The Childrens School

We know that finding the right environment for your child's education makes a world of difference.
At The Children`s School (TCS) in La Jolla, our Toddler - Eighth grade students are part of a unique envrionment where risk-taking is expected, where making a difference is encouraged, and where working together is the norm. For over 44 years, TCS has been inspiring, engaging, and preparing students to become 21st Century learners and leaders through an intellectually rigorous academic program which is hands-on and project-based and a nationally recognized social curriculum.
TCS seeks to inspire each child's unique potential and desire for life-long learning.
We invite you to visit our 6.5 acre campus to experience the TCS difference for yourself.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 262 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,490
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / Sep. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1972
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
262 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
69%
State avg.: 51%

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
89%
Average Class Size
14 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / Sep. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Depends on program. Information on website. We do offer Financial Assistance to Kindergarten - 8th grade families.
Summer Program Cost
$250
Summer Program Cost Notes
Prices vary for summer instruction.
% on Financial Aid
22%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Rachel Ridgeway

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
A variety of science, cooking, gardening enrichment classes for all ages

Arts and Music Programs:
A variety of art and music program including piano, drama, etc., painting, pottery, sculpting, theater

Recreational Athletic Programs:
A variety of after school sports program and inter-scholastic sports 5th-8th grade

School Notes

At The Children's School, we believe an excellent education is one that develops the whole child - academically, socially, artistically and physically. Our programs teach students important knowledge and life skills using innovative, hands-on teaching strategies that engage students in the process of learning. At TCS, we believe in giving students knowledge as well as teaching them how to obtain knowledge for themselves. Our curriculum embraces the many learning styles of children, and our dedicated teachers challenge each child to fully discover his or her strengths and abilities.

For over 44 years, we have been providing students from throughout San Diego with the best private school education possible by developing children's intellect, creativity, character and compassion.

As a progressive school, we believe three core tenets are vital toeducating children:
  • Academic development and social growth must be equally supported.
  • Students learn best when they take an active role in their education.
  • Teaching children how to learn is as important as teaching them what to learn.
For these reasons and many others, The Children`s School offers an education like no other.

Our teachers are our foundation: Experienced and passionate, TCS teachers bring learning to life. They connect learning to what children already know and to what they want to know. They create joyful classroom communities so that students feel confident in taking academic risks and free to develop socially. And they understand that children learn in different ways and flourish with individual guidance.

A TCS education is broad, deep and engaging:Robust and interdisciplinary, our academic curriculum teaches math, writing, reading, science, art, technology, music, social studies, literature, physical educationand Spanish. Yet rather than teaching subjects in isolation, we strive to weave numerous disciplines into all learning, giving students a deep appreciation of the true interconnectedness of the world. We also give students endless opportunities to learn with their hands and to pursue their own interests, allowing abstract ideas to become real, meaningful and memorable.

We are about respect: We believe that schoolsshare a responsibility in developing each child`s character. Ourschool-wide social curriculum fosters each student's ability tocommunicate, to problem-solve and to treat others with compassionand respect.

TCS means community: We are a place in which teachers, administrators and parents are united by the mission to provide students with the best education possible and the joyful childhoods they deserve. Our parents take comfort in strong home-school partnerships. Our faculty members take pride in their work and responsibilities. We are a community based on shared values and priorities. We are a community that cares.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Childrens School cost?
The Childrens School's tuition is approximately $6,490 for private students and $250 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Childrens School?
The acceptance rate of The Childrens School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
Does The Childrens School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Childrens School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Childrens School offer?
The Childrens School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Football, Intramural Sports Only, Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. The Childrens School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Childrens School's ranking?
The Childrens School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for The Childrens School?
The application deadline for The Childrens School is Feb. 1 / Sep. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 / Sep. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 262 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,490
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / Sep. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in La Jolla, CA is $25,963 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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