#United States #Pasadena #Saint Mark's School #EF Academy #Saint Mark's Village

Saint Mark's School and EF Academy Pasadena: Creating a Learning Haven

In a remarkable display of community resilience, Saint Mark's School, an independent Episcopal school located in Altadena, joined forces with EF Academy Pasadena, a prominent private day and boarding school, to unveil the newly established Saint Mark's Village. This initiative was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 4, 2025, following the devastating Eaton Fire that disrupted the local educational landscape.

Saint Mark's Village is not merely a stopgap; it represents rapid recovery and adaptation for the educational community. The space aims to accommodate students from Developmental Kindergarten through 6th grade, ensuring that their learning process remains uninterrupted as the permanent campus undergoes reconstruction. With over 12,000 square feet dedicated to this new facility, which includes 22 classrooms and administrative offices, the village is a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives within the community.

Swift Rebuilding in Action

The partnership between Saint Mark's School and EF Academy was formed just weeks after the fires, transitioning from an idea to a completed reality in under two months. Jennifer Tolbert, the Head of School at Saint Mark's, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This ribbon-cutting represents more than just a temporary solution—it's a testament to our community's resilience.” She went on to acknowledge the generosity of EF Academy and the community's unwavering commitment to prioritize education.

The village itself was designed with the future in mind, incorporating features that support not only academic activities but foster a sense of community. EF Academy's collaboration with PjHM Architects and WillScot has yielded a vibrant learning environment seamlessly integrated into existing facilities.

Community Support and Commitment

Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of School at EF Academy Pasadena, praised the partnership as a powerful example of community collaboration. She stated, “With Saint Mark's Village, we are ensuring students not only have a place to learn but also access to the resources and stability they need during this transition.” Reflecting this sentiment, U.S. Representative Judy Chu commended the organizations for transforming adversity into opportunity, ensuring that students continue to thrive academically and socially.

The creation of Saint Mark's Village would not have been possible without the support of the City of Pasadena, which expedited permits and provided essential resources for the construction. This whole-of-government approach allowed local architects, engineers, and contractors to contribute to a project that went from groundbreaking to ribbon-cutting in a mere six weeks.

Beyond the Building

Saint Mark's School is actively fundraising to support displaced families, purchase classroom materials, and sustain trauma-informed mental health services for its students. These efforts also include ensuring a seamless transition back to their permanent campus, which they are committed to rebuilding even stronger than before. By partnering with EF Academy, students gain access not only to their new classrooms but also to advanced STEM labs, arts facilities, and a gymnasium, greatly enriching their educational experience during this interim period.

Community members are encouraged to find ways to contribute to these efforts through donations via the school's website, thereby reinforcing the ties that bind this resilient educational community.

About the Institutions

Founded in 1960, Saint Mark's School focuses on nurturing the unique talents of its students in an inclusive and academically outstanding environment. Committed to diversity and inclusion, their values align closely with the needs of the community they serve.

Similarly, EF Academy prides itself on preparing high school students from diverse backgrounds for success beyond their academic journey. With campuses globally, including the United States and the UK, they cultivate a welcoming environment conducive to student development.

As Saint Mark's School and EF Academy Pasadena embark on this shared journey, they exemplify how determination, collaboration, and community spirit can overcome challenges and pave the way for future success.