For over a century, Westridge has cultivated the extraordinary in every student. Our program offers the challenge, freedom, and support girls need to become their best selves. This is the place where girls explore and take chances as they create their story.
Since our founding in 1913, we have been a leader in girls’ education, providing an unrivaled learning environment focused on girls’ academic and personal development. Located on Pasadena’s bucolic west ridge, our campus is a space of infinite possibility—a laboratory and a launchpad, where girls feel a sense of ownership over their academic journey and are empowered to forge their own remarkable trajectory.
From our science labs and humanities classrooms to our athletics fields and art studios, our program provides ample opportunity for every student to develop and deepen her personal interests. Yet it is in combination with our girls’ school culture, our understanding of the deep connection between students’ well-being and their ability to learn, and the change-the-world energy on our campus that student passions come to life. And it is here that students gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue them.
There is a saying at our school: As Westridge changes girls, so do girls change Westridge. In our second century, our story continues to evolve, adapting to meet the needs of our students and prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world. But actually, our mission is even greater than that: we're not just readying girls for the future—we're empowering and educating them to shape it.
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Why the World Needs More Westridge Women
Prospective families often ask me about the power of girls’ schools. I tell them about the increased engagement and focus on learning in our classrooms compared to coed schools. I also tell them about how, as a mother recently related to me, girls don’t have to look or act a certain way here, so they can just focus on diving deeply into their learning and the things they love about school. And I tell them an idea that may seem obvious in the abstract but is, in practice, utterly life-changing: here, girls are the most powerful voices in advanced math and rocketry classes, the most honored athletes, the first to raise their hands in class, the funniest people in the room—this is just how it is here. It’s an infinite space for girls.
In a girls’ school, without the mirroring of gender inequities that (sadly) continue to exist in the world, our students develop a clear self-concept and gain practice and confidence doing all the things they want to do here. They go on to college and beyond, stepping over barriers to continue doing the things they love—extraordinary things. Study after study shows that alumnae of girls’ schools go on to graduate school at higher rates, are six times more likely to consider majoring in STEM fields, and are more likely to enter careers in historically male-dominated fields.
Here, girls are the most powerful voices in advanced math and rocketry classes, the most honored athletes, the first to raise their hands in class, the funniest people in the room—this is just how it is here. It’s an infinite space for girls.
Girls’ schools stand for empowering the trajectory of women’s educational progress through time and the aspiration, the ultimate mission, of gender equity in the fullest sense. They are inherently full of change-the-world energy, and Westridge’s founding was in this exact spirit of progress. Mary Lowther Ranney founded our
school in 1913 in the backdrop of the suffragist movement to give girls access to the same rigors of education that their brothers were getting. She created our school motto Surgere Tentamus (We Strive to Rise) for each girl individually, and for women as a collective, to rise to their fullest potential and to true, full citizenship.
This pioneering legacy infuses Westridge DNA to this day. Indeed, our mission statement opens with “Westridge is a forward-thinking girls’ school” and therefore explicitly foregrounds future orientation as our perpetual North Star. How hopeful, how motivating, how empowering. And yet, we maintain a deep connection to our history —an ever-present reminder that we are here because of those before us. Both are contained on our beautiful campus, a space that itself tells our story, from its historic Greene and Greene homes to our modern science laboratories.
One of the joys of being head of school is that I get to speak with Westridge alumnae of all ages, and it is uncanny how many tell me the same thing—despite college and graduate degrees galore, their most valuable and life-shaping educational experience was, without a doubt, at Westridge.
The world needs more Westridge women—intellectually adventurous thinkers and courageous and compassionate leaders, who use their voices, take up space in this world, and who strive to rise. Westridge is where the first draft of these extraordinary lives is written.
70% of faculty members hold advanced degrees. 18% hold doctoral degrees.
In the middle and upper divisions, the average class size is
15 students.
21% of Westridge students come from historically underrepresented Black/African American and Latine populations.
72% of the student body self-identifies as students of color.
GRADES 4–6
LOWER SCHOOL
Discover Your Origin Story
Learning in the Westridge Lower School is a joyous, intellectual adventure. Our academic program is designed to be project-based, with longer class blocks that foster deep collaboration and lively discussion. Our experienced teachers are subject matter experts, rather than “generalists,” as is more typical in lower schools, and our curriculum places women at the center.
Our comprehensive and balanced program provides math, language arts, and physical education every day. We also offer immersion in history, choral music, art, and science every other day, including explorations in engineering starting in fourth grade. Beginning in fifth grade, our curriculum broadens even further to include Spanish and string instrument instruction.
featured program:
Eco-House Project
The Eco-House Project exemplifies our interdisciplinary approach, blending math, science, art, Spanish, and more. This initiative invites sixth-grade students to work in teams to imagine, design, and build environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and culturally inclusive housing prototypes. After months of research and collaboration, students present their final projects to the entire school community. This project lays the foundation for teamwork and complex problem-solving abilities, preparing students for more advanced challenges in middle school and beyond.
Our school starts in fourth grade because this is when differences in social–emotional needs of girls and boys become more pronounced, when students have a growing awareness of socialized gender norms, and when girls’ sense of self is taking root. It is also at this age that girls’ previously impenetrable self-confidence begins to dip. Westridge’s environment for girls, combined with our Lower School team’s special focus on social-emotional development, is a game changer at this critical juncture. It instills self-confidence and supports the development of a healthy self-image—both of which provide a sound footing for students’ academic careers. From day one, our youngest students are empowered to author their own narratives, explore, take chances, use their voices, and try their hands at leadership. We aim to instill in them the academic skills, social–emotional foundation, and wonder for learning that will allow them to thrive as their academic path expands in Middle School, Upper School, and beyond.
student leadership: Building Leaders
At Westridge, leadership development begins early. Our fourth- and fifth-grade students cultivate essential relationships, social awareness, and decision-making skills through our Council program—skills that are practiced in both classroom activities and community service projects. Formal leadership training and self-agency education start in sixth grade when students learn about leadership competencies and the different styles of leadership, identifying their own styles and strengths. Mentorship and guidance help them develop personal values such as honesty, integrity, and empathy, preparing them for community leadership roles. Our students play a part in shaping our campus, contrib-
“ We coach students to be brave and take risks in the classroom. We are here to walk with them as they challenge themselves. ”
—Zanita Kelly, Ed.D. Director of Lower and Middle School
STEM at Westridge
Girls’ school graduates are six times more likely to consider majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) than their coed peers.
At Westridge, girls are all-in for STEM and see these as fields where women excel. We work to ensure that every student has a command of the fundamentals as well as exposure to a range of advanced ideas that will challenge and inspire them to engage deeper. Across the disciplines, classes are hands-on and lessons are inquirybased, asking students to think like scientists and create and solve problems like engineers.
Our faculty are experts in their fields who ensure that learning remains connected to real world problems, and we help students understand how new technology can be leveraged and integrated into complex decision-making.
Beginning in Lower School, work is lab-based, and students learn how to analyze data, evaluate sources, collaborate, and problem-solve alone and in teams. By Upper School, students have a full range of challenging STEM curriculum opportunities—ranging from Anatomy and Physiology and Advanced Physics to Advanced Aerospace Engineering and Research in Science, which places seniors in research labs at institutions including City of Hope and Caltech.
Our purpose-built facilities include dedicated science labs for Lower School; seventh grade, eighth grade, and Upper School biology, chemistry, and physics courses; the STEAMWork Design Studio makerspace; and the Westridge Permaculture Lab.
Science
Our program in the natural and physical sciences provides students with fundamental and advanced scientific skills. We prioritize inquiry-based explorations and evaluating and applying information above content memorization, while fostering a love for the discipline and curiosity about the natural world.
lower school
Inquiry-based, hands-on, and collaborative with an emphasis on developing scientific thinking skills, our integrated science program helps students learn scientific concepts in life, earth, and physical science along with engineering design process principles. Classes meet every other day.
Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
Our robust CSE program provides students with skills to create solutions in digital and physical realms. We teach design thinking, provide tools students need to be facile creators, and use collaborative/iterative processes students will use in college and beyond.
lower school
Students begin their journey in fourth grade with a STEM course exploring a variety of topics in science, technology, and engineering, including coding, robotics, and environmental science as well as sustainable practices. In fifth and sixth grades, students continue technology education through the lens of digital literacy, rocketry, and robotics.
Math
Our program provides a foundation in fundamental and advanced skills and conceptual understanding. Courses balance discovery-based learning and direct instruction, devote significant time to collaborative work, and emphasize broad applications of math, so students understand the many ways of being mathematical.
lower school
Math classes in Lower School meet every day because we believe that more frequent practice is crucial for younger students’ success. We provide structured opportunities for support outside of class, including afterschool Homework Help sessions, and offer a highly popular afterschool Math Club.
middle school
Students take Life Science in seventh grade and Earth and Physical Science in eighth grade. Experimental design and analysis and communication of scientific conclusions are emphasized, and students conduct independent experiments. They explore topics relevant to their lives, such as climate change and DNA research. A STEAM: Ocean elective is also available for those who want to dive deeper.
middle school
Girls learn how to code in Scratch and Processing in seventh grade. They design and 3D print using OnShape, focusing on the engineering design process. In eighth grade, students code in Python, build and code computers in Arduino, and design their own apps. All students can also enroll in Coding and Game Design, Rocketry, or STEAM as elective courses.
middle school
In Middle School (and Upper School), we follow a block schedule, which allows for longer meeting periods every other day. Seventh graders take Math 7 or PreAlgebra, and eighth graders take Math 8 or Algebra I. In addition to more varied work in the classroom, we also provide a teacherrun Math Lab to support Middle School students, and teachers are available for extensive support outside of classroom time.
upper school
All students in ninth grade take Biology I, and in tenth grade, Chemistry I or Honors Chemistry I. After that, offerings expand to include many electives and Westridge Advanced Courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. In the Research in Science elective, seniors are paired with institutes such as Caltech and Carnegie Observatories for hands-on research in fields ranging from structural biology to control and dynamical systems engineering.
upper school
Beginning fall 2025, the CSE department will offer a four-year computer science pathway, which will take students from the basics to building enterprise-grade software in the CSE Capstone course. We also offer students up to four years of aerospace engineering with topics including rockets, satellites, aircrafts, and landing vehicles and with student responsibilities growing to include systems engineer and project manager roles. Elective options include Rocketry, Robotics, Permaculture, and Sustainable Building and Design.
upper school
In Upper School, students have a wide range of courses available to them— beginning with Geometry and moving through Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Calculus, Advanced Statistics, and more. They can apply to be Math Fellows, who provide homework help and skill development support in our Math Center (available to all students in all levels). The student-run Math Club has spanned both math competitions and explorational activities.
A DIVERSE COMMUNITY
Building Belonging & Inclusion
At Westridge, fostering positive relationships and building community are at the core of our diverse community. We’re committed to ensuring diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) is student-driven and teacher-guided—that it’s woven into the fabric of who we are. It’s not about a program. It’s about a culture.
Over recent years, we’ve invested in an infrastructure to support community growth, including establishing a director of equity position, a board-level committee, and a DEIJ endowed fund—and we've championed the personal and interpersonal work of DEIJ, where we believe true culture change takes place.
We want all members of our community to feel a true sense of belonging. We want everyone to develop the tools to build trust and resilience and have difficult, respectful conversations. We accomplish this in myriad ways—through student-led assemblies, special activities, and affinity groups as well as by drawing upon the principles of restorative practices.
Last year, we supported more than 18 affinity groups in the Upper School and four in the Middle School—in the Lower School the discussion begins with our social–emotional learning program, Council, and, in sixth grade, the Courageous Conversations framework builds from there. Parents and alumnae also participate in affinity groups and are invested in connecting with one another and helping Westridge advance for today’s students.
As students move toward graduation and beyond our community, we want to ensure that “what is learned here, leaves here.” We know the enduring impact of this work will be the development of young adults who are skilled in navigating complex conversations, creating inclusive environments, managing conflict, approaching issues with empathy and authentic curiosity, and positively impacting the world around them.
20+
affinity groups in the Middle and Upper Schools
GRADES 7–8
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Discovery Loves Company
featured program:
Seventh Grade Soil Unit Project
The Soil Unit is a fascinating and integrated learning project that crosses and connects disciplines as a way of exploring solutions to real-world problems. From examining the history and economics of community gardens to using art, poetry, and graphic design to explore and explain the art and science of soil ecosystems, students have the chance to immerse themselves in independent and collaborative work in the classroom, in the field, and the community.
In the Westridge Middle School, students and adults embark on each day united in community in the Mudd Building (the heart of our Middle School campus). Morning meeting is where our day and our story take shape.
We understand the power of community and a strong sense of belonging for student well-being, personal development, and learning during this unique, fun, and sometimes challenging developmental stage. We’re intentional about supporting the specific needs of girls—both academic and social–emotional—at this time when students are ready to make connections between subjects, between learning and the real world, and between themselves and others.
Our Middle School program is uniquely designed to meet the varied and evolving needs of seventh- and eighth-grade students.
Academically, our curriculum broadens to offer an advanced math program with honors options for students ready to stretch; integrated courses in English and history; three options of world languages; physical science; computer science; and year-long arts options in orchestra, choir, visual arts, and theatre. Semester electives include a competitive speech and debate program, coding and game design, rocketry, STEAM, and more. We work to introduce more nuanced aspects of critical issues such as understanding the full potential impact of climate change on ecosystems, or the balance between individual rights and the role of government.
Westridge’s thoughtful and comprehensive Human Development Program begins in seventh grade. It sets a strong foundation for personal resilience and confidence, qualities important to develop at this time in students’ lives. In fact, most girls’ school graduates report higher self-confidence than their coed peers. Beyond the classroom, students dive into competitive athletics (including flag football!), opportunities for service, clubs and affinity groups, annual Discovery Week excursions, and a black-box theater production. Our Middle School girls step into Upper School as confident and self-motivated learners.
“
student leadership:
Practice Makes Perfect
In Middle School, girls put their developing skills into practice by participating in clubs and school activities such as Middle School student government; affinity groups; speech and debate; the student newspaper, Spyglass; Water Warriors; and others. Putting leadership into practice, students have advocated for and won changes in uniform requirements (self-expression through socks!) and the lunch menu.
We help our middle school students feel comfortable with challenging coursework. They learn how important it is to believe in themselves and proactively ask questions. We build an understanding that you can achieve your goals and that taking an active role in your learning is critical to your success.
—Zanita Kelly, Ed.D. Director of Lower and Middle School
Humanities at Westridge
Our approach to the study of history, literature, and world languages encourages students to engage deeply with the world around them as they seek to understand and define their place in it. Through student-led/ teacher-guided classroom discussions, field trips, and interactive projects, humanities students grow as scholars and individuals.
Using novels, poetry, plays, primary sources, and simulations, Westridge students are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and develop a nuanced understanding of history, culture, and art. Development of clear and persuasive writing skills is a focus across our humanities departments. In fact, alumnae consistently share that the strength and confidence in writing they gained at Westridge gave them an advantage in college and beyond.
As students grow their skills in literary and historical research and synthesis, document analysis, the construction of evidence-based arguments, and more, we challenge them to view historical events from multiple perspectives and to carefully consider the values and biases of different interpretations. Our curriculum emphasizes female voices and invites students to think like historians rather than focus on memorization of facts, which promotes deeper student engagement as we nurture the next generation of decision-makers and leaders.
English
Through the study of literature and the development of a writing process, the department challenges students to both value and disrupt the literary canon, to assume increased leadership roles in the classroom, and to embrace the writing process rather than focus exclusively on the end product.
lower school
An integrated language arts program focuses on a variety of literary forms. Our program is organized thematically, often connecting literature units with social studies or science units. There is significant emphasis on the development of expository and creative writing as well as spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.
History
Our program provides students with a clear understanding of the history of global cultures and civilizations. Emphasis is placed on connections between history and contemporary questions and issues, and study of a wide range of viewpoints demonstrates the richness of diverse cultural traditions in the U.S. and the world. Primary sources are emphasized to build the historical narrative and to promote critical and analytical thinking.
World Languages & Cultures
Integrated study of Chinese and Spanish language, history, and culture helps students develop the linguistic skills and intercultural knowledge needed to interact effectively in a globalized world. Our robust Latin program exposes students to language and culture foundational to the Western world and has academic benefits across all disciplines.
lower school
At Westridge, beginning in fourth grade, students focus on a project-based study of California history. We broaden our content focus to the Western Hemisphere in fifth grade and ancient civilizations in sixth grade.
lower school
Beginning in fifth grade, Lower School students study Spanish. They are immersed in a language-rich environment that encourages cultural understanding and the development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
middle school
In Middle School, students develop skills in close reading, critical thinking, and class discussion. Research, grammar, and public speaking skills are emphasized. Students learn to think collaboratively across disciplines and present their work to a variety of audiences beyond their classmates and teachers.
upper school
In Upper School, students hone their close reading skills as they study how genre and historical context affect meaning in literature. Student writing focuses on analytical responses to literature. Students move into advanced topics that can include Banned Books and Censorship; Women of the Novel; and the literature-based, interdisciplinary Perspectives in Literature course to fulfill their English requirement.
middle school
In seventh grade, students take Cultural Studies (English/History), a project-based, interdisciplinary course that emphasizes careful reading and writing through the study of global cultures and historical events. In eighth grade, the focus is American Studies, which investigates such topics as the rise of globalization and the impact of current events and trends on American identity.
upper school
In the Upper School, emphasis is placed on building historical thinking skills and knowledge, enabling deep student engagement with the past through advanced writing and research projects. Historical facts are contextualized through narrative texts, field trips, and interactive projects. Advanced course electives include options such as Advanced Ethics, which includes study of the great philosophers and Harvard Business School case studies, and The Modern Middle East.
middle school
In Middle School, students choose to study two consecutive years of Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or Latin. Students build foundational proficiency in the language and are immersed in the rich cultural contexts associated with the languages through engaging projects and history and cultural lessons.
upper school
The Upper School program integrates communication skills with critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding. Intermediate students participate in programs such as Project Olas—a relationship-centered conversation and cultural immersion program connecting students with women in Guatemala. Each language offers two dynamic advanced courses such as Advanced Studies in Chinese Language & Culture, Advanced Latin: Vergil - From Olympus to the Underworld, and others.
Westridge is home to over
IN IT TOGETHER
Student Life 50
Across the divisions, student life is expansive and vibrant outside of the classroom! Clubs, affinity groups, trips both local and afar, and student-run activities create venues for fun, growth, and leadership. This experimentation and practice engaging with others, issues, and the world beyond our campus is not only important but also transformative!
And Westridge traditions, including the schoolwide Greeks & Romans rivalry, the annual Yam Festival and All School Day events, and weekly Cookie Tuesday in the Commons add to the camaraderie and community.
Learn more about Westridge student life and culture at westridge.org/studentlife.
clubs!
GRADES 9–12
UPPER SCHOOL
One Campus... Infinite Opportunities
curriculum highlight:
Westridge Advanced Courses
Unique to Westridge and exceeding standardized Advanced Placement classes, Westridge Advanced Courses cultivate independent, critical thinking, and sophisticated methods of inquiry and lean into interdisciplinary study and student research projects. Sample courses include Banned Books and Censorship: A Study of the Challenge to Intellectual Freedom, Full Stack Web Development, Advanced Art Studio Practicum, and Advanced Ethics.
Learn more at westridge.org/advancedcourses
You can feel the energy around learning and the desire to impact the world in the Westridge Upper School. It’s a place where student voices lead campus discourse and curricular and extracurricular options multiply. It’s a time when school lives begin to intertwine with the greater world. It's an opportunity for our students to specialize their coursework to reflect their passions, while deepening their understanding of challenging topics and advanced study.
Our school culture, experienced Upper School faculty, and innovative course design foster Westridge students’ intellectualism and desire to be part of bettering their world. These are enduring qualities that set students up for success long after graduation. Our challenging academic program has more than 30 honors and Westridge-only Advanced Courses such as Advanced Aerospace Engineering, Advanced
Taking really different classes has been so helpful to me. My outlook changed when I fell in love with economics—every aspect! It was so valuable to me to discover something I truly love and want to spend time really diving into in college.
—Sari G., Class of 2025
Studies in Chinese Language and Culture, Perspectives in Literature, Advanced Art Studio Intensive, and more. This ensures that for each discipline students can select the level of challenge that aligns with where they wish to focus their deepest attention. In our girls’ school environment, where self-consciousness is dispelled and participation in advanced courses is routine, the vast majority of students select a more challenging approach in the topics that they plan to pursue after graduation.
Highly personalized, the Upper School program fosters deep connections between students and faculty as coauthors of students’ intellectual journeys. Our long-block schedule of four classes per day provides time and space for club gatherings, free blocks, and frequent meetings with teachers and advisors. This active collaboration supports student learning and exploration of options for their academic and life paths.
featured program:
Westridge Global Scholars
Students passionate about global issues can undertake an individualized, in-depth study of a modern global issue through an intentional selection of classes, experiential programs, and independent research. The coursework serves to meet core graduation requirements, while students build a digital portfolio illustrating their journey and work. Working with the faculty Global Scholars Committee through design, execution, and presentation of their project, students can earn a special “Global Scholars” designation on their transcripts.
student leadership: On Campus & Beyond
Girls in Upper School take on additional and weighty responsibilities for schoolwide leadership. Leadership opportunities include student government, Student Action Council (working with the head of school), Math and Writing Center Fellows, Peer-to-Peer (trained peer supporters), Student Voices, Athletic Captain’s Council, Club Heads, Tiger Buddies, Restorative Council, and more. In parallel, our service and community engagement graduation requirement spans three years of Upper School and asks to students to spend time and energy off campus practicing leadership—working and engaging with local, regional, and global issues.
30+ arts classes in the Middle and Upper Schools.
The Arts at Westridge
Participation in the arts is one of the most powerful ways students can develop self-expression and transform themselves, their peers, and the world.
The visual and performing arts are an integral part of a Westridge education—important in and of themselves and as powerful tools that develop creative thinking and practices that are reflected in students’ academic work. Students build a strong arts foundation through experimentation, play, and creative risk taking, specializing in the areas that interest them most as they advance to upper divisions.
Our choral and instrumental music department starts with our youngest students and all fifth and
sixth grade students learn to play a string instrument—a program that is unique to Westridge.
Visual art begins with foundational art classes in the Lower and Middle School that expose students to the elements of art and principles of design while working across a wide range of media. In Upper School, our approach is both experiential and interdisciplinary. Students have more than a dozen classes to choose from, including our beloved ceramics program, painting & drawing, photography, 3D design, and studio intensives. Theater is big on our campus. The program, which emphasizes interaction, collaboration, and studentgenerated content in addition to performances, begins with yearlong course options in grades 7 and 8 and grows to five course offerings in the Upper School.
In all disciplines, students interact with the artists and resources of the robust cultural landscape of Los Angeles and gain an appreciation for the role of the arts in understanding themselves and the world around them.
Choral & Instrumental Music
Westridge provides students with the ability to express themselves through music, teaches them to enjoy a variety of musical experiences, and introduces them to the structures and disciplines of the field. Courses are designed to establish a firm basis in classical training, style, and repertoire as the foundation for study and performance in contemporary and popular music.
lower school
In fourth grade, students are introduced early to the study of choral music and musicianship skills, offered every other day. In grades 5 and 6, while students continue to advance in choral music, string instruments are added and they may choose to play violin, viola, cello, or double bass.
Visual Arts
The Visual Art Department's robust offerings span drawing, painting, ceramics, digital media, mixed media, and photography. In all divisions, art classes promote skills development; problem-solving; critical observation; and understanding the role of art, historically and today, in the community conversation.
lower school
Students take art classes every other day, where they develop self-confidence as creative problemsolvers. They learn fundamental skills in observation, drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media, with emphasis on developing patience while creating something new. By exploring a variety of projects and media, students find joy in creating and discover new interests and ideas.
Dance
Dance training at Westridge begins in the Middle School where it is incorporated into the comprehensive physical education curriculum. The Upper School offers three levels of instruction and hosts an annual dance concert showcasing student talent in dance and choreography.
Theatre
The Westridge theatre program spans acting, theatre production and design, and emphasizes generative as well as interpretive skills. A significant percentage of students participate in theatre while at Westridge (23% of Upper School students worked on last spring's musical), with many continuing on to study or perform in college.
middle school
Middle School Orchestra explores instrumental music through a variety of genres, including folk, classical, and nonclassical works—while the ensemble experience builds technique and listening skills. In Middle School Choir, students learn to read choral scores and sing in two- and three-part harmony. Vocal technique, diction, phrasing, musical interpretation, and music analysis are emphasized.
upper school
Our Upper School programs, including the audition-based Chamber Orchestra and Glee Club as well as the non-audition String Orchestra and Concert Choir, are designed to cultivate ensemble skills that enhance both the individual and group. With numerous performance opportunities both within and beyond the Westridge community, these programs showcase students' talents and foster a strong sense of collaboration.
middle school
Middle School art allows students deeper engagement with art by providing space for experimentation across mediums and techniques. Projects challenge students to blend handcrafted processes with work involving the technologies in the STEAMWork Design Studio. Work ranges from drawing and painting to 3D sculpture and installation.
upper school
In Upper School, study is offered in painting and drawing, ceramics, mixed media, 3D design, photography, film studies, and video and animation. Cutting-edge technology, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, large-format printers, three ceramic kilns, and more is available. Our faculty also invites visiting artists to campus and leads visits to Los Angeles-area museums, galleries, and artist studios.
middle school
Our formal theatre program begins in Middle School. Students can enroll in yearlong course options that are available to them in both seventh and eighth grades, and may participate in an extracurricular production each year in the Black Box Theatre.
upper school
Upper School students can enroll in courses in acting, theatre production, and costume design; have elective options in technical theatre and costume construction; and mount three productions each year. The value Westridge places on off-stage roles— such as assistant director, costumer, and lighting tech—is unique and contributes to the school's quality productions.
BECOME A WESTRIDGE TIGER
Playing to Win
65% of Upper School students participate in competitive athletics.
The world is finally awakening to the power of female athletes and the depth of competition in women's sports. On our campus girls have always been the most celebrated athletes, but we're thrilled to see this spirit catching on—it's been a long wait.
Westridge Athletics is where girls who compete become women who lead. The high expectations we hold for our athletes are matched by the high level of support we provide them as they develop skills that extend beyond sports. Over the past decade, Upper School athletes have won an impressive array of honors, including 12 Prep League Championships, one California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) tennis championship, Interscholastic Equestrian League Overall High-Point School Team Championship, three CIF-SS quarterfinal appearances, three final appearances, and four trips to CIF State Championships.
Competitive athletics begin in Middle School with tournament and competitive teams in 10 sports—the Tigers have brought home 13 Middle School Independent League championship titles in the past decade. Lower School students also participate in non-competitive tournaments with area schools.
Physical Education
In addition to the benefits of competitive athletics, we value movement and exercise and its powerful impact on well-being and learning. Upper School P.E. provides a variety of opportunities, such as strength training, spinning, recreational games, yoga, and more. Students in Lower and Middle School have P.E. every day.
Middle School Athletic Teams
Basketball
Flag
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Upper School Athletic Teams
Basketball
Cross Country
Equestrian
Flag Football
Lacrosse
Swimming & Diving
Track & Field
Volleyball
Water Polo
For more, check out westridge.org/athletics
BECOMING A WESTRIDGE GRADUATE
College Counseling & Matriculation
Westridge prepares every student with the intellect, resilience, and problem-solving skills necessary to conquer the world. Our graduates go on to highly selective colleges, universities, and specialized programs as varied as their interests—from immersive arts to combined B.S./M.D. programs. We work with every student to help them reach their goals and focus on their passions after graduation.
College Counseling
Our comprehensive college counseling program provides juniors, seniors, and parents with the resources they need for success in the application process and transition to their college.
After a number of touch points in grades 9 and 10, beginning junior year each student works directly with one of our experienced and support ive college counselors to formulate a strategy for college applications that celebrates the student’s strengths and helps match them with their bestfit schools.
Both juniors and seniors take semester-long courses on the college process and participate in events focused on guidance and development of their college applications. In addition, the college counseling team welcomes more than 75 colleges and universities to campus each year and hosts college fairs, evening forums for parents, financial aid workshops, and more.
282 during the past five years
offers of admission were made to Westridge students from:
Ivy League schools, Stanford, Barnard, University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Georgetown, The Claremont Colleges, Carnegie Mellon, Caltech, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, UCLA, USC, Duke, and the University of Toronto.
1. Barnard College
2. Berklee College of Music
3. Boston University
4. Bowdoin College
5. Brown University
6. California Institute of Technology
7. California State Polytechnic UniversitySan Luis Obispo
University of California
8. Berkeley (3)*
9. Davis
10. Irvine
11. Los Angeles
12. Merced
13. Santa Cruz
14. Carnegie Mellon University (3)
15. Case Western Reserve University (2)
16. Chapman University
17. University of Chicago (2)
18. Columbia University
19. Cornell University
20. Denison University
21. Duke University
22. University of Edinburgh
23. Emory University
24. Georgetown University
25. The George Washington University (2)
Westridge Class of 2025 Matriculation Map
of July 23, 2025
26. Harvard University
27. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
28. University of La Verne
29. Loyola Marymount University
30. Loyola University Chicago
31. University of Michigan (3)
32. New York University (6)
33. Northwestern University
34. University of Notre Dame
35. University of Pennsylvania
36. Pomona College
37. Richmond American University London
38. Santa Clara University
39. Smith College
40. University of Southern California (6)
41. St. Olaf College
42. Stanford University (3)
43. Syracuse University
44. University of Toronto
45a. and 45b. Trinity College Dublin/Columbia University international dual degree program
46. Vanderbilt University
47. University of Vermont
48. University of Washington (2)
49. University of Wisconsin–Madison (2)
50. Yale University *
JOINING THE WESTRIDGE COMMUNITY Admission & Financial Aid
At Westridge our student body is the heart of the school. We pride ourselves on enrolling a strong, dynamic student body that reflects the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the Greater Los Angeles area. We actively seek students with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to learning, exploring, and growing in our transformational girls' school environment. Additional details are available on our website: westridge.org/apply
The Application Process
Get Started
Reading this viewbook and exploring our website are the first steps in the application process. Plan a campus visit this fall, and watch an online grade-level information session.
Attend Open House: 1-4 pm
Open House is the perfect way to explore campus; meet current students, faculty, and parents; and connect with our administrators and athletic coaches.
Apply!
Submit your questionnaires and complete all personal information via our online portal by December 1 to take advantage of the $30 reduced application fee. If you need more time, take until January 7, and pay $100 to apply. Required parent interviews for grades 4-8 can only be scheduled once the questionnaires and payment are complete.
Attend Required
Student Activity Event
We want to get to know our applicants! After the January 7 deadline, the admission office will schedule student activity events, by grade level, for all applicants.
Submit Supplemental Application Documents & Financial Aid Application
Official school transcripts and two teacher evaluation forms (accessible through the Admission Portal) from your student’s current school are due by January 30. If applicable, submit your financial aid application as well.
Receive Admission Decision
All admission decision notifications will be sent via email on March 13 after 5 pm.
Need-Based Financial Aid DEADLINE TO APPLY: JAN. 30
To make Westridge accessible to qualified girls, approximately one quarter of our families receive financial aid each year, totaling over $3.8 million in 2025–2026.
Tuition assistance is need-based in the form of awards that do not need to be repaid. Assistance is offered to families of students who demonstrate financial need as evaluated by both a third-party system, Clarity, and the Westridge Financial Aid Committee. Families receiving financial aid may receive additional funds for the few costs above tuition and fees, such as school trips.
In our work to make Westridge accessible to as many students as possible, we value open dialogue with families regarding any areas of financial concern.
Tuition and Fees
2025–2026 Tuition & Fees
Grades 4–6
Grades 7–8
Grades 9–12
$39,500
$45,300
$51,200
For additional information about financial assistance and Clarity, visit westridge.org/affording
“
If there is one thing I’ll walk away with from Westridge, it’s this: be willing to change your mind. This means, see past labels; approach discourse and debate with curiosity, not resentment; learn with humility by acknowledging that others will sometimes have insight that you do not; and stay open to ambiguity and more complex answers rather than seeking absolute certainty.
—Anna K. Class of 2024
Other Important Details After-School Program
Our After-School Program is available from 3–6 pm, Monday through Friday. The program includes time for free play and snacks; supervised academic support; and group activities ranging from arts and crafts and cooking to science, sports, and community service.
The cost of the program for the 2025–2026 school year is $1,500, which is not included in the tuition and fees
Bus Transportation
Families come to Westridge from nearly 80 zip codes across Los Angeles County. Although most families carpool, we also offer a daily bus service from Los Feliz/Silver Lake.
In the afternoon, the bus departs at 3:25 pm. A 6 pm late bus accommodates students who have after-school commitments such as athletics and theatre rehearsal.
