Boarding School
in Pasadena, California

An experiential education that augments traditional classes with community action projects, internships, and programs to give students agency over their four-year educational trajectory, preparing them to become global changemakers.

EF Academy at a glance

  • Ages 13-18 / Grades 9-12

  • US High School Diploma with AP Courses

  • Students from 75+ countries

  • 50+ years of university advising experience

  • 24-hour safety and support on campus

A modern boarding school in California

Why our international boarding school?


We take a modern approach to prepare our students to become young adults ready for an international future. Here’s how:

Small classes

English immersion

Interculturally trained teachers

Weekly enrichment activities

Online parent portal

24-hour safety and support

Learn more about EF Academy Pasadena

Want to know more about our boarding school in Los Angeles? Explore our campuses, academic programs and the lifelong benefits of an EF Academy education.

At EF Academy Pasadena, it’s personal

And we wouldn’t want it any other way. Hear more about our welcoming, open-minded school community.

Learn more

Our campus in California

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

  • 40+ clubs and activities

  • 75+ field trips

  • 30 minutes from Los Angeles

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

New York

Oxford

In our student's words

Boarding school in California - FAQ

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

  • Confidence, independence, resilience, time-management, intercultural competency - these are just a few of the countless skills gained at an international education in California, especially in high school. At EF Academy Pasadena, students from over 75 countries live and learn together in small, discussion-based classes. Learning is taken beyond the classroom through experiential opportunities that help you understand subject material on a deeper level. And, with 24/7 personalized support and guidance on campus, you can create a home away from home and learn in a safe, structured community.

  • Like most schools, 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 in California to build essential skills for university through clubs, sports, study sessions and other hands-on activities.

  • At a boarding school, where students live and study, it is important that everyone feels safe and at home. Resident Advisors (RAs) live in the residences alongside students and provide 24/7 support and supervision. Students report to their RA each morning before going to class and each evening before going to bed. In addition to evening study hall and tutoring, the Residential and Community Life team incorporates regular activities to foster a strong feeling of community.

  • 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 California. 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.

  • There are many touchpoints for support and guidance. Admissions Consultants walk families through the program and campus selection process. Pathway Managers monitor each student’s progress, both academically and personally. Resident Advisors help students get acclimated to living independently in the residences. Teachers support students in class and during office hours and tutoring sessions. University advisors guide students with their university applications. This 360 support system means that students (and parents) always have someone to turn to whenever they need support.

  • 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 California that highlights the important dates and reminders, department updates, activities and events that are happening in and around campus.