High School
As students approach adulthood, we challenge them to expect more of themselves and to engage thoughtfully with the world they are entering. High School at Pilgrim School is intentionally rigorous and supportive, fostering an environment where students are empowered to meet challenges with confidence, purpose, and resilience.
The High School Program
Academic Programs
At Pilgrim, our High School cultivates a self-driven academic environment where students take increasing ownership of their educational journey. Our program is designed to move beyond traditional academics, prioritizing future-leaning tools and essential soft skills that are critical for success in college and beyond, such as collaboration, public presentation, and entrepreneurship. Personalized Schedules Beginning in 8th Grade, students work one-on-one with our Director of College Planning to explore their interests and create a trajectory for their academic path that leads to success in college and beyond. This tailoring process happens every year through High School and prepares our students to be well prepared for the university and field they will pursue. AP Programs A majority of our High School students participate in AP classes. Advanced placement classes begin in 9th Grade and are available in every discipline, and lead directly into each student's higher education goals. Mastery & Grading Starting in Middle School, students begin getting traditional letter grades. Our mastery-based program is based on students' understanding of the material, not the accumulation of points from basic testing. Continual teacher feedback allows students to know where they are on the path to meet their learning targets. Student grades are based on their meeting of those targets. This self-driven approach to learning leads to better outcomes and students who can apply what they have learned in the real world.
College Planning
Each student’s individualized college preparatory experience begins early in Middle School and is built through one-on-one meetings with teachers and our Director of College Planning. The close-knit community of Pilgrim School nurtures students’ relationships with their teachers, leading to impactful recommendation letters from teachers who truly know them. We work closely with families, preparing our students to leave our community for college and beyond. Pilgrim students go on to matriculate at top-ranked universities both in the US and abroad. If you would like to learn more, please visit our College Planning page.
Engineering & Computer Science
Pilgrim School is proud to offer a comprehensive computer science and engineering program that engages students through collaborative projects and critical thinking. Our courses are designed to prepare students to be ethical problem solvers capable of addressing the complexities of our modern, globalized world. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students discover how computer science and engineering connect to real-world applications. We offer: Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Introduction to Programming, Web Design, Data Structures, and Game Design.
Arts
We believe the arts are vital to self-discovery and innovation. The High School Arts Program offers students a rich array of disciplines, providing the space and guidance to find their unique creative voice. Disciplines Offered: • Visual Arts: Studio Arts, Portfolio Development, Digital Arts • Performing Arts: Theater Arts, Music, Dance • Media Arts: Film Our curriculum is designed to integrate contemporary trends and fully engage students in their chosen focus. Students don an experiential, real-world approach to art, participating in school events and field trips that deeply connect them to the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles. This journey of self-expression is one of the most transformative aspects of the high school experience, allowing students to develop their passions and actively shape who they are and who they aspire to become. Visit our Arts Page to learn more about the Pilgrim School Arts Program.
Athletics
We believe that exciting physical activity and competitive athletics are essential components of the high school experience. Through sports, our students develop vital leadership skills, embrace sportsmanship, and broaden their friendships around common interests and shared goals. The High School Panther Athletics teams are a proud and active participant in the Omega Athletic League, competing in a dynamic environment against peer schools based across the Los Angeles region. Varsity Panthers Athletics teams include: Flag Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Table Tennis, Golf, Competitive Dance, Basketball, Track and Field, and Soccer Please visit our Athletics page to find out more about Panthers Athletics.
Student Life
Student Clubs Students lead the way by creating, organizing, and running interest-based clubs throughout the year—from photography and cinema to tennis and fashion. These groups allow students to pursue their passions, recruit peers, and host regular meetings. Leading a club fosters leadership, entrepreneurship, and broadens friendship circles around shared interests. Student Government The Associated Student Body (ASB) serves as the student government at Pilgrim School. It is composed of two distinct, elected bodies: the Student Voice Council and the Community Life Council. Officers are elected by their peers to represent student interests. Student Voice Council: A smaller executive group focused on advocacy. They generate proposals that address student interests and present these directly to the school administration to effect change. Community Life Council: A larger body dedicated to shaping the social experience at Pilgrim. They plan major school events like Homecoming and Prom, and coordinate spirit events such as pep rallies and class competitions, playing a key role in building a vibrant student social culture. Affinity Groups Pilgrim's Affinity Groups are co-led by students and faculty members and are established to provide essential peer support. These student-created spaces allow students to gather based on shared identity, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting self-esteem within a supportive community. Current examples include: Melanated Minds, AAPI Affinity, Jewish Affinity, and Latinx Affinity. Community Service High School students are required to complete 20 hours of community service annually. Students are empowered to select organizations that resonate with their personal interests, ensuring their volunteer work is meaningful and impactful. This engagement allows students to connect with the broader society and apply their learning in real-world settings. We proudly partner with a diverse range of organizations, including: • Alexandria House • Do Good LA • Los Angeles Service Academy • Meals On Wheels • Volunteer LA, and many others.
