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District

Special Programs

Academics Innovation Lab/Chromebooks - ​Students use the innovation lab throughout the year as scheduled by their teacher to receive specific instruction in media arts and to check out library books. In addition to the innovation lab students use chromebooks daily to research, write, publish, and present using google docs and slideshows. Students collaborate using google docs and class quizzes using web interfaces like Kahoot.
English Language Learners - ​English Learners are assessed using the ELPAC annually to measure language acquisition. English Learners are instructed during designated ELD time and language supports using language objectives to support language demands during content area instruction.
Math Field Day - ​4th and 5th grade students from each school work together in teams to compete in a district-wide math competition.Students prepare for the event two months before the competition to hone their math skills and build their team.
Special Education - The Pasadena Unified School District provides Special Education Services to children identified as having special needs as young as two years old. The extent of participation in services is dependent on individual needs and may range from weekly speech therapy to sessions to on-going Resource Specialist Program (RSP) services to placement in a Special Education Classroom. Parents or guardians who feel that their child might need Special Education services should talk first to their child’s teacher or with school administrators so that a referral can be made.
Science Fair - ​All students are invited to enter in Altadena’s Science Fair. There will be an informational night before the fair. Science fair projects are judged by parent and staff volunteers in order to be selected for submission to the district’s Innovation Exposition.

Innovative Programs

Arts Magnet Grant - In 2017-2018 Altadena received a Federal Arts Magnet Grant. Students at Altadena Arts Magnet will receive up to 12 hours per week of distinct arts and arts integrated instruction. Onsite we have a dance studio complete with ballet bars, mirrors and a fully sprung dance floor, an art studio and a music studio. With arts partnerships, our students are able to experience instruction in all four disciplines including Visual Art, Dance, Theatre and Music.
GATE - ​GATE learners experience differentiation and extension through a structured, purposeful inquiry that engages students in their own learning.
My Masterpieces - My Masterpieces is an award winning program of the Pasadena Educational Foundation, operated in partnership with Pasadena Unified School District and ten museums and arts organizations. Students visit local treasures like Kidspace Museum (Kindergarten), Huntington (1st grade), City of Pasadena Public Art Walking Tour (2nd grade), Gamble House (3rd grade), Pasadena Museum of History (4th grade), and Norton Simon (5th grade).
Music - ​At Altadena Arts, music is a part of daily life. We value and encourage music education.

  • Choir - The Cougar Choir is an afterschool program run through LEARNs
  • Education through Music Los Angeles
  • Orchestra/Band- ​Students in 4th and 5th grade may select an instrument to play. Altadena has many instruments available for students to check-out and use for home practice. Students practice twice a week with our Orchestra/Band instructor, Ms. Klages. Their year culminates with an end of year concert.
  • Southland Sings
  • Violin - ​All 3rd grade students take violin classes once a week. Their year culminates in an end of year concert.

Rose Bowl Aquatics - ​Third grade students visit the Rose Bowl Aquatics center to take swim lessons. Swim lessons span three weeks. Students at all ability levels are instructed by expert swim teachers to expand their swimming abilities.