Saint Mark's School Resumes Classes at EF Academy Pasadena After Fire
In a notable act of community support, Saint Mark's School has officially announced a partnership with EF Academy in Pasadena, California, following significant damage to its campus from the recent Eaton Fire. This collaboration allows Saint Mark's to temporarily relocate its educational operations to EF Academy's expansive facilities, ensuring that students from Developmental Kindergarten through 6th grade can continue their academic journeys uninterrupted.
Located just a short distance from the original campus, EF Academy is stepping up to offer vital space on its 16-acre grounds. The academy recently experienced its own growth since its opening in 2022, affirming its readiness to assist neighboring educational institutions facing challenges. The collaboration will extend for an approximate duration of 18 months, a crucial period during which Saint Mark's will work towards rebuilding its facilities.
Starting immediately, the transition process has been set in motion, allowing Saint Mark's students to access EF Academy's newly renovated Strong Hall, as well as utilize shared amenities such as design labs, STEM spaces, art studios, and sports facilities including a gym and soccer field. To enhance this temporary educational setup, Saint Mark's will also establish portable classrooms dubbed "Saint Mark's Village" on EF Academy's campus, thereby creating a designated area that fosters community spirit and educational continuity.
The arrangement exemplifies a shared commitment between the two institutions to prioritize student welfare. "After the fire, our top concern was ensuring that our students have access to a nurturing educational environment," said Jenn Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark's. Her sentiments echoed the importance of stability for families affected by the disaster. This partnership not only reflects their mutual values but also serves as a testament to the supportive nature of the Pasadena community.
Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of EF Academy, noted that this experience also provides valuable lessons in empathy and resilience for students across both campuses. "During challenging times, it is essential that we come together and learn what it truly means to support one another," she affirmed, highlighting the educational value of collaborative crisis response.
The City of Pasadena also played a critical role in facilitating this partnership, working diligently with both educational institutions to finalize the necessary permits and operational details while ensuring minimal disruption to the local neighborhood. Operations for both schools will proceed independently—Saint Mark's educators will oversee their students, while EF Academy continues its regular schedule of activities and programs.
While this is a temporary arrangement, both institutions remain focused on maintaining positive relations with the surrounding community. The careful planning behind the pick-up and drop-off processes, together with on-campus parking protocols, aims to alleviate any logistical concerns during this transitional phase.
As part of the community's broader support system, individuals interested in aiding Saint Mark's recovery efforts can find various ways to contribute through the school's official website. This powerful demonstration of solidarity highlights how educational institutions can come together to navigate adversity, ultimately nurturing a resilient spirit within the community. By working collaboratively, Saint Mark's and EF Academy are not only ensuring the continuity of education but are also fostering a deeper sense of belonging and support among families impacted by the fire.