This is the story of a family that moved to Pasadena for work. Once the transfer was confirmed, the first thing they did was not look for a house, but to list schools.

The first school they encountered was Polytechnic School. Founded in 1907, it is a private school for grades K-12 with about 860 students. The school's 100% pass rate for AP and IB exams and the fact that 100% of graduates go on to four-year colleges caught their attention.

Tuition ranges from $28,000 to $48,000 per year depending on the grade level, with lower grades having lower tuition.

The second school they looked at was Westridge School, which is exclusively for girls. For the 2025-2026 school year, tuition is confirmed to be $39,500 for grades 4-6, $45,300 for grades 7-8, and $51,200 for grades 9-12.

Recent college admission results from Westridge show that 25.71% of graduates attended top 50 colleges, and 18.57% attended top 25 colleges. The admission rate to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT is 5.71%.

Both schools have long been discussed among Pasadena parents for their academic performance and curriculum structure. However, since both schools have competitive admissions, it is advisable to apply at least a year in advance.

This family compared the AP and IB curriculum structures, student-to-teacher ratios, and college admission results of both schools side by side in a table. Comparing the numbers made it much easier to determine which school would better suit their child's personality.

The issue was the housing market they faced. According to Zillow, the average home value in Pasadena is $1,206,740. Redfin reported the median sale price for the three months leading up to June 2026 to be $1,200,000.

Considering school commutes, it was ultimately difficult to find a place more than a 15-minute drive from campus. After comparing listings for several weeks while balancing their budget and commute times, the family settled on a location.

If moving from another state, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with California's property tax assessment methods based on purchase prices. The tax rate system may differ from their previous residence, which can be an easy detail to overlook when budgeting.

For families like this one who are moving quickly due to a job transfer, it may be worth considering renting first and taking time to review purchasing options later. If the private school is not tied to school assignments, it can reduce the burden of moving.

Pasadena has a relatively fast turnover of rental properties, so if you don't act quickly when looking for a rental, you may miss out on homes that meet your criteria. It is safer to start looking at listings two to three months before the semester begins.

To accurately assess whether they can afford tuition, they should also check on financial aid options. Both schools operate income-based support programs, so it is advisable to consult directly with the schools.

From an investment perspective, Pasadena is a neighborhood with stable demand for private schools regardless of school districts, so rental demand is also relatively stable. However, since the sale prices are high, it is better to look at long-term market trends rather than just focusing on rental yields.

If coming from another state, it is important to note that California does not have a leasehold system and that both sales and rentals go through escrow procedures, which will make the process smoother later on.

If not moving quickly due to a job transfer, it is advisable to take a few months to visit school information sessions and properties together. The more time you take to compare, the easier it will be to find a point where your budget and school conditions align.

In areas like Pasadena, where there are several private schools, each school emphasizes slightly different aspects. Comparing your child's personality with the school's curriculum ultimately becomes the most reliable criterion for selection.

Both schools can accept applications regardless of school district boundaries, but admission criteria can change each year, so it is best to check directly with the schools. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before making any actual contracts.