Westridge School for Girls

What it reported doing in 2024

Westridge is an independent forward-thinking girls' school in pasadena, ca committed to developing intellectually adventurous thinkers and courageous, compassionate leaders. Founded by mary lowther ranney in 1913 -- in the backdrop of the suffragist movement to give girls access to the rigors of education their brothers were getting, westridge's motto is surgere tentamus (we strive to rise); this forward-thinking mission continues to drive our work today as a school of 550 students from grades 4-12. Westridge is a space where girls are the most powerful voices in every room, they are every member of the advanced physics class or rocketry club, the most celebrated athletes, the most courageous and compassionate leaders; it's a school community where girls are encouraged to take chances, make mistakes, think deeply, and get involved. Westridge has empowered generations of girls to challenge the status quo, improve their school and the world around them, and look for ways to lead and serve their community.westridge offers an intellectually engaging and challenging curriculum, a balance of the humanities, mathematics, science, technology, visual and performing arts, and athletics. Electives and advanced courses of study allow each girl to discover and thrive within her areas of interest and strength, cultivate conceptual and critical thinking, and inspire deep learning and knowledge. The 74 members of the class of 2025 earned 686 acceptances to 179 colleges and universities. Our faculty members are subject matter experts who spend a great deal of time on their teaching and learning so that students can deeply and authentically engage with the curriculum. Faculty also serve as advisors, guiding and supporting the students in their educational journey outside of the classroom. At westridge, we know that the highest quality academic program is only valuable if students are emotionally prepared to take advantage of all that offers, and we help prepare students for learning by centering their social-emotional learning along with their sense of inclusion and belonging. Myriad student life clubs, competitive team sports, and activities give students a balance between their academic and nonacademic interests and leadership. In our classrooms, extracurricular programs, and student-life activities, we let student voices lead whenever possible so that students develop the agency and sense of self to pursue their passions and support the greater good. We are not just readying girls for the future we are giving them the practice, confidence, and self-concept that will shape the trajectory of their lives and ultimately shape the future.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 76.9%; rating input score 77
• Program expense ratio: 77.9%; rating input score 78
• Fundraising efficiency: $2.7 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 2.5%; rating input score 44; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.72; rating input score 72; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.09; rating input score 75; 75th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 6.6%; rating input score 38; 38th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 4.5% per year; rating input score 100; 37th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.3% per year; rating input score 100; 37th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 3.7% per year; rating input score 100; 27th percentile among comparable filings