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!
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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Happy Happenings
Imaginative play is an important part of our Early Childhood (EC) students’ day. A c
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Hour of Code
This week, we have been celebrating the Hour of Code with our K-6 students! The Hour of
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Paying Attention in Art Class!
The conceptual artist Robert Irwin of La Jolla (1928-2023) said, “It’s a constant,
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.