EF Academy California

• Location: Pasadena, California, USA,
• Age of students: from 13 to 17 years old,
• Type of studying: mixed,
• Language of instruction: English.

Today, EF Academy California is an international educational organization located in the heart of Pasadena. This is a new format of educational institution specially designed for foreign students from more than 30 countries around the world - here they undergo a unique high school program with full immersion in English.

EF helps young people around the world learn through immersion, giving them the opportunity to explore new places, understand different cultures and discover new things about themselves and the world around them. Today, EF faculty and staff work in educational institutions and admissions offices in more than 50 countries, united by a common 60-year mission: overcoming language, cultural and geographical barriers through education to open up the world to all.

The educational process at EF Academy California is organized in such a way as to provide students with a comprehensive and high-quality education that meets the highest international standards. The curriculum includes 15 foreign languages: this is especially useful for those who are planning an international career or want to study other countries and their traditions. In addition to languages, the program includes five natural sciences - physics, chemistry, biology and other disciplines aimed at developing analytical thinking and understanding of the laws of nature. Students get access to modern laboratories and scientific equipment, which will allow them to conduct research and experiments, consolidating theoretical knowledge in practice.

The three arts included in the curriculum help develop students' creativity. The study of subjects such as music, visual arts and theater skills contributes to the disclosure of creativity and the ability to express one's thoughts and emotions through various forms of art.

The school offers comprehensive preparation for admission to universities in the United States and abroad, which includes consultations with admissions representatives working directly with EF Academy California. Students receive valuable advice on choosing universities, preparing the necessary documents and passing interviews.

Each year, all EF Academy students complete a special program focused on innovation and impact, in addition to obtaining a high school diploma. In this program, students develop meaningful projects that benefit the community in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals laboratories to test their ideas under the guidance of teachers. A recent innovation and impact project was carried out by the Biking for a Better Tomorrow team: this group addressed the UN's Sustainable Development Issue No11 on sustainable cities and communities by repairing broken and unused bicycles, providing students and teachers with greener modes of transport.

At EF Academy, each student takes an individualized course based on their talents and strengths. Students work with counselors to set individual growth goals and develop a plan to achieve the goals.

A special preparation system assigns a personal mentor to each student, called a path manager. This employee monitors academic achievement, cares about the student's well-being and is able to offer advice on all aspects of California high school education. The mentor is responsible for three key areas of the student's upbringing:

• Development of personal abilities and character traits,
• Academic Consulting,
• Social and emotional support.

EF Academy California's student residences are designed for maximum convenience and safety. Four modern residential buildings are lined up on campus, where children can enjoy everyday life with their peers. Each building is equipped with common rooms, meeting areas, several student halls, and cozy gardens.

The Cena Café and Restaurant are located on campus, serving delicious and healthy international cuisine made with local and seasonal produce. In addition to the main dishes inspired by world culinary traditions, a salad buffet, a sandwich bar and the dishes of the day are always available here. The menu has many options for vegetarians, vegans, those who follow a gluten-free diet, halal dishes.

Students and parents can choose a convenient type of accommodation on campus:

• Full board. Students stay on campus during the academic year, with the exception of winter and spring break, ensuring their full involvement in the learning process and extracurricular activities, and fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
• Weekly boarding. Boarders usually go home on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon and return to school either on Sunday evening or Monday morning. This regime allows you to maintain a balance: participate in school life on weekdays and enjoy home comfort with your parents on weekends.
• Daytime learning: Becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who live near a school or prefer a predictable routine. These students commute to and from school on a daily basis, while taking advantage of learning and extracurricular activities , simaltenously enjoying the comforts of home in the evenings.

In the afternoons, EF boarding students can play sports, attend various club programs and participate in other activities. Then they return for dinner, preparing for the evening classes. After completing homework and projects, it's time for living in a residence — students have quite a lot of free time to gather in a common room, watch movies, sing karaoke, play video games, and chat with friends. Soon, the teachers conduct the last check so that everyone can go to bed peacefully.

The numerous clubs offered on campus tailor to a variety of student interests, covering topics from arts and hobbies to science and student government. Participation in clubs depends on their focus: for example, members of the adventure club can go hiking in nearby gorges, and members of the organizing club can help plan events such as the annual cultural fair and graduation ball.

During the year, the academy hosts athletic competitions where students can compete in the local league. EF encourages students to try different sports and join one or more seasonal teams: basketball, football, volleyball, running, swimming, tennis, or cheerleading. This is a great way to make new friends, improve your team skills and leadership qualities! The favorable climate in Pasadena and the proximity to the ocean and mountains allow you to practice individual sports all year round: surfing, biking, running, hiking or golf are in the lead.

Southern California's Pasadena offers cultural activities, a variety of restaurants, museums, and convenient transportation links to Los Angeles. The modern campus offers technically equipped classrooms, spaces for creativity and collaboration, a variety of recreation areas, comfortable student residences, scientific and design laboratories, bright studios for art, music and dance.

Main facilities of EF Academy California are:

1. Access to the best cultural and scientific centers in Southern California. Students explore the natural beauty of Los Angeles, visit prestigious universities, museums, and world-famous entertainment complexes.
2. Laboratories with advanced equipment are ideal for hands-on experiments in biology, chemistry and physics. Modern devices are available in the Design and Technology Laboratory: drones, 3D printers, and video equipment.
3. Creative spaces. In an ergonomic art room, you can create visual art and design. The dance studio is suitable for rehearsals of ballet, jazz and hip-hop performance. Music rooms are designed for playing various instruments and creating original compositions or jam sessions with friends.
4. The Robinson Fitness Centre, which includes a multi-purpose hall for sports and school activities, stands out with an outdoor football pitch, basketball courts and a sand volleyball court. During leisure hours and on weekends, the pool is open under the supervision of a professional lifeguard.

The year of study at EF Academy California is divided into two semesters, which include about 15 weeks each. The fall semester begins in August and lasts until December, while the spring semester runs from January to May.

Additional costs include:

• Entry fee,
• Sign up
• Visa (F-1),
• Air tickets and transfer,
• Transport
• Residence
• Health insurance,
• Accident insurance,
• Personal expenses.

In addition to these expenses, students pay for life activities and entertainment. Payment is made 1 time a year and includes:

• Autumn immersion (integration course),
• Welcome days,
• Weekend activities and transport,
• Laundry services,
• School-related applications and technical support,
• Student clubs and sports events.

1. Contact the admissions committee and sign up for a consultation (carried out both in person and online).
2. Take the EF SET placement test to determine your level of English proficiency — different programs require different levels of academic preparation.
3. Fill out the online application and provide the required documents:

• Personal statement,
• Official transcripts from the last two years from the current school,
• Passport scan. 

4. Pass the interview: This is a chance to talk about your interests and ambitions, academic commitment and motivation for admission to EF Academy.
5. Get an answer. After a comprehensive assessment of the candidate's application, he will receive a decision on acceptance. Successful candidates will receive a package of documents, consultants will help to draw up any documents, including a visa.

EF Academy students enter some of the world's most prestigious universities. Moreover, most of them go to educational institutions that are their first choice:

• 92% of successful admissions are at first- or second-choice universities,
• 99% of the Academy's graduates successfully enter universities upon graduation,
• EF Academy alumni receive offers from 34 universities in the Top 50 U.S. universities,
• 20 UK universities in the Top 20 invite EF alumni
• 45% of the offers received by EF graduates come from the top educational institutions that are ranked in the Top 100 universities in the world.

EF Academy has the following requirements for candidates:

• Age: from 13 to 17 years old.
• Academic performance. Students are expected to receive grades appropriate to their age in their home country: reports from the current school will allow you to analyze whether the candidate is ready to progress in their studies together with the EF teaching team.
• Level of English. For international students, a check of the current level of English language proficiency is conducted - listening, reading, writing and speaking. A personal interview is conducted.

EF Academy California does not provide scholarships, but counselors offer installment payment options for education, help with government support, including loans,  grants, and international scholarships.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision