A Day in the Life

No two days are the same at LJCDS. Students from the Early Childhood Center through Upper School immerse themselves in learning and are encouraged by their teachers to take risks, try new things and cultivate different parts of themselves.

OUR COMMUNITY

Before School

...

Lily

Grades 1

Extended Day. I go to Extended Day before school. I like it because I get to see my friends and play. One of my favorite things to do is play on the swings.

Extended Day. I go to Extended Day before school. I...

ls
->
...

Alexander

Grades 5

Transportation. LJCDS provides transportation from my neighborhood. There’s a bus stop a half mile from my home, so it’s really easy to get here.

Transportation. LJCDS provides transportation from my neighborhood. There’s a bus...

ms
->

Morning

...

Tiny Torreys

Tiny Torreys

8 a.m. Students come in, put their backpacks in their cubbies and then have free choice time. We have a sensory table, Play-Doh, light table and all kinds of toys and baskets.

8:45 a.m. We gather for circle time where we review the calendar—day...

8 a.m. Students come in, put their backpacks in their...

ec
->
...

Junior Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten

8:30 a.m. Off to PE! It’s a great way to start the day with running, skipping and movement.

9:30 a.m. We go to the Spanish room, where kids sing songs and play games, all in Spanish.

10:30 a.m. We do a group lesson—usually a...

8:30 a.m. Off to PE! It’s a great way to...

ec
->
...

Meika

Kindergarten

8 a.m. I put my bag in my cubby and then go to play blocks with my friends.

9 a.m. In science, we learned about the bones in the body. I learned a new word today: sternum. That’s the bone that runs down the...

8 a.m. I put my bag in my cubby and...

ls
->
...

Lily

Grades 1

Morning Routine. When I get to my classroom, I check the board for morning work before morning meeting.

Morning Routine. When I get to my classroom, I check...

ls
->
...

Lily

Grades 1

Language Arts. My favorite subject is Language Arts. I like to write and illustrate stories because I get to work on my handwriting and draw WOW pictures that impress my family when I bring them home. I worked on a fiction story about gardening.

Language Arts. My favorite subject is Language Arts. I like...

ls
->
...

Rayaan

Grades 2

Math. My favorite subject is math. I like learning about things like equations and arrays and doing the assignments in the...

Math.

ls
->
...

Rayaan

Grades 2

Visual Arts. In art, we did paintings of palm trees. I used really bright colors and then dragged a fork across it to make it look like palm leaves. It came out great.

Visual Arts. In art, we did paintings of palm trees....

ls
->
...

Rayaan

Grades 2

Play. Recess is my favorite part of the day. I like to play soccer with my friends.

Play. Recess is my favorite part of the day. I...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

World Language. Spanish today was all about Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead in English). We learned the different ways people celebrate the holiday in different Latin American countries and got to practice new vocabulary words.

World Language. Spanish today was all about Día de Los...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Math. We worked in our math groups on multiplication problems. The worksheet showed different arrays, and we had to write a multiplication problem to describe it.

Math. We worked in our math groups on multiplication problems....

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Science. We’re learning about gravity. We had to draw arrows to show how air pushes things in different directions.

Science. We’re learning about gravity. We had to draw arrows...

ls
->
...

Tomas

Grades 4

Science. In science, we’re studying different kinds of waves, like microwaves and sound waves. We’re drawing them and learning about all the parts of the wave.

Science. In science, we’re studying different kinds of waves, like...

ls
->
...

Tomas

Grades 4

World Language. I go to the Spanish room with my sister and friend Pedro for Spanish for Fluent Speakers. I like learning more about Spanish so that I can talk to my family when we visit Mexico.

World Language. I go to the Spanish room with my...

ls
->
...

Tomas

Grades 4

Literacy. In literacy, we’re working on a project about someone we admire. We’re making a list of questions we want to ask them, and then we’ll interview them. I’m going to interview my grandpa.

Literacy. In literacy, we’re working on a project about someone...

ls
->
...

Alexander

Grades 5

Math. One of my favorite subjects at school is math because I like to figure out how to solve complex math problems and play math games. My math teacher, Mr. D’Avanzo, makes math fun.

Math. One of my favorite subjects at school is math...

ms
->
...

Alexander

Grades 5

Performing Arts. We had music today. I like music class because I’m learning to play the trombone this year. I like exploring how to make different sounds on the trombone.

Performing Arts. We had music today. I like music class...

ms
->
...

Nyah

Grades 6

English. In English, we worked on our book project. I liked this project because I got to express myself through art while being able to teach the class about the book I read in a fun and informative way.

English. In English, we worked on our book project. I...

ms
->
...

Nyah

Grades 6

World Language. I love Heritage Spanish class. We are learning about different countries in Latin America. Today, we learned about Colombia.

World Language. I love Heritage Spanish class. We are learning...

ms
->
...

Nyah

Grades 6

Math. In math, I like learning about different strategies. In every unit, our teacher gives us four or five different strategies on how to solve problems. She says, “Use what works best for you.”

Math. In math, I like learning about different strategies. In...

ms
->
...

Kiran

Grades 7

Design and Innovation. This is a pretty fun class. Right now we’re doing a research project on famous innovators and also getting to practice using different techniques with the laser cutter.

Design and Innovation. This is a pretty fun class. Right...

ms
->
...

Kiran

Grades 7

History. We just started a debate unit in history. You’re assigned to a team to argue for or against three topics: the military’s use of dolphins, if homework is good or bad and if the NFL should do more to prevent head injuries.

History. We just started a debate unit in history. You’re...

ms
->
...

Talia

Grades 8

Math. My math teacher is super nice. We worked in groups to solve different proofs. It’s helpful to work in a group because you benefit from a lot of different perspectives.

Math. My math teacher is super nice. We worked in...

ms
->
...

Talia

Grades 8

Visual Arts. In art, we’re doing ceramics, which I love. We’re making cups and bowls, and it’s great because you have the freedom to design them however you want.

Visual Arts. In art, we’re doing ceramics, which I love....

ms
->
...

Talia

Grades 8

Physical Education. I play on the volleyball team, which practices during PE. I like how we get to work as a team and how we celebrate when somebody does something good. I like that I get to play with all of my friends.

Physical Education. I play on the volleyball team, which practices...

ms
->
...

Matthew

Grades 9

Humanities. In English, Ms. Gheewala has us throw a softball around to control the flow of the discussion. After, she shows us a heat map of who’s been contributing to the discussion, who hasn’t as much, and then what she calls our golden moments—things...

Humanities. In English, Ms. Gheewala has us throw a softball...

us
->
...

Matthew

Grades 9

Humanities. Mr. Dalton always makes history an interesting class. Instead of lectures, for example, we get to do things like listen to podcasts on a real-world ethical scenario and analyze it on our own.

Humanities. Mr. Dalton always makes history an interesting class. Instead...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 10

World Language. I’m in AP Spanish this year, which is great. Spanish was my first language, so this gives me the opportunity to learn grammar and more vocabulary.

World Language. I’m in AP Spanish this year, which is...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 10

Humanities. English is my favorite class because literature is so intertwined with other subjects, especially history and philosophy. When we read The Plague by Camus, we had a great discussion and talked a lot about dignity.

Humanities. English is my favorite class because literature is so...

us
->
...

Jameel

Grades 11

Music. I play trumpet in the concert band. The people there are hilarious to be around. It’s a chance to get away from the stress that school can bring. Last year, I got to play in the orchestra for “Chicago The Musical.” It was...

Music. I play trumpet in the concert band. The people...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 12

Visual Arts. I took photography as my art elective. I’ve learned how to use Photoshop and about finding new angles within your frame and looking at your own photography from a different lens.

Visual Arts. I took photography as my art elective. I’ve...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 12

Science. LJCDS offers neuroscience—which no other school does. I wanted to take neuroscience because I have an older brother with autism and a younger sister with learning disabilities. I’ve always wondered what made their brains different. I’m really enjoying this course.

Science. LJCDS offers neuroscience—which no other school does. I wanted...

us
->

Afternoon

...

Tiny Torreys

Tiny Torreys

1 p.m. It’s rest time—time for students to get their mats out and rest their bodies. Some of them sleep; others will look at books.

2 p.m. More outside playtime! The kids discovered a grasshopper on the playground, which they were very curious about....

1 p.m. It’s rest time—time for students to get their...

ec
->
...

Junior Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten

12 p.m. Pick-up time for half-day students. Full-day students have lunch and then rest time.

1:45 p.m. Outside playtime

2:15 p.m. Closing meeting, where we talk about what we did today and preview what we’ll do tomorrow.

12 p.m. Pick-up time for half-day students. Full-day students have...

ec
->
...

Meika

Kindergarten

12:30 p.m. After lunch, I like to play on the playground with my friends.

1 p.m. In art, we learned about Vincent Van Gogh, who was a very famous artist. We drew “Starry Night” and “Sunflower” pictures.

12:30 p.m. After lunch, I like to play on the...

ls
->
...

Lily

Grades 1

Math. In math, we’re working on counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. 10s are my favorites.

ls
->
...

Lily

Grades 1

Design and Innovation. In first grade, we get to have Design and Innovation. It’s iPads and computers and other stuff. It’s fun and you get to learn a lot of things.

 

Design and Innovation. In first grade, we get to have...

ls
->
...

Lily

Grades 1

Dignity Traits. Today, I got a Torrey Traits sticker! You get that when you show one of the six Torrey traits. I got a sticker for helping people clean up without being asked.

Dignity Traits. Today, I got a Torrey Traits sticker! You...

ls
->
...

Rayaan

Grades 2

Design and Innovation. We played games on code.org. You have to help different characters get to different places by writing code.

Design and Innovation. We played games on code.org. You have...

ls
->
...

Rayaan

Grades 2

Physical Education. In PE, we’re playing volleyball. It’s fun. I got a Torrey Traits sticker for caring because I helped a new student who hadn’t been to PE before.

Physical Education. In PE, we’re playing volleyball. It’s fun. I...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Literacy. My favorite subject is literacy. We’re working on essays about “The Best Part of Me.” I’m writing about my hair.

Literacy. My favorite subject is literacy. We’re working on essays...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Physical Education. In PE, we’re playing striking games with Slo-Mo inflatable balls. It’s fun.

Physical Education. In PE, we’re playing striking games with Slo-Mo...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Visual Arts. We’re making drawings of aquariums in art. I really like art because it’s fun to be creative.

Visual Arts. We’re making drawings of aquariums in art. I...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Dignity Traits. I earned a Torrey Traits sticker this week for showing initiative. I got up to line up for library when I saw the librarian come into the room.

Dignity Traits. I earned a Torrey Traits sticker this week...

ls
->
...

Tomas

Grades 4

Play. After lunch, we have recess. I usually play football with my friends.

Play. After lunch, we have recess. I usually play football...

ls
->
...

Tomas

Grades 4

Visual Arts. My favorite art project was making stop-motion videos. My sister and I did “how to form a pig with clay,” which was fun.

Visual Arts. My favorite art project was making stop-motion videos....

ls
->
...

Tomas

Grades 4

Dignity Traits. I got a Torrey Traits sticker for helping the community. I helped my teacher clean the tables before class started.

Dignity Traits. I got a Torrey Traits sticker for helping the...

ls
->
...

Alexander

Grades 5

Design and Innovation. In Digital Literacy, we’re learning how to use Google Docs and Google Draw.

Design and Innovation. In Digital Literacy, we’re learning how to...

ms
->
...

Alexander

Grades 5

Science. In science, we’re learning about the volume of different objects. We had to figure out how many units would fit in an object.

Science. In science, we’re learning about the volume of different...

ms
->
...

Nyah

Grades 6

Service-Learning. I like that we get to work on community service projects. Last year, we painted playhouses for Habitat for Humanity. My group’s theme was A, B, Cs and 1, 2, 3s.

Service-Learning. I like that we get to work on community...

ms
->
...

Kiran

Grades 7

World Language. I decided to take Mandarin because I’m half Chinese. I like it when we do a candy challenge, which is speaking or pronunciation practice. If you get all of them right, you get a little bit of candy. It’s a good motivator...

World Language. I decided to take Mandarin because I’m half...

ms
->
...

Kiran

Grades 7

Math. I’m ahead in math, so I take Algebra II in the Upper School. A couple of other 7th graders are in my class. It’s interesting, and it’s a lot more challenging.

Math. I’m ahead in math, so I take Algebra II...

ms
->
...

Talia

Grades 8

Science. I really enjoy science because I find chemistry super fascinating and fun. In lab, we mixed zinc and zinc chloride and made a penny turn gold.

Science. I really enjoy science because I find chemistry super...

ms
->
...

Talia

Grades 8

Life Skills. In Life Skills, we talked about cliques, how it feels to be left out of one and the aftermath of what it does to a person. My favorite part about the class was that it was a safe space and a stress-free...

Life Skills. In Life Skills, we talked about cliques, how...

ms
->
...

Matthew

Grades 9

Design and Innovation. In Design and Innovation, I used the 3D printer to make shelves for my locker, which are really useful. I like woodworking, designing and those sorts of things.

Design and Innovation. In Design and Innovation, I used the...

us
->
...

Matthew

Grades 9

Torrey Mindful Learning. We’re learning about executive functioning skills and how we learn best. It’s interesting.

Torrey Mindful Learning. We’re learning about executive functioning skills and...

us
->
...

Jameel

Grades 11

Biology. My favorite class is biology. In lab, we did an experiment on cellular respiration, which we studied—and now got to see in action. We put beads into vials of water and potassium hydroxide and then pumped in oxygen to see how much they...

Biology. My favorite class is biology. In lab, we did...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 12

Design and Innovation. My favorite class is Design and Innovation. I personally enjoy the free-flowing creativity and the combination of art, design, and innovation. I’m so invested in learning about every tool and material in the room: 3D printer, laser cutter, milling machine, plus...

Design and Innovation. My favorite class is Design and Innovation....

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 12

Service-Learning. I serve on the Community Service Board. We do a lot of fundraising and organize volunteers. The field hockey team just did a fundraiser for leukemia; volleyball did Dig for the Cure for breast cancer. We also have the Giving Tree every year....

Service-Learning. I serve on the Community Service Board. We do...

us
->

Flex

...

Matthew

Grades 9

Flex. I’m in the Economics and Investment Club, where we’re investing actual money. Each student can pitch a stock to the rest of the group with a presentation, and then we vote on it. If we vote yes, it gets added to our portfolio.

Flex. I’m in the Economics and Investment Club, where we’re...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 10

Flex. Model UN gives me the chance to learn about things from all different regions and practice my writing and public speaking skills. In January, I participated in The Hague International Model United Nations.

Flex. Model UN gives me the chance to learn about...

us
->
...

Jameel

Grades 11

Flex. At Future Doctors and Scientists, we went over how to use a micropipette, which is the basis of all medical labs. We practiced adjusting the micropipette to a certain amount of volume, pushing the water out onto wax paper and then sucking it...

Flex. At Future Doctors and Scientists, we went over how...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 12

Flex. My brother has autism, so I created a club called Sib Strong, which is for students who have siblings with disabilities. Though the group is small, we find it beneficial to learn from and lean on each other.

Flex. My brother has autism, so I created a club...

us
->

After School

...

Tiny Torreys

Tiny Torreys

5 p.m. Pickup time for Extended Day students. It’s been a fun-filled day.

5 p.m. Pickup time for Extended Day students. It’s been...

ec
->
...

Rayaan

Grades 2

Music. I had orchestra after school today. I play the violin. I’ve been playing for four years. I like all the songs we do.

Music. I had orchestra after school today. I play the...

ls
->
...

Ynéz

Grades 3

Athletics. I do cheer and soccer, which I really like because all of my friends are there.

Athletics. I do cheer and soccer, which I really like...

ls
->
...

Alexander

Grades 5

Service-Learning. I did a community service project on my own, where I started a Little Library right in my own neighborhood.

Service-Learning. I did a community service project on my own,...

ms
->
...

Kiran

Grades 7

Athletics. I run cross country for PE. I like it because I can talk to my friends when we run. Also, I noticed I got a lot better. So it’s really satisfying to be able to run faster than I used to.

Athletics. I run cross country for PE. I like it...

ms
->
...

Talia

Grades 8

Service-Learning. A couple of years ago, when everyone was still wearing masks, I decided to make mask lanyards and sell them for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Service-Learning. A couple of years ago, when everyone was still...

ms
->
...

Matthew

Grades 9

Athletics. I run cross country, which I love. I love just how motivating the coaches and my teammates are. I find myself consistently improving each week and running more miles than I ever thought I could.

Athletics. I run cross country, which I love. I love...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 10

Service-Learning. Through Country Day, I’ve volunteered with Lucky Ducklings Foundation, distributing food and water to unhoused members in San Diego.

Service-Learning. Through Country Day, I’ve volunteered with Lucky Ducklings Foundation,...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 10

Athletics. I love fencing. You have to really think about what your next move is going to be. And the thing about me is that when I want to do something, I usually just do it. So in fencing, I have to take a...

Athletics. I love fencing. You have to really think about...

us
->
...

Jameel

Grades 11

Football. I play football, which I really enjoy. It’s a community—coaches and peers—that’s filled with love for each other and the sport. I also like that I can still play in the band. My friend, Isaac, and I stash our instruments under the bench,...

Football. I play football, which I really enjoy. It’s a...

us
->
...

Sophia

Grades 12

Mock Trial. I’ve been part of the Mock Trial team for two years. It’s a ton of work and also a lot of fun. Our team placed in the top 10 in this year’s competition, and I was named as an outstanding prosecution witness.

Mock Trial. I’ve been part of the Mock Trial team...

us
->