We are an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls, grades 6 through 12. Students from around the world benefit from our exceptional student – teacher ratio, active student body, and challenging educational programs.
Yes, we are a college-preparatory school, and our classes are based on the University of California’s entrance standards. We offer college counseling to assist our students in the selection and application process. Visit our College Counseling page for more information. Beyond our academic programs, we place a strong emphasis on helping students become independently responsible, with the life skills and study habits necessary for college success.
Our campus is located in the exclusive community of San Marino, in a historic orange grove area near Pasadena and Los Angeles. It is serviced by Los Angeles International Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Southwestern Academy is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is approved by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security for attendance by international students.
Our San Marino campus enrolls students in grades 6 through 12.
There are few living environments that can match a boarding school for exposing young people to differing cultures with wide-ranging customs. Our domestic students join our international students to form an amazingly diverse community based upon empathy and forbearance.
We look for students in good academic standing who can benefit from individualized studies and in turn, contribute to a well-rounded and diverse student body. Visit our Admissions area for more information.
For decades, Southwestern Academy has enrolled a culturally rich and diverse student body that represents many nations. Students of all economic and social backgrounds attend our school.
We pride ourselves on an exceptional student-teacher ratio. That ratio is 6:1 and class sizes average 8-12 students.
No. Southwestern groups students in classes by achievement, rather than by age. This allows each student to perform up to his or her highest level.
Our San Marino Campus can serve 145 students in grades 6-12.
Visit our Tuition & Fees page for current tuition costs.
Financial Aid is available on a need basis. Visit our Financial Assistance page for more information.
Yes, including a required personal interview.
Yes. Three meals a day are served Monday through Friday, and two big meals a day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dorm rooms vary in size and configuration, and accommodate 2-4 students per room.
Roommates are assigned by age and grade level first, then by mixed nationality.
We have dorm parents who live in the dorms and supervise the students, seven days a week.
The school day officially begins at 8:00 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Activities, sports, and clubs can extend the day depending on the student’s involvement and interests.
Our students do not have a uniform, but we do have a dress code. The full dress code description can be found in our Student and Parent Handbooks.
We are in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and compete against other similar-sized schools in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. We also have club sports in weight training and golf. All students have the opportunity to participate, no matter their experience level. Visit our Sports page to learn more.
In our Summer Adventures program, we offer ESL and college-preparatory studies. Students can study for six or twelve weeks. Visit our Summer Adventures page for more information.
We offer a variety of activities, including club events, cultural dinners, sports events, community service functions, field trips, and dorm activities. Recreational trips are offered every weekend. Visit our Student Life area to learn more.
Approximately 35 students each year.
English-intensive ELL classes are designed to help students learn the language as quickly as possible. Students take five ELL classes per day and one elective. Classes include Grammar, Writing, Reading, Conversation/Listening, and Vocabulary, among others. Students are divided into Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of English. Additionally, ELL students (Advanced) are enrolled in Math and Science classes.
No. All international students attending Southwestern Academy on F-1 visas are required by U.S. government student visa regulations to be boarding students.
Yes, we issue I-20s to students who have been accepted to study at our school.
Not for incoming middle school, freshman or sophomore high school students; however, test scores are helpful in assessing a student for placement in classes, and are strongly encouraged. The Duolingo English Test is required for incoming junior and senior high school students.
Our students hail from approximately 20 different countries including Brazil, China, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and Viet Nam.
Usually in 24 to 48 hours after issuing admission decision.