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. An independent, private school located in downtown La Jolla, Gillispie School enrolls students from Preschool through Grade 6. Our inspiring campus includes beautiful outdoor learning spaces, a fine arts center, science bungalow, sports field, sustainable garden, library, and gymnasium with a rock climbing wall.
Given these unprecedented times created by COVID-19, it is important to keep our priorities in the forefront. At Gillispie, we recognize that our program must honor our mission in creating a learning environment that serves as a “springboard for children’s love of learning, creativity, and readiness for the future.” We believe in a participatory, hands-on, active approach. For a safe re-opening of our campus in September 2020, we have taken great care in designing a setting that is physically and emotionally healthy for students, teachers, and staff. However, we must commit to changing course as circumstances change to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Communication with our families in these areas is critical to sustaining our sense of community.
These foundations are the pillars of our educational philosophy, and at Gillispie, we believe that learning is a journey in which children are active participants.
Our expertise in childhood education ages two through twelve creates learning foundations for life.
These are the years that make all the difference. We celebrate rather than rush childhood.
Our students construct their knowledge through relevant, project-based education.
Graduates enroll at top schools, have a love of learning, care for their community, are original thinkers, and exhibit kindness to others.
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.
We design our educational experiences to develop students who are:
Second graders have been exploring heat. – How can the sun’s heat be changed into
For the past few weeks, Prekindergarten students in Juniper Room have been learning about
Thanks to the generosity of our amazing families, the Gillispie Toy Drive was a tremendous
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.