Pasadena Unified Welcomes 13,591 Students Back to School Amid Recovery, Renewal, Immigration Enforcement Concerns

The Pasadena Unified School District will welcome an estimated 13,591 students across 34 campuses on Monday, launching the new academic year under the theme “The Power of Pasadena Unified School District: Rising Together.” The day will be marked by community celebrations, environmental recovery updates, expanded student services, and district reassurances that it is doing all it can to shield students from immigration enforcement.

At John Muir Early College Magnet High School, students will be greeted as they arrive with the annual “clap in” —  a spirited tradition featuring choruses of cheers from school leaders, alumni, and civic officials.

Later in the morning, Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School will welcome students into vibrant classrooms prepared, the district said, for a year of growth and success.

“Our theme this year, The Power of Pasadena Unified School District: Rising Together, reflects the unity and strength of our students, families, staff, and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco in a district-wide email dated Aug. 12. “After the Eaton fire, we’ve worked hard to restore school communities and ensure that students will return to welcoming campuses.”

The District recently confirmed that 16 of its 34 campuses have been fully cleared for reopening following fire-related soil testing.

“We have completed the first phase of soil testing at all 34 Pasadena Unified School District campuses/locations,” the district stated. “We are pleased to share that 16 campuses/locations will be fully cleared, and outdoor areas at those campuses will be safe for use.”

The remaining 18 campuses will continue to undergo environmental testing.

A mix of elementary, K–8, middle, and high schools, including magnet campuses and signature programs open today. These programs will dual language immersion, STEM, International Baccalaureate, and college/career academies.

A virtual learning option is available for kindergarten through grade 12 students preferring at-home instruction.

All students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch daily, with no application required under the federal community eligibility program.

Mental health support has also been expanded in response to recent challenges.

“To help students cope after the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Unified School District has partnered with Daybreak Health, a school-based mental health provider, to provide teletherapy to our students,” the district stated. “Service will be provided free of charge to Pasadena Unified School District students and will be available only before and after school hours, as well as Saturdays, via personal devices.”

Families who have not yet registered may continue to enroll new students online at pusd.schoolmint.com. Blanco urged families to “complete registration, update student records, and review health and safety guidance ahead of the new academic year.”

Pasadena Unified serves students in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and portions of Los Angeles County. The district’s Early Childhood Education office will now be located at Webster Elementary School, 2101 E. Washington Blvd., in Pasadena.