Early Childhood

(Age 2-PreK)
Our Reggio-inspired early childhood program nurtures each child's unique contribution to learning.

Lower Elementary

(Grades K-2)
Our social-constructivist-inspired elementary program encourages children to explore the "why," not just the "how."

Upper Elementary

(Grades 3-6)
Our rigorous upper-elementary curriculum asks students to think deeply and independently.

Specialty Classes

A cross-disciplinary approach in our specialty classes enhances learning across all subjects.

Parent Toddle Exploration at Gillispie School

Parent Toddler

(Age 20-36 months)
Join us for fun-filled mornings with your toddler, age 20-36 months!

Why the Rush?

In today's fast-paced world, there’s pressure to accelerate learning. But why the rush and to what end? The years between ages two and 12 are a uniquely wondrous time in children’s lives. The investment in these years is foundational to developing joyous, life-long learners. At Gillispie, the journey matters.

Gillispie School Hands

Gillispie Foundations

Toddler to Tween
Toddler to Tween

We have been building learning foundations for life for more than 70 years.

journey
The Journey Matters

These formative years matter most; we cherish and celebrate childhood rather than rush it.

Gillispie School student in maker space
Learn by Doing

Students explore their curiosities and construct the skills of tomorrow through collaborative, hands-on, project-based work.

remarkable results
Remarkable Results

Our graduates attend top local schools, embrace learning, think creatively, care for their community, and show kindness to others.

Who We Are

Leaders in early childhood and elementary education, we nurture joyous learners from age two to Grade 6 who become confident problem-solvers, effective communicators, and thoughtful global citizens.

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Number of Students

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STUDENT Diversity

0:1

Early Childhood Student/Teacher Ratio

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Average Elementary Class Size

$0K

ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDED

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

Visit Gillispie

Seeing is believing! Join our admissions team for a personal tour of our classrooms in action and discover what sets us apart.

Ready to join our community?

We will consider applications for the 2025–2026 school year based on available openings. Please submit your online application first, and we’ll then schedule a classroom visit to get to know your child.

"You're going to love it here!"

Moira M. and Meghdad R.

Parents

What truly sets Gillispie apart is the extraordinary care and professionalism of its teachers and staff. During our child’s kindergarten year, we saw firsthand how every decision is centered around what’s best for the children. The teachers are not only experienced and thoughtful but also incredibly nurturing—they meet each child where they are and help them grow with patience and encouragement. Our child feels safe, supported, and excited to go to school every day (almost, sometimes it's hard to compete with Bluey and Bingo). We feel so lucky to have started our educational journey here. Schools and parents each have incredibly important roles in early childhood development; it’s my opinion that Gillispie takes theirs very seriously.

Michelle and Nick K.

Parents

We’ve been part of the Gillispie community for 9 years, and it’s been like a second home. Gillispie does a great job nurturing creativity while also providing a strong academic foundation. The staff and teachers are caring, passionate and committed to helping the students thrive. There is also a strong sense of community among parents, teachers and staff which is realty important to our family.

Stephaine F.

Parent

The Gillispie School has been a dream realized for our family. I attended Gillispie as a child and cherished those formative years--so enrolling our eldest in the Early Childhood Program in 2022 felt like coming home.

From day one, we were struck by the school's deep commitment to character development, curiosity, and collaborative learning. Our son has truly flourished, thanks to the exceptional teaching staff who nurture not only academic growth but emotional well-being. Their dedication is evident--years later, our son still greets every teacher and staff member by name, and they warmly do the same.

Gillispie fosters a strong, inclusive community that extends beyond the classroom. We've found lasting friendships with fellow like-minded parents who share our values around education and kindness.

Our middle son starts in the Littles Cottage this fall, and we couldn't be more excited for his journey. Gillispie is everything we hoped for--and more.

Cami and Kelsey C.

Parents

As parents of two young children who started in Gillispie’s pre school program three years ago, our time there has been nothing short of absolutely wonderful. The facilities and curriculum are outstanding, but what truly separates Gillispie as a private and independent learning environment for early childhood is the people. From the front office staff to the classroom teachers, the personal touch and connection they create are truly magical and you and your children feel it at every turn of the experience. A major testament to Gillispie’s head of school - you would be hard pressed to find a better early childhood educational team top to bottom anywhere in the world. Five stars!

Julia M.

Parent

As a parent to a Kindergartener at Gillispie, I could not be happier with the experience our family has had during our first year at the school. We have felt supported by the entire team of teachers and staff who are attentive, proactive and caring. Our daughter's confidence and skills have grown tremendously, and we love that she gets a well rounded education including specialty classes.

Clair Aragon & Alden Rothe

Parents

Our family has had the great fortune to be able to attend The Gillispie School for five remarkable years, during which our experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. The school's exceptional programs are noteworthy, yet it is the vibrant and dedicated community of teachers, staff, students, and parents that truly sets it apart. Gillispie's guiding principle, "The Journey Matters," is beautifully embodied in our son's educational experience. Gillispie’s approach to education fully integrates real-life experiences, making learning engaging, enjoyable, and infinitely valuable. The devoted teachers, who appreciate their own growth alongside their students’, are at the heart of this enriching environment. Furthermore, the staff—from the warm and welcoming individuals at the front desk to the exceptional specialty teachers—play an indispensable role in creating a nurturing atmosphere.

California Association of Independent Schools

Visiting Team Report, June 2024

Students find a welcoming embrace at every juncture of their educational journey, while parents are not only esteemed and listened to, but also actively engaged in enriching their children's academic pursuits. Faculty and staff alike experience a profound sense of belonging within the school community, buoyed by robust leadership support. The prevailing sentiment is one of enduring commitment and contentment. Collectively, the community exudes warmth and affection, fostering an environment akin to a second home for all its members, where each individual is esteemed and acknowledged.

Gillispie Family

Parent

From the first day our child visited Gillispie, we knew we had found something special. They say it takes a village, and we are so lucky Gillispie helped shape our kids’ childhoods. They are kind, curious, and confident because of lessons learned here.

Gillispie Family

Parent

Academics at Gillispie are excellent, and their focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical skills for the future. My children love going to school at Gillispie and feel confident and happy there every day.

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