The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is home to approximately 19,000 Kindergarten – 12th grade students who reside in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. There are a total of 24 schools in the district. Every school provides a curriculum based on the California State Standards, arts and other enrichment programs, after school programs, and a diverse population that we believe leads to a rich learning environment for all students.
Go Public, a documentary film project, captured some of the people who participate in our schools.
Bess, 5th grade, Webster Elementary
Abby, 2nd grade, San Rafael Elementary (Spanish Dual Language Immersion)
David, 2nd grade, McKinley K-8
Joanna, 3rd grade, Field Elementary (Mandarin Dual Language Immersion)
Esmeralda, parent volunteer, Madison Elementary
Frances, principal, Hamilton Elementary
Some highlights about PUSD schools include:
- Eight elementary/K-8 schools have an Academic Performance Index (API) higher than 800
- Eleven elementary and middle schools have an API higher than 700
- Awards & recognition include a National Blue Ribbon School, California Distinguished schools, Title 1 Achieving schools, and more
- Spanish and Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Programs
- International Baccalaureate Program (primary, middle and diploma programs)
- Arts for All school district
- My Masterpieces visual arts program
- Middle School Robotics program
- PasadenaLearns Afterschool program
- High School College and Career Pathways Programs
In fact, U.S. News & World Report awarded John Marshall Scondary School (6-12) a silver medalist as one of the country's top high schools for the 7th consecutive year; Newsweek named it a top national public high school and ranked it above La Canada, San Marino and South Pasadena high schools.
Every household is assigned a neighborhood school of attendance, however since PUSD is an Open Enrollment district, families can apply to attend other schools within the district’s boundaries. This allows families to explore all the schools in the district, and evaluate their programs and school-site cultures to find the right school for them. We believe these options give families more choice and provide more opportunities for our children.
PEN believes that parents should explore and visit their neighborhood school before they consider other schools within PUSD. We can help you with this process on our Find Your School and Take A School Tour pages.
