Now celebrating 37 years of educational excellence, Encinitas Country Day School (ECDS) blends Montessori, traditional, and 21st-century instructional methods to cultivate students of scholarship, integrity, and service.
Serving children from age 2 through 8th grade across two beautiful campuses, ECDS offers low student-to-teacher ratios that support scalable Math and Language Arts instruction and dynamic, project-based learning in Science and Social Studies. Citizenship and character development are woven into the curriculum as a fifth core subject, ensuring students grow academically and personally.
The ECDS TK-8 grade elementary and middle school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (W.A.S.C.).
Kindergarten through 5th-grade students enjoy at least one enrichment class per school day, including music, drama, visual arts, physical education, and conversational Spanish. The weekly 6th 8th grade afternoon schedule includes music, art studio, digital photography, Taekwondo, and physical education, with engaging and enriching Spanish classes three times per week.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 323 students
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Encinitas Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
mild learning differences
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Campus Size
12 acres
Student Body
Total Students
323 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 11:1
Average Class Size
16 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
burgundy, navy & khaki
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies for primary, kindergarten, elementary and middle school programs
Admissions Director
Kathleen Porterfield
Admissions Associate
Jeffrey Peterson
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Chess ClubDance Club
Middle School TutorialsMusic 'n Motion
Sports ClubSports League
The Actor's Studio
School Notes
- School Motto: Ad Vitam Paramus
- School Mascot: Red-tailed Hawk
- On-site Library and two full-time Librarians
- Digital Technology lab and Instruction
- Science Lab and on-campus Conservation Area
- Visual and Performing Arts, classrooms, studio, amphitheater and instruction
- Playing fields, Basketball and Volleyball courts, and 1/8 mile running track for Physical Education, as well as intramural, and league sports.
- Certificated faculty for academic support at all levels
- High academic standards
- Support for learning differences
- Standardized Testing
- After school and summer classes, programs and camps
- Individual, team and league sports
- Active and welcoming parent-teacher organization
- Involved students who love to learn
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Encinitas Country Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, Encinitas Country Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Encinitas Country Day School offer?
Encinitas Country Day School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Encinitas Country Day School's ranking?
Encinitas Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Encinitas Country Day School?
The application deadline for Encinitas Country Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Encinitas Country Day School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
September 01, 2026 (Tuesday)
Spring Break Begins (No School)
March 26, 2027 (Friday)
Spring Break (No School)
March 29, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day of School
June 11, 2027 (Friday)
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Encinitas Country Day School also viewed these schools: Santa Fe Christian Schools, The Rhoades School, Del Mar Pines School, The Gillispie School and The Childrens School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Encinitas Country Day School is The Grauer School (0.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Lighthouse Christian School (1.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
838 Academy Drive
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
2.1 miles
Gr: K-12 | 1,098 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 18 Tuition listed
141 S Rancho Santa Fe Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 666 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
3975 Torrington Street
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
4.7 miles
Gr: K-6 | 155 students Avg. class size: 23 students Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition listed
7380 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
12.7 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 369 students Avg. class size: 14 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2225 Torrey Pines Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
11.9 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 262 students Avg. class size: 14 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
838 Academy Drive
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
2.1 miles
Gr: K-12 | 1,098 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 18 Tuition listed
1500 El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
0.7 miles
Gr: 7-12 | 166 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
10.2 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 1,169 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 24 | Extracurrculars: 51 Tuition listed
679 Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-1188
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-1188
2.2 miles
Gr: K-12 | 82 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
11555 Clews Ranch Road
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-0882
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-0882
6.1 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 58 students Avg. class size: 6 students Sports: 19 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
838 Academy Drive
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
2.1 miles
Gr: K-12 | 1,098 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 18 Tuition listed
141 S Rancho Santa Fe Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 666 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
3975 Torrington Street
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
4.7 miles
Gr: K-6 | 155 students Avg. class size: 23 students Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition listed
7380 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
12.7 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 369 students Avg. class size: 14 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2225 Torrey Pines Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
11.9 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 262 students Avg. class size: 14 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
141 S Rancho Santa Fe Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 666 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
7380 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
12.7 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 369 students Avg. class size: 14 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2225 Torrey Pines Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
11.9 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 262 students Avg. class size: 14 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
10.2 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 1,169 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 24 | Extracurrculars: 51 Tuition listed
12642 Monte Vista Road
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 673-1756
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 673-1756
11.7 miles
Gr: NS-5 | 159 students Avg. class size: 36 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1500 El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
0.7 miles
Gr: 7-12 | 166 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Lighthouse Christian School
Daycare / Preschool (Pentecostal)
510 South El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-8500
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-8500
1.1 miles
Gr: NS-PK | 17 students Tuition listed
Bethlehem Community Early Chil
Daycare / Preschool (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
925 Balour Dr
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-2471
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-2471
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-PK | 180 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
141 S Rancho Santa Fe Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 666 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
6233 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
1.6 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 390 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1500 El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
0.7 miles
Gr: 7-12 | 166 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
6233 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
1.6 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 390 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
838 Academy Drive
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-8900
2.1 miles
Gr: K-12 | 1,098 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 18 Tuition listed
679 Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-1188
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-1188
2.2 miles
Gr: K-12 | 82 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Fusion Academy Solana Beach ![Fusion Academy Solana Beach Photo - Each Fusion campus has a state-of-the-art music studio with professional-grade tools. Students can explore instruments, vocals, songwriting, DJ performing arts, and more.]( "Fusion Academy Solana Beach Photo - Each Fusion campus has a state-of-the-art music studio with professional-grade tools. Students can explore instruments, vocals, songwriting, DJ performing arts, and more.")
Alternative School
512 Via De La Valle, Suite 201
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(877) 673-8893
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(877) 673-8893
2.8 miles
Gr: 6-12 Avg. class size: 1 student Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1500 El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-6777
0.7 miles
Gr: 7-12 | 166 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
141 S Rancho Santa Fe Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 666 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
6233 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
1.6 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 390 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
St. John Catholic School
(Catholic)
1003 Encinitas Blvd
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-8227
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 944-8227
1.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 541 students Avg. class size: 25 students Tuition listed
Leport Montessori
Montessori School
1010 Solana Dr
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 755-3232
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 755-3232
2.1 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 167 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Lighthouse Christian School
Daycare / Preschool (Pentecostal)
510 South El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-8500
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-8500
1.1 miles
Gr: NS-PK | 17 students Tuition listed
Bethlehem Community Early Chil
Daycare / Preschool (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (formerly AELC, ALC, or LCA))
925 Balour Dr
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-2471
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-2471
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-PK | 180 students Avg. class size: 12 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
141 S Rancho Santa Fe Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 965-3155
1.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 666 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
6233 El Apajo Road
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 381-8888
1.6 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 390 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Montessori School Of Encinitas
Montessori School
141 S El Camino Real Ste E
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 632-5433
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 632-5433
1.7 miles
Gr: PK-K | 65 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Ada W. Harris Elementary School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1508 Windsor Rd.
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
(760) 632-5894
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
(760) 632-5894
1.2 miles
Gr: 3-6 | 382 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Solana Vista Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
780 Santa Victoria Ave.
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 794-3700
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 794-3700
1.2 miles
Gr: K-3 | 317 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Jcs - Cedar Cove
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1221 Encinitas Blvd.
Julian, CA 92036
(760) 230-2870
Julian, CA 92036
(760) 230-2870
1.5 miles
Gr: K-12 | 131 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
San Dieguito High School Academy
(Math: 54% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
800 Santa Fe Dr.
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1121
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1121
1.5 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 1,843 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Cardiff Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 60-69% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1888 Montgomery Ave.
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
(760) 632-5892
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
(760) 632-5892
1.6 miles
Gr: K-2 | 259 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
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