The Southwestern Academy
General Information
About (Overview)
The Southwestern Academy is an independent, co-educational college-preparatory boarding and day school located in San Marino, California, serving students in grades 6 through 12. Established in 1924, the school has long emphasized personalized education, small class sizes, and global diversity. With a student-teacher ratio around 6 :1 and average class sizes of 8-12 students, Southwestern Academy creates an environment in which individual potential can be nurtured and academic growth maximized.
The institution welcomes both domestic and international students, providing a multicultural campus community from more than 20 nations. Its mission centers on helping students discover belonging and purpose through rigorous academics, robust boarding life, and supportive residential care. The academy emphasizes both college preparation and life-skills development by offering individualized studies, ESL support, boarding supervision, and extracurricular enrichment. Located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the school offers a serene campus setting, broad access to cultural and educational resources, and a tight-knit community that supports both day and resident students.
Contact Information
- Address: 2800 Monterey Road, San Marino, California 91108, USA
- Phone Number: (626) 799-5010
- Email Address: admissions@southwesternacademy.edu
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1924 |
| Grades Served | 6-12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 6 :1 |
| Average Class Size | 8-12 students |
| Enrollment | Varies (~75 on profile document) |
| School Type | Independent, Co-Ed, Boarding & Day School |
| Campus Location | San Marino, California |
The Southwestern Academy Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Best Boarding High Schools in California | #10 of 46 (per Niche) |
| Best Private High Schools in California | #57 of 464 (per Niche) |
| Average Graduation Rate | 100% (per student data) |
The Southwestern Academy Academics
The Southwestern Academy Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts & Humanities
- Mathematics & Logical Reasoning
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies & Global Cultures
- World Languages & ESL (English as a Second Language)
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Technology & Engineering / STEM
- Athletics & Physical Education
- Residential Life & Boarding Education
- College Counseling & Life Skills
The Southwestern Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
- College-Preparatory Curriculum aligned with University of California entrance standards
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses in key subjects
- ESL Program with multiple levels for international students
- Boarding life-skills programming integrated with academics
- Extracurricular programs: arts, athletics, robotics, leadership, global clubs
- Summer “Adventures” session for grade 7-12 with core and elective courses
Online Learning
Although The Southwestern Academy prioritizes in-person instruction, particularly given its boarding campus environment, the school incorporates digital platforms for research, supplemental learning, hybrid assignments and independent study. International students often access online tutorials for English language development and tutoring outside of regular class hours. The school maintains online resources to enhance flexibility, enrichment, and academic support beyond the classroom.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~1270 (based on limited responses) |
| ACT | ~31 (based on limited responses) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The Southwestern Academy reports a 100% graduation rate for students in the relevant data sample, reflecting strong retention and successful completion of academic programs and college preparation support. With small class sizes, personalized attention, boarding supervision and global community, the school is structured to support students through grade progression toward graduation and university readiness.
The Southwestern Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
While the Southwestern Academy does not publish a specific GPA cutoff, incoming students are typically expected to meet strong academic standards and show readiness for a rigorous college-prep environment. Admitted students often present solid grades, standardized test scores (SAT ~1200-1300, ACT ~30+), and personal motivation suited to the boarding/day academic model.
The Southwestern Academy Acceptance Rate
| Year | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Rolling admissions; acceptance rate not publicly fixed but competitive in boarding category |
The Southwestern Academy Application Requirements
Applicants to Southwestern Academy must complete a full admissions submission process which includes an application form, prior school transcripts or academic records, standardized test scores if required, teacher or counselor recommendations, and usually an interview or visit. Boarding applicants also review residential expectations and community engagement. The admissions office evaluates academic readiness, personal character, global awareness, and capacity to thrive in a small, diverse, boarding/day environment.
Application Process
- Submit inquiry and initial application form to admissions.
- Provide transcripts, test scores and teacher recommendations.
- Schedule a visit, interview or virtual meeting with admissions staff.
- Submit any supplemental documents (boarding preference, ESL background, international student information).
- Receive decision notification and complete enrollment procedures if accepted.
The Southwestern Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Open / Rolling | Year-round for grades 6-12 and boarding |
| Priority Review Deadline | Early in academic calendar (varies each year) |
| New Student Orientation | Late summer |
Essay Prompt
Applicants may be asked to submit a personal statement or essay reflecting their academic goals, boarding/day fit, motivation, global outlook or why they desire to join Southwestern Academy’s community and educational model.
The Southwestern Academy Scholarships
The Southwestern Academy offers financial aid and international student support. Need-based aid is available for qualifying students; merit scholarships may also be awarded depending on individual achievements and fit. Boarding students from diverse backgrounds are supported through inclusive programs.
The Southwestern Academy Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount (2024-2025 Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Boarding Student Tuition (Grades 6-12) | US $61,875 |
| Day Student Tuition (Grades 6-12) | US $27,984 |
| Educational Resources Fee | US $3,100 |
| International Student Fee | US $6,000 |
The Southwestern Academy Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The Southwestern Academy serves a truly global student body with strong international representation: approximately 60% international students and 40% domestic, representing more than 14 countries. Ethnic and cultural diversity is central to campus life. Day students and boarding students both participate in the community. The gender mix is co-educational, with boys and girls sharing academic programs while residential life is supervised in dorms.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 35% of students receive financial aid, demonstrating the school’s commitment to socioeconomic diversity. Support services include ESL, tutoring, and small-group instruction to assist learners needing additional academic help. While not explicitly a specialized program school, the academy provides individualized attention suitable for students seeking personalized support.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~75 students (small-school profile sample) |
| Boarding Students | ~70% of sample enrollment |
| Day Students | ~30% of sample enrollment |
| International Representation | Over 60% in boarding sample |
University Diversity
Diversity at Southwestern Academy is multi-faceted and infused throughout the campus culture. Students hail from numerous nations, backgrounds and academic starting points, forming a cohesive community oriented toward mutual respect, cultural exchange and academic collaboration. The boarding environment fosters day-to-day intercultural interaction, shared dining, global dinners, and house/team competitions that bring together domestic and international learners. Faculty and staff leverage this diversity to expand students’ perspectives, encourage empathy, leadership and world-ready disposition. Academics and residential life reinforce the value of diverse perspectives and prepare graduates to navigate pluralistic societies and globalized workplaces.
Average Earnings
As a secondary school, Southwestern Academy does not publish alumni earnings data; however, the strong college-preparatory focus, individualized instruction, international exposure and 100% graduation rate suggest graduates move into competitive university programs and then into promising career trajectories. This background positions alumni for meaningful professional paths, leadership opportunities and long-term earning potential above average levels for high school graduates.
The Southwestern Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Southwestern Academy employs a faculty of approximately 18 full-time teachers in its small-school profile, supported by counselors, residential life supervisors, tutoring staff and boarding dorm parents. With a student-teacher ratio of 6 :1 and average class size of 8-12, students benefit from intensive individual attention, tailored instruction and mentoring. Staff include directors of academics, residential directors, ESL specialists, athletic coaches and global program coordinators.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Southwestern Academy bring diverse credentials, international experience and commitment to small-school pedagogy. For example, the Chair of the English Language Development Department holds a master’s in international educational leadership and extensive global teaching experience. The Director of Academics has 17 years of teaching and over 24 years at the academy. This level of experience ensures both stability and depth in the instructional program, and a faculty who guide students not only academically but socially, culturally and personally.
The Southwestern Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Southwestern Academy campus in San Marino features modern academic buildings, dormitories for boarding students, dining facilities, arts and athletics amenities, and international-student support. Boarding students live in gender-segregated dorms supervised by trained residential staff, with twin beds, study desks, lounge areas and internet connectivity. The boarding lifestyle emphasizes community living, cultural exchange dinners, field trips and weekend activities to broaden experience beyond classroom time. Day students integrate fully into the academic and extracurricular life and may join boarding students in clubs, athletics and residence programs.
Transportation
Located near the Los Angeles area in San Marino, the campus is accessible via major roadways and is within reach of regional airports for international and domestic travel. Boarding students arriving from outside the U.S. or distant states are supported with airport transport services (included in international fees). Day students commute via family vehicles or local transit if applicable. The school also provides late-bus or supervised pickup options for after-school and weekend activities.