La Jolla Schools: K-12
Whether you are like the millions of San-Diegans who aspire to live in La Jolla, or you already do, here is a detailed list of all the private and public schools from elementary to high school that La Jolla has to offer!
Public La Jolla Elementary Schools
Bird Rock Elementary (K-5) 5371 La Jolla Hermosa Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Bird Rock Elementary School opened in 1951 and is a small, highly rated school in the San Diego Unified School District situated on 4.5 acres of land with approximately 445 students. The campus is made up of 4 permanent buildings and nine bungalows.
Classes begin at 8:30 A.M. and the day ends at 3:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. “The community of Bird Rock Elementary School actively supports learning and creates opportunities for academic achievement and personal responsibility for all students through a standards-based curriculum that challenges students to rise to their highest potential through inquiry, discovery, and collaboration.
Our staff, students, and parents, with the support of our neighborhood community, strive toward a common goal of academic success and the social and emotional well-being of every student.” Many in the community feel a strong sense of connection to the school. Bird Rock students are high-achievers and their STAR results place Bird Rock Elementary amongst the district’s top-performing elementary schools.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Test results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress show that in English language arts/literacy 51.05% of students exceed the state standards and in math, 81.31% of students exceed the state standards. Bird Rock Elementary offers a special needs and gifted and talented (GATE) program and does not offer summer school.
La Jolla Elementary (K-5) 1111 Marine Street, La Jolla, CA, 92037
La Jolla Elementary is part of the San Diego Unified School District located in the neighborhood of La Jolla Mesa and is one of the best public elementary schools in California. Parents speak very highly of La Jolla Elementary’s devoted teachers, and what they love most is the strong sense of community. There are 568 students currently enrolled and the student to teacher ratio is 1 to 20.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Test results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress show that in English language arts/literacy 82.61% of students exceed the state standards and in math, 81.31% of students exceed the state standards. They Received the California Gold Ribbon Award in 2016, which is an award created to honor schools with outstanding educational programs.
La Jolla Elementary students are rated above average in test scores, academic improvements, above average in its ability to serve disadvantaged students and students here have shown more academic progress from grade to grade compared to students in other schools in the state. The school day starts at 8:15 A.M. and ends at 2:45 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and early dismissal on Wednesdays at 12:20 P.M. La Jolla Elementary does not offer summer school, but offers a Special Needs Program, Gifted and Talented (GATE) Program starting in 3rd grade.
Torrey Pines Elementary (K-5) 8350 Cliffridge Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Torrey Pines Elementary School is a La Jolla School part of the San Diego Unified School District and is located high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, near the University of California San Diego in the La Jolla Heights neighborhood.
“Our mission is to provide an environment conducive to student learning in which each child feels successful, achieves academically, and thinks critically; and in which teachers, students, administrators, parents, and community members work together to create and maintain a comprehensive curriculum based on student needs and state standards.”
Torrey Pines has 500 students and received the California Gold Ribbon Award from the California Department of Education in 2016 and one of the two schools to receive the 2013 National Blue Ribbon Award. Torrey Pines is consistently ranked a top performing elementary school in San Diego County and in the top 5% of schools in the state. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Test results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress show that in English Language Arts/Literacy 66.36% of students exceed the state standards and in math, 63.84% of students exceed the state standards.
School starts at 8:30 A.M. and ends at 3 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Wednesday is early dismissal at 12:30 P.M. Torrey Pines offers a robust Gifted and Talented Program, a Special Needs Program, and does not offer summer school.
Private La Jolla Elementary Schools
Children’s School (Toddler & Pre K-8) 2225 Torrey Pines Ln, La Jolla, CA 92037
Children’s School is a progressive, diverse and private co-ed elementary and middle school that sits on a 6.5-acre campus in the Hidden Valley neighborhood of La Jolla. “For over a century, progressive education has championed a hands-on, integrated approach to learning, an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking, a focus on cooperation and collaboration and a commitment to supporting the development of the whole child. These hallmarks, evolved and updated to meet the rigors of today’s society, can be found in every student’s experience at The Children’s School.”
The Children’s School does not require students to wear uniforms, has an average class size of 14, and are currently offering 20% of families financial aid. The Toddler Program is open to children 20-35 months by Sept 1 of the year of entry. For children 20-26 months, the Tuesday/Thursday class runs from 9-11:15. For children 27-35 months, their Monday/Wednesday/Friday transitional drop-off class runs from 9-12. In their Tuesday/Thursday program, parents stay with children. In our Monday/Wednesday/Friday program, parents drop off their children as students are developmentally ready. Prekindergarten classes are open to students who have reached their fourth birthday by Sept. 1 of the year of entry. Classes are Monday through-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Gillespie School (Pre-K starting at age 2- 6) 7380 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 92037
Gillespie School is a co-ed private school founded in 1933, located in the Village of La Jolla. Gillespie School started off as a small cottage that served hot meals to the underprivileged children of single mothers or working parents in La Jolla during the Great Depression and has grown today to serve 270 students and families from age 2 to 6th grade.
They were voted a best private school and preschool in La Jolla “with a focus on Reggio-inspired, constructivist and project-based curriculum and faculty that is recognized for their excellence and commitment to continuing education and accreditations.” Gillispie School has received joint accreditation by the Western Association of Schools (WASC) and Colleges and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).
In the last few years, they have established The Gillispie School Endowment of Excellence in Teaching for faculty education and advancement. Students in grades K-6 wear uniforms and parents rate Gillespie extremely high in its ability to equip their students with excellent leadership skills, preparation for the grade ahead, overall effectiveness, and spoke highly of the faculty. Parents say that their children loved their years at Gillespie. The average class size is 14, $475,000 was donated to qualifying families for financial aid this year, 33% are students of color, and Gillespie offers summer school courses and children grades K-6. Students must apply and be accepted to attend Gillespie Elementary School
Evan’s School (K-6) 6510 La Jolla Scenic Drive S, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Evans School is a co-ed private elementary school of La Jolla founded in 1958 and is located in the Muirlands neighborhood of La Jolla Their mission is to provide its students “with a challenging academic program, enriched with a finely tuned balance of music, drama, art, and sports. Classes are kept small so teachers can accommodate the children’s various learning styles. The application process starts with a tour and you must be accepted to get into this school.
La Jolla Country Day (PreK age 3-12) 9490 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037
La Jolla Country Day is a private co-ed La Jolla school located near UCSD and was founded in 1926. Their mascot is the Torrey Pine. There are 1,120 students enrolled, and 70 zip codes represented on campus. the early childhood center has a 6 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio and the lower (elementary) school has a 10 to 1 ratio student-to-teacher ratio and classes sizes of about 14-18, with two full-time teachers in each Kindergarten classroom and 16-20 in the lower school with one teacher and one teacher associate per classroom.
The lower schools broad-based programs “place equal importance on all academic curriculum and character/dignity education, which lays the foundation of our student’s future academic success, personal grown and global responsibilities”. La Jolla Country Day offers after school and summer programs, students must apply and be accepted into La Jolla Country Day. Students are not required to wear uniforms and the school day for the Early Childhood Center and Lower school is 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (Early dismissal on Fridays at 2:30 p.m.)
Stella Maris Academy (Transitional K-8) 7654 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Stella Maris is a private co-ed Catholic School La Jolla School that was founded 1944 and located in The Village of La Jolla. Their logo/ mascot is Reminiscent of the Shield of Faith, the crest represents the Star of the Sea through the Marian M and offset star. The cross and sword stand for our role as defenders of our faith. Their mission is “to empower a community of diverse learners to achieve their God-given potential by providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and safe environment.” Students must apply and be accepted to Stella Maris Academy. Stella Maris Academy offers special needs programs and does not offer summer school. Stella Maris students are required to wear uniforms and must apply and be accepted to attend.
Public La Jolla Middle Schools
Muirlands Middle School (6-8) 1056 Nautilus St. La Jolla, CA, 92037
Muirlands Middle School is a public La Jolla school part of the San Diego Unified School District located in the Country Club neighborhood of La Jolla. There are 1,052 students and a 24 to 1 student-to-teacher-ratio. School starts at 7:30 A.M. and ends at 2:10 A.M. with late start days (8:50 A.M.) every first Tuesday of the month.
Their mission is “to inspire and prepare students to reach their full potential as highly literate learners, prepared to meet the challenges of a global and technological society, while maintaining high standards, enhancing character development, and providing a range of educational experiences. Our goals include.” Their smarter Balanced Assessment Test results from the California Assessment of Student 
Performance and Progress show that in English Language Arts/Literacy 40.59% of students exceed the state standards and in math, 42.65% of students exceed the state standards. Muirlands Middle School offers a Special Needs, Gifted and Talented (GATE) Program and does not offer summer school.
Private La Jolla Middle Schools
La Jolla Country Day (PreK age 3-12) 9490 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037
La Jolla Country Day is a private La Jolla school located near UCSD and was founded in 1926. Their mascot is the Torrey Pine. There are 1,120 students enrolled and 70 different zip codes represented, the middle school has about 16-18 students per classroom. The middle and upper school offers 22 different AP courses AP students with scores of 3 or higher: 81 percent (57 percent is the California average).
The middle school’s academic program is “where we cultivate the maturation of our young scholars in Grades 5–8 in an ever-changing time in their lives. A bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, the Middle School challenges students within a nurturing environment and provides opportunities to explore a variety of academic offerings, technology, physical education, music, art, community service, and leadership roles.” La Jolla Country Day offers after school and summer programs, students must apply and be accepted into La Jolla Country Day. Middle School hours are from 8 A.M.- 3 P.M. and students do not need to wear uniforms.
Stella Maris Academy (Transitional K-8) 7654 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Stella Maris is a private co-ed Catholic School that was founded 1944 and located in The Village of La Jolla. Their logo/ mascot is Reminiscent of the Shield of Faith, the crest represents the Star of the Sea through the Marian M and offset star.
The cross and sword stand for our role as defenders of our faith. to empower a community of diverse learners to achieve their God-given potential by providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and safe environment.” Students must apply and be accepted to Stella Maris Academy. Stella Maris Academy offers special needs programs and does not offer summer school.
Children’s School (K-8) 2225 Torrey Pines Ln, La Jolla, CA 92037
Children’s School is a progressive, diverse, private, co-ed elementary and middle school made up of 250 students that sits on a 6.5-acre campus in the Hidden Valley neighborhood of La Jolla. “For over a century, progressive education has championed a hands-on, integrated approach to learning, an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking, a focus on cooperation and collaboration and a commitment to supporting the development of the whole child. These hallmarks, evolved and updated to meet the rigors of today’s society, can be found in every student’s experience at The Children’s School.”
The Children’s School does not require students to wear uniforms, has an average class size of 14, and are currently offering 20% of families financial aid. “The goal of our Middle School Program is to instill in every adolescent an enduring intellectual passion, confidence, and social responsibility. Hands-on, individualized learning and a sense of belonging help students feel engaged and ensure they reach their full potential, all while preparing them for success in high school and beyond. Opportunities abound for supported risk-taking and an exploration of new and emerging interests and abilities.”
Public La Jolla High Schools
La Jolla High School (9-12) 750 Nautilus St, La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla High, home of Vikings was founded in 1922 and is part of the San Diego Unified School District. La Jolla High’s campus encompasses 12 acres with 14 permanent buildings and is home to 1,500 students. The school day starts at 7:25 A.M. and ends at 2:19 P.M. Monday through Friday, with an exception of Tuesday, which starts at 8:50 A.M. La Jolla High School prides itself on providing a positive, well-ordered climate conducive to learning. LJHS has been recognized as one of the top high schools in the nation (Newsweek and US News and World Report magazines).
La Jolla High is also recognized as a California Distinguished School, and as an Achievement via Individual Determination (AVID) 
School of Distinction. In addition, LJHS was the first public high school west of the Mississippi to earn a chapter in the Cum Laude Society. Each year approximately 95% of graduating seniors enter universities or colleges, with a significant number of students attending Ivy League schools, out-of-state institutions, and the University of California and California State University systems.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Test results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress show that in English Language Arts/Literacy 40.42% of students exceed the state standards and in math, 29.88% of students exceed the state standards. La Jolla High does offer summer school, special needs and Gifted and Talented (GATE) programs.
Private La Jolla High Schools
Bishop’s School (6-12) 7607 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, 92037
Bishop’s School, home of the Knights is a Christian School is a co-ed private school located in the Village of La Jolla that was founded in 1909. Their campus sits on a beautiful 11 acres and is San Diego’s only independent middle and high school affiliated with the Episcopal Church.
There are 800 students enrolled at Bishop’s, with a 1 to 9 student to teacher ratio. Students come from all over the county, 70 different schools to be exact to attend Bishop’s. They offer AP courses, as well as alternative/special education programs as well as summer school. Bishop’s mission is “in addition to stimulating and challenging students academically, we believe that it is our role to help young people learn to be morally discriminating and to define ethical standards that will take them from adolescence to adulthood.
We recognize that how we teach plays a crucial role in how well students assimilate information, as well as how well they gain insight into how they will live their lives. Bishop’s teachers are accomplished in their fields and bring a passion for teaching and young people, and our classes are remarkably small, most have 14-16 students. When students have spent their years at The Bishop’s School, we trust that they will go forward relying on their own strengths and on the qualities that we have helped them develop while they were at Bishop’s.” Bishop’s School is one of the most prestigious schools in the nation, receiving consistent years of awards and accolades. They are ranked number one in the state for best Christian High Schools, number one best High School for STEM in San Diego, number
one best private college prep High School in San Diego number one best private High School in San Diego, 12th best private High School in the state and number 18 out of 161 in High School sports in San Diego. Students must apply and be accepted into the school, and proudly award $3 million annually in financial aid to families of students.
La Jolla Country Day (PreK age 3-12) 9490 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037
La Jolla Country Day is a co-ed private school located near UCSD and was founded in 1926, their mascot is the Torrey Pine. There are 1,120 students enrolled and 70 zip codes represented, the middle and upper school has about 16-18 students per classroom. The middle and upper school offers 22 different AP courses, after school and summer programs. AP students with scores of 3 or higher: 81 percent (57 percent is the California average).
The high school academic program “serves to prepare students for matriculation and success at our nation’s finest and most selective colleges and universities. We encourage you to visit our college counseling page to learn more or talk with our college counselors about a program that is designed to find the “best fit” school for each student. While we’re proud of our students’ future successes in college, our mission is to prepare students for life.
The student experience isn’t solely about the path to college but about the journey of education. In honoring LJCDS founder Louise Balmer’s educational philosophy, we believe in the importance of balancing traditional teaching with a progressive approach. We have extensive offerings in the core curriculum.” The Upper School’s hours are from 8 A.M.–3 P.M. (Late start on Day 7 at 9 a.m. Students may have various dismissal times due to the rotating schedule). Students at La Jolla Country day do not need to wear uniforms.
To find out which schools children who live in the various neighborhoods of La Jolla will attend according to the San Diego Unified School District, please visit my La Jolla communities page!
If you are not sure which school district you belong to, please view our “communities” tab, choose your community and you will find it listed it there!
