La Salle High School
La Salle High School – A Tradition of Faith, Excellence, and Leadership in Pasadena
Introduction
Located in the heart of Pasadena, California, La Salle High School stands as one of the region’s most prestigious and mission-driven private Catholic schools. Founded on the educational principles of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the school combines academic excellence, spiritual development, service learning, and leadership cultivation to prepare students for college and life beyond.
La Salle High School is not only known for its rigorous academic programs and outstanding athletics but also for nurturing values like compassion, integrity, and social responsibility. With a vibrant campus life and deep community roots, the school remains a cornerstone in the educational and spiritual formation of young people across the San Gabriel Valley.
History and Lasallian Tradition
Founding and Growth: La Salle High School
La Salle High School was founded in 1956 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, an international Roman Catholic teaching order committed to educating young people, particularly those in need. Named after Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers, the school began as an all-boys institution and has evolved into a thriving coeducational community serving students in grades 9 through 12.
Over the decades, the school has expanded its academic offerings, upgraded facilities, and enhanced co-curricular programs. Throughout its growth, it has remained true to its Lasallian identity: faith-centered, student-focused, and community-oriented.
Academic Excellence
La Salle High School is recognized for providing a college preparatory curriculum that emphasizes intellectual growth, creativity, and critical thinking.
College Prep and Honors Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to challenge students while offering support to those who need it. Core subjects include:
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English Literature and Composition
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Mathematics (Algebra I through AP Calculus)
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Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
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Social Studies (World History, U.S. Government, Economics)
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Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin)
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Theology and Religious Studies
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Visual and Performing Arts
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Technology and Computer Science
Advanced students have access to Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in multiple disciplines, allowing them to earn college credits while in high school.
STEM and Innovation
Recognizing the importance of science and technology in the 21st century, La Salle offers specialized courses and extracurriculars in:
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Robotics
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Engineering
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Computer Programming
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Environmental Science
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Math Team and Competitions
The school fosters curiosity and innovation through project-based learning and hands-on experimentation.
College Counseling: La Salle High School
From freshman year, students benefit from personalized college counseling. Services include:
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SAT/ACT preparation
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College essay workshops
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Application planning
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Career exploration
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One-on-one advising
Graduates attend prestigious institutions such as UCLA, USC, Stanford, Notre Dame, UC Berkeley, and Ivy League universities.
Faith and Values
Catholic Identity
La Salle’s mission is grounded in the Catholic faith and Lasallian core values:
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Faith in the Presence of God
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Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
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Quality Education
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Inclusive Community
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Respect for All Persons
All students, regardless of religious background, are encouraged to grow spiritually. Religious education is a core subject, and Mass, prayer services, and retreats are an integral part of campus life.
Campus Ministry
The Campus Ministry team organizes:
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Morning prayers and liturgies
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Grade-level retreats
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Community service opportunities
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Faith-sharing groups
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Christian leadership training
Students are encouraged to live out their faith in service, kindness, and justice.
Student Life and Leadership: La Salle High School
La Salle High School offers a dynamic campus life where students can explore interests, build friendships, and take on leadership roles.
Clubs and Organizations
Students can participate in more than 40 clubs, including:
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Student Government
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Model United Nations
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National Honor Society
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Drama and Theater Arts
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Environmental Club
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Business and Entrepreneurship Club
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Black Student Union
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Asian-American Culture Club
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Service-oriented groups
Leadership skills are cultivated through club officer roles, peer mentoring, and retreat leadership teams.
Visual and Performing Arts
La Salle has a strong tradition in the arts. Programs include:
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Theatre Arts (Fall play, Spring musical)
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Choir and Vocal Performance
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Instrumental Music and Band
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Visual Arts (Painting, Photography, Ceramics)
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Digital Media and Film Production
Performances, exhibits, and competitions offer platforms for students to showcase their talents.
Athletics and School Spirit: La Salle High School
Athletics Program
La Salle High School is a member of the CIF Southern Section and offers a competitive athletics program that emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Sports include:
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Football
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Volleyball
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Basketball
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Soccer
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Cross Country
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Track and Field
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Baseball and Softball
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Tennis
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Golf
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Swimming
Many athletes go on to compete at collegiate levels. Coaching staff focus not only on physical development but also on leadership and resilience.
School Spirit
Pep rallies, homecoming events, spirit weeks, and student cheering sections make athletics a unifying force on campus. La Salle's mascot, the Lancer, represents courage and school pride.
Service and Social Justice
Service is at the heart of La Salle’s educational model. Students are required to complete service hours annually, which build empathy and community awareness.
Community Service Program
Projects may include:
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Volunteering at local shelters
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Tutoring underprivileged children
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Environmental clean-up efforts
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Food and clothing drives
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Mission trips and immersion experiences
Students learn to connect faith with action and become socially responsible citizens.
Campus and Facilities: La Salle High School
Located in the historic and picturesque city of Pasadena, La Salle High School boasts a beautiful and modern campus.
Facilities Include:
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State-of-the-art Science Labs
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Technology Integration Classrooms
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Learning Resource Center and Library
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Black Box Theater
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Music Studios and Art Rooms
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Chapel and Spiritual Center
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Athletics Complex and Gymnasium
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Multi-purpose Athletic Field and Stadium
The campus is designed to inspire collaboration, creativity, and holistic growth.
Diversity and Inclusion
La Salle values and respects the diverse backgrounds of its student body. Students come from across Los Angeles County and represent a broad range of cultures, faiths, and socio-economic statuses.
Programs promoting inclusion include:
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Diversity Dialogues
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Student cultural clubs
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Faculty diversity training
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Scholarships and financial aid for underserved families
The school believes that exposure to diverse perspectives enriches the learning environment and builds global citizens.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Admissions Process
La Salle seeks students who demonstrate:
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Academic potential
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Commitment to growth and service
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Leadership qualities
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Personal integrity
Applicants undergo a holistic admissions process that may include:
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Application and academic transcripts
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Standardized test scores
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Teacher recommendations
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Student and parent interviews
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Placement tests (in some subjects)
Tuition and Financial Aid
As a private institution, La Salle High School requires tuition, but offers robust financial aid programs. Families can apply for need-based assistance and merit scholarships. The school is committed to making education accessible regardless of financial status.
Alumni and Legacy
La Salle High School has a strong and active alumni network with thousands of graduates who have made significant impacts in business, education, government, medicine, law, and the arts.
Alumni events and mentorship programs keep graduates connected and give current students access to professional networks and career guidance.
Famous alumni include entrepreneurs, public officials, professional athletes, and creative artists who credit La Salle with shaping their character and ambition.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
La Salle collaborates with local businesses, religious organizations, and non-profits to provide:
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Internship and job shadowing opportunities
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Dual enrollment with local colleges
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Community engagement projects
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Parent education programs
These partnerships strengthen the school’s ties to the broader Pasadena and Los Angeles communities.
Looking Toward the Future
La Salle High School is continually evolving to meet the challenges of modern education. Strategic goals for the next decade include:
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Enhancing digital literacy and blended learning
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Expanding STEM and global studies programs
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Increasing access through scholarships
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Strengthening environmental sustainability practices
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Cultivating interfaith dialogue and ethical leadership
Through forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to tradition, La Salle is preparing students for a world that is increasingly complex, interconnected, and diverse.
Conclusion
La Salle High School in Pasadena is more than just a high school—it's a community of learners, leaders, and changemakers. With a balance of academic rigor, spiritual formation, and co-curricular engagement, La Salle offers an exceptional education grounded in values that endure.
For families seeking a well-rounded, faith-informed, college-preparatory experience in Southern California, La Salle High School stands out as a beacon of excellence, character, and hope.
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