Instruction in the elementary schools (kindergarten through fifth grade) of the Pasadena Unified School District is rooted in the basic academic skills, which include reading, writing, speaking and listening, and mathematics. Science, history/social science, and the arts are fundamental components of the elementary program.

Elementary students are also introduced to career awareness, and begin to explore professions and careers. In the upper elementary grades, students begin assessing their own academic and personal interests and laying the groundwork for middle and high school.

The Division of Elementary Education is responsible for K-5 Schools, Dual Language Immersion Program, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Instruction, Curriculum, and Assessment, Arts Education, Health Education, K-5 Libraries.