Explore Secondary

PEN’s programs take some of the mystery and stress out of finding a middle school or high school program for your child, and give you an idea of what to expect during these key transition periods in your child’s education.

Transition to Middle School

Can’t quite believe that your child is going to be going to school with adolescents? That he or she will become an adolescent in a year or two? For parents of upper-grade elementary school students, the first glimpse of middle school can be daunting.

Middle School Myth vs. Reality: Parent Panel october 11, 2023

PUSD has three stand-alone middle schools (grades 6-8), one K-8 school, and two 6-12 schools: so many options! Learn what your student will get at any PUSD middle school, as well as the programs and features unique to the different schools. Following our presentation, you’ll hear perspectives from a panel of parents with children attending the various middle schools. This program will definitely take some of the stress out of the middle school decision-making process. View program recording from Fall 2023. Additional materials & resources:

Navigating Open Enrollment in PUSD  
december 5, 2023 virtual program

Families in any grade level in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre may apply for admission to PUSD schools other than their assigned neighborhood school through the Open Enrollment process. Students are accepted based on availability and a random lottery process. PEN representatives explain the process and the timelines, and answer questions. PEN’s Open Enrollment virtual presentation and slides are available for viewing in English (y tambien en español: Navegando por la inscripción abierta - diapositivas / grabación de vídeo). More detailed information is available on PEN’s Open Enrollment page.

TRANSITION TO Middle School
march 21, 2024 (Virtual)

Middle school brain - it’s a real thing! This program helps parents learn what to expect when their 5th graders start middle school. With the help of experienced middle school teachers, we talk about:

  • Middle School Brain - it’s a real thing!

  • Scaffolding - supporting students as they become more independent

  • Tips and tools to help parents stay on top of the important stuff

Presentation, handouts, and links to additional resources from previous “Hello Middle School” programs available here.

Transition to High School (and beyond!)

High School Options
November 1, 2023

Four high schools, eight college and career academies, AP and IB classes, new graduation requirements – What does it all mean for your student? Get an overview of PUSD’s options, a glossary of high school-specific terms and acronyms, and a framework for comparing key offerings and features. Parents & students from Blair, Marshall, Muir, and PHS will have a panel discussion and then be available for a meet and greet. Watch the program recording from 2023.

Handouts include:

TRansition to High School
march 6, 2024

High school is an important transition time between early adolescence and (gulp!) adulthood. This program, offered in conjunction with PUSD, covers what parents & caregivers need to know to make a well-informed transition from middle school to high school. Topics include:

  • Course scheduling timeline and options

  • Requirements for graduation and college admissions

  • Your student’s 4-year Academic Plan

  • Role of high school counselors

  • How parents can stay in the loop and make sure their student is on track and taking advantage of opportunities and resources

Video recording / Slide Deck / Q&A Notes + Resource links

pusd-to-College program series

PEN offers programs that can help parents plan for and navigate the path through high school and into college. Topics include:

_MGL0123-smaller.JPEG