Pasadena, California features over 11 elite private schools spanning K-12, college preparatory, Catholic, and progressive curricula. Key options like Polytechnic School, Westridge School for Girls, and Chandler School offer low student-teacher ratios (averaging 12:1), specialized STEM and arts programs, and high placement rates to top universities nationwide.

11 Top Private Schools in Pasadena: Parent & Relocation Guide

Located just northeast of Los Angeles, Pasadena is a largely residential city with a charming downtown, striking architecture, and the Rose Bowl, a well-known stadium. Between the beautiful homes and proximity to Los Angeles, it’s no wonder many families choose to settle here.

The top schools are also a huge draw. Pasadena parents have several private schools from which to choose. Acceptances come out in March, after which parents are prompted to either enroll their children in the private school of their choice or seek quality education from one of the public schools in the area.

If you’re aiming to send your kids to private school, then read on! These are the top Pasadena options.

Premier Independent & Preparatory Schools

Polytechnic School

Polytechnic School (often called “Poly”) is the first school on our list. Established in 1907 at 1030 E California Blvd, it was the first nonprofit, independent school in all of southern California. For well over a decade, it has served a select number of K-12 accomplished students (around 800 at a time, to be exact). Their motto? “From Here → Anywhere.” Poly aims to instill and inspire an enduring sense of purpose in all of its students, from the Lower School to the Middle School to the Upper School. The academics are unparalleled, emphasizing the curiosity and joy that can often fall to the wayside in academic settings.

• Polytechnic School: 1030 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106 | Tuition Range: $28,000–$48,000/yr | Enrollment: ~860 students | Distance: Adjacent to Caltech campus

Poly also boasts strong Visual Arts and Performing Arts departments to prepare students for “a lifetime of artistic appreciation and engagement.” The programs expose students to a range of artistic avenues and allow them to achieve great things in the avenues they choose. Students perform fall plays and dance concerts and show their pottery in exciting gallery exhibits.

Poly also has incredible athletic facilities where students excel at tennis, cross-country, football, and more. Poly is a member of the Prep League and was awarded the CIF-SS Jim Staunton Champions for Character Award and the Prep League Sportsmanship Award.

A Poly education is incredibly impressive, which is why Poly makes every effort to boost its accessibility. The Poly Donor Gifts program allows people to make significant monetary contributions, which go toward the school’s facilities and the students’ tuition. Learn more about the admission process at Polytechnic Admissions.

Clairbourn School (San Gabriel)

The Clairbourn School is a private institution located just east of the Pasadena city border at 8400 Huntington Dr, serving Pre-K through middle school students. Founded in 1926, the school’s mission is to create scholars and leaders “with heart” and to emphasize a learning environment that puts balance first.

• Clairbourn School: 8400 Huntington Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91775 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 | Grades: Pre-K to 8th Grade | Distance: 2 miles east of South Pasadena

The campus itself is impressive, with beautiful greenery, welcoming play yards, and state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities. More than 230 students call Clairbourn their academic home, and with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, they get ample attention and guidance. The Clairbourn teaching methods are both “traditional” and modern, ensuring students have the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century world.

There are seven athletics teachers and coaches who help make the Clairbourn experience well-rounded. The newly renovated campus pool is ideal for swim lessons, while the after-school sports teams (for grades 5 through 8) encourage students to hone their tennis, golf, and swimming skills.

In addition to sports, Clairbourn also has a highly impressive STEM curriculum. Students engage in engineering challenges that allow them to build projects with direct input from engineering industry experts. The result is a new class of budding, self-identified engineers.

Clairbourn also offers merit scholarships to qualified middle school students. Learn more about these opportunities and others for tuition assistance through Clairbourn Merit Scholarships.

Faith-Based & Catholic Private Schools

There are a number of Catholic schools in Pasadena that offer unparalleled general and religious education.

Mayfield Senior School

Mayfield Senior School is certainly one of the top options. Located at 500 Bellefontaine St, this independent Catholic school has provided young women in grades 9 through 12 with a well-rounded college-prep and religious education since 1931. Their goal? To create “joyful, faith-filled, confident young women.”

• Mayfield Senior School: 500 Bellefontaine St, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Enrollment: ~330 all-girls | Grades: 9–12 | Distance: 0.5 miles from Orange Grove Blvd

Students learn from high-powered women leaders and have opportunities to excel in any and all areas. Pairing unique subjects like creative writing, dance, film, and media with traditional academic subjects makes for a well-rounded curriculum. The Faith + Service program is dedicated to helping students become their best selves.

Alverno Heights Academy

Alverno Heights Academy at 200 N Michillinda Ave serves co-ed students for grades TK-8 and all-girls for 9-12. This 13-acre property in nearby Sierra Madre features lush grounds, well-maintained facilities, and the historic Villa del Sol d’Oro building, which the school uses as an exciting extension of their campus.

Progressive & Alternative Educational Options

Pasadena is also known for its progressive educational opportunities, which encourage human-centered approaches and direct interaction with the natural world. Waverly School, High Point Academy, Chandler School, Pasadena Waldorf School, Sequoyah School, Westridge School for Girls, and Walden School are all top-notch choices.

The Waverly School

The Waverly School at 67 W Bellevue Dr boasts three campuses as well as an organic farm, where students engage with nature in a variety of hands-on ways.

High Point Academy & Chandler School

At High Point Academy (1720 Kinneloa Canyon Rd) and Chandler School (1005 Armour Rd), kids K-8 receive challenging yet nurturing educations intended to invoke the natural joy in each child.

• Chandler School: 1005 Armour Rd, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Grades: K–8 | Focus: Academics, character, innovation | Distance: Near Pasadena Rose Bowl

Pasadena Waldorf School

The Pasadena Waldorf School is unique because of its nine-acre campus at 209 E Mariposa St in Altadena, where students learn, imagine, and play surrounded by natural oak trees and outdoor spaces.

Sequoyah School, Westridge School & Walden School

Sequoyah School (535 S Pasadena Ave) fosters a diverse community that encourages individuality through a project-based curriculum.

Source: School profiles, grade ranges, and campus locations confirmed via official school disclosures and local accreditation records for 2026.

A strong all-female option is Westridge School for Girls at 324 S Orange Grove Blvd, which is exceptionally strong in social-emotional learning. There’s an emphasis on self-discovery throughout the learning process, which helps build confident, inquisitive learners.

And last, but certainly not least, is the Walden School at 74 S San Gabriel Blvd, where “wisdom comes from wonder.” Pre-K through sixth grade students are encouraged to collaborate and experiment while maintaining the things that keep childhood alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do private school acceptance letters come out in Pasadena?

Most private independent and parochial schools in Pasadena send out admission decisions and acceptance letters in early to mid-March for the upcoming fall school year, following the standard CAIS (California Association of Independent Schools) notification schedule.

What is the average tuition for private schools in Pasadena?

Private school tuition in Pasadena ranges widely based on grade level and institution. Elementary and middle school programs typically cost between $18,000 and $32,000 annually, while top independent K-12 and high school prep programs like Polytechnic School or Westridge range from $35,000 to $48,000 per year.

Are there financial aid options available for Pasadena private schools?

Yes, most top private schools in Pasadena offer robust need-based financial aid, tuition assistance programs, and merit scholarships. Families are encouraged to submit financial disclosures via SSS or Clarity during the application window in December and January.