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 (previously in Altadena, now in temporary classrooms in Cleveland and Washington, PUSD public schools)
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–bus transportation could be possible from Pasadena)
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–with an optional bus from Pasadena)
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.
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
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 both from those who pay tuition and those who qualify to be funded by public schools.
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.
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 Bernardino and Washington D.C.
Parent involvement and communication: The Gooden Family Association organizes events and coordinates volunteers
Har vard Westlake School (Los Angeles–with an optional Pasadena bus)
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: Aeries online parent portal
Immaculate Heart (Los Angeles-with an optional Pasadena bus)
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–with an optional Pasadena bus)
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–with an optional Pasadena bus)
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