We cultivate compassionate and engaged citizens rooted in the core values of diversity and inclusion, who continuously strive for personal excellence through innovation and creativity, and who are committed to the Pilgrim School and Los Angeles communities.
Our High School program supports students in developing individual voice, personal leadership, and autonomy as they approach the greater independence and responsibility of adulthood.
Our High School offers a rigorous and engaging college preparatory program within a small and supportive environment. Through challenging coursework, engaging teachers, and a caring community, students are well prepared to meet the challenges of adulthood and life beyond Pilgrim.
Every student in our High School program has a unique schedule of classes designed to meet their goals, interests, and passions. Students meet with the Director of Secondary and Director of Achievement to plan their High School experience. This carefully crafted program and personal attention are tangible advantages of our smaller size.
The goal of the English Department is to develop clear and meaningful communication through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students learn to think critically, effectively express ideas, and examine varied interpretations of literature through reading for information and pleasure. We engage in a diverse selection of texts and regularly update the pieces that students read.
Courses include: Writing Composition Ancient World Literature Modern World Literature American Literature English Literature AP English Literature and Composition AP English Language and Composition Creative Writing
Students are required to take four years of English.
The Mathematics department strives to create critical thinkers who embrace problem-solving as a creative process by encouraging students to explore first. Students use their failures and successes to develop learning pathways that are meaningful, interesting, and inspiring. They understand mathematics as a global language and engage in authentic applications across borders and boundaries.
Students in high school expand upon the foundation built in middle school to more challenging coursework. All students entering Pilgrim take an assessment to determine the appropriate course level.
Courses include:
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
Students are required to take three years of mathematics up to Algebra 2.
The Science Department prepares students to be curious, creative scientists knowledgeable in scientific processes, precise in their measurements, thoughtful in their conclusions, and skeptical of scientific claims. Students engage in authentic, self-directed inquiry to develop a global, ethical, and robust understanding of scientific principles and problem-solving strategies. Through independent and collaborative work, students find meaning and connection with the world around them.
Courses include: Biology Chemistry Physics Environmental Sustainability AP Biology AP Chemistry
Students are required to take three years of science, with at least one year each of physical and life science.
The Social Studies Department facilitates students’ development toward becoming engaged community members at all levels. Students form their responses to thematic questions in social sciences through an inquiry-based curriculum, research projects, and analysis of primary sources. Students engage with multiple perspectives - traditional narratives alongside historically excluded stories and voices. Students will build an understanding of the relationship between past and present to shape a better future.
Courses include:
Global Studies
U.S. History
AP Human Geography
AP Psychology
AP U.S. History
Comparative Government
Entrepreneurial Studies
Students are required to take three years of social studies, with at least one year of U.S. History and one year of world history.
The World Language department immerses students in the target language and culture of the course. Language learning is an opportunity to expand knowledge while gaining respect, understanding, and enjoyment for people worldwide. Students use the language to communicate with others and take pride in their ability to do so.
Students can take either Spanish or Mandarin. Students can enter High School beginning at Level 1 or take a placement assessment to determine the appropriate level within the target language.
Spanish courses include:
Spanish 1-5
Spanish Film and Conversations
AP Spanish Language
AP Spanish Literature
Chinese courses include:
Chinese 1-5
AP Chinese Language
Students are required to take three years of world language in high school.
The arts program at Pilgrim nurtures individuality and encourages the student to find their creative voice while integrating cultural traditions, history, core skills, and innovative technology. We believe exposure to and participation in the visual and performing arts can create not only artists, but art lovers, art supporters, and members of a community that values the creative spirit. We aim to provide a safe artistic platform from which the students can leap into the world as inquisitive thinkers and fearless doers. To learn more about our overall arts program, click here.
Studio Art courses include: 2D Art Foundations 3D Art Foundations Advanced 2D Art Advanced 3D Art L.A. Art Experience Studio Art Portfolio Development
Digital Art and Film courses include: Digital Video Production Introduction to Digital Filmmaking Ship's In Production Beat Lab
Performing Arts courses include: High School Dance Theater Arts Guitar Band AP Music Theory
Students are required to take at least one year of art.
The Engineering and Computer Science Department prepares students to be ethical and equitable problem solvers who can effectively address the complexity of our modern, globalized world. Students can take four years of engaging coursework within each discipline. Classes include:
Engineering Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Aerospace Engineering Digital Electronics Engineering Environmental Sustainability
Computer Science Introduction to Programming Web Design Data Structures Game Design Cryptography
Students are required to take one year of either engineering or computer science.
The Physical Education department empowers the vision that everyone is a student-athlete. Through interdisciplinary design and strategy/teamwork, our Physical Literacy staff looks to facilitate continuing education in the world of play and athletics.
High School students may fulfill their requirements either by engaging in the High School PE or Strength Training courses or participating in one of our athletics teams. To learn more about Pilgrim Athletics, click here.
Students are required to take two years or six seasons of PE/athletics.
The Advisory program in the Secondary School is a weekly, small group time for students and advisors to work together to strengthen community relationships through conversations and activities. The focus of advisory is building interpersonal relationships, communicating and having discussions, responsible decision making, global understanding, and emotional intelligence. Advisory is an open and safe space for students to approach topics of concern within the school, their lives, or their community with the support of an invested and engaged adult.