Blackburn Mentoring gives San Marino students one dedicated mentor who helps them plan, keep a demanding schedule sustainable and build real independence, in person in Los Angeles or by video. Parents of high school students can join the free 20 minute intro call, agree the goals and get regular updates. Mentors do not tutor, run test prep or promise admissions; they help a capable student manage their own week.
The school picture in San Marino
San Marino has its own small public school system, the San Marino Unified School District, which enrolled 3,265 students in 2025 to 2026 according to Ed-Data, the K to 12 data partnership that includes the California Department of Education. We also work with students at independent and parochial schools and with college students home for a semester or summer.
Adults here are far more likely than the county average to hold a college degree. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 82.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with 36.0% across Los Angeles County, 23.8% of residents are under 18, and 46.5% were born outside the United States (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024). Students can grow up with high expectations from every direction, and meeting them can come at a cost to sleep and balance.
What San Marino families bring to a mentor
- Doing everything, and tired. Advanced classes, music, sports, service and enrichment, with no margin. A mentor helps a student see the whole week, choose and protect rest.
- Independence before college. Students whose schedules have been managed closely need practice running their own calendar before they leave home. See college transition mentoring.
- A first real setback. A grade, a cut or a rejection that feels enormous. Mentors help students recover with a plan and keep perspective.
- Finding their own direction. Students who have followed a path set early sometimes need room to ask what they actually want. See the college majors guide.
- Executive function skills. Even strong students hit a wall when workload outgrows their systems. See executive function coaching.
A separate, steady relationship
When a parent is also the person asking about every assignment, the conversation at home can get tense. A mentor takes on the weekly check in, so parents can step back while staying informed through regular updates. With the family’s permission, the mentor coordinates with the school counselor so everyone works from one plan.
In person or by video
Our team is based in Los Angeles, and San Marino is a short drive from Pasadena and the 110. Students can meet in person at a convenient, appropriate place agreed on the intro call or by video on busy weeks. Early morning, evening and weekend times are available.
How to start
- Take a short assessment. Tell us about your student and the goals. It takes about five minutes.
- Have a free 20 minute intro call. For high school students, a parent is welcome to join. We talk through fit, schedule and how your student would meet.
- Meet the mentor. New clients are matched with one mentor within two business days.
- Start the plan. 60 minute sessions, weekly or several times a week, with text and phone check ins between them.
Planning the school year? Our 2026 to 2027 school year calendar for Los Angeles families collects the UC and CSU application windows, SAT dates, AP exams and financial aid deadlines in one place.
Related
- Mentoring in Pasadena
- Mentoring in South Pasadena
- Mentoring in Arcadia
- Mentoring in Temple City
- Independent school families
- All Los Angeles County areas
Common questions
What ages do you work with?
High school students, college students and young adults, with a parent involved throughout for high school students. Ninth grade is often the best time to build planning habits.
Is this college admissions consulting?
No. Mentors never promise admissions results. They help students plan, follow through and stay balanced, and can work alongside a counselor or consultant.
Is this tutoring?
No. Mentors focus on planning, routines, follow through and confidence, and can work alongside tutors.
How quickly can we start?
After the free 20 minute intro call, new clients are matched with a mentor within two business days.
Get started
Looking for a mentor for a student in San Marino? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free 20 minute intro call.
Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.