St. Philip School

St. Philip School. St. Philip School is a private Catholic school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1928, the school operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is affiliated with the neighboring St. Philip the Apostle Church. It emphasizes a values-based education rooted in Catholic social teaching within a diverse community.

History

The school was established in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, a religious congregation with a long history in American education. Its founding coincided with a period of significant growth for the Archdiocese and the development of Pasadena as a major center in Southern California. Initially serving a small local parish, the institution survived the challenges of the Great Depression and expanded its facilities in the post-World War II era. Key milestones include the construction of new classroom buildings in the 1950s and the transition to a primarily lay faculty following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The school has been continuously accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Educational Association.

Academics

The academic program follows a rigorous curriculum aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, enriched with Catechesis and doctrine from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Core subjects include advanced mathematics, literature, and social studies, with a strong emphasis on STEM education through dedicated lab spaces and technology integration. Specialized programs include English as a second language support, Title I reading intervention, and differentiated instruction for gifted learners through the Gate Program. Student performance is regularly assessed through standardized testing like the Iowa Assessments, and the school maintains a high rate of alumni acceptance into prestigious local high schools such as Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and Loyola High School.

Campus

The campus occupies a city block in central Pasadena, featuring a mix of historic and modern structures. The original school building, constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, now houses administrative offices and the early childhood education center. A two-story classroom building added in 2005 contains science laboratories, a computer lab, and a dedicated art studio. Shared facilities with St. Philip the Apostle Church include the parish hall for assemblies and a large gymnasium used for physical education and events. Outdoor amenities comprise a central courtyard, a playground, and athletic fields for soccer and softball, all within a secured perimeter.

Notable alumni

Alumni of St. Philip School have achieved distinction across various professional fields. In public service and law, graduates include Janice Hahn, a former member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the U.S. House of Representatives. The arts and entertainment sector is represented by John Sloan, an award-winning cinematographer known for his work on films like *Apollo 13* and *A Beautiful Mind*. In academia, Dr. Elena Ruiz is a prominent historian specializing in California history at the University of Southern California. The business community includes Michael Chen, a founder of a leading Silicon Valley technology firm specializing in renewable energy.

Athletics

The school's athletic program, known as the St. Philip Saints, competes in the Parochial Athletic League of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Team sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field, with teams for both boys and girls from fifth through eighth grades. The school emphasizes participation and sportsmanship, with many teams advancing to PAL championships in recent years. Physical education classes utilize the on-campus gymnasium and fields, incorporating skills development for various sports. The annual Jog-a-Thon is a major community fundraiser supporting athletic equipment and facility upgrades.

Category:Private elementary schools in California Category:Catholic elementary schools in California Category:Educational institutions established in 1928 Category:Pasadena, California