Curriculum

Recognizing and serving the individual needs and abilities of every child is the primary goal of the Pasadena schools. The district's curriculum reaches from basic skills to college and career preparation and serves every student from the educationally handicapped to the academically gifted.

Mastering the basic reading, writing and mathematics skills remains the core of the elementary program is pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. To ensure that students master these core subjects, the district provides instruction for all students based on the specified State Board of Education Essential Elements, plus the district's expanded goals and objectives. But the district encourages and expects its teachers to move beyond that standard curriculum framework using a variety of resources and strategies to handle individual differences and needs. Pasadena's elementary students are also provided with experience in science, social studies, art, music and physical education.

Pasadena's sixth, seventh and eighth graders attend one of the 11 intermediate schools, where the curriculum and extracurricular activities provide a bridge between elementary school and high school. At intermediate school, the stage for the future is set by offering students a few elective choices and solidifying the student's core academic foundation.

The emphasis remains on the required subjects such as reading, mathematics, English, social studies, science and physical education. However, students explore their own interests through electives in art, speech, theatre arts, band, choir and orchestra. Participation in competitive athletics begins in seventh grade.

Students in the district's five high schools are given chances to apply the skills they have learned in an atmosphere they have chosen. High school is a time to prepare for college, train for a career, pursue their interests and develop their talents.

At the heart of the high school curriculum is continued instruction in the fundamentals -- English, mathematics, science, social studies and physical education. For those with an interest in a college education, there are advanced courses in computer science, computer math, calculus, composition, advanced biology, chemistry and many more subjects. The list of choices continues with art, band, choir, orchestra, foreign languages, speech, drama and journalism, and covers almost any area of interest. Students interested in pursuing a career immediately after graduation may receive training in one of 77 vocational courses.

Athletic programs include football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, soccer, tennis, softball and track and field. Girls' teams compete in all but football and baseball.