EF Academy is a private day and boarding high school designed to prepare students for happiness and success in today's world.
Our new campus is located between sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains just a 30-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. Our students use Southern California as their classroom, exploring its natural wonders, respected universities, arts and science museums, and a world-famous entertainment industry.
As part of a global network that has sponsored more international students than any other U.S. high school for over a decade, our unique diversity-students from 60+ nationalities-shapes every aspect of life and learning on campus.
Our highly personalized approach lets students shape their journey based on their unique interests and future goals. With support from a dedicated University and Academic Counselor from year one, 92% of our graduates are accepted into their first or second choice university.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 265 students
- Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $71,700
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $43,700
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
EF Academy Pasadena ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 279 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Faculty Education
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
2022
1907
Campus Size
16 acres
125 acres
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
Last Day of School
Fri. May 22, 2026
Student Body
Enrollment
265 students
315 students
% International Students
70%
21%
% Students 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
78%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Average Class Size
15 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
44
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
90%
72%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
$71,700
(Upgrades to twin and single rooms also available)
(Upgrades to twin and single rooms also available)
$68,420
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$43,700
(Day students welcome to join weekend activities)
(Day students welcome to join weekend activities)
$36,400
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day 51³Ô¹ÏÍø)
(5 Day 51³Ô¹ÏÍø)
$68,700
$49,624
Admissions
Director of Admissions
Bobbie Jo Dobbs
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
44
18
Courses
Advanced Business & Personal Finance, Advanced History and Sports, Advanced Journalism I, Advanced Journalism II, Advanced Physics, Advanced Studies: Anatomy, Advanced Studies: Introduction to Philosophy, Advanced Studies: Linear Algebra, Advanced Studies: Organic Chemistry, Advanced Studies: Queer Histories, Advanced Studies: Screenwriting I, Advanced Studies: Screenwriting II, Advanced Studies: Study of Poetry & Fiction I, Advanced Studies: Study of Poetry & Fiction II, Advanced US History, Advanced: Comprehensive Dimensions of Health, AP Art and Design, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Computer Science, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics C, AP Psychology, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP US Government & Politics, French 3, French 4, Innovation & Impact: Capstone or Mentorship, Innovation & Impact: Global Entrepreneurs, Mandarin 3, Mandarin 4, Spanish 3, Spanish 4
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
8
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
22
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Astronomy Club, Business and Finance Club, Chess Club, Cooking Club, Culture Club, Debate Club, Drama Club, Language Clubs, Mindfulness Club, Model United Nations, Movie Club, Music Ensemble, Physics Club, Robotics Club, Spirit Squad, STEAM Club, Student Council, Student Newspaper, Theater Production Club, Yearbook Club, Yoga Club
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
99%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
-
A vibrant, state-of-the-art campus
- Our campus is purpose-built for immersion learning. In our academic buildings, students have access to tech-equipped classrooms, multiple collaboration spaces, cutting-edge science and design labs, and light-filled studios for art, music, and dance. Robinson Center, our main athletics facility, features a multi-purpose gym perfect for physical education classes, indoor sports matches, and school assemblies. Outside, students can take advantage of our outdoor soccer pitch, basketball courts, and sand volleyball court.
- We believe the best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries. That's why we provide a holistic education focused on project- and competency-based learning. Students participate in hands-on activities, field study, and service-learning work that empowers them to gain a deeper understanding of their studies and emerge with real-world skills. Plus, we keep our class sizes small, ensuring students always receive the personalized support they deserve.
- All EF Academy students complete our signature Innovation & Impact Program where they design meaningful, community-driven solutions to problems based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Students work in multicultural teams and get to test their ideas by building real prototypes in our design and science labs.
- Many of our students are full-time boarders, enjoying all the benefits of living and learning in a global community 24/7. Local students also have the option of being a day student or boarding five days a week and living at home on weekends.
- Through our field study program, students gain hands-on learning experiences throughout the Pasadena and Los Angeles areas, exploring locations like the Huntington Library, Wilson Observatory, and the Pantages Theater. Plus, we offer exciting weekend excursions to fun places ranging from state beaches to Warner Bros. Studios.
- We offer school-sponsored weekend college trips, allowing students to explore several different types of universities. These range from small liberal arts colleges to large universities throughout Southern California, including those within the University of California and California State systems. Plus, every year, our campus hosts more than 100 visits with college admissions representatives from around the globe, helping students learn about different degree programs and find their perfect university fit.
- Middle States Association
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- EF Academy Pasadena accreditations: Middle States Association (MSA), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EF Academy Pasadena cost?
EF Academy Pasadena's tuition is approximately $71,700 for boarding students and $43,700 for day students.
What sports does EF Academy Pasadena offer?
EF Academy Pasadena offers 8 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country Running, Golf, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is EF Academy Pasadena's ranking?
EF Academy Pasadena ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of international students, High percent faculty with advanced degrees and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for EF Academy Pasadena?
The application deadline for EF Academy Pasadena is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed EF Academy Pasadena also viewed these schools: EF Academy New York, Besant Hill School, Idyllwild Arts Academy, Stevenson School and Cate School.
The nearest boarding school to EF Academy Pasadena is The Webb Schools (22.1 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
260 students 2446 miles 582 Columbus Ave
Thornwood, NY 10594
(914) 495-6056
Thornwood, NY 10594
(914) 495-6056
2446
9-12
260
100 students 66.8 miles 8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
66.8
9-12, PG
100
280 students 84.3 miles 52500 Temecula Road
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 468-7223
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 468-7223
84.3
9-12, PG
280
510 students 272.5 miles 3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
272.5
9-12
PK-12
PK-12
510
300 students 79.1 miles 1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
79.1
9-12
300
Recent Articles
How to Choose the Right Performing Arts 51³Ô¹ÏÍø School: A Checklist for Parents and Students
Every year, thousands of gifted young artists apply to top performing arts boarding
schools, yet most families approach the selection process without a clear roadmap. Knowing what to look for—from teacher qualifications to alumni success rates—makes all the difference in finding a program where you can truly flourish.
The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø School Glossary
51³Ô¹ÏÍø schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has.
A Glimpse into 51³Ô¹ÏÍø School Life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy
One of the most common questions families ask when exploring boarding school options is: What does a typical day look like for a student? Beyond academics, they want to understand how students live, learn, and grow within the community—how daily routines shape not only their education but also their independence, friendships, and character.
