Here are just a few of our faculty members at EF Academy Pasadena

Kaela Clapp

Dean of Academics

"I love leading our Innovation & Impact Program with our global community of learners. At other schools, I have focused on global initiatives but without the privilege of having a huge diversity of international perspectives on every student team. Our students learn so much about the world by working through complex challenges together!"

Ms. Clapp graduated from the University of Hawaii, where she earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in English and competed with their Division I Women's Volleyball team. She leads the development of our signature Innovation & Impact Program. She draws on her extensive background in competitive athletics to inspire students to collaborate in high-functioning teams, address real-world problems, and propose authentic solutions. Ms. Clapp loves our international community! She is a world traveler, having visited over 25 countries outside the US.

Jeff Robinette

Head of Department for Mathematics; Leader of Project-Based Learning

I always say the best question a student can ask is, 'Why do I have to learn this?' I am proud that our math curriculum focuses on real-world applications through hands-on math learning. Getting students out of the classroom and into the world to make observations, collect real data, and explore phenomena that breathe life into mathematics!"

Mr. Robinette is passionate about the real-life applications of math. Under his leadership, our Mathematics department is revolutionizing its approach to instruction through a series of project-based modules that students complete in teams. He also runs an after-school club about budgeting and investments to prepare students for their financial futures. Mr. Robinette earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education from North Carolina State University and his master's in Educational Administration from California State Long Beach.

Dr. Nicole Windmon

Head of Department for Science; Field Study Design & Implementation Coordinator

“I want my students to think and act like scientists, which is why our science curriculum focuses on mastering skills, not memorizing content. As a former researcher, I love watching our students design their experiments, interpret messy data sets, and persevere through the inevitable setbacks that come with lab work.”

Dr. Windmon earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from Notre Dame University and conducted postdoctoral research on cancer drug development at the University of Kansas Medical School. A seasoned boarding school educator, she relishes the chance to share her love of scientific research with her students through the design of our Advanced Science courses. Dr. Windmon coordinates EF Academy’s Field Study program to ensure our students engage in experiential learning across Los Angeles. She partners with every teacher to determine a field study site that aligns with their curriculum.

Sydney Moss

Humanities and Music Faculty; Head Badminton Coach

"It has been a thrill to truly personalize learning for our students by helping them discover and utilize their unique strengths. Whether in the classroom, the music studio, or on the badminton court, when students have the confidence to know what they can contribute, that is when the magic happens!"

Ms. Moss graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her master's degree at Harvard. She is a writer, a former college athlete, and an accomplished pianist who loves to share her wide range of talents and interests with our students—across the school day and into the evenings and weekends. In addition to teaching classes in the History, English, and Arts departments, she co-directs our after-school music program and leads our badminton team. Ms. Moss is a strong mentor in our Innovation & Impact Program, guiding student groups focused on Goal #5: Gender Equality. Her career background in marketing, systems engineering, and higher education inspires our students to consider the many ways their passions can become their careers!

Real-life learning—way beyond textbooks

The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries—in and outside the classroom. We keep class sizes small so you focus on building first-hand skills and knowledge through group projects that bring key concepts to life.