One of the main reasons families with school-age children decide to move to South Pasadena is the exemplary education provided by the South Pasadena Unified School District.
In addition to the public schools in South Pasadena, there are notable private schools and other educational institutions that make this city an ideal place to achieve intellectual growth and develop certain skills.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on the best schools in South Pasadena, from kindergarten all the way to adult education.
Credit: Image by Leon Wu | Unsplash
Overview of the Best Schools in South Pasadena
The school district serving the city is the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD). It is a highly-rated public school district nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley and has been in existence since 1886.
The SPUSD consists of five schools: 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. It has a total enrollment of approximately 4,800 students.
84% of students are proficient in Reading. This means that they scored at or above proficiency levels on their state reading/language assessment tests. 79% are proficient in Math.
The average graduation rate among 12th graders is 95%.
Public Elementary Schools
The table below shows the best schools in South Pasadena for the Elementary level.
| School | Location | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arroyo Vista Elementary School | 335 El Centro St. South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – Grade 5 | 683 |
| Marengo Elementary School | 1400 Marengo Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – Grade 5 | 761 |
| Monterey Hills Elementary School | 1624 Via Del Rey South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – Grade 5 | 584 |
Public Middle Schools
The table below shows the best school in South Pasadena for the Middle School level.
| School | Location | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Pasadena Middle School | 1500 Fair Oaks South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Grades 6 - 8 | 1,146 |
Public High Schools
The table below shows the best school in South Pasadena for the High School level.
| School | Location | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Pasadena Senior High School | 1401 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Grades 9 - 12 | 1,450 |
Credit: Image by Eliott Reyna | Unsplash
Private Schools
Around 10% of all K-12 students in South Pasadena are educated in private schools. For the 2024 school year, there are 4 private schools in the city, serving 540 students.
The average acceptance rate in South Pasadena is 90%, which is higher compared to the California average of 84%.
| School | Location | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Family Catholic School | 1301 Rollin St South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Prekindergarten - Grade 8 | 310 |
| Almansor Academy (Institute for Redesign of Learning) | 1955 Fremont Ave South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Grades 1-12 | 139 |
| S.e.e.d.s. | 1101 Arroyo Verde Rd. South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – Grade 6 | 24 |
| St. James Parish Day School & Kindergarten | 1325 Monterey Rd South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten | 67 |
Credit: Image by Anita Jankovic | Unsplash
Preschools
South Pasadena’s preschools are committed to providing the highest level of care and enrichment to children in a nurturing, stimulating, and welcoming environment where every child feels cared for and safe, fostering individual expression and personal growth.
| School | Location | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Mykkids | 1507 Garfield Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | 2 1/2 to 5 years old |
| St. James’ Parish Day School | 1325 Monterey Road South Pasadena, CA. 91030 | 3 to 4 years old |
| Oneonta Cooperative Nursery School | 1515 Garfield Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | 2 to 5 years old |
| Room to Bloom Preschool & Child Care | 1643 Indiana Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | 3 to 5 years old |
| Colonial House Preschool | 1124 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | 2 to 6 years old |
Credit: Image by Annie Spratt | Unsplash
Homeschooling Options
Homeschooling has become a preferred mode of learning for many parents who do not want to be limited to the constraints of the conventional classroom.
For those who prefer to homeschool their children, there are homeschooling options available in South Pasadena:
| School | Location | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Hodis Learning & Music | Kindergarten – Grade 12 | Click to view courses |
| Enlightium Academy | Kindergarten – Grade 12 | Click to view courses |
After-School Programs
Afterschool programs, also known as OST (Out-of-School Time) programs, provide expanded learning opportunities beyond regular school hours to boost the overall development and well-being of children of all ages in South Pasadena.
| School | Location | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Right At School | Arroyo Vista Elementary Marengo Elementary Monterey Hills Elementary South Pasadena Middle | Kindergarten – Grade 8 |
| Camp Med | 815 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Grades 1 - 5 |
| Beyond the Classroom | 304 Pasadena Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – Grade 5 |
Special Education Services
Customized education and services are available for students with disabilities who struggle with learning and/or emotional challenges, including Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD), Emotional Disturbance (ED), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Other Health Impairments (OHI).
| School | Location | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Almansor Academy | 1955 Fremont Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – 22 years old |
| Monterey Hills Elementary School | 1624 Via Del Rey, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Kindergarten – Grade 5 |
Vocational Training Institutions
A vocational school, also called a trade school or career school, provides practical training that helps prepare students for a specific trade. Enrolling in a vocational school in South Pasadena is a great way to gain job-ready skills needed to build a fulfilling career.
| School | Location | Classes |
|---|---|---|
| The College of Real Estate South Pasadena | 898 N. Fair Oaks Ave Suite A Pasadena, CA 91103 | Real Estate |
| CA Realty Training | 1108 Fair Oaks Ave South Pasadena, CA, 91030 | Real Estate |
| Pina Real Estate Academy | 1034 Mission St Suite 1, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Real Estate |
| Lifesaver Education | 1510 Huntington Dr, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Certification classes in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP |
| Perpetual Education | 1114 Fair Oaks Ave Suite B, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Web Design and Development |
Adult Education Opportunities
Adult education is aimed at mature students who have already taken part in the workforce and want to gain new skills and expand their knowledge.
| School | Location | Classes |
|---|---|---|
| S. Pass Driving School | 1136 Fremont Ave., Suite 108, South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Driver’s Education Classes |
| South Pasadena Arts & Music Academy | 803 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030 | Voice Lessons and Musical Instruments |
Conclusion
South Pasadena, CA, is an excellent choice for anyone who values education and personal growth.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a community that will provide your children with a safe and supportive environment for learning or someone who wants to acquire new skills, South Pasadena offers many opportunities for the education you seek.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about South Pasadena, feel free to give me a call at (626) 437-6800 or send me an email at Derek@SouthPasadenaHomes.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for public schools in South Pasadena?
Admission requirements vary depending on the grade level. You may check these on the SPUSD website.
How do I enroll my child in a private school in South Pasadena?
Private schools in South Pasadena may have different requirements, so it would be best to check with the school you prefer. Links to private schools are provided in this article.
Are there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities available for students attending private schools in South Pasadena?
Yes, there are. For instance, the Holy Family Catholic School’s website outlines the requirements for applying for financial aid.
