The Gillispie School

My child has been a student at Gillispie for three years. She is reading, writing, singing, dancing, socializing and loving it all - everything that we had hoped for. We love the play based learning - as it has created a fun way to learn new things. The Art is fabulous. Most of all, she is one happy little kid and she loves school. She is currently in Kindergarden, and will likely stay at Gillispie for the first grade as well. The school really is too small, first graders competing for play space with 6th grade kids. Thus, the four Stars. The kids have to play on the walk way - so as a Parent at Pick Up time, you're likely to be tripped or hit with a ball, and the kids don't seem to "care"... and there's really no other place to play. that's my one complaint.
--Submitted by a parent

The Gillispie School is a welcoming,kind, and gentle school. I have one child that graduated from the 6th grade after attending the school for 10 years, and another child still attending the school. Our Gillispie graduate is currently thriving in middle school, and entered extremely well prepared by her teachers at Gillispie. The school does a wonderful job instlling compassion and understanding of others, and the older kids are great in their interactions with the preschoolers. We love Gillispie.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at the school for six years and what is most amazing about the school is the partnership between the parents and the teachers in educating our children. The teachers are never too busy to respond immediately to an e-mail, take a phone call or meet in person. They are dedicated to making our children's educational experience the best it can be while at the same time helping them to grown socially and emotionally and become good citizens and good community members. It is truly the ideal elementary school experience.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has just begun her 10th year at The Gillispie School. She started out a few days a week in the preschool program and is now in 5th grade. She is receiving an excellent, well rounded education. The school offers a top notch technology, art, music and science program. A few years ago the school received an amazing $4.5 million gift to establish The Gillispie Endowment for Excellence in Teaching. This endowment is used to recruit, retain and further educate the teaching staff. The teachers have had the opportunity to attend a variety of top education conferences throughout the world and pass that knowledge onto the students. Thanks to the endowment and strong administrative leadership Gillispie has a excellent, motivated and appreciated teaching staff.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is really something special. We are now beginning our 6th year at the school, with both my children beginning in the preschool program. The sense of community between teachers, children and parents is truly amazing. The way the older children recognize and greet younger children and help them along the way, instills such a sense of confidence in the child from the beginning of their school years. The academics are impressive, and the specialty teachers and small group work available to the kids provides us with a really unique environment. We love it!
--Submitted by a parent

Our family felt welcome from the first day we arrived at Gillispie. Within days, it seemed that all the teachers and staff at the school knew their names. This makes the kids feel special and they have thrived as a result of being in such a nuturing environment. Gillispie does a great job of academically challenging the kids, but not in ways that undermines their joy of learning or frustrates them. I'm so glad that we found this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Our two kids have gone here since preschool, when they were both 2 years old. We are now on our 7th year. It's the perfect education for our kids--bullet proof academics, mixed with PE and other athletic games/challenges, all forms or art (music, traditional drawing/painting, sculpture, theatre), public speaking in class from the time they can talk, technology--there is nothing missing! Each early class has two full time credentialed teachers, and then about 5-6 specialty teachers rotate in each week for hard core science, reading support, PE, art, music, etc...About 7-8 teachers impact our kids each week, and it's not just a "generalist" trying to be master at everything. There is also strong cultural diversity of the kids and families, which we like. The families are friendly and grounded, and there is a true "Gillispie Community" that isn't just some sales job.
--Submitted by a parent

The Gillisipie School nurtures young people who love learning. The teachers are supportive and kind. They develop academic and citizenship skills. The head of school has an open door policy. And the families are a community. The small class size and excellent teachers enable students to be individuals; and known for who they are as individuals. I am confident each of my three children will grow into the best each can be at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Gillispie is a great school for PS - 6th grade! They have an Early Childhood area for kids in PS-PK and an upper campus for the elementary school (K-6). In both, there is a very low student to teacher ratio that allows the teachers to really focus on making learning fun. As a result, the kids are excited to go school and are passionate about learning. Gillispie has a large endowment dedicated to excellence in teaching. This means they have the money to ensure that their teachers are at the top of their game (which, if you know anything about education, the #1 correlation to your kids getting a good education is the effectiveness of their teacher). That said, it's the academic excellence that attracts you, but it's the warm, loving, nuturing community that keeps you there - for students and parents alike. The older kids work with (and look out for) the younger ones doing things like "book buddy" programs. There is a lot of opportunity for parent involvement that creates a very cohesive parent community. There are a lot of good schools in La Jolla, but Gillispie is amazing!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! The teachers are great, the class size is small and the kids learn to be true "out of the box" thinkers.
--Submitted by a parent