Boarding School in California

New Private High School in Los Angeles

EF Academy at a glance

  • Grade 9-12

  • Campus in Pasadena, Los Angeles County

  • Programs: US High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) classes

  • Students from 30+ countries

  • 25+ clubs, sports, and activities

  • 24-hour safety and support on campus

  • 50+ years of university advising experience

Our Boarding School in Los Angeles County

EF Academy Pasadena

Tucked between the mountains and the beach, EF Academy’s purpose-built campus in Pasadena brings the best of an international education to California, allowing students to pursue their passions both inside and outside the classroom.

  • 16-acre campus

  • 12 students per class

  • 40+ clubs and activities

  • 75+ field trips

  • 30 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles

At EF Academy, your education is personalized

We welcome you to join us for a campus tour. On a campus tour families will learn about our facilities, global community, curriculum, competency-based learning, Global Leadership Program, and clubs and activities.


During your tour you will be able to chat with educators, administrators, and students.

Learn more

Download a brochure

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

Student experiences

EF Academy is more than a school, it’s a community. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing support and opportunities to grow for both our students and their families.


While it’s easy to showcase how EF Academy helps change our students' lives, nobody says it better than our teachers and families themselves.

A high school program to match your goals

EF Academy Pasadena offers a well rounded educational experience through competency based and student-centric learning. Through our flexible course selection process and support from University and Academic Advisors, we help each student customize their studies to help them reach their goals.

US High School Diploma

Grades 9-12

Satisfy high school credits to go to any US university

Flexible course options across a breadth of subjects

Option to take courses at advanced level, such as Advanced Placement (AP)

In our students’ words

Explore more of EF Academy Pasadena

Campus life

Co-curriculars

Admissions

We also have campuses in other central locations:

New York

Oxford

Boarding school in California - FAQ

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

  • 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 30+ 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. 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 in the US, our typical day combines a mix of classes, study sessions and meal breaks. What sets us apart is the depth you find academically 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.

  • 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 check in with 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 incorporate regular activities to foster a strong feeling of community.

  • Safety is the number one priority at EF Academy. Our faculty, staff and admissions teams are sensitive to what it means for parents to let their children study with us. Everyone who works at our schools has been carefully trained, screened and interviewed for suitability in an international boarding school environment. Our campuses are 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.

  • 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.