Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College www.pacificoaks.edu | We prepare passionate teachers & counselors to empower others, reduce bias and change attitudes.

Twitter | Instagram Pacific Oaks' campus is in Pasadena, Calif., and classes are also offered through our online campus. Founded more than 65 years ago by a small group of Quaker families, Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to the fundamental Quaker principles of inclusion, social justice, and the valuing of every human being. The institution is known and recognized for its pioneering efforts to reduce bias within our nation's education system, and for equipping graduates with the skills they need to help people from diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and strengths uncover and realize their unique individual potentials. Pacific Oaks is known for its progressive approach to learning—valuing real-world experiences as well as academic achievements. This philosophy is embodied through opportunities such as the Credit for Life Experience option, which allows students to gain academic credit for real-world experience acquired in the workplace. Students may earn up to 24 credits in this manner—credits which can be applied toward a bachelor's degree and count toward application for an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy or Human Development. Three basic concepts underlie the educational philosophy at Pacific Oaks:
•that every individual has a fundamental worth;
•that growth is a dynamic and life-long process;
•and that every individual has a unique identity and human potential. Pacific Oaks is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC), and has been since 1959.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Pacific Oaks College! 🎇💚This season, we celebrate the rich diversity that makes our com...
12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from all of us at Pacific Oaks College! 🎇💚

This season, we celebrate the rich diversity that makes our community strong, vibrant, and connected. May your days be filled with warmth, reflection, and moments that bring you joy!



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¡Felices fiestas de parte de todos nosotros en Pacific Oaks College! 🎇💚

Esta temporada, celebramos la diversidad que hace que nuestra comunidad sea fuerte, vibrante y unida. ¡Deseamos que tus días estén llenos de calidez, reflexión y momentos que te traigan alegría!

Eighty years after our founding, our roots continue to grow. 🌿In the first photo, a toddler stands beside a feathered co...
12/23/2025

Eighty years after our founding, our roots continue to grow. 🌿

In the first photo, a toddler stands beside a feathered companion, lost in conversation. In the second, the same girl, now an adult, stands in the same place holding her childhood photo.

Her name is Quinn Hunter McGonagle, and her journey reflects the inextricable connection between Pacific Oaks Children’s School and Pacific Oaks College. From student to artist-in-residence, master teacher to children’s school parent, and now associate director and doctoral candidate, Quinn’s story embodies our shared legacy of respect, diversity, social justice, and inclusion.

After 80 years, the roots of learning and community at Pacific Oaks are stronger than ever. 💚

🔗 Read the full story: pacificoaks.edu/voices/from-the-magazine/nurturing-the-roots-of-learning

12/19/2025

Today, our students and staff brought the holiday spirit to campus — bright colors, bold patterns, and plenty of laughter included.

While we were celebrating, we asked everyone a simple but meaningful question: “If you could describe Pacific Oaks in three words, what would they be?”

The answers were heartfelt, honest, and full of the spirit that makes PO unique.

🎥 Watch the reel to hear what our community had to say.

Elizabeth “Betty” Jones began teaching at Pacific Oaks Children’s School in 1954, and her impact continues to shape earl...
12/17/2025

Elizabeth “Betty” Jones began teaching at Pacific Oaks Children’s School in 1954, and her impact continues to shape early childhood education today. 🌿💚

For more than 60 years, Betty documented a lifetime of reflective practice, storytelling, and research grounded in the belief that children learn best through play, curiosity, and connection.

Her archive includes articles, speeches, workshops, and collaborative writings focused on emergent curriculum, literacy, environments, anti-bias education, and valuing diversity.

Today, her legacy remains woven into the Pacific Oaks approach, honoring children’s voices, centering community, and embracing learning as a shared journey.

🔗 Explore the Betty Jones archive: tcsedsystem.libguides.com/POC_Library/ejonesarchive

At Pacific Oaks College, we prepare future teachers to lead with purpose. 🌳Our progressive teaching credential programs ...
12/16/2025

At Pacific Oaks College, we prepare future teachers to lead with purpose. 🌳

Our progressive teaching credential programs center diversity, cultural understanding, and equity, equipping educators to think critically about the world and the students they serve.

Whether you’re beginning your journey or advancing your skills, you’ll learn to create inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms that honor each child’s voice.

Applications for Spring I (starting Jan. 6) are now open. 💚

🔗 Learn more about California teaching credentials and continuing education at Pacific Oaks: pacificoaks.edu/teacher-credentialing-education-programs

Students seek us out for the individualized education they will receive, an education tailored to their dreams, history,...
12/11/2025

Students seek us out for the individualized education they will receive, an education tailored to their dreams, history, and unique potential.🌳

Here, you’ll join a community rooted in inclusion, respect, and social justice. Whether you study online or on campus, we’re committed to making your experience transformative — academically, professionally, and personally. 💚

If you’re considering transferring, explore our Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) partners, articulation agreements, Credit for Learning from Experience, and financial aid options in our Transfer Guide.

Applications for Spring I (starting Jan. 6) are now open.

🔗 Read our transfer guide here: https://www.pacificoaks.edu/admissions/pacific-oaks-guide-for-transfer-students/

At Pacific Oaks College, we believe in the power of partnering with families. 🌱Research shows that children thrive when ...
12/10/2025

At Pacific Oaks College, we believe in the power of partnering with families. 🌱

Research shows that children thrive when parents and educators work together, demonstrating higher academic achievement, stronger cognitive development, better social skills, and greater long-term success.

We prepare future teachers to build these partnerships through degree programs in Early Childhood Education and credentialing pathways in elementary education and special education. Coursework emphasizes family engagement, communication, and culturally responsive collaboration.

🔗 Read more: Parents Are Partners: Teacher-Parent Collaboration in Early Childhood Education

A career in early childhood education begins with the right foundation. 🌿At Pacific Oaks College, our Early Childhood Ed...
12/10/2025

A career in early childhood education begins with the right foundation. 🌿

At Pacific Oaks College, our Early Childhood Education programs teach future educators how to integrate STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math — into hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning.

Using natural materials, emergent curriculum design, and child-centered exploration, our approach nurtures curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving from the very beginning.

Whether you’re entering the field or expanding your skills, our ECE degrees and STEAM Certificate prepare you to guide young learners with confidence and heart. 💚

Learn more and apply at pacificoaks.edu

The power of community means a full-time mom can earn her degree. 🎓Pacific Oaks alumna Chaz Dennis (M.A. Marriage and Fa...
12/05/2025

The power of community means a full-time mom can earn her degree. 🎓

Pacific Oaks alumna Chaz Dennis (M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy) knew graduate school would be challenging, but she didn’t expect to become pregnant during her program. Long days became longer, sleep grew scarce, and she wondered whether the degree she dreamed of was still within reach.

That’s when the Pacific Oaks community stepped up. Professors and classmates supported her without hesitation, offering notes, flexibility, and encouragement whenever she needed it. They saw motherhood as a gift, not a barrier.

With their support — and her determination — Chaz graduated on time and is now an agent of change in her community, helping families heal.

💚 This story is part of The Power of Community, our series highlighting how members of the Pacific Oaks family create lasting impact where it’s needed most.

12/04/2025

Your next chapter starts here, and we’re ready to help you write it.

Applications are now open for Spring I classes beginning Jan. 6, available online and at our Pasadena campus. With supportive faculty, flexible learning formats, and opportunities for hands-on experience, our programs meet you where you are. At Pacific Oaks, you’ll build the skills and confidence to create a meaningful career rooted in advocacy, justice, and community.

Whether you’re continuing your education or returning to it, now is the time to invest in yourself.

💚 Areas of Study:
🚌 Early Childhood Education
📚 Education
👩‍🏫 Teacher Credentialing
🤝 Human Development
💼 Business & Management
💍 Marriage & Family Therapy
🧠 Community Psychology
🎙️ Social Work

Learn more and apply today at pacificoaks.edu

At Pacific Oaks College, gratitude grows in community. 🍂This Thanksgiving, we honor the people who make our learning com...
11/27/2025

At Pacific Oaks College, gratitude grows in community. 🍂

This Thanksgiving, we honor the people who make our learning community so special—our students, alumni, faculty, and staff whose compassion, resilience, and commitment to equity inspire us every day.

May your day be filled with connection, reflection, and gratitude for the communities that lift you up. From all of us at Pacific Oaks College, thank you for being part of ours. 💚

The power of community means learning how to advocate for change. 🌿For Pacific Oaks alumna Denise Smith (M.A. Human Deve...
11/26/2025

The power of community means learning how to advocate for change. 🌿

For Pacific Oaks alumna Denise Smith (M.A. Human Development), that meant answering the call to help the children of Flint, Michigan.

Drawing from the values and training she gained at Pacific Oaks, Denise joined civic leaders to open two high-quality early childhood centers in just two years—bringing care, stability, and hope to hundreds of families affected by the water crisis.

In her time with Educare Flint, she continued to ensure every child had the opportunity to thrive.

💚 This story is part of our series, The Power of Community, highlighting how members of our Pacific Oaks family are creating lasting impact where it’s needed most.

Address

45 Eureka Street
Pasadena, CA
91103

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