EF Academy Pasadena Celebrates Resilient Class of 2025 at Second Commencement

At EF Academy Pasadena’s second annual commencement on May 17, a diverse group of 65 graduating seniors—local day students from Southern California and international boarders representing 23 countries—walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, closing one chapter of their educational journey and stepping confidently into the next.

Of the 65 graduates, 13 hailed from Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Orange County, all of whom will continue their education at U.S. colleges. Seven of those students will attend out-of-state universities, while six are remaining in California, with acceptances to highly regarded institutions such as UC Berkeley (2), UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, and USC. Nearly 75% of international graduates have also chosen to remain in the United States for college—a reflection of their preparation and aspirations in a global academic landscape.

One particularly striking detail from this year’s cohort: seven graduates will attend New York University, a notable rise from the one in last year’s inaugural class. Guided by a curriculum rooted in project-based learning, design thinking, and global collaboration, the Class of 2025 has embraced both academic rigor and personal growth as core to their high school experience.

But it wasn’t only academics that defined their journey. This year’s graduating class faced unforeseen challenges with remarkable composure—chief among them, the Eaton Fire in early January, which prompted evacuations and temporary relocations. While the campus itself remained completely unharmed and unaffected, the disruption required flexibility from students and staff alike. Despite the shift in routine, students continued to meet college application deadlines, balance demanding coursework, and support each other through the experience.

Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of School at EF Academy, spoke to the resilience and determination of this year’s graduates during Thursday’s commencement rehearsal.

“This class has shown us what it means to remain steady in the face of disruption,” she said. “The Eaton Fire tested our flexibility and our commitment to each other—but our students didn’t waver. They adapted to new locations, continued their academic work with maturity, and supported one another through it all. It’s not just that they got through it; it’s how they did it—with empathy, focus, and a sense of community.”

This year’s commencement ceremony, held in the school’s gymnasium, reflected the global identity of the EF Academy community. On stage, a flag representing each of the 13 countries in the graduating class served as a visual reminder of the school’s international spirit and the diverse journeys that brought students together in Pasadena.

This year’s graduates leave behind more than projects and memories—they leave a legacy of leadership, creativity, and meaningful contributions to a growing school community.

“Our second graduating class didn’t just follow in the footsteps of our founders,” Mingarelli added. “They blazed new trails of their own—academically, socially, and emotionally. And they did it under conditions that would have thrown even adults off balance. We could not be prouder of who they’ve become and what lies ahead.”