About Polytechnic School
The Polytechnic School’s Global Initiatives Program supports the school’s mission and credo by fostering an interest in, an understanding of, and a respect for the dignity and worth of fellow human beings and their cultures worldwide. An understanding of the world calls for a willingness to learn through study, to reach out and communicate with one another in interaction, and to realize that we can help shape the future by service and listening. The Global Initiatives Program seeks to prepare all Poly graduates to live with confidence and good character in a rapidly changing and globally connected world.
Polytechnic School, established in 1907, is a private, coeducational day school in Pasadena, California, serving approximately 850 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence, personal responsibility, and service to others, fostering a community where students develop their unique intellect, talents, and character.
Teaching Philosophy
Polytechnic School has been committed to sustaining a financial aid program to make a Poly education accessible to families from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Financial aid is awarded across all grade levels representing approximately 27% of the student community. Financial aid grants are used to meet a family’s full demonstrated financial need. We do not offer loans or merit scholarships. To ensure that all students can fully participate in the Poly experience, additional financial aid grants may be available to assist with other costs, such as books, technology, and co-curricular expenses. Admission committees review applications without knowledge of financial aid requests, and a separate committee determines financial aid awards. Families who apply for financial assistance receive a notification letter at the same time as their child’s admission decision.
What Makes Polytechnic School Special
- Financial aid & scholarships offered
- 119+ years of heritage (est. 1907)
- 4 arts & creative programs
Academics
Curriculum
Polytechnic School offers Traditional and Other curriculums, with specializations in Languages, Arts, and STEM.
Academic Environment
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
4 programsSports
1 programsClubs & Activities
1 programsCampus & Facilities
Polytechnic School features a campus with McWilliams Courtyard, Upper School Library, Garland Auditorium, Upper Garland Studio (Black Box), Fencing Room, Multipurpose Room, Scott Gymnasium, and Gamble Gymnasium.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
$38,500
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Reference letters
- Essay
- Shadow day
Community & Culture
Polytechnic School cultivates a warm, intellectually engaged community where students are encouraged to be authentically themselves. The school emphasizes "joyful intellects, courageous leaders, globally-minded citizens," with a culture that celebrates individuality and kindness. Students participate in diverse programs including performing arts, athletics, outdoor education, climate action initiatives, and the PolyGlobal speaker series, creating a vibrant environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. Alumni testimonials highlight the school's role as a formative, inspiring institution where students develop a genuine love of learning.
Diversity & Inclusion
Polytechnic School maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a collective responsibility to foster an equitable and just community. The school participates in the Southern California Diversity Recruitment Fair and has dedicated a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion section on its website. The school's nondiscriminatory policy affirms that it admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin and does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in its educational, admission, financial aid, and athletic programs. Additionally, the Global Initiatives Program emphasizes developing students' understanding of and respect for diverse cultures worldwide.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. While the site references a "PolyParents" section in the navigation menu and mentions parent-guardian statements as part of the admission process, specific information about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or ongoing engagement programs is not described in the available content.
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Polytechnic School
Address
1030 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, United States
Phone
626-396-6300
communications@polytechnic.org
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Polytechnic School
Polytechnic School serves students in grades Nursery-12.
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