Welcome to Gillispie School
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.
We invite all students to join us for a summer program filled with exploration and discovery at our Learning Village in La Jolla! To keep your child fully engaged in purposeful learning and warm-weather fun, Gillispie School offers an 8-week Parent Toddler Exploration Program (PTEP), an exciting Early Childhood Camp for students ages 3-4 and a diverse array of Elementary Camp Classes for children in Grades K-6.
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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.
Learn More on our admission page
At Gillispie, Kids are Known, Challenged, and Loved
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.
Gillispie at a Glance
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:
Our Philosophy and Community Values
Gillispie Community Blog
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Design Thinking: A Way Towards Being Prepared for the Future of Work
What is the best way to organize our classroom library? How might we reduce food waste at
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Specialty Spotlight: Science
Pick up a ball and toss it to a friend. It’s pretty likely they’re going to catch it
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Live Auction Highlight: Dine with Food Network Star “Chef Marcela” Valladolid!
Gillispie’s own Emmy-nominated international celebrity chef, Marcela Valladolid, will pr
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Interested in Learning More?
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.
