Founded in 1924 when San Marino was covered in orange groves, Southwestern Academy has become a school rich in culture and diversity.
For 99 years, we have supported the educational needs of both domestic and international students in grades 6-12.
Our close-knit community of faculty and staff make every student feel like part of our family.
Southwestern Academy has a picturesque campus with boarding and day classes in San Marino, California.
Our unique campus provides a peaceful, safe, and beautiful space for students to thrive.
Our small class settings allow students to receive the attention they require while maximizing their abilities to develop. Academic programs on both campuses include college preparatory courses, ELL classes (for English Language Learners), and post graduate curricula.
Extracurricular activities include soccer, tennis, volleyball, music, visual/media arts, basketball, and baseball along with several clubs suited for a variety of interests.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 70 students
- Yearly Tuition: $47,700
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Southwestern Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1924
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
70 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
61%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
6 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
slacks, button up shirts, tennis shoes, dresses, skirts, blouses
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$47,700
Tuition Notes
Cost is for US boarding students; aid is available for outstanding applicants. International boarding student tuition and fees $50,500
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Elena Lopez
Admissions Associate
Daisy Barrios
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Drama, Photography, Student Government
Club or Organization:
Ambassadors, Chess Club, Interact Club, International Club, Southwestern Arts Association (SAS), Southwestern Environmental Associates
Club or Organization:
Ambassadors, Chess Club, Interact Club, International Club, Southwestern Arts Association (SAS), Southwestern Environmental Associates
School Notes
Southwestern Academy seeks students who:
- Are serious about preparing for college
- Want small class sizes and individual attention from their teachers
- Are willing to be challenged to think independently and who want to take an active role in their own education
- Want to be part of a small and close-knit campus community with students from around the world
- Are willing to serve others and are generous with their time and talents
- Are excited about outdoor learning and outdoor activities
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tom and Dick Smothers - Entertainers
- Pete McCloskey - Congressman
- Riki Ellison - Pro football; political action head
- George Ruhlen - Medal of Honor winner
- Nikola Stajszczak - Polish Model
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwestern Academy cost?
Southwestern Academy's tuition is approximately $47,700 for private students.
What schools are Southwestern Academy often compared to?
Southwestern Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Verde Valley School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Southwestern Academy?
The acceptance rate of Southwestern Academy is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Southwestern Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Southwestern Academy?
Southwestern Academy famous alumni include: Tom and Dick Smothers, Pete McCloskey, Riki Ellison, George Ruhlen and Nikola Stajszczak.
Does Southwestern Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Southwestern Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Southwestern Academy offer?
Southwestern Academy offers 7 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting.
What is Southwestern Academy's ranking?
Southwestern Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Southwestern Academy?
The application deadline for Southwestern Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Southwestern Academy vs. Verde Valley School
People that viewed Southwestern Academy also viewed these schools: Verde Valley School.
The nearest high school to Southwestern Academy is Irl - Westmoreland Academy (1.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Almansor Academy (institute For Redesign Of Learni (1.0 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Little Acorn Montessori Academy (1.0 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 9-12 | 99 students 363.6 miles 3511 Verde Valley School Road
Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 284-2272
Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 284-2272
363.6
9-12
99
School Reviews
5 4/5/2024
I attended from 8th through 12th grade at the Beaver Creek Campus. The campus was beautiful, and I learned so much about different cultures and made friends with people I still hold dear 30+ years later.
5 8/28/2020
I had the blessing of attending SWA Beaver Creek. It has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life. It was an excellent opportunity to grow personally and professionally as a student.
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