In a remarkable display of collaboration and resilience, Saint Mark’s School and EF Academy Pasadena have unveiled Saint Mark’s Village, a state-of-the-art temporary learning space in Altadena for students displaced by the Eaton fire. This milestone ensures uninterrupted education while rebuilding efforts continue.

Collaborative milestone in fire recovery

Saint Mark’s, an independent Episcopal school, and EF Academy, a private day and boarding high school, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil Saint Mark’s Village for Saint Mark’s developmental kindergarten (DK) through 6th grade on the EF Academy campus.

The partnership, which was initially announced three weeks after the fires, went from vision to reality in less than two months, making it the fastest local school rebuilding effort to date.

“This ribbon-cutting represents more than just a temporary solution — it’s a testament to our community’s resilience and the collective effort to keep education at the forefront,” said Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark’s. “Thanks to the generosity of EF Academy, the dedication of countless supporters and the critical state measures that expedited rebuilding efforts, our students can continue their education without disruption. We are confident that when we return to our permanent campus, it will be even stronger and better for the future.”

Partnering for a comprehensive learning space

The new Saint Mark’s Village spans more than 12,000 square feet, featuring 22 classrooms, administrative offices and dedicated outdoor space to foster a sense of continuity and community for Saint Mark’s students. Built on 32,000 square feet of previously unused land area at EF Academy, PjHM Architects and WillScot designed the space to provide a high-quality learning environment while seamlessly integrating with EF Academy’s existing facilities.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when a community works together, supported by proactive leadership at every level,” said Dr. Sally Mingarelli, Head of School at EF Academy Pasadena. 

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu added, “As someone who visited EF Academy during its earliest days, I’ve seen firsthand the school’s deep commitment to education and community. The swift creation of Saint Mark’s Village is a remarkable testament to that spirit.”

Community and leadership drive rapid rebuilding success

EF Academy Pasadena is providing Saint Mark’s Village with the land at no cost, underscoring its commitment to educational collaboration and community support. Beyond the dedicated learning space, Saint Mark’s students will also have access to EF Academy’s state-of-the-art STEM labs, arts spaces, gym and other campus resources.

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger commended the partnership. “The creation of Saint Mark’s Village in such a short time is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together,” Barger said. “Pasadena has shown incredible leadership in ensuring students have a place to learn and grow. This collaboration between Saint Mark’s and EF Academy Pasadena demonstrates the power of education to unite and uplift.”

Pasadena City Councilmember Rick Cole said: “The rapid development of Saint Mark’s Village represents Pasadena’s commitment to step up and do all we can to ensure fire victims are rehoused, kids are back in school, businesses can reopen and we can rebuild the fabric of our shared Altadena/Pasadena community.”

 Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order, N-6-25, cleared the way for rapid rebuilding efforts. Pasadena was able to move quickly to issue permits and allocate resources to allow EF Academy to host Saint Mark’s on its high school campus. At the same time, the village would not have been possible without Pasadena’s “whole-of-government” approach, accelerating permits and assisting with essential infrastructure, enabling dozens of local architects, engineers and contractors — many of whom donated their time — to help Saint Mark’s Village go from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting in approximately six weeks. 

Saint Mark’s School is raising funds to provide tuition assistance for displaced families, replace essential classroom materials and technology, support trauma-informed mental health services and support teachers. Funds will also help cover the costs of operating the school’s temporary campus. Find more information on the school’s website.