The Rhoades School is unique among the educational options that exist in San Diego County.
As a Pre-K - Grade 8 school designed for and dedicated to serving bright, high achieving students, we focus on teaching children How to Think, not what to think.
Recognizing that teacher expectations, communicated either implicitly or explicitly, directly influence student performance, Rhoades School faculty set the achievement bar very high and engage students in a rigorous curriculum that requires them to think persistently, flexibly, and creatively, while striving for accuracy and precision.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 666 students
- Yearly Tuition: $22,700
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Rhoades 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-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Academically advanced students
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
666 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
18 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,700
Tuition Notes
Tuition rates differ for Elementary School and Middle School. Please visit the school\'s website for detailed information.
% on Financial Aid
10%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$4,500
Acceptance Rate
55%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Jenni L Beadle
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, FIRST Robotics, Math Club, Orchestra, Science Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Choir, theater, Thespian Society
Chess Club, FIRST Robotics, Math Club, Orchestra, Science Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Choir, theater, Thespian Society
School Notes
- Rhoades School students are creative, curious and independent thinkers who exhibit an enthusiasm and passion for learning. At Rhoades, students set high expectations for themselves and welcome the opportunity to dig deeply into subject matter, whether questioning if mathematics is really about numbers or examining if literature can serve as a vehicle for social change. The faculty at Rhoades engage in instructional practices that emphasize collaboration and discussion; Rhoades is an environment where student engagement and participation flourish.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Rhoades School cost?
The Rhoades School's tuition is approximately $22,700 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Rhoades School?
The acceptance rate of The Rhoades School is 55%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. The Rhoades School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The Rhoades School offer?
The Rhoades School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is The Rhoades School's ranking?
The Rhoades School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Rhoades School?
The application deadline for The Rhoades 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:
People that viewed The Rhoades School also viewed these schools: Encinitas Country Day School, Del Mar Pines School, The Childrens School, Pacific Academy and The Evans School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to The Rhoades School is The Grauer School (1.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Horizon Prep (1.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: K-8 | 323 students 1.5 miles 3616 Manchester Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 942-1111
1.5
K-8
323
Grades: K-6 | 155 students 5.5 miles 3975 Torrington Street
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
5.5
K-6
155
Grades: NS-8 | 262 students 12.9 miles 2225 Torrey Pines Lane
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-0184
12.9
NS-8
262
Grades: K-12 | 115 students 2.5 miles 679 Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-1188
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-1188
2.5
K-12
115
Grades: K-6 14.1 miles 6510 La Jolla Scenic Dr S
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2066
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-2066
14.1
K-6
n/a
School Reviews
5 1/27/2020
A couple years ago my daughter, then in sixth grade, was attending what we felt was a good north San Diego County private school. She approached me one day toward the end of that school year and complained that she felt she wasn't being challenged enough academically in just about every subject. She asked me if we could consider looking for an alternative school that would be more committed to academic excellence. I agreed, and we started looking at and visiting just about every school in the area. After several field trips and talking to many neighboring parents and students, we both concluded that the Rhoades School in Encinitas was the finest lower and middle school in North County. My daughter applied for and fortunately was admitted to the Rhoades School's 7th grade the following year. She is now in 8th grade and has been attending Rhoades for almost a school year and a half and it has been EVERYTHING she had hoped for. She has been far more challenged and is learning so much more in every subject including math, science, the humanities and technology. Her math and writing skills have improved tremendously. She entered her first science fair ever and went to the county and regional finals. She has learned incredible programming skills on multiple platforms and has thoroughly enjoyed it. She was encouraged and supported to enter a regional creativity contest combining the humanities and arts disciplines and won an award there as well. In short, my daughter's entire scholastic experience at the Rhoades School has been INCREDIBLE: incredibly challenging, incredibly fulfilling and incredibly fun.
Endorse The Rhoades School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
5 Reasons You Might Be Looking At The Wrong Schools
Many parents unknowingly focus on the wrong criteria when selecting a school for their child. This article highlights five common mistakes families make when evaluating schools and offers practical advice to help them refocus on what truly matters. From academic fit to school culture, learn how to make the best choice for your child’s future.
Pre-AP, PSAT/NMSQT, BlueBook, and More
This article explains the College Board's programs designed to prepare middle and high school students for the SAT. It covers Pre-AP courses, and the PSAT Suite of Assessments, highlighting how these programs use technology to enhance learning.
Independent Schools in Africa
Discover Africa's vibrant international education landscape with our comprehensive guide to private K-12 schools across the continent. From British and American curricula to French, German, and niche language programs, explore how expat families can find world-class education tailored to their needs. Learn about boarding and day schools in South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and beyond.
