EF Academy Pasadena
Description of EF Academy Pasadena
- Founded: September 2020
- Location: Pasadena, California, USA
- Type of training: joint (mixed)
- Type of accommodation: residence, boarding / day
- Students age: 13-19 years
- Total number of students: 250-300 people
- Language of instruction: English.
The private international school EF Academy Pasadena (EF Pasadena Academy) opens in 2020 and continues the tradition and quality line of the famous EF world network. The academic philosophy of EF Academy Pasadena is based on an interdisciplinary approach: students 13-19 will study a wide range of subjects and additional classes in order to qualitatively prepare for admission to the chosen university of their dreams.
The school, as an educational institution with a focus on high school students, is actively working to help graduates to enter the selected universities, even among the most prestigious:
- Trips to university campuses, meetings with teachers, professors, admissions committees
- Analysis of requirements for applicants, group and individual consultations
- Intensive preparation for entrance exams SAT , ACT and others
- Conducting trial entrance tests, analysis and correction of common mistakes
- Help in writing a motivational essay, introductory essay
- Writing letters of recommendation
- Conducting trial interviews
- Consultation on the choice of a university, faculty or college, specialty.
In each class, no more than 12 people are involved.
Why do parents choose US primary and secondary schools for their children?
I love the trend when the parents give their kids the freedom to choose a school based on the kids goals and inner comfort and support the student with the final choice. Many students choose education in the US as it gives a lot of opportunities to grow, develop and pursue their dreams. Another good thing, if a student wants to change a university major, it is an easy and comfortable process.
Educational process
Academy Pasadena makes extensive use of technology to provide state-of-the-art skills in teaching. Students are required to have the following devices:
- Smartphone: The school communicates with students regularly via mobile apps and SMS, so all students must have a smartphone. It should run the latest version of Android or iOS, it is highly recommended to have a phone with NFC function. Students must have an active U.S. mobile phone number, data plan,
- Laptop: All students must have a laptop computer that can be connected to Wi-Fi in classrooms and residences. Almost any latest model running the latest version of Windows or macOS will do,
- Any calculator.
Software and apps are another important component of the academy's progressive community. The institution uses various online services and applications in support of study, residence and student activities. Some of them are:
- Academic: Google, Google Classroom, PowerSchool, Zoom, Edpuzzle (video lessons), OPALS (library), Kognity (textbooks), Adobe Creative Cloud (design), AssessPrep (testing), Maia Learning (college application) EF SET (English Language Test for Speakers of Other Languages),
- Residential Life: Orah (Connectivity & Security), Touchnet (ID access to campus buildings).
Faculties and colleges
The academy has several departments, each of which is aimed at training according to a certain program of high school. In addition to the academic departments, the Center for the Study of English as a Second Language has been added, providing support to international students.
Things to know about
The unique preparation system assigns each student a personal advisor called a pathway manager: the employee monitors the student's academic progress, cares about the student's well-being, and can provide guidance on all matters related to studying at a California high school.
A counselor is responsible for three fundamental topics in a student's education:
- Development of individual talents and qualities,
- Academic Leadership,
- Social, emotional support.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in EF Academy Pasadena
US High School Diploma
- Duration: 2-4 years (6-12 terms)
- Age: 13-19 years old.
A classic American program for completing high school and preparing for university enrollment. Those who receive High School diplomas in grades 9-10 can begin the IGCSE course, and those who complete it in grades 11-12 can already start the IB program.
A High School diploma will greatly facilitate your admission to universities in the USA or Canada. Subjects studied:
- Grades 9-10:
- Geography
- Story
- Critical text analysis and analytical writing
- Natural Sciences
- Drama and theater
- Art basics
- Composer art
- Physical education and sport.
- Grades 11-12:
- international Management
- World history
- Critical text analysis and analytical writing
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Composer art
- Art and creativity.
The cost of training at the EF Academy Pasadena school is about $ 50,000 per academic year (3 terms).
Accommodation, meals, prices
Students live in shared residences on a hostel basis. They are offered comfortable triple rooms (showers and amenities on the floors at the rate of 1 room for 6 people), common kitchen areas, quiet rooms for classes and homework, living rooms for general relaxation.
All premises and residences are guarded around the clock, educators and administrators are on duty, ready at any moment to help their wards.
Activities EF Academy Pasadena
More than 40 clubs and communities of interest work for students, which allows them to develop their talents and abilities in their free time, find new hobbies and friends, have fun and enjoy relaxing time:
- Art and creativity
- Future Leaders Club
- STEM Community
- Volunteer movement
- Chess
- World cultures and languages
- Coding and IT
- Cookery
- Dramatic art and theater
- Club of young entrepreneurs
- Math club
- UN Youth Model
- Music
- Community "National Honor"
- The photo
- Physics
- Student council
- Student Yearbook
- Football (European Sokker)
- Yoga and psychological health
- Volleyball (for girls)
- Cross country
- Cheerleading
- Basketball
- Tennis.
The school has a special coordinator who supervises the activities of the communities and is ready for any suggestions from the students: if you want to open your own club, you will receive any support!
In their free hours, various events, trips and excursions are organized for students:
- Surfing and relaxing on the beaches of Santa Monica, Manhattan, Malibu
- Hiking in Runyon Canyon
- Big Bear Lake Skiing
- Excursions to Hollywood, visiting the Paramount Studio
- Travel to Entertainment Centers and Parks, Disneyland
- Visits to high technology centers
- Norton Simon Museum
- Huntington Library
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Trips to the San Gabriel Mountains
- Dinner at the unique, old tram depot La Grande Orange
- Excursion to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
- Getty Museum
- Griffith Park and the observatory.
Advantages
- Excellent IB Final Exam Scores: A student pass rate of 89% compared to 79% in schools around the world,
- Students receive offers of admission from universities that are in the TOP-100 best in the world, in the TOP-50 leading in the country, in the TOP-20 in the UK,
- Class sizes do not exceed 13 students,
- An extensive leisure program that allows you to combine the acquisition of academic knowledge with the development of individual talents,
- Comprehensive support from faculty, staff,
- A modern campus with an excellent infrastructure for studying a variety of subjects, sports achievements, creative success,
- Comfortable all-inclusive residences,
- Teaching methods meet the needs of the modern world — the use of gadgets is allowed in the learning process.
Facilities and equipment at EF Academy Pasadena
The spacious EF Academy Pasadena campus covers 15 acres and is well equipped with everything you need:
- Cozy residences for living, a separate residence for staff and teachers
- Spacious common dining room (part of the territory - open) with a store of snacks, essentials, stationery
- STEM Center
- 6 scientific and practical laboratories
- 57 modern audiences with the necessary equipment
- McGavran Center for the Humanities
- Indoor volleyball and basketball courts
- A fitness center
- Dance studios
- Performing Arts Center with its own gallery
- 4 music rehearsal audiences
- 4 studios for arts and crafts with exhibition space
- Drama classes
- Outdoor soccer field (can be used as a multi-active sports field)
- Open areas for basketball and beach volleyball
- Swimming pool.
The campus is a 40-50 minute drive from Los Angeles Airport, and the old town in Pasadena and the beaches of Santa Monica can be reached in 5-10 and 30-40 minutes respectively.
Admission dates and extra charges
The cost of studying at EF Academy Pasadena is about $ 50,000 per academic year (3 terms):
- Training course = $ 35,250
- Accommodation and meals (residence, full board) = $ 9000
- Excursions and academic events = $ 1185
- Books, teaching aids and materials, academic fee = $ 825
- Registration fee = $ 400
- Medical fee = $ 285
- Visa services = from $ 250
- One way transfer = from $ 170
- Compulsory insurance.
Cost may vary depending on the chosen curriculum.
Enrolment process
The admission procedure consists of several stages:
- Checking the admission requirements for the course of interest,
- Passing a 50-minute EFSET test to determine the level of English,
- Filling out the online application, providing the required documents,
- Payment of the registration fee,
- Passing an interview with members of the admissions committee in English,
- Obtaining a decision on admission, as well as documents that will help to apply for a student visa, residence permit,
- Making a deposit to book a place on the course,
- Coming to the campus to attend orientation events, start training.
Enrolment statistics
The institution is quite popular among foreign candidates, but it can accommodate no more than 690 people. Every year, only a fraction of students who meet the entry requirements and manage to apply earlier than others are admitted.
Perspectives
In 2024, the academy graduates its first high school students.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
For admission to the IB course:
- Graduation of grade 10 with a score of at least C (or equivalent)
- Level of English: IELTS 5.5 (or 52/70 according to the internal EF test).
To enroll in High School Diploma:
- Graduation of grades 8-9-10 (depending on the desired class) with a positive average mark
- English level: IELTS 4.5-5.5 (or 41 / 70-52 / 70 according to the internal EF test).
For applicants for Preparation Course:
- Graduated Grade 8 with a positive grade point average
- English level: varies. The weaker the initial knowledge, the longer the training at this stage will be (from 1 to 4 trimesters).
Scholarships EF Academy Pasadena
Academy Pasadena does not offer scholarships, however, the school's consultants offer forms of payment in installments, help in obtaining state support: loans, credits, grants, international scholarships.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about EF Academy Pasadena
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
