Saint Mark’s School Partners With EF Academy for Temporary Relocation After Eaton Fire

“Sometimes the Stairway to Heaven has tears and trouble along the way” scenes from destruction at St Mark’s (Photo – St.Marks.School.Altadena)

Saint Mark’s School, an independent Episcopal institution in Altadena, has announced a partnership with EF Academy in Pasadena to temporarily relocate its operations following the devastating Eaton Fire, which left the majority of the school’s campus unusable.

By News Desk

The collaboration, which will last approximately 18 months, will provide a seamless continuation of education for Saint Mark’s students, from Developmental Kindergarten (DK) through 6th grade, while their campus is rebuilt.

In addition to utilizing EF Academy’s existing infrastructure, Saint Mark’s will install temporary portable classrooms on the eastern portion of the EF campus, an area slated for future development. This temporary space, called Saint Mark’s Village, will serve as the dedicated hub for the school’s operations during the recovery process. While EF Academy is providing the use of its campus at no cost, Saint Mark’s will cover the expenses associated with the setup of Saint Mark’s Village.

The decision to relocate to EF Academy’s campus follows the priority of ensuring that Saint Mark’s students can continue learning in a stable and supportive environment after the fire. Head of School Jenn Tolbert expressed deep gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of community stability during this challenging time.

“We are profoundly grateful for the partnership with EF Academy Pasadena, whose generosity and shared commitment to education have provided us with the space and resources to maintain our sense of community and move forward together,” said Tolbert.

EF Academy’s Head of School, Dr. Sally Mingarelli, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the invaluable lessons of empathy, collaboration, and resilience that this collaboration will teach students from both schools. “One of the most important lessons our students will learn during this time is what it truly means for a community to come together in a crisis,” she said.

The City of Pasadena has also played a key role in facilitating the move, assisting both schools with permitting and operational details to ensure a smooth transition.

Although this arrangement is temporary, lasting up to 18 months, the collaboration between Saint Mark’s and EF Academy showcases the resilience and community spirit that defines Pasadena. Both schools will operate independently, with Saint Mark’s staff managing their own classrooms and EF Academy continuing its regular programs. Efforts will be made to minimize any impact on the local neighborhood, including ensuring that all drop-offs, pick-ups, and parking take place on-site.

Community members who wish to support Saint Mark’s recovery can find information about donating or volunteering on the school’s website.