Gillispie School

Gillispie School

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Independent elementary and pre-school in La Jolla, CA. Inspiring joyous learners Age 2 - Grade 6. At Gillispie, we believe education is a shared journey.

Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, Gillispie School is a premier independent school serving early childhood, Pre-K, and Kindergarten through Grade 6 students. Our vibrant campus and warm community provide the ideal setting for joyful, purposeful learning. Our child-centered approach honors the pace of childhood while engaging students in a rigorous academic program that nurtures critical thinking,

Photos from Gillispie School's post 05/29/2026

The Gillispie sun shines a little brighter today. 🌞

To our graduates: thank you for sharing your journey with us!

As you begin your next adventure, know that this community will always be cheering you on. Wherever life takes you, the Gillispie sun will always shine on you! 💙🧡

Congratulations, Class of 2026—we’re so proud of you. 🎓✨

Gillispie School, La Jolla Private School, San Diego Elementary School, San Diego Preschool, Kindergarten Program, Grad 2026

Photos from Gillispie School's post 05/23/2026

🎓💙🧡Celebration was in the air this week as we welcomed back our graduating high school seniors who began their journeys at Gillispie. The afternoon was filled with heartfelt reunions with friends, teachers, and fellow Gillispie families, along with plenty of laughter and cherished memories.

Students loved seeing how much campus has changed—and how much has stayed the same, from the merry-go-cycle to the play structure that still holds so many special memories. 💙

We are so proud of the incredible young people you’ve become and can’t wait to see where your journeys take you next. Congratulations, Class of 2025! No matter how far you go, the Gillispie sun will always shine on you. ☀️

Gillispie School, La Jolla Private School, San Diego Elementary School, San Diego Preschool, Kindergarten Program, Grad 2026

Photos from Gillispie School's post 05/19/2026

🐚✨Gillispie kindergarteners recently designed coastal-inspired artwork using seashells—exploring patterns, symmetry, and design while creating truly unique pieces.

The learning didn’t stop there! Their incredible creations connect art, math, and literacy in meaningful ways. Read the complete story at gillispie.org/news.

These unique pieces were on display for families at the Gillispie Arts & Design Showcase on Friday, May 15.

Gillispie School, La Jolla Private School, San Diego Elementary School, San Diego Preschool, Kindergarten Program

05/13/2026

Our community showed up in a powerful way last week 💙🧡

Together, our students, families, and faculty assembled 1,250 food and hydration kits to support unsheltered neighbors across San Diego.

Service to others is central to our school philosophy. We encourage students to participate in community service projects that build empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible parent volunteers and students for their time, effort, and generosity.

We’re proud to partner with to support their mission of helping those experiencing homelessness in San Diego. ☘️

Gillispie School, San Diego Private School, San Diego Community, Community Service, Student Leadership, Volunteer Impact, Share Your Luck

05/08/2026

🎨✨ Gillispie’s Arts & Design Showcase is happening next week—we can’t wait to welcome our families!

This special event celebrates the creativity woven throughout our performing arts, visual arts, and design programs. 🎵

Enjoy live musical performances in the auditorium, explore elementary artwork in the gym, view early childhood pieces in the Art Atelier, see budding entrepreneurial projects in the art garden, and experience innovative design projects on the Sandbox deck. 🌷

Join us as we celebrate the imagination and talent of our students. 🌟

Gillispie School, San Diego Schools, San Diego Elementary, San Diego Preschool, Private School San Diego

Photos from Gillispie School's post 05/08/2026

🌿✨ Something magical is happening in our outdoor classroom…

Inspired by a found branch, our preschoolers created a tree chandelier—blending art, science, and nature in one collaborative project. From exploring simple pulley systems to strengthening fine motor skills through beading, this hands-on experience highlights the power of play-based learning and creativity in early childhood education.

Want to see how preschoolers turned a branch into a unique piece of art? Visit our blog to learn more!

GillispieSchool, San Diego Private School, San Diego Elementary School

05/01/2026

Today, Gillispie came together to celebrate Grade 6 with our annual Grade 6 vs. Faculty Kickball game!

From big kicks to bigger cheers, the school spirit was next level—students rallying behind Grade 6, faculty bringing their A-game, and our whole community showing up in the best way. 🙌

Moments like these remind us just how special Gillispie is. 💙🧡

Here’s to laughter, school spirit, and a send-off full of heart for our incredible Grade 6, soon to be Class of 2026!

GillispieSchool, San Diego Private School, San Diego Elementary School

04/29/2026

More than 60 Gillispie students in grades K-6 joined over 900 participants from nine local schools at last weekend’s La Jolla Kiwanis Junior Olympics—and what an incredible event it was!

A special congratulations to Grade 5 student Jack S. for earning bronze in the “Fastest Boy of La Jolla” race! Our boys’ team also brought home bronze in the 4x100 relay, and our girls’ team raced to a strong fourth-place finish.

We are so proud of all our students who participated—you showed determination, teamwork, and great school spirit! Thank you to our wonderful families who came out to cheer and support.

An immense thank you to the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla for hosting such a fun community event! 💙



Gillispie School, Private Schools in La Jolla, San Diego Preschool, San Diego Elementary School

Photos from Gillispie School's post 04/28/2026

Meet this year’s Librarian for the Day at Gillispie! 📚

From welcoming classes across all grade levels to reading aloud, checking books in and out, and helping students discover their next favorite story, our Librarian of the Day played an important role in keeping the library running smoothly. This Gillispie student also helped shelve books, tidy displays, and even visited Warwick’s in the village to select new titles for our school’s collection!

Our young librarian did an incredible job, and it was a joy to see how confidently she stepped into the role. 💙🧡

Warwick's

Gillispie School, Private Schools in La Jolla, San Diego Preschool, San Diego Elementary School

04/24/2026

This month, 24 members of the Gillispie Community Relations Committee came together with a shared purpose: to give back 💙🧡

Volunteers spent the day assembling care packages for foster youth across San Diego in partnership with Promises2Kids. Serving nearly 2,000 youth throughout the county, Promises2Kids provides essential tools, opportunities, and guidance to help young people overcome challenges and build bright, healthy futures.

These care packages may be small, but they carry a powerful message of support, encouragement, and compassion.

We’re proud of our community for continuing to show up and make a difference—one act of kindness at a time.

Promises2Kids, Gillispie School, Community Matters, Give Back

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Location

Category

Telephone

Website

https://www.gillispie.org/admissions/discover-gillispie/

Address


7380 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA
92037

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 3pm
Thursday 8am - 3pm
Friday 8am - 3pm