La Jolla Country Day School (LJCDS) is an independent school in San Diego, California, serving young scholars age 3 to Grade 12 all on one campus.
LJCDS prepares students for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth and social responsibility.
The school is committed to inspiring greatness for a better world by fostering a culture and a community that leads with dignity.
LJCDS values inclusion and safety, diversity, collaboration, and student independence and growth.
Inspiring greatness nurtures lifelong learners who possess four critical attributes: a strong work ethic; moral character; a commitment to challenge the status quo; and the appreciation that we belong to something greater than ourselves.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 1,180 students
- Yearly Tuition: $44,400
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
La Jolla Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1926
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
1,180 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
161 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
28 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
African American Studies, Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language and Culture, Human Geography, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art: 2D Design, Studio Art: 3D Design, Studio Art: Drawing, US Government and Politics, US History, World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Dress code but no uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1
Yearly Tuition Cost
$44,400
Tuition Notes
Nursery $19,800–$24,700
Jr. Kindergarten $21,100-$26,300
Kindergarten $33,600
Grades 1–4 $35,400
Grades 5–8 $43,700
Grades 9–12 $44,400
% on Financial Aid
17%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$27,637
Acceptance Rate
63%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Geordie Mitchell
Admissions Associate
Keri Worth
Sports
Total Sports Offered
24 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
52 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Athletic Leadership, Chess Club, Citizenship, Coding, Community Service Board, Design and Innovation, Diversity Alliance, Economics and Investment Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Extended Day, French Class, Green Team, Homework Club, LGBTQ Alliance, Mandarin Chinese Class, Mental Health Awareness Club, Mindfulness and Wellness, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Newspaper Club, Philanthropy, Physics Squad, Political Science Analysis and Discussion, Public Speaking, Robotics Team, Science Olympiad, Sigma Math League, Spanish, Student Diversity Leadership Club, Virtual Reality, Writing Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Band and Orchestra, Ceramics, Choir, Drama Club, Drawing and Painting, Film Production, Graphic Design, Junior Theater, Musical Theater, Musical Theory, Percussion and World Drumming, Photography, Play Production, Strings Program, Technical Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Beach volleyball, Little Torrey Cheer, Little Torrey Flag Football, Little Torrey Soccer, Yoga
Athletic Leadership, Chess Club, Citizenship, Coding, Community Service Board, Design and Innovation, Diversity Alliance, Economics and Investment Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Extended Day, French Class, Green Team, Homework Club, LGBTQ Alliance, Mandarin Chinese Class, Mental Health Awareness Club, Mindfulness and Wellness, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Newspaper Club, Philanthropy, Physics Squad, Political Science Analysis and Discussion, Public Speaking, Robotics Team, Science Olympiad, Sigma Math League, Spanish, Student Diversity Leadership Club, Virtual Reality, Writing Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Band and Orchestra, Ceramics, Choir, Drama Club, Drawing and Painting, Film Production, Graphic Design, Junior Theater, Musical Theater, Musical Theory, Percussion and World Drumming, Photography, Play Production, Strings Program, Technical Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Beach volleyball, Little Torrey Cheer, Little Torrey Flag Football, Little Torrey Soccer, Yoga
School Notes
- Bring your child of character who is willing to work hard, and we will provide access to resources and mentors in a "what if" environment that surrounds your child with the greatest opportunity to achieve greatness.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Cindy Cohen Marten ’84 - U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education
- Jared Polis ’93 - Governor of Colorado
- Kelsey Plum ’13 - Professional Basketball Player, Las Vegas Aces, back-to-back WNBA Championships (2023, 2022), Olympic Gold Medal Winner (2020), FIBA World Cup (2022, 2018)
- Agnes Chu '98 - Former president of Condé Nast Entertainment, former VP of The Walt Disney Company CEO office, former SVP of content for Disney+.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does La Jolla Country Day School cost?
La Jolla Country Day School's tuition is approximately $44,400 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of La Jolla Country Day School?
The acceptance rate of La Jolla Country Day School is 63%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. La Jolla Country Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from La Jolla Country Day School?
La Jolla Country Day School famous alumni include: Cindy Cohen Marten ’84, Jared Polis ’93, Kelsey Plum ’13 and Agnes Chu '98.
Does La Jolla Country Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, La Jolla Country Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does La Jolla Country Day School offer?
La Jolla Country Day School offers 24 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Water Polo. La Jolla Country Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is La Jolla Country Day School's ranking?
La Jolla Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for La Jolla Country Day School?
The application deadline for La Jolla Country Day School is Feb. 1.
School Calendar
View the La Jolla Country Day School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break
March 24, 2025 (Monday)
Spring Break
March 25, 2025 (Tuesday)
Spring Break
March 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
Spring Break
March 27, 2025 (Thursday)
Spring Break
March 28, 2025 (Friday)
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed La Jolla Country Day School also viewed these schools: Francis Parker School, The Bishop's School, The Gillispie School, Del Mar Pines School and Cathedral Catholic High School.
The nearest high school to La Jolla Country Day School is Torah High School Of San Diego (0.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Beth Israel Day School/bill & Sid Rubin Preschool (0.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Childtime Learning Centers (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 1,313 students 7.6 miles 6501 Linda Vista Rd
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 569-7900
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 569-7900
7.6
PK-12
1,313
Grades: 6-12 | 800 students 4.5 miles 7607 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-4021
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-4021
4.5
6-12
800
Grades: PK-6 | 369 students 4.3 miles 7380 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-3773
4.3
PK-6
369
Grades: K-6 | 155 students 5.6 miles 3975 Torrington Street
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 481-5615
5.6
K-6
155
Grades: 9-12 | 1,612 students 5.8 miles 5555 Del Mar Heights Rd
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 523-4000
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 523-4000
5.8
9-12
1,612
School Reviews
5 8/12/2018
My kids entered LJCDS in K and JK respectively, and the past three years we have spent here have been years of astonishing growth and development. While the academic curriculum is rigorous, the emphasis is equally on children taking responsibility for their own behavior and learning how to be successful human beings and treating others with civility and dignity. The teachers take personal interest in each and every student and know their strengths, weaknesses, and how to motivate them, and our children have flourished as a result. While we can`t speak for the trials of middle school or high school quite yet, it has been a great experience thus far.
5 8/2/2017
Dr. Krahn is an exceptional Head of School. He is forward thinking and a visionary. The staff and adminstration reflect his positivity and go above and beyond for each student. Our daughter entered LJCDS in 7th grade and had a successful year, academically and socially. The athletics department is superb and gives every student the opportunity to play sports at any level. We are so happy we chose LJCDS and hope to have our son attend next year too! I would highly recommend this school for all ages and grades!
5 12/7/2015
LJCDS has been a great fit for my kids: flexible enough to mold the experience to fit each child, rigorous enough to challenge them, and caring enough to help them grow into a well-adjusted, community-oriented "achiever". The school has long had the reputation of being progressive in its concern for the dignity of each student while providing a structure around which to build a whole person.
5 10/8/2015
La Jolla Country Day School offers students an outstanding environment to learn, grow and discover. Our daughter began LJCDS as a shy introvert but today she is a confident, inquisitive learner who wants to make the world better for all.
5 10/8/2015
My children have excelled at LJCDS in both academics and their social/emotional development. The teachers are exceptional and both of my kids get individualized teaching and time vs other schools where they were expected to mold into a traditional learning style.
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