PASADENA - In 1928 in Pasadena, the numbers 6-4-4 were as well known as 9/11 is today.

On May 22 of that year, the Star-News wrote:

"Superintendent of Schools John A. Sexson, in a remarkable exposition of the `6-4-4' system of educational organization before members of the University Club last night, stated that Pasadena educational authorities, with the support of other city organizations, are about to embark on a plan which would give pupils of Pasadena schools an enriched experience and social life as attractive as that of the first two years at the average college."

In the 6-4-4 system, elementary school ended with sixth grade instead of eighth, a shock to some people. Junior high had seventh through 10th grades. The last two years of high school were added to the junior college so it became a four-year institution with a more collegiate atmosphere than a high school.

Pasadena was the first district in California to adopt the 6-4-4 system.

"I have received letters from educational authorities in New York and other places regarding this new system. People in other cities are watching Pasadena," Sexson said.

Pasadena had been moving in this direction since Pasadena Junior College was opened on the high school campus in 1924. The people had also voted a bond issue for building more junior high schools.

A consultant had recommended the new system. Sexson predicted a cost saving from elimination of duplication.

Sexson (pictured here) said of the junior college, "We have not set up any amusement program. Some folks say we will hold dances. This is beside the mark, whether we dance or not, but we hope to set up an organization that will be as socially attractive as that in the lower two years of the ordinary college."

The 6-4-4 organization succeeded.

After World War II, John Muir College was added because of growth. PJC was named Pasadena City College in 1948.

In 1955, the 6-4-4 system was ended because of financial complications involving adjacent districts. Muir College became John Muir High School and the new Pasadena High School was built. PCC returned to being a two-year college.