831 Michigan Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107

A lot of people in Pasadena send their kids to private school, but our oldest son wanted to go to PHS. We went in with low expectations, and have been very impressed.PHS' greatest asset is its teachers, the majority of whom are stellar. I can't say enough good things about them; they are so dedicated and genuinely care about their students. Just this morning, one of my son's teachers called me on the phone minutes after I sent him an email explaining that my son was sick and would miss his exam. Last month, his AP chemistry teacher arranged an all-day field trip to the Wild Animal Safari Park to work in their labs.One of my kids is in the the Law and Public Service Academy and he loves it. Again, the teachers in that academy are stellar. I have heard that kids really love the App Academy as well. If your child is coming to PHS from a non-PUSD middle school, I recommend plugging them into an academy so they can find community. One the negative side, the facilities are severely lacking, but PHS is set to get a major upgrade in the next few years. My kids are getting a great education.

If you are a parent in the greater Pasadena area looking for an excellent public school, look no further than Willard Elementary! My daughter attended Willard from Kindergarten through 5th Grade and had a great experience. Willard offers the following:1. Safety. Willard places top priority on the safety and well-being of all students. There is a zero tolerance policy for bullying. School entrances are secure and carefully monitored at all times, and there is a trained security guard on staff.2. Diversity. A multitude of cultures are reflected in Willard’s student and staff population. School events reflecting Willard’s commitment to diversity include cultural assemblies, an international fashion show, and international dance show.3. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB program encourages, among other things: critical thinking, student inquiry, curiosity, independence, open-mindedness, risk-taking and self-reflection. Students are groomed to think, speak and act as global citizens long after they leave school. Willard is the only IB elementary school in the Pasadena area.4. Excellent arts, music and STEM programs. Willard students have displayed their artwork at local civic events. Music highlights include a student show choir called the Rising Stars, a student orchestra (both of which have given command performances at civic events), a student rock band and ukelele band. STEM programs are represented by an annual science fair and Math Field Day team.5. Great physical education program. In addition to weekly PE, Willard features a competition cheer squad and student running club.6. Fun, well-organized and supervised educational field trips. Past destinations have included The L.A. Museum of Natural History, San Juan Capistrano Mission and The Gamble House. Fifth-graders are invited to participate in Astrocamp, an overnight stay at a safe, well-supervised educational facility in the San Jacinto Mountains, where they learn about astrophysics and space science via fun, hands-on experiments.7. Well-supervised afterschool programs (LEARNS, Boys & Girls Club, Afterschool Adventures).8. Community events, open to all Willard students, staff and their families and friends. These include movie nights, a fall festival and an annual Willard campout.Willard’s teaching staff also did a fantastic job during the past school year despite the challenges of online and hybrid learning.Willard is truly a Great School!

Very poor. I would be ashamed to have my daughter graduate from here. Luckily, if you jump through enough hoops, there are other options.