Southwestern Academy San Marino
A friendly and safe environment, supportive teachers, suburban and country campuses, coupled with the youthful energy of a student body from all over the world — this is an independent, non profit, residential and day school for girls and boys, grades 6-12. Southwestern provides an environment where every aspect of academic, athletic and social life is directed towards educating the next generation of students for success in university and the globalized community
Southwestern Academy was founded in 1924 in San Marino, California, a quiet residential community adjoining Pasadena. The Academy has a 180 acre ranch in Beaver Creek Canyon, a breathtaking, creek-watered redrock oasis in northern Arizona. Students in high school may divide their time between the two campuses or spend all year at either one. Field trips between campuses are an integral part of the curriculum.
Southwestern actively promotes cultural diversity in its student body. We admit motivated, successful students who want smaller classes and personalized instruction. We also believe in giving a chance to students who may have experienced unsuccessful schooling elsewhere, when they have the abilities and willingness to try. The academic program is college preparatory, supported by a strong arts program. Instrumental music, chorus, piano and music history are offered. Art classes in video production, computer graphics, fashion design, drawing and painting make up an exciting program for students to explore. Foreign students study English intensively at three different levels; beginning, intermediate, and advanced in grammar and writing, reading and vocabulary, and listening and conversation. Transitioning to regular high school classes occurs when the student has successfully completed intermediate and advanced classes.
The sports program includes varsity and junior varsity soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, cross-country running and track and field. Opportunities for tennis, golf, bowling, mountain -biking, hiking, camping, swimming and skiing also are available at one or both campuses.
Resident dormitory counselors add to the supportive atmosphere of the school. Weekend trips, chaperoned by the resident staff, include theater, shopping, movies, bowling, beach trips, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and much more.