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. We are an independent, private school located in downtown La Jolla that educates the hearts and minds of students, Preschool through Grade 6. Through our cross-disciplinary, collaborative curriculum, our students have endless hands-on opportunities to discover and explore new passions. They are cheered on by a diverse community that honors and fosters each child’s social, emotional, and intellectual journey--inspiring a generation of joyous learners, independent and confident problem solvers, articulate communicators, and thoughtful citizens of the world.

Besides spacious, well-lit and ventilated classrooms, our inspiring campus includes beautiful outdoor learning spaces, an art atelier and bungalow, science and design lab, sports field, library and media center, music room, theater and multi-purpose space and much more!

We specialize in developing young learners into independent thinkers of good character. Respecting the ideas of children, teachers support each child’s individual contribution to the learning process. In our Reggio-inspired preschool and throughout our constructivist elementary program, children are inspired to get to the “why,” not just the “how.” Gillispie graduates emerge exceptionally prepared for success in middle school.

When you visit our La Jolla Village campus, not only will you see the magical moments that make each learning opportunity here special, you will feel the warmth and sense of community that our environment brings.