Mayfield Senior School: Fully Engaged, Striving for Excellence

By May S. Ruiz

Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena was established in 1931 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus as an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12. It is located in a quiet residential area of mature trees and serene surroundings. The central building itself was a former home that has been transformed into what is now Strub Hall. It houses state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs, visual arts studios, and common meeting spaces.

According to Lisa Dulyea, Director of Communications, Mayfield has a total enrollment of 330, an average class size of 16, and a student/teacher ratio of 12/1. Each student is guaranteed individualized attention from a very highly qualified 39-member faculty that holds a total of 25 advanced degrees, including one J.D. and four Ph.Ds. Thirty-eight percent of Mayfield educators have ten years of teaching experience; while another 38 percent have 20 years of teaching experience.

Known for its vigorous academic program, Mayfield offers 21 AP and Honors courses in English, Math, Science, History and Language. It also has a Conservatory for the Arts, a distinct and demanding Fine Arts program where students discover their passion for and develop their skills for the Arts. It is a UC-accredited curriculum course in nine disciplines: creative writing, dance, film and media, instrumental music, photography, technical theatre, theatre, visual arts, and vocal music. Completion of a course earns students both a credit and a grade.

Athletics are a big component of a Mayfield education, Ms. Dulyea says. The school fields 23 competitive teams in 12 sports – badminton, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. Students also vie in equestrian competitions off-campus under the Mayfield banner. Mayfield is a member of the Prep League, a division of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), and is also affiliated with the Interscholastic Equestrian League and the Saddleseat and Western School League.

Students hone their leadership skills by taking part in the Student Council, Campus Ministry, Student Advising Council, Student Athletic Leadership, Diversity Committee, and Honor Council. There are also several other interest clubs, activities and service projects they can choose to join.

A Mayfield education offers young women a well-rounded foundation of strong academics, arts, athletics and community engagement. They are sought after by the most selective institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Its graduates are currently attending 111 prestigious colleges and universities like Barnard College, UC Berkeley and Los Angeles, Cal State San Luis Obispo, Claremont McKenna College, University of Chicago, Cornell University, Duke University, University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Harvard University, MIT, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, University of St. Andrews in Scotland, University College London, Vassar College, University of Virginia, and Wellesley College.

All the outstanding attributes and successes of Mayfield students become evident as soon as one steps on campus. They made an indelible mark in the mind of its current Headmistress, Kate Morin, during her first visit before she took over stewardship of this venerable school this year. She explained, “I witnessed students fully engaged, striving for excellence while supported by skilled and caring teachers. … it became crystal clear that Mayfield Senior School is a place where young women thrive.”

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