The Grauer School Photo #8 - Watercolor painting of the completed, permanent campus. The updated campus will include a spacious quad, new English, Mathematics, and Art classrooms as well as a Visual and Performing Arts Center.

The Grauer School

The Grauer School has been the North County's premier, independent, college preparatory institution for twenty three years and the region's only UNESCO-affiliated school.
The school's mission is to promote and maintain an environment of academic excellence, to help students develop as caring and compassionate individuals, and to build awareness of their responsibilities to both local and global society.
To accomplish this, we seek students who are able and ready to perform in a college preparatory environment, engage actively with both peers and mentors, and embrace leadership and service opportunities.
The Grauer School focuses on balancing academic rigor with expeditionary learning and Socratic teaching.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 169 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $26,872
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Grauer School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Year Founded
1991
Colors
Green, Blue
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025

Student Body

Total Students
169 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
The Grauer School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
86%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
All college preparatory courses approved for honors, Virtually all courses may be taken for honors
Average SAT score
1255
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
26
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Humble. No logos.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
20%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$10,000
Acceptance Rate
45%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Tricia Valeski
Admissions Associate
Akemi Dyer
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Film, Z. New clubs added by student interest

Club or Organization:
Cooking, Gardening, Leadership, National Honor Society, Robotics, Service Club, Skateboarding, Stock Market Club, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Audio Visual, Music, Recording Arts, Theatre

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Sports, Tennis

School Notes

  • School Motto: Learn by Discovery®
  • personalized college placement
  • teachers who are mentors -- great relationships
  • enriched academics
  • values-based education
  • mastery learning
  • expeditionary learning
  • 6% international students, from Asia, Latin America and Europe
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Grauer School cost?
The Grauer School's tuition is approximately $26,872 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Grauer School?
The acceptance rate of The Grauer School is 45%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. The Grauer School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Does The Grauer School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Grauer School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Grauer School offer?
The Grauer School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Sailing, Soccer, Surf Team, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Grauer School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Grauer School's ranking?
The Grauer School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Grauer School?
The application deadline for The Grauer School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5  
Great communication at this school. Teachers and administrators really know your child and care about them. High academic and personal achievement in a low pressure, supportive, environment.
- Posted by

Endorse The Grauer School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 169 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $26,872
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Encinitas, CA is $20,414 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links