EF Academy Pasadena (2026 Profile)

1505 E Howard St.
Pasadena, CA 91104

Tel: (626) 507-9223

www.efacademy.org

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EF Academy Pasadena Photo #1 - EF Academy is an international high school welcoming day and boarding students from over 60 nationalities. At this sunny Pasadena, California campus, students have the opportunity to become global changemakers and participate in EF Academy's signature Global Leadership Program.

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #2 - Soak up the California sunshine under palm tree-lined streets.

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #3 - Our Pasadena campus houses our international students in charming residences. This residential community has both single and shared rooms for up to three students.

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #4 - Just outside Los Angeles, Pasadena is a prime location to study, with the nearby mountains, city and beach all accessible in under 45 minutes.

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #5 - Built on two floors and with a large terrace, the dining hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #6 - Our academic buildings house a full assortment of classrooms, from STEM and Biology to History and Art/Music studios.

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #7 - Our athletics and performing arts center will host intramural and varsity sports competitions, concerts, theatrical performances and more

EF Academy Pasadena Photo #8 - This spacious, sunny and purpose-built campus is the perfect environment for students to learn and grow.

EF Academy is a private day and boarding high school designed to prepare students for happiness and success in today's world. With a commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural immersion, EF Academy helps students unlock their full potential and develop skills that will help them thrive for the rest of their lives.

We bring the world to our campus by welcoming students from over 30 countries. Both in and outside the classroom, students have endless opportunities to gain diverse perspectives, expand their worldviews, and make lifelong friends from around the globe.

Our highly personalized approach to education lets students shape their high school journey based on their own unique interests and future goals. From their first year, students get their own dedicated University and Academic Counselor who helps them choose their perfect courses, including any advanced studies or AP courses. Plus, these counselors play a leading role in helping students find and gain acceptance into their dream universities.

Whether participating in field study for class or enjoying a school-led weekend excursion, our students experience the best of Los Angeles' natural wonders, respected universities, arts and science museums, and the world-famous entertainment industry.

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 265 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,700
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $43,700
Acceptance rate: 85%
Average class size: 13 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
Source: Verified school update

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

EF Academy Pasadena

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

Religious Affiliation

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1965

1909

Campus Size

16 acres

125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment

265 students

300 students

% International Students

70%

20%

% Students Boarding

75%

70%

Offers Post-Grad Year

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Average Class Size

13 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

90%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Accreditations

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

Courses

AP BiologyAP Calculus AB

AP English Language and CompositionAP English Literature and Composition

AP Human GeographyAP Spanish

AP US Government & Politics

Tuition & Financial Aid

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$71,700
(Upgrades to twin and single rooms also available)

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$43,700
(Day students welcome to join weekend activities)

$33,500

Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)

$68,700

$44,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Yes

Admissions

Application Deadline

Jan. 15 / rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Acceptance Rate

85%

58%

Director of Admissions

Bobbie Jo Dobbs

Application URL

Online Application

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:

Art ClubArt Portfolio Club

Chess ClubChoir

Coding ClubCooking Club

Creative Writing ClubCulture Club

Debate ClubDrama Club

Entrepreneurship ClubFilm Club

Language ClubsMath Club

Mindfulness ClubModel United Nations

Music ClubNational Honor Society

Photography ClubPhysics Club

STEM ClubStudent Council

Yearbook ClubYoga Club

Show More (8)Hide

College Matriculation

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School Notes

Our campus is purpose-built for immersion learning. In our academic buildings, students have access to tech-equipped classrooms, multiple collaboration spaces, cutting-edge science and design labs, and light-filled studios for art, music, and dance. Robinson Center, our main athletics facility, features a multi-purpose gym perfect for physical education classes, indoor sports matches, and school assemblies. Outside, students can take advantage of our outdoor soccer pitch, basketball courts, and sand volleyball court.

Experiential, immersive, and innovative learning

We believe the best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries. That's why we provide a holistic education focused on project- and competency-based learning. Students participate in hands-on activities, field study, and service-learning work that empowers them to gain a deeper understanding of their studies and emerge with real-world skills. Plus, we keep our class sizes small, ensuring students always receive the personalized support they deserve.
All EF Academy students complete our signature Innovation & Impact Program where they design meaningful, community-driven solutions to problems based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Students work in multicultural teams and get to test their ideas by building real prototypes in our design and science labs.

A true home away from home

Many of our students are full-time boarders, enjoying all the benefits of living and learning in a global community 24/7. Local students also have the option of being a day student or boarding five days a week and living at home on weekends.

California, up close

Through our field study program, students gain hands-on learning experiences throughout the Pasadena and Los Angeles areas, exploring locations like the Huntington Library, Wilson Observatory, and the Pantages Theater. Plus, we offer exciting weekend excursions to fun places ranging from state beaches to Warner Bros. Studios.

Explore the US university scene

We offer school-sponsored weekend college trips, allowing students to explore several different types of universities. These range from small liberal arts colleges to large universities throughout Southern California, including those within the University of California and California State systems. Plus, every year, our campus hosts more than 100 visits with college admissions representatives from around the globe, helping students learn about different degree programs and find their perfect university fit.

EF Academy Pasadena accreditations:

Middle States Association

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does EF Academy Pasadena cost?

EF Academy Pasadena's tuition is approximately $71,700 for boarding students and $43,700 for day students.

What is the acceptance rate of EF Academy Pasadena?

The acceptance rate of EF Academy Pasadena is 85%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.

When is the application deadline for EF Academy Pasadena?

The application deadline for EF Academy Pasadena is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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