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.
Gillispie Foundations
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.
Toddler to Tween
Our expertise in childhood education ages two through twelve creates learning foundations for life.
The Journey Matters
These are the years that make all the difference. We celebrate rather than rush childhood.
Learn by Doing
Our students construct their knowledge through relevant, project-based education.
Remarkable Results
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.
Average Class Size
Students never get lost in the numbers. Low student/teacher ratios and small class sizes help ensure that we are focusing on the needs of each child.
Students Receive Financial Aid
We strive to make a Gillispie education accessible for everyone. Of our roughly 270 students, an average of 50 per year qualify for and receive financial aid.
Specialty Classes
In addition to the core curriculum, Gillispie offers 6 specialty classes; Science and Sustainability, Media Literacy, Art, Music, Spanish, and P.E.
Percent Diverse
Gillispie has, on average, 40% students of color, and our families represent an array of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Gillispie Graduates Shine in Top Area Schools
We design our educational experiences to develop students who are:
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Specialty Spotlight: Music
In music this year students have had the opportunity to share their work, compositions, a
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Gillispie Artists participate in Young Art 2021: My World, Our Planet at the San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art’s biennial exhibition “Young Art: My World, Our Planet”
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Online Summer Book Club with Ms. Long!
For Elementary students who LOVE stories, this Online Summer Book Club with Ms. Long will
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.
