How Pasadena High School Became Pasadena City College

In the 1920s, Pasadena faced a growing student population and limited access to higher education. This episode traces how Pasadena High School evolved into Pasadena City College through a bold education experiment known as the 6-4-4 plan—and how that model helped shape the early community college system in California.

Read the story on our website.

Written and produced by Colin Haskins.

Archival reports voiced by Jio Alvarado, Fern Rojas, and Mikaela Perez.

Presented by Laura Dux.

Special thank you to Jens Campbell for production and planning support.

References

"Board Ruling Makes Radical Changes in Local Schools." Pasadena Chronicle, April 13, 1928.

"Reasons for Introduction of New System Interpreted." Pasadena Chronicle, April 13, 1928.

"Principal Explains 6-4-4 Plan to Boys." Pasadena Chronicle, April 13, 1928.

Wright, Harold. "Change to 6-4-4 Presents Difficulties." Pasadena Chronicle, April 13, 1928.

"Shall We Unite." Pasadena Chronicle, April 20, 1928.

Harris, Milton G. "Open Letter From Editor of 'Times'." Pasadena Chronicle, May 4, 1928.

"Educators Praise 6-4-4 Plan as Pasadena's New System Is Dedicated at Rose Bowl." Pasadena Chronicle, September 21, 1928.

"Principal Is Back from Trip East." Pasadena Chronicle, December 6, 1929.

"6-4-4 League Hope of Jr. Colleges." Pasadena Chronicle, December 13, 1929.

"Principal Harbeson Busy With College Problems." Pasadena Chronicle, February 14, 1930.

"Compton Adopts 6-4-4 Plan; Called 'Tartars'." Pasadena Chronicle, September 26, 1930.

"Five Year Plan Helps P.J.C. Pupils." Pasadena Chronicle, September 15, 1931.

"6-4-4 Praised." Pasadena Chronicle, November 18, 1932.

"Success of 6-4-4 Plan Now Shown." Pasadena Chronicle, December 2, 1932.

Currie, Madeline. "6-4-4 Plan Is Praised In Report." Pasadena Chronicle, October 13, 1933.

"6-4-4 System Began In '28." Pasadena Chronicle, March 6, 1935.

"Benefits of 6-4-4 Told." Pasadena Chronicle, May 28, 1937.

Sexson, John A. "Large Pasadena Success Shows Practicality of 2-Year School." Pasadena Chronicle, May 28, 1937.

"Legalize 6-4-4 Plan In State Assembly Vote." Pasadena Chronicle, May 25, 1937.

"College Registrars Will Meet Here." Pasadena Chronicle, November 19, 1937.

Holmes, Margaret. "First Lady Gives Views of College." Pasadena Chronicle, March 25, 1938.

Nutt, Merilyn. "Here and Now.." Pasadena Chronicle, May 20, 1938.

Shatford, Hank. "Set-up For Athletics Changed." Pasadena Chronicle, May 20, 1938.

Lotz, Stellanne. "Student Body Presidents Laud School Unification." Pasadena Chronicle, May 20, 1938.

Burtt, Jack. "Educators Vote Unanimously on New Arrangement." Pasadena Chronicle, May 20, 1938.

"Head Tells Of Effects." Pasadena Chronicle, May 20, 1938.

"PJC Educators Co-Author Book." Pasadena Chronicle, March 15, 1946.

"Student Officers Endorse 6-4-4 Educational Plan." PCC Chronicle, February 18, 1948.

"Conference Calls Dr. Harbeson to Atlantic City." PCC Chronicle, March 3, 1948.

"The 6-4-4 Plan." PCC Chronicle, April 29, 1949.

"Board Set to OK New School Plan." PCC Chronicle, January 13, 1954.

Dodge, Mark Morrall. Pasadena City College: A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary. Pasadena City College, 2002. .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}