Top 10 Reasons to Attend Aveson Schools
Since 2007, Aveson Schools have been Pasadena's best-kept secret in education. We’ve been quietly revolutionizing TK-12 education into a hands-on and transformative experience that gets kids excited to learn. No teaching to the test, no one-size-fits-all approach; just real learning that sticks, because it matters. And we offer this to all students, tuition-free, because we believe everyone deserves a great education. Here's what makes us different:
1. We Let Kids Be Kids
We’ve ditched mind-numbing worksheets for projects that solve actual problems and build skills. Our students learn math by designing skate parks, master writing by creating their own graphic novels, and understand science by getting their hands dirty in real experiments. Learning at Aveson is about thinking critically, engaging authentically, and making meaningful, positive contributions to our community and the world-at-large.
2. We're Basically Fame* School With West Coast Cool
Niche says we're a top school for the arts. We're not saying the next Lin-Manuel Miranda is roaming our halls (we're not not saying that), but our Aveson Theater Workshop has turned more than a few shy kids into spotlight-stealing performers. From graffiti art to ceramics, we let kids explore their creative genius. Whether your child is a seasoned actor or just dipping their toes in the world of theater, everyone is welcome to participate!
*If you are under 40, we’ll forgive you for not understanding this reference. Fame is an 80s movie and TV show about a real arts school on the East Coast that has produced some of the country’s top artists.
3. Your Kid's Unique Passion? We're Into It
Electric car obsession? We’ve got a Friday externship for that. Dreams of becoming a master chef? Our culinary program's got you covered. Eager to traverse the globe? You’ll love our yearly Rites of Passage field trips to places like Florence, Italy, and the Navajo Nation. Our robust offering of enrichments and electives encourages all students to discover their passions. When curiosity leads the way, the possibilities are endless.
4. We Listen
Our democratic learning community means kids have real input in their education. We highly value student voice and choice at Aveson Schools. Students aren’t just passengers on the education express – they help drive the train. (Don't worry, adults still have the emergency brake.)
5. Small School, Big Hearts, Zero Tolerance for Bullying Nonsense
Our community is tighter than your favorite jeans after Thanksgiving. Children and families from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds are welcomed into our small and safe school setting. Diversity is what makes our delightfully unconventional little family work.
6. More Electives Than a Buffet
With over 30 elective courses, Aveson students have their pick of new hobbies and interests. Sports for the athletes, STEM for the future world-changers, journalism for the truth-seekers, and arts for the creative souls. Our after-school enrichments turn tiny humans into gardeners, artists, and athletes – sometimes all three! If your student doesn’t see an elective or club their interested in and wants to pitch their own, we’re all ears! Student voice also means offering suggestions for electives and programming.
7. Rigorous Academics
Our graduates go to top colleges and universities, many with sizable scholarships to help them pay for it. How do we do it? We teach students to think, question, and create. Our project-based approach means they're using concepts like the Pythagorean theorem to design real things and our dual enrollment program earns them real college credits while still in high school. By the time they graduate, Aveson students can deliver a TED-worthy presentation, manage complex projects, and write essays that people want to read. We’re all about real skills for the real world.
8. Character Building Without the Cheesy Posters
Our advisors (that’s what we call our teachers!) know every kid's name, their pet iguana’s name, and probably their favorite ice cream flavor. Advisors teach the Aveson Way values, like empathy and perseverance, through experiences and community discussions. Turns out, the playground is a great place to learn about problem-solving, compassion and leadership! Our small schools are the perfect place for children to grow into the best version of themselves.
9. Joy is Our Secret Ingredient
We believe kids learn better when they're happy. But joy isn't something that happens only during recess at Aveson– it's woven into everything we do. From big adventure field trips to places like Catalina Island and the Navajo Nation, to school-wide events that feel like a warm hug, we find joy in the big things and little things and everything in between.
10. We Get Kids Outside and Off Screens
We've got magical gardens where kids can dig in the dirt, shaded areas perfect for reading under trees, and play spaces that inspire imagination. Our learners spend serious time outside because we know that fresh air and sunshine are just as important as phonics and fractions. While other schools are removing recess, we're doubling down on outdoor time because happy kids learn better. It's science. (Which they also learn outside, by the way.)
Ready to join our education revolution? Visit our enrollment page to start the journey. We're accepting applications for 2025-26 for both Aveson School of Leaders (TK-5th) and Aveson Global Leadership Academy (6th-12th). Be warned: your kid might actually enjoy going to school.
About Aveson Schools
Since 2007, Aveson Schools have been nurturing the curiosity and potential of TK-12th grade students with a tuition-free transformative education. Aveson School of Leaders (TK-5) and Aveson Global Leadership Academy (6th-12th), provide boundless opportunities for students to discover their passions through award-winning arts instruction, experiential learning, preparation for college and global travel opportunities in a welcoming and inclusive school community in Pasadena. Get to know Aveson on social media @avesonschools and on the web at www.aveson.org. A School of Possibilities.