2025 SUMMER GUIDE - PART ONE
It's hard to believe a few of the early bird summer camp deals have already passed! On the flip side, we're still waiting on a couple of local summer school catalogs to be released.
If you're already gearing up for summer break, we've put together some resources to help make that process a little easier. In this post, we're focusing on options around Pasadena, California (in/near the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County).
This is a shortlist of summer school and camp options compiled by local parents. Here, you'll find some local gems not typically listed in the more general, commercial lists.
With the L.A. wildfires in January, some of the Altadena or Pasadena locations may have had to shutter their doors or find alternate campuses. We've verified this list below with locations that are still open for the summer of 2025.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY SUMMER CAMPS AND SUMMER SCHOOL
City recreation departments, YMCA's, and local school districts offer a variety of wallet-friendly camps and summer school options. These programs provide opportunities for kids to forge new friendships in the community, which could be especially helpful for kids transitioning to a new school (i.e. elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, or entering a new school district).
Programs below are open to students from all cities, regardless of the school district students attend or where students reside. Some programs may give residents priority registration or charge slightly more in nonresident fees. If the pages are not currently showing the summer options, check back within the next two to three weeks.
South Pasadena Educational Foundation, South Pasadena Recreation Department, YMCA South Pasadena - San Marino, San Marino Recreation Department, San Marino Summer Academy, YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley (in Alhambra), Alhambra Recreation Department, Alhambra Educational Foundation, Arcadia Educational Foundation, Arcadia Recreation Department
Other local SGV cities to look into: San Gabriel, Temple City, Monrovia
BRUSHING UP ON MATH
Summer schools offer math classes to help your child get up to speed for the next year. Summer school math classes are usually taught by teachers who teach math throughout the year.
If your child's focus is to excel beyond their grade level in math, then a faster-paced individual program geared specifically towards math might be your child's best bet.
Mathnasium does a great job with filling in missing foundational gaps, while helping students advance forward. Mathnasium is on the pricier side, but they often offer discounted summer packages. Students respond well to Mathnasium's points-reward system, immediate feedback, and the ability to track their progress through milestones. If you're considering Mathnasium, it's probably worth a call to your local Mathnasium center to inquire about summer specials. Mathnasium has locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley (and beyond). Each location in individually owned through their franchising program.
Another solid option is Math Academy. The in-person Math Academy is a Pasadena Unified School District program. Their online version is open to all students regardless of which school or district they attend. The program is designed for math levels 4th grade and up. Math Academy online is currently priced at $49 per month with a discounted rate for those signing up for an entire year. If your child learns well online, this might be a good option for your family. The program is designed as an interactive, independent program. Students start with an online diagnostic analysis and delve into well-explained mini lessons. Students like the step-by-step visual breakdown in the examples, immediate feedback, and the ability to progress quickly.
FOR TECH-Y KIDS
iD-Tech offers week long camps on the beautiful Cal Tech campus in Pasadena. If your child is interested in specialized technology like 3D printing or learning to use specific programs (i.e. Blender, Python coding, Javascript, Adobe creative), then this may be one to look into. Be prepared to spend $1,200-$1,700 per week. iD-Tech does offer discounts from time to time. Sign up for their email newsletter to receive their bigger discount offers. They do also provide $50 off if signing up for multiple camps or as a sibling sign up discount.
Planet Bravo has locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Their closest SGV location is in Eagle Rock at St. Dominic School. Planet Bravo offers a variety of tech-related classes for students starting from Kindergarten through 9th grade. Courses are broken up into different age group levels. For example, some courses are K-1, while other courses in the grades 2-9 are further divided into classes just for grades 2-3 and 4-9. Week-long camps at Planet Bravo range from $425 to $599. Sibling and multi-camp discounts are offered. Planet Bravo is currently offering scholarships to families impacted by the recent wildfires, proof of residency required.
Code Ninjas has two locations in San Gabriel Valley, one in San Gabriel / San Marino and one in Arcadia. These two locations are franchised by the same owner but have different course offerings. Code Ninja offers year round tech-based classes and summer camps in winter, spring, and summer. Contact the individual locations for a comprehensive list of camps available. Camps are moderately priced, more than Planet Bravo but less than iD-Tech.
Looking for other fun summer activities to do with the kids over summer break? Check out our previous posts on Eat / Shop / Play - Pasadena, California and Scooter-friendly, Kid-friendly Los Angeles.
Parts 2 and 3 coming soon!