La Jolla Country Day
Address:
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 453-3440
Website: http://www.ljcds.org/
GreatSchools Report: NR
School-Ratings.com Report: NR
School Overview:
La Jolla Country Day School is a highly selective private school in La Jolla, with pre-K programs starting at
age 3, going all the way up to grade 12.
Founded as the Balmer School by Louise Balmer in 1926, Country Day is passionate about providing the
best college preparatory education possible for its students – one that shapes them into “creative
thinkers, and responsible young citizens.” This is accomplished through a “rigorous academic program, a
nurturing environment, multi-layered global engagement, and a commitment to good character.”
The school is broken up into three sections – the Lower School (ages 3 through grade 4), Middle School
(grades 5-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12). The curriculum for the Tiny Torreys of the Lower School is
child-centered. Honoring the intellectual, social, and emotional life of each child, their goal is to “foster a
love of knowledge and enhance the wonder of learning with a rich and varied curriculum.”
The Middle School acts as a bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, challenging students within a
nurturing environment to “develop independence of thought, habit and mind.” Students prepare for life
in Upper School by gradually transitioning from fixed classrooms with one teacher to rotating
classrooms with multiple teachers.
Country Day attracts and retains a world-class faculty comprised of diverse and award-winning teachers
with an average tenure of 15 years, including 71% with postgraduate degrees. They are committed and
passionate about providing their students a superior educational experience and quality of life that goes
beyond the classroom.