Walden School in the Lamanda Park Neighborhood: A Brief History

Lamanda Park is a historic neighborhood in Pasadena, known for its early development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Once home to small, local industries and a thriving residential community, Lamanda Park has grown and evolved over the decades, maintaining its unique character while adapting to the changing cityscape.

In 1992, Walden School became part of the Lamanda Park neighborhood, bringing with it a progressive educational philosophy that aligned with the community’s values of inclusivity and growth. Walden’s arrival marked an essential chapter in the school’s expansion, and the school quickly became integrated into the neighborhood's fabric.

In 1999, Walden further solidified its presence by acquiring the North Building, expanding its campus to serve its students better and provide additional resources to the community. This addition has enabled Walden to continue its mission of nurturing children in a space that encourages both personal and collective progress.
 

Walden’s Curriculum & Commitment to Place-Based Education
 

Walden’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in place-based education. The school uses the Lamanda Park neighborhood as a living classroom and engages students in hands-on investigations that allow them to connect with their environment and community.

Gabrielino Tongva Land: Students explore the history and significance of the Gabrielino Tongva land that Walden sits on, understanding the area's cultural and environmental heritage.

Public Works, City, and Water Systems: Walden students study the infrastructure of Pasadena, investigating public works and water systems and how these systems support urban living.

Native & Drought-Tolerant Plants: The curriculum incorporates lessons on native and drought-tolerant plants, teaching students about sustainability and environmental stewardship. Walden also has a rainwater harvesting tank and solar panels on its roof to help students understand their impact on the environment.

Food Deserts & Community Gardens: Students learn about food deserts and work to understand the role of community gardens in promoting food security.

Community Engagement: Walden encourages students to actively participate in making a difference in their community, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility.
 

Walden’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
 

A cornerstone of Walden’s educational philosophy is its unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The school strives to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered. Walden’s 54-year commitment to DEI is reflected in its curriculum, which encourages multiple perspectives and teaches students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Inclusive Practices: Walden works to build a community that is diverse in backgrounds, experiences, and ideas and ensures that all voices are heard.

Equity in Education: The school actively fosters an equitable learning environment where students are given the support and opportunities to thrive, regardless of their starting point.

Global Citizenship: Walden teaches students the skills necessary to contribute to a diverse, global society, encouraging them to be thoughtful and empathetic leaders.

In addition to these explorations, Walden partners with local businesses and strives to be a good neighbor. The school’s commitment to its surroundings helps students better understand how they can contribute to their community and the world around them.

Walden School is proud to be part of the Lamanda Park community, and we encourage our families and staff to support local businesses, particularly those adjacent to the school. These businesses are an integral part of our neighborhood, and by supporting them, we contribute to its vibrancy and sustainability.

Below is a directory of some local businesses:

Island Tire & Service  
For all your tire and auto service needs, visit Island Tire, a trusted resource in the community.  

De-cor  
De-cor offers an eclectic range of vintage and global decor pieces, ideal for adding unique charm to any space. 

Accugage & Thread  
Specializing in precision gages and threading tools, Accugage serves as a valuable resource for those in need of specialized equipment.

Kabuki Restaurant  
Kabuki is a popular Japanese restaurant in the neighborhood, offering a delicious selection of sushi and traditional dishes. A great spot for casual dining or takeout. Walden hosts its end-of-the-year teacher celebration here.  

Eco-Clean Dry Cleaners
Eco-Clean is known for its environmentally friendly dry cleaning services, providing sustainable solutions for all your garment care needs.

Whistle Stop  
A well-loved train shop offering model trains and accessories, Whistle Stop is a Walden student favorite. It’s the perfect place to explore the world of model railroading and find collectibles.  

Poo-Bah Records
A local gem, Poo-Bah Records is a favorite of our Head of School. It offers an extensive selection of vinyl records and is a must-visit for music lovers.  

The safety and security of our students, staff, and the surrounding community are top priorities. We have several resources and measures in place to ensure a safe environment, both on and off campus.

Emergency Contacts  
We maintain a comprehensive list of emergency contacts for immediate assistance in any situation. This includes partnerships with local authorities to ensure a quick response when needed.

Post Patrol  
We work closely with Post Patrol, a private security service that provides regular monitoring and support around the school and surrounding areas. Their presence helps ensure the safety of both the school and the broader Lamanda Park community.

Security Cameras
Walden has strategically placed security cameras around campus to monitor activity and ensure that the school and neighborhood are secure. These cameras help us maintain a watchful eye and provide valuable data in the event of any security concerns.

Community Support
In addition to ensuring the safety of our school, we are committed to supporting the surrounding community. We collaborate with local residents and businesses to ensure that we’re all working together to maintain a safe and welcoming neighborhood.

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of opportunities for residents to engage with our school’s events and projects. These events foster a sense of connection and collaboration, benefiting both Walden and the neighborhood.

Here are some of the ways neighbors can be involved or benefit from our efforts:

Flu Clinic  
Walden hosts an annual Flu Clinic that is open to the community, providing a convenient way for residents to stay healthy during flu season.

Steve and Kate’s Camp (Summer)
Every summer, Walden partners with Steve and Kate’s Camp for 8 weeks of fun on the Walden campus. Neighborhood children are invited to join in the fun, and Walden offers one-week scholarships to help local kids participate in the camp’s exciting programs.

Giving Tuesday Neighborhood Outreach  
As part of our Giving Tuesday efforts, Walden engages in neighborhood outreach projects, supporting the local community through acts of generosity and care.

Service Learning 
Service Learning at Walden focuses on taking care of the local community. Walden students, families, and staff work on various service projects that directly benefit Lamanda Park, Pasadena, and the greater Los Angeles area and its residents.

Walden Carline

Walden’s carline operates from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. daily from Monday to Friday while school is in session. Our teachers and administrators work together to facilitate a safe and efficient process. This collaborative effort supports our neighbors and families, ensuring a smooth traffic flow while maintaining safety.

The City of Pasadena has provided us with the carline route, which is shared below. If you require any assistance during this time, a staff member in a fluorescent jacket will be available. Please remember that Walden is a school, and the speed limit in this area is 15 miles per hour, as posted in the alley. For detailed carline instructions that are provided to our families, please click here.