EF Academy Opens 16-acre Campus, Brings Unique Global Mission and Vision to Pasadena

After nearly five years of development and construction, Education First, which goes  simply by EF, the world’s largest international education organization, is cutting the ribbon on EF Academy in Pasadena at 11 a.m. on Thursday. 

This unique private school will bring together more than 1,000 students from 75+ countries alongside hundreds of local high school students to create a diverse global community with an academically rigorous high school degree program.

The Academy is expected to generate significant economic and fiscal benefits for the City of Pasadena, including hundreds of permanent jobs, $5 million annually in new local spending and $28 million in new municipal tax revenue for the City over the next 30 years.

At Thursday’s opening celebration on the former grounds of William Carey University at 1539 E. Howard Street, EF plans to dedicate a newly created nearly one-acre public park to the Pasadena community as well as announce full scholarships for local high school students. 

Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember Felicia Williams are scheduled to attend the event.

The Mayor and city officials will cut a giant pink ribbon draped around the building. The inaugural class of 150 students will also be there. 

The Famous Sidle Entertainment drumline to perform and school officials will provide tours of the campus renovations and new construction.

Since 1965, EF has guided people to become global citizens through language programs, educational travel, cultural exchange and international academic degree programs. It has 51,500 employees across more than 600 offices and schools in 120 countries across the globe. EF Academy also has boarding schools in New York, Oxford and Torbay, England.

Construction began at the campus,1539 E. Howard St., in late-2019 with a plan to open in fall 2020. But as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction was delayed and the opening date was pushed back until 2021, then 2022.

More information on EF Academy is available online at efacademy.com.