Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
K-12 Education Excellence in Pasadena
Polytechnic School, founded in 1907, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and character development in Southern California. As the region's first nonprofit, independent K-12 institution, we have cultivated generations of students through a curriculum that balances rigorous academics with holistic growth. Our educators invest deeply in each child's long-term development, creating a continuum of learning that spans foundational elementary skills to advanced college preparatory studies. The school's commitment to intellectual ambition and community service is reflected in its graduates, who consistently demonstrate leadership in diverse global contexts.With a focus on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility, Polytechnic School prepares students not just for college, but for lives of purpose and continuous learning. Our campus environment fosters collaboration between students, faculty, and families, maintaining traditions while embracing innovation in education. The institution's enduring values remain steadfast even as it evolves to meet contemporary educational challenges.
Services
K-12 Education
College Counseling
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Athletics Programs
Summer Enrichment
Outdoor Education
Language Programs
STEM Education
Community Service
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- Established in 1907 as Southern California's first independent school
- Offers continuous K-12 curriculum with personalized student development
- Maintains 1:12 student-teacher ratio for individualized attention
- Provides 150+ co-curricular programs for holistic development
- Guarantees college preparatory readiness with AP and honors courses
What people say
Lifelong friendships
Dedicated teachers
Strong college preparation
Supportive community
Comprehensive programs
Services
K-12 Education
Our comprehensive K-12 curriculum develops foundational skills through college preparatory programs. Students engage in age-appropriate learning across all disciplines, with specialized instruction in STEM, humanities, and world languages. The vertically integrated program ensures smooth transitions between academic divisions while maintaining consistent educational values.
College Counseling
Personalized college counseling begins in ninth grade with academic planning and career exploration. Our counselors maintain relationships with 400+ institutions nationwide, providing tailored guidance through application processes, essay writing, and financial aid strategies. The program includes college visits, alumni networking, and standardized test preparation.
Performing Arts
The performing arts department offers theater, music, and dance instruction from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students participate in annual productions, recitals, and competitions while developing technical skills and artistic expression. The program includes specialized training in vocal performance, instrumental ensembles, and dramatic arts.
Visual Arts
Visual arts instruction spans traditional and digital media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. Students create portfolio-quality work through studio courses and exhibition opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes art history, creative problem-solving, and technical mastery across multiple disciplines.
Athletics Programs
Our athletic programs develop physical skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship through 20+ varsity sports and intramural activities. Student-athletes receive coaching in strength training, strategy, and competitive play while maintaining academic eligibility standards. The program emphasizes character development alongside athletic achievement.
People
John Bracker
Head of School
John Bracker leads Polytechnic School with over 25 years of educational leadership experience. He previously served as Upper School Head at University Preparatory School in Redding, California. A graduate of Williams College and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Bracker emphasizes student-centered learning and community engagement.
Keith Huyssoon
Chief Financial Officer
Keith Huyssoon manages the school's financial operations with expertise in educational budgeting and resource management. He previously worked in senior financial roles at Claremont Graduate University and The Webb Schools. Huyssoon holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and maintains active community involvement.
Questions
What grades does Polytechnic School serve?
Polytechnic School provides education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade in a continuous K-12 program.
Does Poly offer financial aid?
Yes, Poly offers need-based financial aid and scholarship programs to ensure accessibility for qualified students from diverse economic backgrounds.
What college preparatory resources are available?
Our college counseling office provides personalized guidance, application workshops, alumni networking, and partnerships with 400+ institutions nationwide.
Are there after-school programs available?
Poly offers extended day programs including athletics, arts, academic support, and over 50 student clubs through its PolyExtended Program (PEP).
What special programs distinguish Poly?
Poly emphasizes STEM education, world languages, performing/visual arts, and community service with specialized facilities and expert faculty.
How does Poly support student wellness?
The school provides counseling services, health education, athletic training, and mindfulness programs to support students' physical and emotional well-being.
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