The Gillispie School
Tel:
(858) 459-3773
- 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 (2020-21)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Students: 304 students
- Yearly Tuition: $20,000
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
Top Placements
The Gillispie School places among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
- Category Attribute
- Acceptance Rate Lowest average acceptance rates
- Student Body Largest student body
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
| School Membership(s)School Assoc. | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) |
| Religious Affiliation | Nonsectarian |
| 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 | 304 students |
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| % Students of Color | 16% State avg.: 45% |
| Students by Grade |
|
Academics and Faculty
| Total Classroom Teachers | 19 teachers |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 16:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
| Average Class Size | 14 students |
Finances and Admission
| 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.: 85% |
| Admissions Director | Elyn Roberts |
| Endowment Size | $4.5 million |
School Notes
- 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.
- 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.
Related Schools
Show me:
- People that viewed The Gillispie School also viewed these schools: The Evans School, Del Mar Pines School, The Childrens School, La Jolla Country Day School and Encinitas Country Day School.
Show me:
- School Location Miles Grades Students
- La Jolla Grades: K-6
1.3 miles
6510 La Jolla Scenic Dr S
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2066 1.3 K-6
n/a - San Diego Grades: K-6 | 152 students
8.6 miles
3975 Torrington Street
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615 8.6 K-6
152 - La Jolla Grades: NS-8 | 230 students
1.3 miles
2225 Torrey Pines Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184 1.3 NS-8
230 - La Jolla Grades: NS-12 | 1107 students
4.3 miles
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-3440 4.3 NS-12
1107 - Encinitas Grades: PK-8 | 432 students
12.7 miles
3616 Manchester Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111 12.7 PK-8
432
School 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 Parent - Monica |
| 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 Parent - shiny |
| 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 Parent - diana |
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