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Ultimate Guide to South Pasadena’s Best Schools

ultimate guide to the best schools in south pasadena

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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.

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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.

SchoolLocationGradesStudents
Arroyo Vista Elementary School335 El Centro St. South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – Grade 5683
Marengo Elementary School1400 Marengo Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – Grade 5761
Monterey Hills Elementary School1624 Via Del Rey South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – Grade 5584

Public Middle Schools

The table below shows the best school in South Pasadena for the Middle School level.

SchoolLocationGradesStudents
South Pasadena Middle School1500 Fair Oaks South Pasadena, CA 91030Grades 6 - 81,146

Public High Schools

The table below shows the best school in South Pasadena for the High School level.

SchoolLocationGradesStudents
South Pasadena Senior High School1401 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030Grades 9 - 121,450
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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%.

SchoolLocationGradesStudents
Holy Family Catholic School1301 Rollin St South Pasadena, CA 91030Prekindergarten - Grade 8310
Almansor Academy (Institute for Redesign of Learning)1955 Fremont Ave South Pasadena, CA 91030Grades 1-12139
S.e.e.d.s.1101 Arroyo Verde Rd. South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – Grade 624
St. James Parish Day School & Kindergarten1325 Monterey Rd South Pasadena, CA 91030Nursery/Preschool-Kindergarten67
a boy reading a book in best schools in south pasadena

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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.

SchoolLocationAges
Mykkids1507 Garfield Ave, South Pasadena, CA 910302 1/2 to 5 years old
St. James’ Parish Day School1325 Monterey Road South Pasadena, CA. 910303 to 4 years old
Oneonta Cooperative Nursery School1515 Garfield Ave, South Pasadena, CA 910302 to 5 years old
Room to Bloom Preschool & Child Care1643 Indiana Ave, South Pasadena, CA 910303 to 5 years old
Colonial House Preschool1124 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 910302 to 6 years old
a homeschooled girl doing home work at the best schools in south pasadena

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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:

SchoolLocationCourses
Hodis Learning & MusicKindergarten – Grade 12Click to view courses
Enlightium AcademyKindergarten – Grade 12Click 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.

SchoolLocationGrade
Right At SchoolArroyo Vista Elementary Marengo Elementary Monterey Hills Elementary South Pasadena MiddleKindergarten – Grade 8
Camp Med815 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030Grades 1 - 5
Beyond the Classroom304 Pasadena Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – 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).

SchoolLocationGrade
Almansor Academy1955 Fremont Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – 22 years old
Monterey Hills Elementary School1624 Via Del Rey, South Pasadena, CA 91030Kindergarten – 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.

SchoolLocationClasses
The College of Real Estate South Pasadena898 N. Fair Oaks Ave Suite A Pasadena, CA 91103Real Estate
CA Realty Training1108 Fair Oaks Ave South Pasadena, CA, 91030Real Estate
Pina Real Estate Academy1034 Mission St Suite 1, South Pasadena, CA 91030Real Estate
Lifesaver Education1510 Huntington Dr, South Pasadena, CA 91030Certification classes in BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP
Perpetual Education1114 Fair Oaks Ave Suite B, South Pasadena, CA 91030Web 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.

SchoolLocationClasses
S. Pass Driving School1136 Fremont Ave., Suite 108, South Pasadena, CA 91030Driver’s Education Classes
South Pasadena Arts & Music Academy803 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030Voice Lessons and Musical Instruments
ultimate guide to the best schools in south pasadena

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

Admission requirements vary depending on the grade level. You may check these on the SPUSD website.

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.

Yes, there are. For instance, the Holy Family Catholic School’s website outlines the requirements for applying for financial aid.