Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School

Founded on the belief that every individual has unique gifts and infinite potential, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School is known for its progressive approach to teaching and learning. A hallmark of Pasadena, California, Pacific Oaks has played a crucial role in the development of early childhood education in the U.S. for more than half a century.

Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College is known for serving nontraditional and adult students—valuing real-world experiences in addition to academic achievements. Its culture-centered philosophy encourages students to use the diversity of experience, heredity, abilities, and perspective to create a community of mutual understanding and respect. Pacific Oaks College graduates are a community of change agents and have made a profound impact in the fields of education, human development, social work, and marriage and family therapy.

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outdoor classroom garden with flowers and plants

Pacific Oaks Children’s School

Founded in 1945 by a group of progressive Pasadena families, Pacific Oaks Children’s School is at the forefront of early childhood education—providing a range of progressive programs for children 6 months through 6 years of age. Founded on the principles of social justice and inclusion, the school has become internationally known for its pioneering accomplishments in the areas of anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution.

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Pacific Oaks College at a Glance

1,500+

Students Educated Annually

22

Programs

74%

Identify As An Underrepresented Minority

56%

Are First-Generation Students

Committed to Community

Known for its long-standing commitment to social justice, advocacy, and transformative education, Pacific Oaks fulfills its mission of serving diverse communities and educating agents of change through engagement and partnerships with local organizations at the college. At the children’s school, young minds are nurtured through emergent curriculum and a progressive approach to learning.

Anti-Bias Education

Pacific Oaks Children’s School is internationally recognized as a pioneer of anti-bias education, which engages young children in an active process of thinking critically about diversity and bias, and encourages empathy.

Best of Pasadena

Pacific Oaks Children’s School is proud to be named the best preschool in Pasadena each year since 2020 by Pasadena Weekly.

Academic Expansion

After joining The Community Solution, Pacific Oaks College expanded educational offerings to include more than 20 academic areas including social justice advocacy, psychology, and organizational leadership.

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Pacific Oaks College is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, intentionally creating access for and advancing the success of its Hispanic/Latino students.

Community Leader

Pacific Oaks College is well known for actively supporting community events that uplift the LGBTQIA+ community and other traditionally marginalized groups, underscoring a dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Before joining The Community Solution, Pacific Oaks College was on the brink of closing its doors forever. Joining this community not only allowed us to continue educating students but also introduce new programs, grow our student population, and positively impact our community.”

– Leanne Wruck, Ph.D., Interim President, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School

Pacific Oaks College

Early Childhood Education: The Differences Between a B.A., M.A., and…

Early childhood education (ECE) careers are filled with opportunities to shape the next generation. With various degrees in early childhood education offered at Pacific Oaks College, choosing the right path…

Pacific Oaks College

The Creative and Impactful World of Teaching

Being a teacher comes with intrinsic rewards and dynamic opportunities that await future educators. Explore the vibrant and invigorating experiences within the classroom and the transformative approach of Pacific Oaks…

Pacific Oaks College

Who’s afraid of AI? Not these award-winning educators.

Last December, Veronica Estrada, Ed.D., professor in the Department of Human Development and Education at Pacific Oaks College, and Sean Nufer, Psy.D., senior director for Teaching and Learning for The…

Pacific Oaks College

‘Our Children Can’t Wait’ Symposium Addresses Problems Facing Schoolkids

In March, the School of Human Development and Education, in collaboration with the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) and the Pasadena Unified School District, hosted a symposium…

Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School Names Dr. Breeda McGrath…

PASADENA, Calif., [June 3, 2024] – Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, a national leader in early childhood education, has appointed Breeda McGrath, Ph.D., as its new president, effective July…

Pacific Oaks College

From Skeptic to Advocate: Yolanda Carlos’ Mark on Education

“Education is not just my profession; it’s my vocation. I was born to be an educator.” With these words, Yolanda Carlos, M.Ed., core faculty at the Pacific Oaks College School…

Pacific Oaks College

The Benefits of Online Learning

Education has transformed dramatically in today’s fast-paced world, offering more inclusive and flexible approaches to learning. An online education provides learners with advantages that traditional classroom settings can’t always match.…