The school was first established as a district school in 1884 and became Pasadena High School in 1891. In 1928, the school merged into Pasadena Junior College and operated as a four-year school, grades 11, 12, 13 and 14. Pasadena realigned its 6-4-4 school system in 1954 with Pasadena High School regaining its separate identity. PHS, however, shared the Pasadena City College Colorado Boulevard campus through the graduating class of 1960 when PHS moved to its present campus on Sierra Madre Boulevard at Washington Boulevard. The Rose Parade, post parade takes place in front of the high school utilizing some of the school grounds and parking lots. Pasadena High School's athletic field was renovated, adding light towers, a new track and replacing the grass field with artificial turf. It opened at the start of the 2009-10 school year. The school's junior varsity and varsity football teams as well as the boys' and girls' soccer teams play their home games. The school also is used for its track meets in the spring. On January 8, 2019, Pasadena High School opened the renovated Tom Hamilton Gymnasium at the cost of $19 million dollars. It is used for boys and girls junior varsity and varsity basketball teams and the girls volleyball team for their home games. The school's auditorium is named after Gladiss Edwards, who was the principal during the late 1950s and into the 1960s.
Student profile
In the 2016-17 school year, Pasadena High School's student population consisted of 1,777 students, with 60.3% of students being Latino, 17% white, 11.8% African-American, and 5.8% Asian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 0.2% American Indian/Alaska Native.
Academics
Pasadena High School offers several special unique programs. The Graphic Communications Academy was established in partnership with the Printing Industry of Southern California and Pasadena City College. The Visual Arts and Design Academy is linked with the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena City College and the Pasadena Art Armory. The Center for Independent Study program is a remedial program to help students who are behind in credits. PHS also offers a career pathway called the App Academy, which helps students learn about web design.
Sports
Turkey Tussle
Pasadena High School competes against John Muir High School at the Rose Bowl in a football game known as the Turkey Tussle. The tradition began in 1947, and Muir leads the series 42-18-2.
Pasadena High School also has a NNDCC unit, which is a non-funded version of the US Navy's NJROTC program. Pasadena High School has had a Reserves Officer's Training Corps since 1920 starting as Army but has also been Air Force and Marines as well in the past. They disbanded in 2017-2018 academic year.
Notable alumni
Louise Beavers, 1920, Actress
Armon Binns, 2011, NFL player
Carol Cleveland, 1960, actress, associated with Monty Python's Flying Circus TV show
