The Gillispie School

Gillispie School, named La Jolla's Best Private Elementary School, is an independent, coeducational day school enrolling students from age two through Grade Six.
Our school community is devoted to educational excellence, and our program serves as a springboard for children`s love of learning, creativity, and readiness for the future.
We value kindness, respect, and individual commitment to the larger world. Our expansive campus is located in downtown La Jolla, and includes a fine arts center, early childhood art atelier, science bungalow, sustainable garden, and library.
Two playgrounds, a sports field, and gymnasium provide areas for recess and physical education. Students benefit from San Diego's numerous natural and intellectual resources.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 344 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $20,000
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Please inquire.
Year Founded
1953
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
344 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
The Gillispie School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
14 students

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade.
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Elyn Roberts
Endowment Size
$4.5 million

School Notes

  • Gillispie School, namedLa Jolla's Best Private Elementary School, is an independent, coeducational day school enrolling students from age two through Grade Six. Our school community is devoted to educational excellence, and our program serves as a springboard for children`s love of learning, creativity, and readiness for the future. We value kindness, respect, and individual commitment to the larger world.
  • Our expansive campus is located in downtown La Jolla and includes a fine arts center, early childhood art atelier, science bungalow, sustainable garden, and library. Two playgrounds, asports field, and gymnasiumprovide areas for recess and physical education. Students benefit from San Diego's numerous natural and intellectual resources.
  • Gillispie is a school where children can`t wait to arrive, never want to leave, and are eager to share their day`s adventures with families and friends. The synergy of forward-thinking teachers, administrators, families, and mentors provides the nurturing support that allows children to take risks, be creative, and think independently. Encouraged by exemplary and passionate teachers to express their knowledge and opinions, children become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. We use time, financial resources and physical space to create an environment that develops confident, competent children of character.
  • For more information, visit www.gillispie.org or contact us at 858-459-3773.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Gillispie School cost?
The Gillispie School's tuition is approximately $20,000 for private students.
What schools are The Gillispie School often compared to?
The Gillispie Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like The Evans School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Gillispie School?
The acceptance rate of The Gillispie School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. The Gillispie School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What is The Gillispie School's ranking?
The Gillispie School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Gillispie School?
The application deadline for The Gillispie School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
Gillispie is truly a leader in Early childhood education. We have been parents at Gillispie for over 12 years. All three of my kids have truly LOVED their school. We feel Very fortunate to have found such a holistic, healthy, and nurturing environment for our children to grow and build strong foundations for their future academic experiences. The teachers are dedicated, experienced, caring, and truly go above and beyond to give their best to our children on a daily basis. The head of school is an amazing leader, a role model, and one who is dedicated to the well being of our children and the field of education. My Gillispie graduate, who is now in middle school has wonderful memories, and is truly thriving in 8th grade both academically and as an adolescent. He was very well prepared for middle school and has continuously excelled and challenged himself academically. . We know that our children are genuinely happy here and not under pressure and stress to perform like "mini adults". They are enjoying their childhood as they should, while learning to be critical thinkers, caring citizens, good friends, and developing a love of learning. For that we are very grateful to this school.
- Posted by
5  
My son attends Gillispie and we love this school. He looks forward to going to school every day. He is in the Early Childhood program, and the emphasis of the program is not on rote memorization but on socialization, critical thinking, and individual development. I was skeptical of the school's approach at first, but now I am a true believer. I''ve seen what they teach in action, and we are so pleased by our son's development, his love of learning (even at such an early age), and his enthusiasm for working on the various projects at school.
- Posted by
5  
We LOVE Gillispie!! It's more than another school; it's an environment, culture and extended family we feel blessed to be part of. Gillispie completely squashed my preconceived notions of private/independent schools.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 344 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $20,000
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 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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