LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Where Proven Meets Pioneering
We continually push the envelope on innovative practices in curriculum and instruction while also being mindful of longstanding educational research. From age 3 through Grade 12, we start with dignity and then build upon a deep understanding of students and learning to cultivate a distinctive education.
Academics
We’re continually pushing the envelope on innovative curriculum and instruction to give students the tools for lifelong learning while exposing them to a range of opportunities.
Arts
The visual and performing arts give students a creative outlet for expression. Students flourish artistically, thanks to our talented faculty who are all practicing artists.
Athletics
Learning involves mind and body. That’s why ECC, Lower School and Grades 5 and 6 students have daily PE, and Grades 7 and 8 and Upper School students can choose from a variety of team sports.
CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN
Citizenship
Students practice citizenship—in age-appropriate ways—by building community, engaging in civil discourse and taking part in service projects.
Clubs, Flex & Enrichment
We build in time during the school day for students to explore new interests. A successful LJCDS experience includes students discovering at least one passion they didn’t know they had.
CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN
Design & Innovation
Students learn to use cutting-edge tools and technologies while developing an understanding of the social impacts of technology, design and business.
Dignity Model
We believe each human being has inherent worth—a belief that’s reflected in both academic and social-emotional learning.
Diverse Community
Different ideas and experiences enrich our community. We’re proud that about 45% of students identify as students of color and that 18% of students receive financial aid.
Faculty
Our talented faculty are committed to the craft of teaching. Through ongoing professional development, they seek the best approaches and incorporate them into their classrooms.
Faculty
Our talented faculty are committed to the craft of teaching. Through ongoing professional development, they seek the best approaches and incorporate them into their classrooms.
Family Engagement
LJCDS is immeasurably strengthened by each family and their partnership with the school. We welcome involvement in all aspects of our community.
Service-Learning
LJCDS’ promise, inspiring greatness for a better world, includes learning from others and using that knowledge to help make the community stronger through service.
Student Wellness
Balancing work and play is key. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Rady Children's Hospital to address student wellness. LJCDS is the only school in the U.S. to have such a partnership.
A Day in the Life
Get a glimpse of the LJCDS experience through the eyes of different community members.
OUR COMMUNITY

Eleventh grader, future scientist, football player and trumpeter in both the concert and marching bands
Eleventh grader, future scientist, football player and trumpeter in both...

Tenth grader, historian, philosopher and fencer who loves diving into thorny world issues
Tenth grader, historian, philosopher and fencer who loves diving into...

Ninth grader, investor, analyzer, humanitarian and runner who stretches his skills in Design and Innovation
Ninth grader, investor, analyzer, humanitarian and runner who stretches his...

Eighth grader, scientist, ceramicist, mathematician, volleyball player and community service initiative taker
Eighth grader, scientist, ceramicist, mathematician, volleyball player and community service...

Seventh grader, debater and cross country runner who takes Mandarin and Upper School Algebra II
Seventh grader, debater and cross country runner who takes Mandarin...

Sixth grader, thespian, Spanish heritage speaker and math enthusiast with a community service bent
Sixth grader, thespian, Spanish heritage speaker and math enthusiast with...

Fifth grader, math aficionado and trombone player who started a Little Free Library in his neighborhood
Fifth grader, math aficionado and trombone player who started a...

Fourth grader, fluent Spanish speaker, interviewer, athlete and animator who loves to meet new people
Fourth grader, fluent Spanish speaker, interviewer, athlete and animator who...

Third grader, scientist, author, Spanish speaker, multiplication whiz, soccer player and cheerleader
Third grader, scientist, author, Spanish speaker, multiplication whiz, soccer player...

Second grader, mathematician, artist, athlete and budding coder who also enjoys playing the violin
Second grader, mathematician, artist, athlete and budding coder who also...

First grader, friend, helper, writer and artist extraordinaire who draws the natural world in vivid colors
First grader, friend, helper, writer and artist extraordinaire who draws...

Kindergartener, builder, reader, friend, singer and scientist who likes learning all about the body
Kindergartener, builder, reader, friend, singer and scientist who likes learning...

Building a community of 4- and 5-year-old students who are excited to explore the world around them
Building a community of 4- and 5-year-old students who are...

Nurturing curiosity in age 3 and 4 learners through play-based and project-based learning
Nurturing curiosity in age 3 and 4 learners through play-based...

Twelfth grader, photographer, risk taker, neuroscientist and advocate who lives for Design and Innovation
Twelfth grader, photographer, risk taker, neuroscientist and advocate who lives...
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All on one campus in University City
LJCDS is San Diego’s only independent school to house students from age 3 to Grade 12 on one campus. This means that every day, students walk by either who they were or who they will become.