Polytechnic School: Immersed in Arts, Education, Community Service

– Courtesy Photo

By May S. Ruiz

Any parent in the San Gabriel Valley looking to enroll his or her child in a private school will have heard of Polytechnic School in Pasadena. Founded in 1907 as a school providing academics and manual arts for kindergarteners through 8th graders, it welcomed its first high school class in 1959. As a K-12 institution, Poly operates three distinct divisions with shared values under one school.

Its lower school builds the foundation from which students discover the world – educators impart knowledge even as they encourage young minds to think beyond themselves. Starting in kindergarten, students are immersed in the arts, physical education, and community service.

Twenty full-time teachers and assistants as well as 15 support and specialized instruction personnel tend to approximately 270 students.

Poly’s middle school is where approximately 215 students transition from childhood to adolescence. During this time, the curriculum expands to meet the growing minds of kids. Teachers not only give them facts, they also stimulate learners to analyze information. Adolescents have a safe environment where they can uncover who they are and where they’re going.

Teachers in middle school ensure that all their students are prepared to tackle the challenges of high school. Towards the end of the school year, 8^th graders meet with the Dean of Students to discuss the curriculum for the next four years and begin mapping out individual course options.

High school at Poly is fast-paced and activity-laden for the approximately 375 students and the 50 full-time teachers. Class deans for each grade level keep abreast of each student’s academic performance, achievement, well-being and progress through high school.

Ninth through 12^th grade students balance the rigorous academics and extra-curricular activities as they tackle AP courses in 16 subjects and compete in a vast array of athletic events. High-schoolers are likewise actively involved in various outreach programs. They are also engaged in a Global Initiatives Program that gives them opportunities to study different culture, interact with people in other parts of the globe, and experience cultural events from around the world.

Students of Poly are much sought-after by the most selective colleges and universities. They inevitably make names for themselves at the various institutions they choose to matriculate including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Cornel, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, MIT, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Virginia; the University of Edinburgh and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

A Poly experience prepares all its graduates to face the challenges of college and of life. They are recognized everywhere to be well-rounded but driven individuals who strive to do well for themselves while endeavoring to make their community and the world a better place to live in.

As Poly’s Head of School, John Bracker, aptly says on the school website, “While Poly is nationally recognized for the strength of its programs, the lessons we hope our students take with them transcend those measured by test scores and matriculation lists. A Poly education goes far beyond getting into college – it inspires a lifelong thirst for knowledge, an appreciation of individuality, and a true desire to be of service in the larger world… .”

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