How to Get Into Pilgrim School: Your Complete Guide to Admission

Why Families Choose Pilgrim School

Founded in 1958, Pilgrim School is a private, independent, college preparatory school located in Koreatown, Los Angeles. It was established by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, one of the city’s oldest religious institutions, with a vision to create an inclusive and academically rigorous environment grounded in values of integrity, service, and intellectual curiosity.

Originally opened as a small parish day school, Pilgrim began with just a few grades and a handful of students. Over the decades, it expanded steadily, eventually offering a full academic program from Early Education (Preschool) through Grade 12. Though founded by a church, Pilgrim is non-denominational and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

The school’s mission centers on cultivating critical thinkers, empathetic citizens, and lifelong learners through a curriculum that emphasizes both academic rigor and character development.

How hard is it to get into Pilgrim School?

Gaining admission to Pilgrim School is a thoughtful and personalized process that reflects the school’s mission to nurture independent thinkers, creative learners, and compassionate citizens. From the earliest grades through high school, Pilgrim fosters a supportive environment where every student is known and valued. The admissions team looks beyond test scores, focusing instead on each applicant’s character, curiosity, and overall fit for the school’s dynamic community.

To apply, families complete a parent statement through the online admissions portal. Students entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 participate in a required on-campus assessment. While standardized tests like the ISEE are optional for middle and high school applicants, submitting scores is not necessary. Pilgrim employs a holistic review process that takes into account personal insights, academic readiness, and potential contributions to the school community. Admissions decisions are released in mid-March, and enrollment contracts are typically due within one week. Applications submitted after the deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Pilgrim School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

Pilgrim School Admissions Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants

Pilgrim School utilizes its own dedicated application portal for admissions. To begin the application process, applicants must create an account on Pilgrim’s online admissions portal. This portal allows families to submit applications, monitor application steps, and receive updates regarding admissions events.

1. Complete Application Form

Create an account on Pilgrim School’s admissions portal and complete the online application form. 

2. Submit Required Documents

Upload transcripts from the current and previous two years, and complete the parent/guardian statement through the admissions portal.

3. Request Recommendations

Secure teacher recommendations:

• K–5 applicants need one teacher recommendation
• Grades 6–12 need recommendations from current English and math teachers, plus one from a school administrator or counselor

4. Complete Assessments and Interview

• Grades K–5 take an on-campus student assessment
• Grades 6–12 submit a writing sample and math assessment (ISEE is optional)
• All applicants complete an admissions interview (virtual or in-person)

5. Track Deadlines and Await Decision

Submit all materials by the priority deadlines. Decisions are released in mid-March, with contracts due one week later. Late applications are considered if space is available.

For more details and to begin your application, visit the Pilgrim School Admissions page.

Pilgrim School Admission Requirements

Crafting a Compelling Parent Statement for Your Pilgrim School Application

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Pilgrim’s online admissions portal. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information.

Tips for Writing a Strong and Effective Pilgrim School Parent Statement

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Pilgrim School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Securing Powerful Teacher Recommendations for Pilgrim School

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on the school’s online admissions portal and must be submitted online via the same platform.

How to get strong recommendation letters for Pilgrim School

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Pilgrim School Application Transcript: Submission Guidelines 

Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly.

How to Improve Grades for Pilgrim School Application 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Pilgrim School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy.

Writing a Standout Personal Statement for Pilgrim School

There are questions that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Pilgrim School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Pilgrim School. 

How to Create a Winning Pilgrim School Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Pilgrim School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Pilgrim School Standardized Test Requirements

Middle and high school students are encouraged to submit their ISEE scores. This will help admissions officers to better assess whether a candidate is a suitable fit for a school. 

How to Prepare for Pilgrim School Standardized Tests

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child via a customized test preparation strategy, from recognizing their strengths to addressing areas they find challenging, based on our years of expertise working with families applying to Groton School. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. View our services for test prep here.

Preparing for Your Pilgrim School Admissions Interview: Tips and Advice

Pilgrim School requires an admissions interview as part of its application process for many grade levels, especially for Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12) applicants.

Most interviews are conducted virtually via Zoom, though in-person options may be available upon request. The interview typically includes the student and may also involve a brief conversation with the parents or guardians.

It’s a conversational, get-to-know-you format. Admissions officers want to understand the student’s interests, academic goals, personality, and how they might contribute to the Pilgrim community.

Mastering Your Pilgrim School Admissions Interview: What to Expect and How to Shine

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into Pilgrim School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Visiting Pilgrim School: Campus Tours, Open Houses, & Virtual Events

Pilgrim School offers a range of opportunities for prospective families to learn more about its programs and community through campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions.

Pilgrim School Campus Tours

Pilgrim School offers in-person campus tours by appointment, giving families an up-close look at the learning environment, facilities, and daily student life. These guided visits typically include classroom observations, a walk through key areas like the library and art studios, and a one-on-one conversation with a member of the admissions team. It’s a great way to experience the school’s culture in real time and ask specific questions about grade levels and programs of interest.

Pilgrim School Open Houses

Pilgrim hosts several Open House events during the school year, providing a broader community experience. These events allow prospective families to meet faculty members, hear directly from student leaders, and connect with current parents.

Open Houses often feature presentations on academic programs, extracurriculars, and the school’s educational philosophy, offering a comprehensive introduction to what Pilgrim has to offer.

Pilgrim School Virtual Events

For families who live out of the area or prefer remote options, Pilgrim offers virtual admissions events and information sessions. These online gatherings include live presentations, Q&A sessions with school leaders, and digital walk-throughs of the campus. They’re a convenient way to learn about Pilgrim’s programs and community while staying connected from anywhere.

What is Student Life Like at Pilgrim School?

Student life at Pilgrim School is dynamic, inclusive, and full of opportunities for students to discover who they are. With a diverse student body that reflects the heart of Los Angeles, Pilgrim fosters a welcoming environment where individuality is celebrated. From elementary through high school, students engage in clubs, student government, service learning, and leadership programs that build confidence and character. The arts are central to campus life, with music, visual arts, and theater integrated into the curriculum and extracurricular offerings.

Outside the classroom, students participate in athletics, cultural celebrations, and community events that bring the campus together. Small class sizes and strong teacher-student relationships create a tight-knit atmosphere where students feel supported and seen. Whether it’s performing on stage, representing the school in sports, or leading a service initiative, Pilgrim students are encouraged to explore their passions, build connections, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens.

Pilgrim School Curriculum: College Preparatory Academics

Pilgrim School’s curriculum isn’t just about cramming for college; it’s like a secret training academy for world domination (the nice kind, of course!). They’ve actually thought about how girls’ brains work best, so expect a whole lot of “doing” and “thinking” instead of just nodding off while someone drones on about dates. Classes are apparently more like lively debates than lectures, whether you’re dissecting Shakespeare, cracking the code of calculus, or figuring out why the world is the way it is in history and languages. And the electives? Hello, choose-your-own-adventure in awesomeness! Media literacy? Coding? Unleashing your inner Picasso? Launching your own mini-empire? Yes, please!

Then comes Upper School, where things go from “cool” to “mind-blowing.” Honors and AP? Naturally. But hold the phone – they’ve got this super-secret “Independent Research and Study” gig where you get to be a total academic ninja, diving deep into whatever nerdy passion tickles your fancy, all with your own Yoda-like faculty mentor. These Pilgrim School grads don’t just walk out; they stride, ready to conquer, lead, and generally be all-around amazing.

What Sports does Pilgrim School offer?

Pilgrim School competes in the CIF Southern Section and offers a variety of sports opportunities throughout the school year. Though the school is small in size, its athletics program is big on heart, teamwork, and school spirit.

Here’s a breakdown of sports by season:

Pilgrim also offers athletics for middle school students, which may include intramural options and skill-building programs designed to prepare students for varsity-level competition. Pilgrim encourages broad participation, meaning students can try a new sport even if they’ve never played it before. It’s about effort, improvement, and being part of a team.

What Kind of Arts and Music Programs are at Pilgrim School?

Pilgrim School believes the arts are essential. From finger paints in kindergarten to AP Art and chamber music in high school, creative expression is woven throughout the student experience.

Pilgrim School Visual Arts

Students of all ages engage in hands-on, process-oriented art classes where creativity and experimentation are celebrated. Highlights include:

• Elementary School Art: Drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media projects that teach fundamentals while nurturing imagination
• Middle & Upper School Electives: Advanced art techniques, portfolio development, and digital media
• AP Studio Art: For upper school students preparing a professional-level portfolio for college or artistic careers
• Exhibitions: Student work is displayed throughout campus and during seasonal art showcases

Pilgrim School Music Programs

Music education at Pilgrim is both foundational and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a beginner or a budding virtuoso, there’s a place for you to play, perform, and grow.

• General Music Classes: Offered in the lower school, with lessons in rhythm, vocal training, and basic instruments
• Instrumental Programs: Includes piano, strings, percussion, and wind instruments, often beginning in elementary grades
• Choir & Vocal Ensembles: Students perform in school concerts and local community events
• Music Technology: Older students explore digital composition, audio production, and sound design
• Private Lessons: Available for students who want one-on-one instruction in specific instruments or voice

Pilgrim School Performing Arts and Theater

Pilgrim also offers robust opportunities in drama and performance:

• School Plays & Musicals: Students take on roles on stage and behind the scenes—acting, set design, lighting, and costume design
• Drama Classes: Focus on improvisation, scene work, and public speaking
• Seasonal Performances: Events like the Winter Concert and Spring Arts Festival give students the spotlight

What Clubs and Organizations Can Students Join at Pilgrim School?

At The Pilgrim School, students have the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of clubs and organizations that foster leadership, creativity, advocacy, and community involvement. Clubs are central to student life and are largely student-driven, meaning if you can dream it, you can probably start it.

Below is a categorized list of some of the clubs and organizations available at Pilgrim School:

Students are encouraged to propose new clubs each year. All you need is a solid idea, a faculty sponsor, and a few interested peers—then you’re off and running!

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