The Winston School

For over 36 years, The Winston School has successfully educated twice-exceptional children whose learning differences have made succeeding in a traditional school difficult.
More than 95 percent of our graduates pursue higher education at a four-year or two-year college or university.
We prepare kids for college in a way that traditional schools just can`t.
Many of our teachers have worked at Winston for over a decade. Please browse our website, give us a call, or schedule a time to meet us. We`d love to learn more about your student and help you determine if they would be a good fit at our school.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 95 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $34,800
  • Acceptance rate: 75%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning)
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
95 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
The Winston School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$995 registration fee
Summer Program Cost
$3,900
Average Financial Aid Grant
$6,000
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Associate
Lizette Cardenas

Sports

Total Sports Offered
2 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Animal Therapy Class, Basketball, Card Games, Drama Club, Garden Club, Reading Club, Softball, Walking Club, Warhammer

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Class, Digital Media Class

School Notes

  • Mission: The Winston School inspires hope and success in twice-exceptional bright, creative students who have struggled to realize their potential in a traditional school setting.
  • We have a very low student/teacher ratio, which enables all students to learn in a way that meets their needs.We celebrate diversity, including a mix of San Diego students who learn in different ways and at different paces.
  • We recognize that students have strengths, understanding, and passion in particular areas and know thatstudents find some academic skills very challenging but maybe advanced in others.
  • Our dedicated staff is certified to teach special education andrespect that the student is the central actor in their own education.We encourage students to persevere, building persistence and resilience.We help to unlock student motivation and potential.We identify the needs and appropriate expectations of each student.
  • We hold reasonable expectations that, despite learning differences, each student can and will grow academically, socially, emotionally and ethically and have a chance to attend college if offered a flexible approach.
  • We ensure a safe, nurturing, patient, and calming community for learning.
  • Our collaborative, supportive environment readily assists and celebrates student effort and achievement.We are an inclusive school that values students with different viewpoints and experiences.
  • The Winston School's motto is"Never, never, never give up." Winston Churchill
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Winston School cost?
The Winston School's tuition is approximately $34,800 for private students and $3,900 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Winston School?
The acceptance rate of The Winston School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. The Winston School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Does The Winston School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Winston School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Winston School offer?
The Winston School offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Softball.
What is The Winston School's ranking?
The Winston School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Winston School?
The application deadline for The Winston School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
Winston is a thoughtful community dedicated to the individual needs of students. My son attended public school through 6th grade. He has learning disabilities and is on an IEP. Everything about Winston is tailored to support my son's challenges, but more importantly, nurture his abilities and build self-confidence. Winston celebrates their students. We are now part of a community of abundance rather than an environment of scarcity. Every single thing about your scholastic experience will change for the better when your child walks onto this campus. The Winston team is a highly trained, collaborative group of individuals that proactively seek to raise our children up. We are looking forward to college and beyond. The decision to attend this school is life-changing and healing for those who have experienced trauma in other settings.
- Posted by
5  
I've had a great experience working at the Winston School the past five years. The staff and students have become my second family. We are a very welcoming community and provide lots of opportunities for hands-on learning, group activities, and much more!
- Posted by
5  
I have worked in the counseling department at The Winston School for almost two years now. In that time I have met many new students and every time I ask them how they like Winston they express something like, "I've finally found my home." The students, and their families, tell me they are grateful for the kind teachers and staff who take the time to get to know them as individuals, and for their fellow students who welcome them from Day 1. In my estimation, The Winston School provides a healthy balance of challenge and support, with instructional delivery tailored to each student's needs. I would highly recommend this school for any student who has struggled to find the right fit elsewhere.
- Posted by
5  
My son was struggling in public school & falling through the cracks. He hated school. When he started in 5th grade, he said the best thing about Winston was that "I don't feel stupid like I always did (at his public school)". The teachers and administrators are amazing. They see my son (now finishing 9th) as a whole, with everyone coordinating to provide him with the best education possible. He is not a typical kid, and he frequently got the message in many areas of his life (especially school) that he is not okay as he is. At Winston, however, they see through the bluster. They don't just accept or tolerate him, they appreciate him for who he is. Probably more importantly, they help him to appreciate himself for who he is.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 95 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $34,800
  • Acceptance rate: 75%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Diego County, CA is $13,829 for elementary schools and $21,356 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in San Diego County, CA is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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