Westridge school
snapshot
Histo r i c a l S tat e m e n t Westridge has, from its inception, based all of its programs on the fundamental belief that women have a right to be fully educated in an environment that engages the heart, intellect, body and soul and that it is best for girls to be educated in a single-sex setting. In 1913, the year Westridge was founded, a woman living in the United States was denied the right to vote. Westridge is proud of a heritage that took root in pre-suffrage America 98 years ago, as two mothers, concerned that there was no college-preparatory school on the west side of Pasadena, persuaded Mary Lowther Ranney, a noted architect and teacher, to open a school for girls in her home on the “west ridge” of town. The idea that girls have a right to the best possible education was radical at the time and still is central to the school’s mission and purpose. Westridge School’s vision for the beginning of its second century is both a blueprint for preserving the best of an illustrious past and an incentive for the innovation and flexibility that the next century will require.
west r i d g e s c h o o l Statem en t o f P u rp os e The fundamental purpose of Westridge School is to develop in girls their intellectual and creative powers and their unique qualities as individuals. Essential to the school’s purpose is the commitment to be a community that reflects and values diversity, respects individual differences, and responds to a changing, dynamic world. An intellectually engaging and challenging curriculum prepares students to continue their education in college and beyond as discerning, motivated learners who are committed to excellence and goodness in everything they do.The program offers balance among humanities, mathematics and sciences, fine and performing arts, technology and athletics. Westridge strives to develop young women whose joy in learning, personal ideals, commitment to ethical action, social and environmental responsibility, courage and compassion will lead them to meaningful lives as contributing citizens of the larger world. www.westridge.org/centennialvision
S tat e m e n t o f p u r p o s e
Westridge School admits students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Westridge School
diversity
Founded in 1913, Westridge School is an independent day school for college-bound girls, grades 4 through 12, located in Pasadena, California.
The school’s commitment to cultural diversity is reflected in its 49 percent ethnicity enrollment. Socio-economic diversity is significantly supported through the $2.23 million of financial assistance that is awarded to 150 students in grades four through 12.
tuition & tuition assistance
enrollment Enrollment in 2011-2012 includes 69 percent from the independent school sector and 31 percent from public schools. Westridge maintains a 94 percent enrollment retention rate. Total enrollment Lower School enrollment Middle School enrollment Upper School enrollment Senior class Average class size Student/faculty ratio
www.westridge.org/about
487 98 110 279 71 16 8:1
Tuition for 2011-2012: $24,750 (grades 4 through 6) $29,200 (grades 7 through 12) Tuition assistance: Awards range from $2,000 to full tuition of $29,200. Westridge offers assistance with payment of tuition based on documentation of financial need. Applications are due in January for returning families and in February for new families. Almost all costs of attending Westridge are part of tuition, including trips, athletics, yearbooks, and all other activities. All families pay for uniforms and lunch expenses. Some Middle and Upper School optional trips require payment, but financial assistance is available for those trips as well. Lower and Middle School tuition includes an after-school program on campus until 6 p.m. Westridge, in partnership with the La CaĂąada-based Child Educational Center (CEC), offers an enriching educational experience for all students who participate in the program. Students participate in supervised play, study, and activity time. www.westridge.org/affording
o v e r v i ew
academic offerings
strength in sciences
In the Middle and Upper Schools, Westridge offers more than 165 different
Committed to empowering girls in the sciences, Westridge opened a new Upper School science and math building in fall 2010. The 15,000 square-foot, two-level science center is the first building among San Gabriel Valley independent schools to be LEED-certified, and the first building in Pasadena certified at the Platinum level. It includes a photovoltaic installation designed to convert the sun’s light into energy; a white, reflective roof that offsets the building’s cooling needs; and a green roof that is planted with succulents. A rainwater collection cistern, two experimental garden beds, and a leaf decomposition area are also available to students to learn about the environment. The new facility supports a strong science and math program that begins in the Lower School. The Upper School Research in Science elective provides students with hands-on opportunities at universities and research institutions near campus, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
courses, which include 13 Advanced Placement courses and nine Honors courses. Electives and advanced courses of study allow each girl to thrive within her areas of interest and strength. The school program is designed so that each student becomes literate not only in fundamental academics such as English, science, and math, but also in art, music, and technology.
class structure Westridge operates on a rotational, or block, schedule allowing longer classroom conversations between students and faculty. Classes are designed to allow increasing responsibility for intellectual progress and provide students with the academic and personal skills to succeed in Upper School, college, and beyond.
www.westridge.org/academics
opportunities in performing arts athletic program Westridge is widely recognized for excellence in the performing arts: drama, dance, and choral and instrumental music. The drama department stages six productions each year including student-directed one-acts, a large cast musical, and an 8th Grade play. In addition to performing, students have the opportunity to learn about technical theater including directing, and set, lighting, and costume design. The music program offers a number of choral and orchestral performances and student concerts. The Westridge Glee Club and Madrigals have performed at Carnegie Hall, and traveled to perform in New York, Hawaii, and Japan. The annual dance concert showcases student talent from several genres of dance, including hip-hop, modern dance, ballet, jazz, and traditional cultural dance.
www.westridge.org/arts
Westridge boasts a winning tradition in athletics. In the past decade, honors have included nine Prep League Championships, four California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section (CIF-SS) Individual Championships, one CIF-SS Team Championship, and one CIF State Quarter Final appearance. Westridge participates in the highly-regarded Prep League of the CIF-SS and fields teams in basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo. The Prep League includes Chadwick School, Flintridge Preparatory School, Mayfield Senior School, Polytechnic School, Rio Hondo Preparatory School, and Vivian Webb School. Westridge Middle and Upper School students also compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian League (IEL), a team club sport. Westridge athletic schedules and scores are posted online at www.highschoolsports.net.
scholastic achievement The Class of 2011 included five National Merit Scholarship finalists, four of whom were scholarship recipients, as well as five semi-finalists and 11 commended students. Over the past five years, 19 Westridge students have been finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. www.westridge.org/collegecounseling
www.westridge.org/athletics
leadership development There are at least 100 major leadership roles available in the Upper School alone. Student government opportunities are available at Lower, Middle, and Upper School divisions. Westridge girls are involved in a wide variety of activities and clubs and volunteer with a number of community service agencies, such as the Neighborhood Center, Mother’s Club, Union Station, and the Pasadena Humane Society.
Academics and student life
www.westridge.org/studentleadership
experienced faculty Well over half of Westridge faculty and administrators hold advanced degrees, including eight who hold doctoral degrees. Well over half bring 10 or more years of teaching experience to the classroom.
www.westridge.org/leadership
parent community Parents are key stakeholders in the success of the institution. The school provides support and encouragement for parents to serve as partners in their daughters’ education and continually seeks meaningful ways to engage parents as important resources of the school. All parents of enrolled Westridge students are members of the Parent Association. Volunteer opportunities and parent meetings throughout the school year help keep Westridge parents involved in their daughter’s school life and informed about the challenges facing youth today.
www.westridge.org/parents
alumnae family More than 4,600 Westridge alumnae live in 49 states and 25 countries in six of the seven continents. Our alumnae include philanthropists, civic leaders, community activists, attorneys, physicians, engineers, architects, authors, and scientists. Westridge alumnae live in Australia, Austria, Barbados, Canada, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United States, and Wales.
www.westridge-alumnae.org
technology Westridge is equipped with more than 550 computers to serve students and teachers on its campus. Three technology centers are open daily including the school’s Joan Irvine Smith ’51 Academic Resource Center. Each division and every indoor classroom has access to full multimedia capabilities including SMART Board technology. The school’s photography lab also features a state-of-the-art plasma screen with integrated SMART Board technology, 10 Mac computers with Adobe Creative Suite design applications, and the professional non-linear editing system Final Cut Pro. The new Upper School science building utilizes wireless laptops in lecture and lab spaces for a 1:1 student/computer ratio.
www.westridge.org/technology
historic campus The school’s 9.5-acre campus houses 17 buildings, including the century-old Pitcairn House, built in 1906 by Charles and Henry Greene, and the Braun Music Center, built in 1909 by noted architect Frederick L. Roehrig. Westridge’s Main Building, built in 1923 by Marston, Van Pelt & Maybury, is the oldest original school building. Designed by Pasadena architect Whitney R. Smith, the Seeley G. Mudd Building is now a dedicated Middle School facility, housing classrooms, faculty offices, and student gathering spaces. Other campus features include the Elizabeth Edmundson Herrick Dining Commons, student lounge areas, and a playground for Lower and Middle School students.
www.westridge.org/campus
arts facilities Visual and performing arts facilities include the Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center, a 600-seat, state-of-the-art teaching theater that includes the Wagener Black Box Theater, outdoor Seiter Family Amphitheater, and Sigrid Burton ’69 Gallery exhibition space. Westridge visual arts students are supported with a ceramics studio with on-site kiln, two drawing and painting studios, a multimedia photography lab and darkroom, and two additional photography and art exhibition spaces. A dance studio and choral and orchestra rehearsal halls, among other areas, are also dedicated to the arts.
www.westridge.org/arts
athletic / physical education facilities Westridge’s Rokus Athletic Complex and Hoffman Gymnasium are home to Tiger Athletics. Frank Athletic Field, complete with digital scoreboards, allows Tiger lacrosse, soccer, and softball teams to host games on regulation fields; Hoffman Gymnasium is home court for basketball and volleyball. Yoga classes take place in a dedicated studio; dance is taught in a spacious dance studio with movement absorbing floors; and athletes benefit from use of the Studenmund Family Weight Training Room, designed specifically for girls.
community , campus , and technology
www.westridge.org/athletics
college counseling Reflective of the school’s mission, Westridge’s college counseling program is committed to the intentional matching of each senior with a college or university aligned with her unique qualities and interests. The program carefully considers each individual, her strengths and aspirations, and guides her in identifying an institution best suited to her goals for the future. To help students and parents navigate the application process and prepare them for the transition to college, the college counseling program includes: • Campus visits from over 100 college representatives. • Junior and senior Seminar classes focusing on understanding the college search, application, selection, and admissions process. • A comprehensive “case study” featuring dozens of college directors or deans reviewing completed applications with students to highlight vital elements and key focuses. • Preview to testing which includes information about standardized testing timelines, overview, and preparation. • Preparation workshops — often led by professionals in college admissions — to improve essay writing, build strong resumes, sharpen interviewing skills, and assist with application completion. • Academic advising to guide students in time management, course selection toward specific majors, and extracurricular involvement. • Individual and family meetings to discuss and support each step of the college admissions process.
Cumulative median GPAs and test scores:
* mid-50% range
2009 72 3.572 610-700* 590-690* 650-730*
2010 74 3.564 630-710* 580-680* 640-730*
In the past five years, Westridge students have been nationally recognized for several academic honors: 19 National Merit Finalists 19 National Merit Semifinalists 65 National Merit Commended Scholars 2 National Achievement Scholarship Competition Recipients 8 National Achievement Program Oustanding Participants Referred to Colleges 2 National Hispanic Recognition Program Award Recipients
grading In the Upper School at Westridge, grading is done on an A to F scale, plus or minus; pass/fail under certain circumstances. Westridge does not weight grades in computing the GPA; Westridge does not rank.
academic profile Class size GPA Verbal Math Writing
national academic awards
2011 65 3.628 600-690* 580-680* 620-720*
upper school athletic teams Basketball, Cross Country, Equestrian, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo
advanced placement Honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered in a wide variety of disciplines. Advanced Placement courses include U.S. History, Art History, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, Latin; Vergil, Physics C, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art
graduation requirements 4 years of English 3 years of mathematics 3 years of history 3 years of one foreign language 3 years of science 3 years of physical education/athletics 1 year of art 1 year of music All students are required to take a seminar course each year on a pass/fail basis. Each senior is required to complete a Senior Project, an important piece of independent work that is investigated in a concentrated, thorough manner. There is a 40-hour community service requirement for all Upper School students. Interim Week is an experiential program that promotes a sense of discovery, creativity, curiosity, connection, reflection, and responsibility. The program strives to deepen students’ awareness of their own intellectual and emotional growth as they develop and pursue new interests and passions.
Westridge college admission and enrollment The 65 members of the Class of 2011 earned 317 acceptances to 134 different colleges and universities in 31 states, the District of Columbia, and France with 634 submissions to 166 colleges. 100 percent of the Class of 2011 were admitted to four year colleges and universities. They attend 48 different colleges in 22 states and France. In the past five years, Westridge graduates have been admitted to numerous institutions, including: (Names in bold indicate where students in the past four years have enrolled.)
American University Amherst College Bard College Barnard College Bates College Baylor University Beloit College Bennington College Bentley University Berklee College of Music Boston College Boston Conservatory Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University University of British Columbia Brown University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University University of California Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz California Institute of Technology California Institute of the Arts California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Pomona, Channel Islands California State University Chico, East Bay, Fullerton, Long Beach, Sacramento Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Centre College University of Chicago Claremont McKenna College Clark University Colby College
Colgate University College of the Holy Cross University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver Colorado College Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Dartmouth College Davidson College Denison University University of Denver DePaul University DePauw University Dickinson College Drew University Drexel University Duke University Elon University Emerson College Emory University Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts Fairfield University Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Furman University George Mason University The George Washington University Georgetown University Gettysburg College Gordon College Goucher College Grinnell College Hamilton College (NY) Hampshire College Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Howard University Indiana University at Bloomington Institut Catholique de Paris (France) The University of Iowa Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Kalamazoo College Kenyon College Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lewis & Clark College Loyola Marymount University Macalester College Manhattan College University of Maryland, College Park Maryland Institute College of Art Marymount College University of Massachusetts, Amherst Massachusetts Institute of Technology McGill University (Canada) Miami University, Oxford University of Miami University of Michigan Middlebury College Mills College University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Mount Holyoke College New England Conservatory of Music New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University University of Notre Dame Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio Wesleyan University University of Oregon
Oregon State University Otis College of Art and Design University of the Pacific UniversitÊ Paris—Sorbonne (France) Parsons School of Design, New School University University of Pennsylvania Pepperdine University University of Pittsburgh Pitzer College Pomona College University of Portland Princeton University University of Puget Sound Purchase College Purdue University University of Redlands Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Rice University University of Richmond University of Rochester Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick Saint Louis University University of San Diego San Diego State University University of San Francisco Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of the Museum of Fine Arts Scripps College Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College
www.westridge.org/upperschool
u p p e r s c h o o l a n d c o l l e g e p r o fi l e
Smith College University of Southern California Southern Methodist University Southwestern University Spelman College University of St. Andrews (Scotland) St. Olaf College Stanford University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Texas Christian University The University of Texas, Austin University of Toronto Trinity College (CT) Trinity University (TX) Tufts University Tulane University United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy Vanderbilt University Vassar College University of Vermont Villanova University University of Washington Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wesleyan University Wheaton College (IL) Whitman College Willamette University Williams College University of Wisconsin, Madison Xavier University of Louisiana Yale University
www.westridge.org/collegecounseling
westridge s324cMadeline h o oDrilve Pasadena, California 91105 324626.799. Madeline Drive 1153 www.westridge.org Pasadena, California 91105
626.799.1153 www.westridge.org
accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges California Association of Independent Schools
memberships National Association of Independent Schools California Association of Independent Schools The College Board National Association for College Admission Counseling Western Association for College Admission Counseling A Better Chance, Inc. Cum Laude Society National Coalition of Girls’ Schools Council for Religion in Independent Schools Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs
Visit www.westridge.org to learn more about Westridge School.