The History of Clairbourn — A Century of Vision, Growth, and Heart

 

In less than two years, the school expansion necessitated the move to another location on California Blvd, accommodating students in kindergarten through sixth grade. During the 1930s, a junior high and high school were added, and the school officially became known as Clairbourn School. The name itself reflects its mission: clair, meaning clear or light in French, and bourn, meaning goal or destination. To accommodate its growing student population, the school leased a three-acre estate on Huntington Drive, our present school location. The property was named Clairbourn Hall and included a bungalow, swimming pool, clubhouse, and a large eucalyptus tree grown from a seed planted in 1875. The beloved tree stood until it fell during a windstorm in 1988.

Soon after, the building now known as the Robert W. Nafie Administration Building was constructed, housing classrooms, offices, and girls’ dormitory rooms. Mr. George E. Platt generously funded both the purchase of the property and its construction, later forgiving the entire debt in 1937. By the late 1930s, Clairbourn refocused on its original mission of educating young children. As a result, the high school program was discontinued, and a preschool was added. Continued enrollment growth made further expansion necessary, leading to the establishment of the Clairbourn School Building and Development Fund in 1948. Thanks to the generosity of families and friends, a new preschool-kindergarten building was completed in 1953.

In September 1958, Clairbourn opened the school year with more than 100 students. The addition of grades seven and eight followed the purchase of an adjacent five-acre property that included the Manor House and swimming pool. At the time, the land in front of the house was an active orange grove, now known as the Scott Studenmund Field. Although the campus was not yet unified, acquiring this property proved to be a pivotal decision for the school’s future. Built in 1915, the 23-room Manor House quickly became a central gathering place for the community and the residence of the Head of School. The orange groves were eventually cleared to make way for the playing field enjoyed by students today.

The mid to late 1960s marked another important change to Clairbourn. In September 1965, Clairbourn adopted the Carden Method of Instruction, widely recognized for excellence in reading and language arts. This approach formed the backbone of the curriculum until 1980, when the school developed its own comprehensive program. In 1967, Clairbourn expanded its mission of serving children of Christian Scientists by opening its doors to students of all faiths and backgrounds, enriching the school’s diversity and strengthening its connection to the broader community.

By 1980, the need for additional facilities became clear. With a bold vision and the support of the community, the Board of Trustees developed a Master Plan that led to the construction of new learning spaces, including a library, music room, art studio, and expanded physical education facilities. This expansion exceeded $1.5 million and unified the original three-acre campus with the adjacent five acres into a cohesive whole. Clairbourn continued to evolve. A new classroom building for grades four and five opened in 1992, followed by the West Campus Renovation Project, completed in phases between 1995 and 2008. This transformation included Randall Hall, Andrew Hall, the Seiter Center, redesigned playgrounds, a new campus entrance, and improved transportation facilities, enhancing both learning and safety.

Technology soon became an integral part of daily classroom life. Interactive whiteboards, a school-wide wireless network, and updated computer systems supported innovative teaching and learning. In 2006, Clairbourn proudly celebrated its 80th anniversary, marked by new academic programs and an increased emphasis on ethics and service. In 2022, the opening of the Peng-Liu Innovation Lab further advanced Clairbourn’s commitment to forward-thinking education. Equipped for design thinking, prototyping, robotics, and coding, the lab empowers students to explore creativity and problem-solving in meaningful ways.

Today, Clairbourn stands as a leading independent school in the greater Pasadena area. Although much has changed over the decades, the school remains committed to providing a robust academic program, vibrant and beautiful learning spaces, and a commitment to all students to encourage and nurture their individuality and growth. Clairbourn is proud of the many alumnae who are affecting positive change in the world, having spent their most formative years at Clairbourn which laid the foundation of scholarship, leadership, and character.

As we look forward to the next century, we are excited for the possibilities ahead. One thing is certain — Clairbourn will always remain true to the core values that have guided the school since 1926. We will continue to create scholars and leaders with heart.