The city has its own school district, La Cañada Unified School District, which is one of the best in California. Police and fire services are provided by Los Angeles County.
Be sure to check out The Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the premier U.S. research center for the exploration of our solar system. JPL offers a very informative and interactive website, public tours, lectures, guest speakers, and academic competitions.
Also worth seeing is Descanso Gardens, a year-round garden paradise, featuring the beautiful Japanese Garden, and the "Enchanted: Forest of Light" attraction from mid-November through early January. The Lanterman House, is one of the oldest homes in La Cañada, and is now a museum. And, Hahamonga Watershed Park is a great spot for picnicking and hiking.