Friday, June 5, 2009

Alternative Doors

I like driving by the Norma Coombs Alternative School and seeing the colorful doors that face the play yard.

I don't know much about the school besides what's on the website. I seem to remember there's an auditorium inside, and years ago I saw a play there. Does anyone remember if it was the pre-2001 Pasadena home of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts?

I'd love to hear your experiences of this school and this building. It's at the corner of Orange Grove and Altadena Drive.

19 comments:

Cafe Observer said...

I like looking at this pic by the P, and seeing this as one of my favs.

Hilda said...

I love those candy doors too!

Susan C said...

Monty, I'll take door number four.

I drive by Norma Coombs School all the time, but never noticed these pastel doors. Lovely!

Shell Sherree said...

Yes, those doors are really pretty. I feel like some Sweetheart conversation lollies now.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, Cafe.

Hilda, they're blocked by a cyclone fence so I didn't get to taste them!

As you're driving eastward on the Orange Grove side, you can see these doors, Susan.

Okay, that's two of you who thought of candy so far. I wonder what message the kids are getting.

Anonymous said...

I'm so embarrassed. I've never noticed the doors or the building. Well, I guess that's why we have you.

Daniel9 said...

Yes, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts used to be at that location. Great photo, as usual!

Me said...

When I lived in Pasadena 3 years ago, this was one of the Crown Jewel public schools that parents wanted their kids to get into, along with Don Benito--which was the top Pasadena public school. If they couldn't get in, off to private school they went.

Margaret said...

I don't really know this school. But it looks sweet. I'm sure that is it filled with little adorables eagerly awaiting summer vacation.

Dina said...

Great picture, yes, but I'd be scared to go through one of those doors. It's like something in Alice in Wonderland. Where are the windows??

Virginia said...

Funky colors and doors. I think the folks that run that place would be people I'd like to teach with . Bravo.V

Anonymous said...

I like how it's all on a slant. Makes me want to tilt my head

Trish said...

I used to play college ball right around the corner...it's always been a school or other educational setup.

The trees bending give you a suggestion as to which way the wind blows...but some of the "flat" land around there does give one the feeling of rolling down hill!

Ms M said...

I love the colored doors, too! And your "slant" :>)

Petrea Burchard said...

Hiker, you made me laugh.

Thanks for confirming (and for the compliment), Daniel9.

Happy Medium, a lot of us hope that's changing. So many parents are active in the public schools now. People really care about making Pasadena schools great.

You're probably right, Margaret. I was a good student, but I lived for vacation. School really bored me.

This is an adjunct to the main building, Dina. The main building is quite pretty. I'm not sure how this part is used. It could use some windows, though.

Virginia, you may be right. On the opposite wall there's a big lion.

I had to stick my camera inside the cyclone fence to get the shot, PA. I decided to keep the tilt.

College ball, Trish? What kind? Where? I'm impressed.

Ms. M, thanks. Always nice to see you on your evening visit.

toast said...

Aww, the pastel colors are so endearing. It instantly made me think of children and macaroni art. :) This may sound like a silly question, but what exactly is an "alternative school?"

Trish said...

P---years ago, PCC did not have a softball field on campus (can't remember what stage they are in with or without or if it is a parking lot again)...we played at Victory Park.

pain in the patootie to be off campus for practices and games---especially if you spent any time in the training room, on campus.

Played a moment more at another college and had a pro contract---but I had major reconstructive surgery on one joint and things were never the same. In fact, just this morning I woke up realizing I've had another side effect of the surgery all these years later--a related part is just not working well without a hitch.

I spent many an afternoon out there. The Marines next door used to come over and root for us if they didn't have some sort of duty.

Petrea Burchard said...

Toast, I keep hoping someone else will come and answer your question because I'm not up on this. Basically, it's where the curriculum is taught in an unconventional way. Sorta.

Anyone?

Trish, I'm sorry about the injuries but I love the story. I need to take a good wander around Victory Park. That place has got a history.

marley said...

I like these pastel doors. Nice.