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Education Oct 23, 2015
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– Courtesy Photo
By May S. Ruiz
On a beautiful 17-acre campus in northern Pasadena lies Judson International School, a ministry of Frontier Ventures, formerly known as the U.S. Center for World Mission. The school was established in 1991 as the William Carey Academy, for children of staff families. In 2001, it became Judson when it began accepting students from local and international communities. It is currently celebrating its 25th year of service.
According to Kim Aasland, Director of Admissions, Judson International is a K-12th grade Christian school where subjects are taught from a biblical worldview, but without emphasis on doctrine or dogma. Ms. Aasland added, “It has a unique history-based curriculum that integrates all subjects to enhance learning. Our students use an investigative learning approach to explore and discover the world, including hands-on activities, curriculum-related field trips, research and real books.”
In 2008, the school began offering a satellite program for home schooled students. It also has the Eagle Academy, a one-day per week program with enrichment classes for home-schooled students in K-8th grade.
A distinctly international institution, Judson has a culturally diverse faculty – many of their teaching staff have lived overseas – and student body – 75 percent of its students are Americans while 25 percent represent over 20 countries. The school intentionally limits its English learners to 15 percent of its student population to help them become proficient quickly. It is approved to offer the I-20 form to international students, with a program that has significantly grown since 2008 when it first became available.
Judson High School, which was added in 2012, adheres to high academic standards. It has a curriculum that meets the requirements for graduation and for admission to the UC system. It is an accredited Christian college-preparatory high school with small classes and an international focus, offering 19 AP courses in Art, English, Math, Science, and History.
The school’s creative arts program is flourishing with a Creative Arts Night and Poetry Out Loud in the fall, and an all-school musical in the spring. Other activities offered are ASB, journalism, performing arts and a 1:1 Chromebook program. After-school enrichment programs include the Art and Theatre Club.
The school’s athletic department fields 13 sports teams and is a member of the CIF and Sports League.
According to Ms. Aasland, Judson contracts with College Prep 360 to provide college counseling for students from 9th through 12th grade; all 10th and 11th graders take the PSAT. Additionally, 10th through 12th graders attend one to two college fairs offered at PUSD and Christian College. Faculty members also take these students to at least one college tour per year.
Last year two seniors graduated from Judson High School and were accepted to Azusa Pacific, Biola, Chapman, Loyola Marymount and Pasadena City College. This school year will be the first official graduating class from Judson International; all graduating seniors are planning on going to college.
According to its website, Judson’s mission is to partner with parents in educating children who will grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom to become leaders in God’s Kingdom and today’s world.
Given the current state of global affairs, it seems the world needs more institutions like Judson International School.
