Walden is a progressive independent elementary school serving 190 students Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grades.
CAIS, WASC accredited. Memberships: National Association of Independent Schools, The Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs and The Southern California People of Color in Independent Schools.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 182 students
- Yearly Tuition: $24,250
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Walden School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Year Founded
1970
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
182 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
1%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,250
Tuition Notes
Tuition is for 2021-2022 school year. $750 new student fee.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
67%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Billy Christian
Admissions Associate
Nellie Yoshimura
Endowment Size
$2 million
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
and Dance, Fulltime Co-Curricular Specialty Teachers in Art, Library, Music, Science & Technology, Spanish, Storytelling
and Dance, Fulltime Co-Curricular Specialty Teachers in Art, Library, Music, Science & Technology, Spanish, Storytelling
School Notes
- Our Mission
- At Walden School, we nurture a child's natural wonder and personal dignity. We provide a personalized, developmentally appropriate program that encourages responsibility, initiative, child-led inquiry, ethical behavior, and excellence. We promote positive conflict-resolution skills, understanding and creativity in problem-solving. Children learn academic skills and concepts through experience and Socratic discussion, as well as through direct instruction and practice. We teach children to value and respect diversity. We strive, therefore, to lay the foundation for wisdom, to encourage the spirit of Renaissance learning, and to teach that we all have stewardship for the world in which we live.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Walden School cost?
Walden School's tuition is approximately $24,250 for private students.
What schools are Walden School often compared to?
Walden School is often viewed alongside schools like The Waverly School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Walden School?
The acceptance rate of Walden School is 67%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Walden School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Walden School's ranking?
Walden School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Walden School?
The application deadline for Walden School is Jan. 31 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Walden School located?
Walden School is located in the Lamanda Park neighborhood of Pasadena, CA.
School Reviews
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