International school in California

An education for a brighter future

EF Academy at a glance

  • Campuses in the US and UK

  • Ages 13-19 / Grades 8-12

  • World-renowned high school programs

  • Students from 75+ countries

  • 50 + years of university advising experience

A truly international school in California

EF Academy Pasadena opens a world of opportunity for high school students by providing them with a superior education in California, thorough preparation for university and a future that knows no borders. Here's how:

Interculturally trained teachers

Small classes

English immersion

Weekly enrichment activities

Personalized university guidance

World-renowned diplomas

More about our approach

Our Californian campus

EF Academy Pasadena

Tucked between the mountains and the beach, EF Academy Pasadena’s purpose-built campus brings the best of an international education to Southern California.

  • 15-acre campus

  • 12 students per class

  • 100+ clubs and activities

  • Programs: US High School Diploma & IB Diploma

  • 30 minutes from Los Angeles

We also offer programs at our other international schools in prime locations:

New York

Oxford

An education tailored to you

Our international school in California offers several courses of study, making it possible for each student to learn in the way that works best for them. Personalized support is available every step of the way from teachers, Pathway Managers, university guidance counsellors, residential advisors and more.

Learn more

Our international school experience

At EF Academy, we take education beyond the textbook and into every aspect of student life, turning individuals into well-rounded, worldly, life-long learners.

Our graduates

An EF Academy diploma opens the doors to universities worldwide. With support from qualified university guidance counsellors, our international students receive offers from some of the world's best universities, including:

- University of California, Berkeley

- Harvard University

- London School of Economics

- University of Sydney

- University of Oxford

- University of Toronto

- New York University

- Imperial College London

More about university guidance

In our students’ words

Download a brochure

Learn more about our world-class academic programs, activities and modern campus in California

FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our international school in California

  • In today’s world, it is extremely important to develop global competence - the skills and attitudes that propel young people to succeed in a globalized and culturally diverse world. This becomes second nature when you study with students from over 75 different nationalities. An international high school education at EF Academy Pasadena unites world-class academic programs, extensive co-curricular activities and personalized university guidance to make sure students graduate ready to face a future of opportunities.

  • Like most schools in the US, our typical day combines a mix of classes, study sessions and meal breaks. But what sets us apart is the academic depth done through intercultural exchange, one-to-one mentoring and experiential learning opportunities. Research shows that 2/3 of a student’s academic performance is determined by factors outside of class. Our students use their after-school time to build essential skills for university through clubs, sports, study sessions and other hands-on activities.

  • There are many touchpoints for support and guidance. Our Admissions Consultants walk families through our program selection process. Each student is assigned a Pathway Manager who monitors their progress throughout the year, both academically and personally. Teachers support students in class and during office hours and tutoring sessions. University advisors guide students with their university applications. Resident Advisors help boarding students acclimate to living independently in our residences. This 360 support system means that students (and parents) always have someone to turn to whenever they need support.

  • Absolutely! Safety is the number one priority at EF Academy Pasadena. Our faculty, staff and admissions teams are sensitive to what it means for parents to let their children study abroad in the US. Everyone who works at our school has been carefully trained, screened and interviewed for suitability in an international boarding school environment. Our campus is secure and monitored by safety staff and security cameras 24/7. We also maintain a global communications network so there will always be someone parents can get in touch with, on campus or in their home country.

  • With our secure online portal, parents can view their child’s schedules, grades, attendance, achievements and other notifications from school staff and faculty at any time. Pathway Managers provide regular updates to parents about students’ wellbeing. Parents also receive a monthly newsletter from the Head of School in Pasadena that highlights the important dates and reminders, department updates, activities and events that are happening in and around campus.

  • Our Admissions Consultants will be happy to schedule a personal consultation with you to tell you more about our international school. Please fill in the form below and your local admissions team will be in touch.