Study high school in California

Your global future starts here

EF Academy at a glance

  • Campuses in the US and UK

  • Ages 13-19 / Grades 8-12

  • Students from 75+ countries

  • 120+ sports, clubs and activities

  • World-renowned programs

A modern high school experience

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:

English immersion

Interculturally trained teachers

Small classes

Weekly enrichment activities

Personalized university guidance

24-hour safety and support

Live and learn at our high school 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 high school to Southern California.

  • 15-acre campus

  • 12 students per class

  • Weekly clubs, sports and cultural excursions

  • Programs: US High School Diploma & IB Diploma

  • 30 minutes from Los Angeles

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

New York

Oxford

At EF Academy, it's personal

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

Learn more

High school at its best

EF Academy Pasadena's campus experience helps high school students make the most out of studying in California and turns students into worldly, life-long explorers.

In our students’ words

Download a brochure

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

FAQ

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

  • Confidence, independence, resilience, time-management, intercultural competency – these are just a few of the countless skills gained when studying at a high school abroad. 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 high 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 the after-school time to build essential skills for university through clubs, sports, study sessions and other hands-on activities.

  • Taking part in clubs, activities and sports is a great way for students to explore their interests, make friends and feel at home in California. In addition to after-school activities like Cheerleading, Music Club or Coding Club, we organize weekend trips to explore local attractions – such as surfing at nearby beaches, taking a tour of Paramount Studios or visiting prestigious universities.

  • There are many touchpoints for support and guidance. Admissions Consultants walk families through the program selection process. Each student is assigned a Pathway Manager who monitors their progress throughout the year, 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.

  • 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 in the US. Everyone who works at our school has been carefully trained, screened and interviewed for suitability in an international high 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.

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