How Students Join the Program

Partnership for Success is a long-standing collaboration between Pasadena Unified School District and four Pasadena independent schools. Rather than a traditional application process, students are nominated by their elementary school principals and teachers, who know their students best.

Each year, principals from Pasadena’s public elementary schools identify 4th grade students who demonstrate strong academic curiosity, personal potential, and would benefit from access to high-quality summer enrichment. Selected students officially join PFS the summer before 5th grade and participate in the program for nine consecutive summers, continuing through high school and culminating in a supported transition to college.

This school-based selection process helps ensure that students who may not otherwise have access to enrichment opportunities are identified early and supported consistently over time.

The Journey Through our Campuses

The program guides students each summer through four campuses that nurture their growth, confidence, and readiness for college and life. Westridge School hosts girls for their first two summers in the program, while boys of the same age attend the program at Chandler School. After two summers of single-sex education, students attend Mayfield Junior School in the summers before seventh and eighth grades. During and immediately after high school, students spend their summers at Polytechnic School. At each site, students learn from creative, experienced teachers from both the public and private school partners.