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 (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 369 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:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Please inquire.
Year Founded
1953
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
369 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
14 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$20,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade.
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Elyn Roberts
Application URL
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 School is often viewed alongside schools like The Childrens School, 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 80%.
What is The Gillispie School's ranking?
The Gillispie School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: 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 ).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Gillispie School vs. The Childrens School, The Gillispie School vs. The Evans School
People that viewed The Gillispie School also viewed these schools: The Childrens School, The Evans School, La Jolla Country Day School, Del Mar Pines School and Encinitas Country Day School.
The nearest high school to The Gillispie School is The Bishop's School (0.4 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Stella Maris Academy (0.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is La Jolla Village Montessori School (0.1 miles away)
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Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: NS-8 | 262 students 1.3 miles 2225 Torrey Pines Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
1.3
NS-8
262
Grades: K-6 1.3 miles 6510 La Jolla Scenic Dr S
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2066
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2066
1.3
K-6
n/a
Grades: NS-12 | 1,180 students 4.3 miles 9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440
4.3
NS-12
1,180
Grades: K-6 | 155 students 8.6 miles 3975 Torrington Street
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
8.6
K-6
155
Grades: K-8 | 323 students 12.7 miles 3616 Manchester Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111
12.7
K-8
323
School Reviews
5 4/23/2018
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.
5 5/17/2016
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.
5 5/17/2016
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.
Endorse The Gillispie School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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