South Pasadena High School is the one public high school serving grades 9–12 in the city of South Pasadena, California. With the South Pasadena Middle School and three elementary schools it makes up the South Pasadena Unified School District. Established in 1905, it is the only public high school in South Pasadena.
Serving 1,494 students in grades 9-12, South Pasadena Senior High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 66% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 84% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,494 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 84% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Pasadena Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
South Pasadena Senior High School's student population of 1,494 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,494 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Year Founded
1906
Colors
Black, Orange
Campus Size
5
School Rankings
South Pasadena Senior High School ranks within the top 10% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Pasadena Senior High School is 0.75, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#537 out of 9523 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
84%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
33%
12%
Hispanic
24%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
26%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Pasadena Senior High School's ranking?
South Pasadena Senior High School is ranked #537 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in California.
What schools are South Pasadena Senior High School often compared to?
South Pasadena Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like La Canada High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Pasadena Senior High School?
The graduation rate of South Pasadena Senior High School is 97%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend South Pasadena Senior High School?
1,494 students attend South Pasadena Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of South Pasadena Senior High School students are Asian, 26% of students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South Pasadena Senior High School?
South Pasadena Senior High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does South Pasadena Senior High School offer ?
South Pasadena Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is South Pasadena Senior High School part of?
South Pasadena Senior High School is part of South Pasadena Unified School District.
School Reviews
Review South Pasadena Senior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
