Historic Partnership Forged in Fire: Century-Old School Finds Haven at Newly-Built EF Academy

When flames consumed nine buildings at Saint Mark’s School in Altadena early last month —including its historic 1949 church — the 119-year-old Episcopal institution faced an existential crisis. 

Amazingly, within days, an unprecedented solution emerged: relocating its entire K-6 program to the sprawling campus of EF Academy Pasadena. 

The swift transition reflects both urgent necessity and careful planning. 

“We sustained a devastating impact to our campus. So all of our buildings went down…” said Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark’s, which has operated since 1906. The school’s leaders knew they needed to move and fast.

“Our top priorities were to do that quickly. Our students had sustained the loss of their house, in many cases — and their school, for all of us. And we really wanted to make sure that they weren’t going to lose a sense of community.”

Saint Mark’s upper grades, three through six, have already begun classes on EF Academy’s 16-acre campus, with kindergarten through second grade scheduled to join them next Monday. The host campus on East Howard St., constructed between 2018 and 2022, emerged as an ideal temporary home.

“EF Academy rose to the top very quickly because of their proximity to our campus as well as their beautiful setting that is very similar to ours,” Tolbert explained. “Lots of trees, indoor outdoor spaces, really designed intentionally to support teaching and learning. The availability of space made a huge difference because we could move quickly.”

Under an 18-month agreement, EF Academy is providing campus space at no cost, while Saint Mark’s will bear the expenses for establishing a “Saint Mark’s Village” — a portable classroom complex scheduled for completion within six weeks. 

The arrangement grants Saint Mark’s students access to EF Academy’s STEM laboratories, art facilities, and athletic spaces, though both schools will maintain independent operations.

For EF Academy, the partnership offers unexpected educational value.

“One of the most important lessons our students will learn during this time is what it truly means for a community to come together in a crisis,” said Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of School at EF Academy.

Shawna Marino, Vice President of EF Education First, elaborated: “Our students are high school age, and they are really now witnessing firsthand what it means to come together and help a community in need. Leading with empathy and action and service learning is such a major component of our students’ curriculum on a regular basis.”

The broader Pasadena community has rallied around Saint Mark’s. 

“We talk about Mr. Rogers ‘look for the helpers,’ and there are so many people who have come to our aid — EF Academy, our entire Altadena community is rooting for us and supporting us, our city officials,” Tolbert noted. 

Local support includes a printer donating school logo shirts featuring the theme “Team St. Mark’s.”

Drawing parallels to recent challenges, Tolbert reflected, “I think it’s important to remember that for all of our students, they have lived through COVID. And I think we discovered the resilience of our community and really the message that it’s not about the space, the location, it’s about the community.”

While three parents and a photojournalist managed to save the preschool building during the January blaze, the devastation prompted a two-pronged recovery effort. Saint Mark’s has initiated fundraising through its website to support displaced families while simultaneously developing reconstruction plans. Insurance assessments are underway, and the board of trustees is formulating rebuilding strategies.

The City of Pasadena expedited necessary permits, ensuring all drop-off, pick-up, and parking will occur on site during the temporary arrangement.