP Capstone Research projects and Innovation Projects

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Portal, weekly phone and email “blasts,” a few groups to support music, athletics, School Site Council, African American Parent Council, and the Parent Teacher Student Association

Mayfield Jr. School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and Catholic, sponsored by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (accepts students of all faiths with it being 80% Catholic, and religion class is required)

Key Cultural Highlights

● School Moto: “Actions Not Words.”

● Mission: We encourage our students to respond to the needs of our time with compassion, integrity and confidence in God and in their own gifts. They focus on teaching to the whole child and committed to teaching 21st century skills and project-based learning and ser vice-learning.

● Chapel for daily morning prayer and masses

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: support with mild learning differences

● Languages: Spanish, French and Latin

● Sports/PE: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 6 weekly specialty classes

● Technology: Robotics team, Maker ’s Lab, Theater Tech, computer stations in the library

● Special projects: new project-based learning program in 7th grade

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Association

New Horizon (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and Islamic (will accept students of all faiths)

Key Cultural Highlights

● A character education program that teaches universal values through critical thinking and daily application.

● There is religion class as well as interfaith learning and collective daily prayer and opportunities for community ser vice.

● Green Ribbon School and Blue Ribbon School

● Aligned with Common Core standards and follows progressive methods as well including Responsive Classroom (that Walden teachers are trained in)

● There is a STEM and 21st Century learning emphasis.

Academics

● Learning Support: modifications to homework can be made

● Language: Arabic

● Sports: badminton, basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, and volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 18 electives and 8 clubs

● Technology: robotics, web design, computer animation, and video production. All classrooms have SMART boards and ipad and computer centers, there is a computer lab, and students have their own Office365 accounts.

● Special projects: participation in the LA County Science Fair

● Trips: overnight trips to Channel Islands (7th) and Washington DC (8th) and gardens on campus for outdoor education learning.

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Teacher Organization and parent ser vice contracts.

Oakwood Secondary School (North Hollywood)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● 24 part time artists in residence from CalArts and a strong arts program

● Commitment to a progressive philosophy, community ser vice outside school, ser vice-learning in the classroom, and weekly all school meetings called “ Town Meeting ” where the microphone is available to anyone who wishes to speak and run by the Student Council.

● Focus on diversity with Affinity Groups, Alliance Groups, and Interest Groups with many events and programs.

Academics

● Schedule: block scheduling

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: Student Support Department including a Study Center open every day for one-on-one or group support, peer-to-peer tutoring , and accommodations made in the classroom.

● Languages: Spanish, French and Mandarin

● Sports: Everyone who wants to play participates: archery, badminton, ballet, baseball, basketball, cross country, dance, equestrian, field hockey, flag football, paddle tennis, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, ultimate frisbee, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 22 electives and even more student-created clubs

● Technology: 20 3D printers, 3 computer labs, 51 SMART boards, and STEAM department with many class offerings such as digital citizenship coding and web programming

● AP and advanced courses: 15 AP courses and 16 advanced courses

● Special projects: Immersion classes: An intensive two-week period to be fully immersed in courses that are experimental. There are also independent study and “special topics” classes and mentorships outside the school. There is an 8th grade Community Engagement Project and a Senior Project.

● Trips: 7th grade goes to Sequoia National Park and in high school International Immersion Trips Offered in 2018: Australia, Italy, Korea, Scotland, Spain, China, and Caribbean, Former Trips Include: Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, England, France, Japan, and Sierra Leone. Additional Experiential Learning Trips: India and Mexico

Parent involvement and communication: There are many ways to volunteer or ser ve on a committee and there is also a Grandparents Group.

Odyssey Charter School (Altadena and South Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian; California Common Core State Standards (CA CCSS), CA Standards for History-Social Science, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in its core curricula

Key Cultural Highlights

● Emphasis on experiential-based learning , student choice, social and emotional well-being , exploration, investigation, collaboration, inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility.

● Students have teachers for two years in multi-age classrooms in a workshop model that allows for differentiation and student-led learning as teachers work in small groups based on ongoing assessments.

● Each school year they must raise private funds to maintain the following staff & programs: Teacher Assistants, Art workshop, Garden workshops, Physical Education Workshops, Middle School Electives.

Academics

● Homework: about 1 hour per night

● Learning Support: Full-time Inclusion Specialists and General Education teachers provide in-class ser vices to students based on their individual needs. All students have Study Hall twice a week to get peer and teacher support with their work.

● Extra-Curricular Options: electives include gardening , visual arts, and PE

● Technology: integrated into the curriculum

Parent involvement and communication: Parent Participation Group and they believe in a strong partnership with parents. There is also Power School, an online portal for parents to track their child’s progress.

Pasadena Waldorf School (Altadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, Waldorf Schools

Key Cultural Highlights

● They foster creative, critical thinkers who can think outside the box, and have a strong sense of who they are with their voices heard and valued, being advocates for their learning and aware of their gifts and talents with art integrated into the curriculum. PWS does not consider itself a “progressive” school but still has many of the attributes such as a focus on social and emotional learning , project-based learning and a student-centered, whole-child approach.

● A Waldorf teacher stays with a class for 5-8 years from 1st through 8th grade with additional academic teachers included for grades 6th-8th.

● There is gardening , the craft arts in addition to fine art, orchestral music, and many outdoor learning opportunities as well as many traditions and festivals throughout the year

● There is a commitment among the faculty to focus on issues relating to equity, diversity and inclusion including several trainings a year, and a vibrant group of parents and faculty that meet monthly to explore these topics together.

● There are narrative assessments and GPAs in unofficial transcripts for high school students applying to college.

● Since each class is a close knit community, their shadow days for prospective students are typically longer than others, typically anywhere from 1.5 to 3 days instead of just one morning.

Academics

● Schedule: Block scheduling

● Languages: Spanish Mandarin in 1st through 12th grades

● Sports: volleyball, basketball, track & field, cross country, and non-CIF co-ed soccer or flag football

● Extra-Curricular Options: 15 electives with a strong emphasis on the arts and music

● Technology: media and technology commitment for families to limit screen time out of school as much as possible as it is gradually incorporated into learning starting in middle school and then there is robust technology integration and curriculum taught.

● Trips: camping and class trips including foreign exchange opportunities in high school

Parent involvement and communication: parents can ser ve on many committees and a Parent Council. All parents volunteer to put on their yearly fundraiser, the Elve’s Faire in mid-November, which is a public event to attend if you are interested in seeing the school. In grades 1-8 parents participate in monthly meetings together with the homeroom teacher to collaborate and share agreements about how to support the class.

Pilgrim School (Los Angeles)

Affiliation: co-ed and Congregational Church (accept students of all faiths) day and boarding school, including international students

Key Cultural Highlights

● Values: enriching the mind, nurturing the spirit, and enabling thoughtful choices in the 21st century. Traditional structure with progressive ideas.

● An emphasis on creative and critical thinking , community ser vice, experiential learning , empathy and global citizenship.

● They employ an “everybody plays” policy for sports, art and music.

● School encourages spirituality of all faiths, and students attend ser vices in chapel twice a month. Students learn about all different kinds of faiths and traditions.

Academics

● Languages: Spanish and Mandarin

● Sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: electives in 6 major art departments

● Technology: iPads and 1:1 lap top ratio (students given Macbook Pro 13), STEM program and Digital Media classes

● Trips: Yosemite (7th) and Washington D C.(8th) Tenth and eleventh graders enjoy a college tour Seniors end the year with a community ser vice trip, taking them anywhere from New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity, to Hawaii, where they work with senior citizens. Spring break trips have included China, Japan, and Puerto Rico.

Polytechnic School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Middle School at Poly has an emphasis on social development and developing voice.

● Diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the curriculum and fabric of the school.

● In addition to the application there is a student statement with written short essay questions and a parent statement.

Academics

● Schedule: block scheduling in arts and sciences for deeper learning time

● Homework: about 2 hours a night

● Learning Support: some accommodations made for mild learning differences

● Languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Latin

● Sports: 42 sports teams including cross country, dance, equestrian, fencing , volleyball, water polo, football, tennis, fencing , basketball, soccer, badminton, baseball, softball, track and field, swimming , diving , golf

● Extra-Curricular Options: a very large selection of electives including 7 performing arts performances in middle school and 6 in high school, magazine and newspaper publications, and many student-created clubs

● Technology: 1:1 ratio of middle school lap tops at school and high school students bring their own lap tops, coding , rocket building , robotics, cloud collaboration apps, graphics, video and digital photo story, digital audio editing , graphic organization, brainstorm and organizational tools, research platforms, subscription-based learning reinforcement, stop motion animation, and website creation

● AP and advanced courses: 17 AP courses

● Special projects: 8th grade community ser vice day, speech contest, individual student projects

● Trips: Joshua Tree (7th), Colorado River (8th). All 9th through 11th graders choose outdoor trips, including Catalina Island, Mammoth, Santa Cruz Island, Escalante National Monument in Utah, San Elijo State Beach, and Sequoia National Forest. Seniors go to the Kern River in their last week. In high school there is a Global Initiatives Program with trips on spring break and summer offering that include Cambodia/Vietnam, China, Cuba, France, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Senegal. In addition, Poly hosts many schools from around the world, including schools in Japan, China, France, and New Zealand.

Renaissance Arts Academy (Los Angeles)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian; charter school with integrated classical curriculum with a performing arts emphasis focused on collaborative music, dance and design disciplines, A California CTE AME (Arts, Media and Entertainment) Model Demonstration Site

Key Cultural Highlights

● Key elements include: accelerated academics, open classroom, faculty teaming , multi-age groups, differentiated instruction, ensemble culture, disciplined arts training , integrated curriculum, and small-group pacing

● Arts curriculum includes music or dance focus, plus music theory, sight singing , percussion, movement lab, and art theory every year for every student.

● RenArts’ tuition-free after school Conser vatory supports daily rehearsals for orchestras, choirs, and dance companies.

● There is Career Technical Education classes approved for credit by the University of California.

● No auditions or pre-requisites necessary Students are encouraged to attend informational meetings (similar to a tour or open house).

Academics

● Homework: classwork is done at school with support as needed with no homework

● Learning Support: special education support

● Languages: Spanish and Latin

● Extra-Curricular Options: A wide range of “enrichment groups” and clubs available.

● Technology: Programming and Chrome books available to all students

● AP and advanced courses: Honors for Humanities and professionals visit science classes

o Special projects

● Trips: many live performances and visits to college classes

Parent involvement and communication: There is a school-wide goal to nurture whole-family participation in the learning /teaching continuum by inviting parents into the schoolwide community of arts and inquiry to grow as effective mentors and coaches to their children. No required volunteer hours.

Ribet Academy (Los Angeles)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, non-denominational college prep

Key Cultural Highlights

● Learning outcomes include students who are: research driven, integrated critical thinkers, balanced academic scholars, effective communicators, technologically literate

● Labs include electrical, chemical, physics, computer, biology, and Southern California’s largest marine biology lab.

● 100% of their art students are accepted to their first choice college with a range of visual and performing arts classes to choose from.

● Scholarships are available to both local and international students (who live in a facility on campus.)

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: baseball, basketball, cheering, dance, football, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: at least 16 electives and 16 clubs

● Technology: Computer electives and library with computers and a computer lab

● AP and advanced courses : 9 honors and 19 AP classes in high school and Algebra 1 and high school Spanish available in 8th grade

● Special projects: many competitions such as LA County Science Fair, and competitions in debate, dance and athletics

● Trips: Middle school program includes 3 to 6 day trips to CELP (Catalina Environmental Leadership Program), Astro Camp, San Francisco, and Washington DC

Parent involvement and communication: There is a parent portal to see your child’s grades, attendance, homework, and conduct, as well as other useful school information.

San Gabriel Christian School (San Gabriel)

Affiliation: co-ed and San Gabriel Christian Church (Evangelical Christian)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Philosophy: San Gabriel Christian School is committed to bringing glory to God by offering the highest quality education in an environment that encourages the development of committed followers of Jesus Christ. Parents must agree with the school’s philosophy.

● Their vision includes creating a Christ-centered, engaging , dynamic and interactive learning environment with an emphasis on ser vice, community, and a well-rounded academic program.

● Their goals include supporting students to be academically self-directed learners, critical thinkers, and effective communicators, and to grow spiritually, socially, and physically

● Students attend weekly chapel ser vices and bible class.

● Applications of all eligible students in each grade are placed in a rank order according to the date received in their office. When classes are filled, a waiting list is established.

● For admission, students take the Standford Achievement Test. Test performance needs to be at least average (50%), at grade level is preferred, and those below considered carefully if they receive tutoring.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Learning Support: Resource Room teacher works with students with special needs in and out of the classroom.

● Sports/PE: volleyball, cross-country, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, and flag football

● Extra-Curricular Options: 5 major elective subjects

● Technology: 1:1 iPad program

● AP and advanced courses

● Trips: Seventh graders attend Marine Biology camp at Catalina Island in the fall; eighth graders make a trip to Washington D.C. in the spring.

Parent involvement and communication: many ways for parents to volunteer

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Emphasis on diversity, sliding scale tuition, social justice and commitment to human dignity guides the program

● Curriculum is emergent, integrated, student-centered, experiential, developed by the teacher and the students.

● Emphasis on Habits of Mind: PERSPECTIVE, INQUIRY, COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, APPLICATION, STEWARDSHIP, and OWNERSHIP. Students set goals individually and collectively to achieve practice these ideals. Shoes are optional. ☺

● Student Directed Outdoor Ed, field studies, and gardening as well as an emphasis on stewardship for the school community.

● Strong commitment to mentoring at all grade levels, students have a multi-grade recess.

● There are potentially a couple openings and based on students leaving , and if there is one it usually goes to a Walden student.

Academics

● Language: Spanish

● Sports/PE: Flag Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Mountain Biking , Cross Country, Squash, Archery, Swimming & Diving , Tennis

● Extra-Curricular Options: specialties in visual and performing arts including Orff music and a wide range of after school classes

Parent involvement and communication: 10-hour volunteer hours requirement per parent

Sequoyah (Pasadena)

Southwestern Academy (San Marino)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, boarding and day school

Key Cultural Highlights

● Hands-on class projects in multi-age classes with individualized instruction based on the University of California’s entrance standards.

● For the last 5 years students have come from 27 different countries to their boarding school. 20% are day students.

● Community ser vice is required.

Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Learning Support: teachers provide personal tutoring

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: Participates in intramural sports for volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, track and field , cross country and golf, mountain biking , swimming , and tennis

● Extra-Curricular Options: at least 14 electives and as many as 9 clubs

● Technology: there is a computer center, computer graphics, and web design

● Special projects: independent study classes in high school

● Trips: The Environmental Club plans overnight trips to a variety of locations including Mount Baldy, Anza Borrego, the Channel Islands

Parent involvement and communication: monthly newsletters

St Andrew Catholic School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and Roman Catholic, will accept non-Catholics if there is space

Key Cultural Highlights

● Committed to integrating their faith into the curriculum and educating the whole child by providing a strong foundation that balances our academic focus with faith-based ser vice and leadership experiences.

● Mission: fosters faith development, intellectual curiosity, respect for others, and lifelong learning.

● Being newly IB starting in 2020, their program is inquiry-based and student-centered. The aim of all IB programs, is to develop internationally minded students who, recognize our common humanity and share stewardship of the earth, helping create a better and more peaceful world.

● Aligned with Common Core and New Generation Science standards.

● There is required Religion class, daily prayers, and weekly Mass

Academics

● Language: Spanish (includes learning about Latin American cultures)

● Sports: cross country, volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, and golf

● Extra-Curricular Options: electives in music, visual and performing arts with enrichment through the Armory Center for the Arts, Southwest Chamber Music, and other community professionals.

● Technology: experience-based learning in computer skills and weekly STEM classes, 1:1 Chromebooks, Google Classroom, ipad cart

● AP and advanced courses: Accelerated Reading and Math

● Trips: 7th grade to a Science Camp, 8th grade goes to Catalina Island

Parent involvement and communication: they believe in a school and home partnership with the Parents’ Association, and parents have access to students’ Google Classroom accounts. Parents can also volunteer as coaches for sports teams.

St Bede the Venerable School (La Canada Flintridge)

Affiliation: co-ed and Roman Catholic

Key Cultural Highlights

● Attention to educating the whole child: mind, body and spirit.

● Focus on developing students who are people of faith, academically prepared, responsible learners and globally aware.

● There is daily prayer and weekly Mass and other Catholic events

● 90% of their students get into their first-choice high school.

Academics

● Language: Spanish after school

● Extra-Curricular Options: over 10 electives or clubs

● Technology: Modern computer lab integrating technology into the curriculum.

● AP and advanced courses: Algebra 1 in 8th grade

● Special projects: Every grade has a special project or assignment that they are known for

Parent involvement and communication: 30 hours of volunteer hours and a Parent Association

St Elizabeth of Hungary Parish School (Altadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and Roman Catholic and welcome all faiths

Key Cultural Highlights

● They foster a collaborative learning environment that prepares students to be scholars and responsible citizens in their community.

● Weekly Mass and Catholic events

Academics

● Schedule: Block Scheduling

● Sports: basketball, cross country, flag football, soccer, softball, track and field, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 5 electives: art, music, physical education, and technology are all integrated into the curriculum.

● Special projects: academic decathlon

St Gregory Hovsepian School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and Armenian Christian (accepts students of all faiths)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Mission: develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; develop a cooperative relationship within the school, church, and community; foster a sense of respect for one’s own culture and heritage as well as those of other, and to teach tolerance and respect toward the opinions and views of others.

● Language Arts classes are in English and Armenian in a bilingual program.

● Gardening classes as well as weekly Religion class, sermon, and chapel.

● Students are admitted in order of registration.

Academics

● Language: Armenian

● Sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, table tennis, yoga, dance, and chess (yes, chess)

● Extra-Curricular Options: electives in art, dance, drama and choir

● AP and advanced courses: Algebra 1 in 8th grade

● Special projects: participating in many writing competitions in English and Armenian and science fairs

● Trips: the 5th-8th grade students take extensive bicoastal trips for social studies. These trips occur in subsequent academic years.

Parent involvement and communication: the Parent Teacher Organization gives opportunities to volunteer with 20 hours required work hours per family or $200 participation fee.

St James Holy Redeemer (La Crescenta)

Affiliation: co-ed and Roman Catholic (accept students of all faiths)

Key Cultural Highlights

● Their core beliefs include recognizing the distinctive gifts of each student and inspiring all children to do their best.

● Weekly mass and Religion class and opportunities for ser vice-learning and community ser vice.

● Social and emotional learning /character education

Academics

● Language: Spanish

● Sports: basketball, flag football, track, and soccer

● Extra-Curricular Options: over 10 electives and clubs

● Technology: robotics

Parent involvement and communication 30 ser vice hours or $25 per hour and an online program called School Speak to get updates on their children’s academics

St Philip the Apostle School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and Catholic, California State and Common Core Standards

Key Cultural Highlights

● Mission: teaching , inspiring and nurturing children.

● Focus on ser vice, child-centered learning , global awareness, acceptance of cultures, concern for the environment, conflict resolution, leadership, critical thinking , respectful of other viewpoints, and being inquisitive.

● Weekly Religion class and daily morning prayers.

● Just beginning their work on social and emotional learning.

● The inter views are for parents only and all held on the same day, 30 minutes each.

● Preference is given to those who are members of the parish, and not as likely to make space for those who are not Catholic.

● Cost: between $7,300-$13,100 depending on parishioner status and ser vice

Academics

● Learning Support: The STEP program reflects the school’s commitment to meeting the needs of all learners and resource teachers provide a variety of academic supports including small group, individual, and classroom assistance. Students who demonstrate need can participate in after hours, school-sponsored reading programs on campus.

● Language: Spanish

● Sports/PE: Volleyball, Flag Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, and Softball.

● Extra-Curricular Options: 14 electives including Orff music

● Technology: Programing , Computer class and lab, Google Classroom

● Special projects: community ser vice projects at each grade level

● Trips: no overnights

Parent involvement and communication 15 volunteer hours per parent

TREE Academy: Academy for the Creative Arts, New Technology, and Social Justice (West Hollywood)

Affiliation: coed and nonsectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● TREE stands for: Think, cReate, Engage, Empower

● Approach: innovative, customized, interdisciplinary, design thinking , project-based and student-centered that celebrates self-discovery, diversity, creativity, intellectual inquiry and academic achievement.

● Focus on imagination, ser vice, meaning and purpose, ennobled by their dedication to inclusive social justice, shared resource sustainability and enlightened world progress for all human beings.

● Commitment to their Sustainable World Studies program that includes partnering with disadvantaged schools.

● Instead of being electives, Social and emotional learning as well as meditation and sustainable culinary skills are part of the regular curriculum.

● Entrepreneur classes where students have created their own start-ups.

● Created by one of the co-founders of Crossroads, a progressive west-side school.

● ISEE scores are not required but they will accept them, and an open house is required.

● If a student accepted when applying on FAST Track, they commit to attend either immediately or the next school year.

Academics

● Homework: Learning Lab for support with independent work for 4-6 hours a day to do individualized homework

● Learning Support: 5 two-on-one classes a week for all students to be tutored

● Language: Spanish and ASL

● Extra-Curricular Options: a very wide range of different electives

● Technology: Graphic Design, Computer Science, Coding , Robotics

● Special projects: yearly Passion Project for each student

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, charter school for home independent study that is offered at the Glendale public schools

Key Cultural Highlights

● Students may participate in person at Glendale activities such as music, sports, foreign language classes, or other specific educational opportunities including academic counseling ser vices, and access to Healthy Kids and Healthy Start programs.

● The goal is to create independent learners, effective communicators, and engaged citizens.

● Those in LA county but not in Glendale need a permit to attend.

● A reading assessment is required for admission.

Academics

● Schedule: flexible scheduling

● Homework: flexible homeschooling workload

● Learning Support: parents and students meet weekly with a teacher

● AP and advanced courses: AP courses offered in high school and other outside classes can count for crediting including community college classes and private lessons.

Parent involvement and communication: besides weekly meetings with a teacher, they can contact teachers at any time for support. There are also “Parent Chats” and other committees parents can ser ve on.

Verdugo Academy (Glendale)

The Waverly School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, progressive philosophy

Key Cultural Highlights

● There is a commitment to community, diversity, equity, inclusion, creative and critical thinking , curiosity, social and emotional learning , and social justice.

● Teacher autonomy and passion dictates curriculum, so structure is loose and best for students who enjoy initiating their learning in their student-centered program.

● They have a large garden they can walk to and play sports at for PE.

● No grades, narratives written by teachers accompanied by a pass or fail grade. Grades are given for transcripts for college applications.

Academics

● Schedule: Block Scheduling (can be flexible to take off-site classes)

● Homework: about an hour or less per night in middle school

● Learning Support: there is a learning specialist and teachers differentiate learning in the classroom. In high school there are two 30 minute period to meet with teachers.

● Language: Spanish and Japanese

● Sports: basketball and volleyball are consistent, and all others rotate based on student interest: flag football, soccer, tennis, golf, hiking , camping , billiards, frisbee, Bollywood dance, cheerleading , cross country and track

● Extra-Curricular Options: Clubs/sports activities are generated by student ’s interest so they may not remain established. Electives are in art, music and drama.

● Technology: Chromebooks for every classroom

● AP and advanced courses 15 AP classes in high school, Spanish 1, Algebra 1 and Geometry offered in 8th grade

● Trips: two-night overnights at Astrocamp in Idyllwild and California Island Marine Institute in middle school. In high school, options have included rock climbing in Joshua Tree and exploring music and the recording industry in Nashville. Juniors and seniors have an opportunity to go to Costa Rica.

Parent involvement and communication: online program called PowerSchool Learning to share school work and announcements and each family volunteers for 30 hours a year.

Washington STEAM Multilingual Academy (Pasadena)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian, Magnet school with a STEAM theme and duel Spanish language immersion program

Key Cultural Highlights

● Washington Elementary was founded in 1924, and has been a STEAM school since 2012 and dual language since 2018.

● An interdisciplinary curriculum that infuses to understand complex problems, develop potential solutions and prepare the next generation of innovators.

● Their goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in areas such as engineering , health sciences, and computer sciences.

● Focus on collaborative learning , problem-solving , critical and creative thinking , and multicultural learning. Academics

● Schedule: traditional

● Learning Support: there is a school counselor

● Language: two or more classes in Spanish each year, including history and Spanish Language Arts.

● Extra-Curricular Options: Club Day twice a month for over 20 teacher sponsored clubs and 5 electives, and arts are integrated into the academic curriculum.

● AP and advanced courses Math Academy for gifted students who qualify where they complete Calculus by the end of 8th grade. Honors classes also available.

Parent involvement and communication: There is a Parent Center with parent workshops and trainings and a parent organization with various committees as well as an online parent portal to track grades and missing assignments as well as Haiku, an online platform teachers use to support learning.

The Wesley School (North Hollywood)

Affiliation: co-ed and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Commitment to inclusivity, community, valuing diversity, community ser vice, and they have a Community Day to celebrate the space they use from the First United Methodist Church Community and many more community events.

● School assemblies 3 days a week and middle school students tutor elementary students

Academics

● Learning Support: support with mild learning differences

● Language: Spanish

● Sports/PE: basketball, flag football, swimming , cross country, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track

● Extra-Curricular Options: 4 major electives subjects and a wide range of after school enrichment classes and a computer science club

● Technology: Robotics and a STEAM program

● AP and advanced courses : Algebra 1 in 8th grade

● Special projects: Middle School STEAM festival and Signature Projects

● Trips: 7th grade end of year camping trip with a focus on leadership, and an 8th grade graduation retreat ending their time at Wesley In addition, 8th graders venture to London the week prior to spring break.

Parent involvement and communication: students and parents can access the online portal called Blackbaud, and the Parent Association overseas events and forms committees

Westmark (Encino)

Affiliation: co-ed and nonsectarian; college prep for students with learning differences

Key Cultural Highlights

● In an environment with the opportunities of most college prep schools, it has a specialized education for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and other language-based learning differences, often combined with auditory or visual processing issues.

● Students learn more than just the content; they learn how they learn best, how to advocate for their educational needs, and how to prepare themselves for high school.

● 100% of students who apply to college get in and 95% attend a 4 year college

● Their focus is on communication, self-directed learning , responsible members of society, critical thinking , ser vice learning , individualized instruction and experiential learning , social and emotional learning , and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Academics

● Schedule: block

● Homework: 15 minutes per class per night with support built into the program during study skill classes and homeroom

● Learning Support: This is Westmark’s specialty

● Sports: basketball, cross country, flag football, golf, soccer, track and field, volleyball

● Extra-Curricular Options: 16 electives and 21 clubs and several after school classes

● Technology: 1:1 iPad program with SMART boards in every classroom and electives in the digital arts

● Trips: 6-12th graders go to Pali Institute and optional trips include 8th grade Washington DC, Spring Trip; 11th and 12th grades international trip

Parent involvement and communication: Parent education program and support group and an online parent portal

Westridge School (Pasadena)

Affiliation: all girl’s school and non-sectarian

Key Cultural Highlights

● Multi-dimensional, discussion-based, experiential empowerment for curious, analytical, adventurous girls, or ones that have the inner strength and potential to be that way.

● Strong emphasis on educating girls in the maths and sciences and interdisciplinary learning including the science behind sustainability.

● More than 150 student leadership roles.

Academics

● Schedule: block

● Homework: about 2 hours per night

● Learning Support: homework support is available in their after school program. There is also peer-to-peer and professional counseling

● Languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Latin

● Sports: middle school includes basketball, flag football, golf, soccer, track & field, softball, swimming & diving , tennis, and volleyball. Middle school girls also compete on the high school equestrian team. High school also has dance, cross country, lacrosse, and water polo.

● Extra-Curricular Options: a wide range of electives with over 100 courses in all with 7 electives in middle school and 23 in high school. Also many student-created clubs.

● Technology: robotics, 3D printing design, coding , game design, computer science

● AP and advanced courses 15 APs and 8 honors courses

● Special projects: high school Community Action Projects: a multi-year ser vice and inquiry process

● Trips: 7th and 8th grade take a week in places like Yosemite National Park, Washington D.C., the Kern River, Joshua Tree National Park, and more. In high school students travel locally, nationally, and globally for a week.

Parent involvement and communication: parent association and a Dad’s Club to volunteer, and parent education