La Jolla Country Day School

Posted: September 28, 2024

Great school. My kid feels so happy to be there.

Posted: September 28, 2024

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Posted: May 22, 2023

We love LJCDS! Our daughter started in Jr. Kindergarten and is now a 1st grader. From the teachers/staff, to the hands-on learning, to the wealth of enrichment opportunities, our experience at Country Day has been nothing short of phenomenal. Our daughter looks forward to going to school each day and her love of learning continues to grow. We especially appreciate the time the teachers take getting to know each student and their ability to tailor the curriculum to each student's unique needs/abilities. We look forward to LJCDS being our daughter's home away from home for many years to come.

Posted: May 22, 2023

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Posted: May 4, 2022

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Posted: May 4, 2022

We have a 6th grader (middle school) and 3rd grader (lower school) at LJCDS. We love the progressive style of teaching with the emphasis on developing both the character and intellect of students. (They use "dignity" as a foundation for character development.) Academics are rigorous with plenty of opportunities for differentiation for the smart kids. Kids at this school develop a sense of identity and community.

The Head of School especially impresses us. When we first heard that he was a general at West Point, we were dubious. After we met him, we quickly realized that this was the right school - Dr. Krahn is compassionate, articulate, strategic, smart, and caring. He has built a community where every person can be the best version of themselves. This whole ethos pervades the entire LJCDS community.

Lastly, despite the abundance of "rich kids" at the school, our kids (who are not part of that group) have made many friends across all of the various socio-economic backgrounds.

Posted: May 4, 2022

Posted: May 4, 2022

Posted: April 28, 2022

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Posted: April 28, 2022

My children have loved their experience at Country Day. The teachers/administration provide a great education while promoting collaboration and kindness.

We feel fortunate that our children have such a strong and supportive community of parents, teachers and friends.

We highly recommend this school.

Posted: April 25, 2022

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Posted: April 25, 2022

Posted: April 25, 2022

LJCDS is an amazing school! I highly recommend it for any families who are looking for a wonderful community, nurturing environment for your child, and top notch faculty and staff. My daughter loves her days at school thanks to her caring teachers providing stimulating and creative lessons to help her grow. During COVID, LJCDS handled the pandemic with such care- leading with science- and doing the best they could to provide safe in person learning for all students. I feel grateful to have found a school community rooted in building life long friendships and connections; not only for my children, but also for our whole family.

Posted: April 8, 2022

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Posted: April 8, 2022

Save your money. Your child will get a far better education (as opposed to an indocrination) at a public school. The previous reviews are absolutely spot on. I used to work at CD so I think I would know. And, FYI, the LRC is nothing more than an additional revenue stream.

Posted: March 24, 2022

Posted: March 24, 2022

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Posted: March 24, 2022

I am normally a calm person, but this time the school has really done it. The highschool admin is completely and totally inept. They do not know how to manage a school and are reminiscent of ancient school teachers who thought corporal punishment was ok. All of their efforts to manage the school seem to only harm the student body and cause deep feelings of disappointment. They are pretentious and act as though you are an inconvenience. The person working the high school attendance office is particularly terrible, my son was late five minutes because of roadworks that popped up overnight on our street and she gave him a ridiculous tardy. The biggest complaint about the whole situation was that she asked for proof, this makes it seem like she is calling him a liar. the school thinks that the entire student body is intent on causing harm to their ideals of dignity. They treat the school like a police state turning the students on each other by giving some power and a false sense of responsibility. There is no school spirit causing there to be no enthusiasm outside of getting good grades.

Posted: March 10, 2021

Posted: March 10, 2021

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Posted: March 10, 2021

I have had 2 boys that started at LJCDS in Grade 6. Currently in 10th Grade. Their experience at LJCDS has been great. Wonderful teachers that truly take the time to help the kids understand the course material, and are always accessible. Phenomenal Head of School, Assistant Head of School and Division Heads that really care about the educators and the kids and their well being, especially in a very challenging year with the pandemic. Being able to have in-person classes together with an on-line option is more than practically 98% of the K-12 schools in the country have been able to offer. Big Kudos to the administration and teachers for making it happen! Additionally, we have met many wonderful families, and our children have made some great friendships.

Posted: March 6, 2021

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Posted: March 6, 2021

This school is ok in terms of eduation, but it is truly a bubble. Do not recommend if you want to build your child's knowledge of the "outside" (or normal) world.

Posted: February 4, 2021

Posted: February 4, 2021

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Posted: February 4, 2021

Posted: February 4, 2021

I am over-the-moon with respect and appreciation for the leadership of the LJCDS teachers, staff, and Dr. Krahn's administration, with COVID protocols, testing, education, and successes that have led the nation over the past 11 months. Dr. Krahn's leadership has provided me (a single parent and small business owner) and hundreds of other LJCDS families with the ONLY sense of normalcy we've known in this pandemic. I can focus on my work and help keep six San Diegans employed because my kiddos are in school five days a week. They are learning, thriving, and making in-person connections. Not many other families can say that. Can't recommend this school enough!

Posted: December 1, 2020

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Posted: December 1, 2020

The Principal and many teachers will shame you if they find out you have conservative viewpoints.

Posted: February 24, 2020

La Jolla Country Day School has been my home for the past 14 years. The faculty, staff, and students have always been supportive and encouraging throughout my experience. The teachers are thoughtful and never fail to engage students in the subject matter through creative lessons and activities. LJCDS is a place where I have never had to give up one passion for another. I have been able to pursue both the sciences and humanities without sacrificing depth for breadth. Outside of the classroom, I am able to be both an athlete and artist. LJCDS offers endless opportunities and an encouraging environment for learning and personal growth.

Posted: February 24, 2020

The assigned homework is a useful supplement to the class material.

Posted: February 24, 2020

The teachers are my favorite part of La Jolla Country Day School. They never fail to come up with engaging activities and lessons to teach the material. They are extremely supportive and helpful.

Posted: February 24, 2020

LJCDS values character and treating others with dignity above all else.

Posted: February 24, 2020

Posted: February 24, 2020

There are special support systems in place for students with learning differences.

Posted: January 29, 2020

Posted: January 29, 2020

Posted: January 29, 2020

Posted: January 29, 2020

I can't say enough good things about La Jolla Country Day School. My children have literally grown up at the school. They started attending La Jolla Country Day school when they were 3 years old and they are now in high school. The teachers are wonderful and caring and the community is truly a family. The head of school, Gary Krahn, and his leadership team have been transformational for the school. I know my children will be well prepared for college and, at the same time, they have learned so much over the years about community service and social responsibility. The school is also committed to fostering a culture of dignity and this is evident in everything they do. My children will graduate soon but I know my family will always be connected to La Jolla Country Day in some way.

Posted: January 29, 2020

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Posted: January 29, 2020

Posted: January 28, 2020

My child has benefitted from the learning resource center. Teachers are also very on top of ensuring that students dont fall behind and get the help they need to succeed at their level.

Posted: January 28, 2020

Posted: January 28, 2020

I rate our experience at this school very high . I would not go anywhere else and am very very happy with not only what they do but how they do it.

Posted: January 28, 2020

Posted: January 28, 2020

I love the teachers at La Jolla Country Day. These are experts who care about the overall well being of our kids.

Posted: January 28, 2020

This might be the best feature of this school.

Posted: January 28, 2020

The leaders at Country Day are focused on supporting children of character who can contribute to the larger world. I love their focus on not only academics (which is outstanding) but also well being and dignity.

Posted: January 25, 2020

Posted: January 25, 2020

Posted: January 25, 2020

Posted: January 25, 2020

LJCDS faculty and staff are exceptional and create a place where each student can thrive to be the best version of him/herself. It is an engaged and passionate community of educators, parents and students who care as much about the world at large as what is happening on the school 's campus. We've had a remarkable experience for both of our kids and feel they will be their for their entire K-12 journey.

Posted: January 25, 2020

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Posted: January 15, 2020

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Posted: January 15, 2020

My three daughters had the most amazing experience at LJCDS. The teachers are amazing and develop wonderful relationships with the kids. The education is fantastic but more importantly the community feels so good amongst parents and students. Truly a very happy place!

Posted: December 12, 2019

ljcds is an excellent school. The teachers care tremendously about their students and are always available to provide assistance, if needed.

Posted: December 12, 2019

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Posted: November 18, 2019

they do not give too much homework

Posted: November 18, 2019

varies - some amazing teachers you won't find elsewhere and some dead weight or inexperienced teachers.

Posted: November 18, 2019

Persistent bullying happens and is not punished if the perpetrators are from the school's "best families"

Posted: November 18, 2019

Gary Krahn likes to drop famous names - but his background is on the battlefield and in college math, not in child development. Reports to the school's wealthiest donors and yields too much to requests that are against the school's stated mission.

Posted: November 18, 2019

Posted: November 18, 2019

LJCDS has some great teachers and families, and a beautiful public face – but some ugliness in private. As others have said, many families leave each year, which is why a big deal is made about the few “lifers” (who pay $$$ to be there preK-12). Admins. advertise respect for diversity – but have no idea how to achieve it, so the number of students of color is miniscule. There is a smug privileged mentality among some students, especially in Upper School, which the admin. seems unable to stamp out. The school’s culture is distorted by seeing families as donor/customers – so that the wealthiest are able to dictate policy to adminstrators. Tucker Carlson and the gamer McSkillet (who killed a family in a high-speed crash in 2018) epitomize a certain kind of LJCDSer – as do the parents who have the headmaster on speed dial. We are thrilled now to be in an ethical independent school!

Posted: September 24, 2018

The homework load can get intense (especially when time is at a premium during sports season) but students are taught to advocate for themselves, which encourages responsibility and independent thinking.

Posted: September 24, 2018

Posted: September 24, 2018

They are big on this. It's great.

Posted: September 24, 2018

Dr. Gary Krahn, head of school, is a great asset: highly experienced, very friendly, very compassionate. A great leader.

Posted: September 24, 2018

My child still has some organizational deficits even though he is close to graduation; upper school teachers must stay vigilant for these outliers even though most kids have acquired these skills (they have a great learning resource center). Teachers are very responsive, however, when help is requested.

Posted: September 24, 2018

They are generally excellent about it, but cannot catch every small instance.

Posted: September 24, 2018

Thumb’s up for La Jolla Country Day School! There’s a clear difference between public and private, which is why we switched during middle school to LJCDS. We studied and visited all “big 3” private schools (along with Bishop’s and Francis Parker) and chose LJCDS because, while all three were excellent, LJCDS had a higher level of open-mindedness and flexibility. We found Bishop’s rigid program and arbitrary rules not to our taste (we did not investigate Parker enough to form a strong opinion). We needed these qualities at LJCDS to design an effective curriculum for our child who was above grade level in math and science.
The school incorporates current research on teaching/neuroscience into the curriculum (teaching mindfulness for stress management, for example). LJCDS has provided some significant/pivotal/life-changing experiences that helped shape our child’s success. The first time our child ever came home excited about something that happened in school happened here as a new upper school student (the English teacher made Macbeth very exciting….). Our child’s upper school advisor dispensed needed wisdom, which put us at ease many times. The biology teacher took the time to get to know our child’s interests outside the classroom and harnessed this knowledge to oversee a year-end project (at much extra effort on the teacher’s part). Classes in so many interest areas makes it easy for kids to individualize their academic experiences (our children are very different but both well-served).

Aside from our overwhelmingly positive experiences, no school is perfect, of course. We would have liked to have had a stronger computer science curriculum with more options since this was our child’s future field, so our child took programming classes elsewhere. While teachers are much more responsive, compassionate, and dynamic by far than the public school teachers we’ve had, some are more so than others.
Highly recommend this school!

Posted: June 11, 2018

It is balanced. It is competitive, but not to the point of causing students serious emotional distress.

Posted: June 11, 2018

Where else do you have political science teachers who organize congressional debates and helps kids contribute to the San Diego Historical society.

Posted: June 11, 2018

The emphasis of Dr. Gary Krahn is on Dignity.

Posted: June 11, 2018

Dr Gary Krahn is one of the best private school leaders in America.

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

There is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior.

Posted: June 11, 2018

LJCD is a great school! When choosing a private school in San Diego, meet with the head of the school. You won’t find a better person than Dr. Gary Krahn who came to LJCD a couple years ago and continues to transform the school. LJCD has the right balance of academics, sports, arts, and student well-being. Your child will get a great education, become a wonderful grounded person, and get into a fantastic college.

Posted: May 16, 2018

In 14 years I never had any issues with bullying. I heard of incidents over the years but I believe that the administration effectively addressed those incidents with assemblies. In general, Country Day has a very no nonsense policy when it comes to bullying. The school culture makes it very clear that bullying in any form will not be tolerated.

Posted: May 16, 2018

I gave 4 stars because overall, I had a fantastic experience at Country Day. Having started in Pre-K, I have no memories of life that doesn't include the school. Country Day has made me who I am today and I am incredibly grateful for the breadth of experiences and connections I made there.

Posted: May 16, 2018

A handful of the teachers had an unrealistic approach to homework and how long they thought it should take for students to complete. Often there weren't enough hours in the day to complete all the homework assigned for 4 or 5 classes. As a competent and responsible student I often struggled to submit assignments and completely and thoroughly as I wanted. Some people would say that this comes with a preparatory school, but I think there is room for improvement.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Country Day teachers in general, are amazing. You won't find a more dedicated, compassionate, caring bunch of people anywhere else. Country Day teachers are wholeheartedly committed to their students. They treat their students like family and are truly interested in getting to know them as people and individuals separate from the classroom. I owe my lifelong love of learning to countless teachers starting in Pre-K all the way through senior year.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Country Day places a huge emphasis on character. There are so many opportunities for community service weather it is a service learning trip, school-wide fundraiser or a field trip to a local homeless shelter. There are no shortage of opportunities to get involved.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Posted: May 16, 2018

The LRC is amazing. The educational therapists go above and beyond for their students. The LRC does a fantastic job of preparing students with learning disabilities for college and the real world.

Posted: January 24, 2018

We have a wonderful all-around experience here. Our kids have been there since "tiny torreys" through high school (current 9th and 11th grade) and every step of the way has been fantastic. This school is exceptionally supportive of the individual needs, wants, talents and dreams of its students

Posted: January 24, 2018

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Posted: November 19, 2017

La Jolla Country Day School is an excellent school for children to build a strong character and obtain a well-rounded education. The Head of School, administration, and teachers are hard-working and care about students. My children are eager learners who are thriving at LJCDS. Our family loves LJCDS.

Posted: November 3, 2017

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Posted: November 3, 2017

Our daughter has learning differences and is now thriving at an Ivy League thanks to the teachers and the Learning Resource Center at LJCDS. The balance of academics, character development, and individuality is what makes this school special.

Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

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Posted: November 3, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

I have two children that have attended this school for the last 11 years -- yes, this is our 12th year! Both have grown and thrived. Interestingly, they are both very different people and yet they have both really found themselves and excelled at LJCDS. My older one is very academic and I am pleased with the challenges that the school has provided him from the beginning and particularly now with the vast and challenging upper school curriculum. My younger one has to try a little harder at school but is an artist and a talented athlete. She has really taken advantage of all that the school has to offer well rounded children. I think what sets this school apart is how much they really care for the kids. They know them, truly know them. They are like family. I think that is why my kids have both done so well and been so happy there.

Posted: September 24, 2017

I have a child that has been at this school for 8 years and it has been a school that has bent over backwards to help, support and encourage my child to be everything he can be in all aspects of his life. They are an academic institution but also encourage students to think, speak their own views, be engaged in the world and see beyond themselves. That is why we chose and remain at LJCDS.

Posted: September 24, 2017

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Posted: December 3, 2016

La Jolla Country Day has been an amazing experience for our daughter. The LJCD community is welcoming and caring. Moving our daughter to LJCD was the best decision for her. She has gained confidence and the teachers have reignited her love of learning!

Posted: December 2, 2016

Posted: December 2, 2016

Posted: December 2, 2016

Posted: December 2, 2016

My children have been at LJCDS for 4 years and it has been an incredible experience. The school has instilled a true love of learning in my children and each teacher we have had has gone above and beyond. The curriculum is challenging and adapts to the needs of each of my kids. I highly recommend it.

Posted: December 2, 2016

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Posted: December 2, 2016

Posted: December 2, 2016

I wholeheartedly agree with the parent that posted this on December 9, 2015 about the LJCDS. My kid went through Lower-Middle, and part of High school. It is amazing reading this post, its almost like the person knew how we felt being there. So, I am going to copy and paste what they expressed "We really wanted to like this school and obviously paid because we wanted to believe in it; but, at the end of the day, I CANNOT recommend this school and would STRONGLY discourage future parents, and I don't take this lightly. First of all, there are some positives: small class size, etc. However, we found the faculty, teachers, and environment to be cold, sterile, and rigid. Our kids were doing well prior to transferring to LJCDS and they are fine now, but we found minimal growth and in some ways a REGRESSION while at LJCDS. Kids just don't thrive here in my experience and in talking to other parents about their experience. The school relies on TUTORING (at a hefty price) for kids and other fees to make up for issues they identify. In addition, about 40% of the class seems to come from KIDS OF TEACHERS at the school. This would seem like a good thing but it is not. There is a divide and an 'US AGAINST THEM' mentality, which was shocking. Multiple times I heard teachers differentiating and belittle regular paying kids (ie, most kids here are spoiled, most kids here don't do chores, etc). Finally, there were multiple LOCKDOWNS in the time we were there due to faculty and parent threats. All in all, as a parent, I cannot recommend this school. I urge you to investigate for yourself, but think long and hard before you invest your money and more importantly your child's future in this school." Cheers to the writer, I BELIEVE IN EVERYTHING YOU SAID.

Posted: December 9, 2015

We had two children in there in the pre-K (ecc) and the lower school for over a year. We really wanted to like this school and obviously paid because we wanted to believe in it; but, at the end of the day, I cannot recommend this school and would strongly discourage future parents, and I don't take this lightly. First of all, there are some positives: small class size, etc. However, we found the faculty, teachers, and environment to be cold, sterile, and rigid. Our kids were doing well prior to transferring to LJCDS and they are fine now, but we found minimal growth and in some ways a regression while at LJCDS. Kids just don't thrive here in my experience and in talking to other parents about their experience. The school relies on tutoring (at a hefty price) for kids and other fees to make up for issues they identify. In addition, about 40% of the class seems to come from kids of teachers at the school. This would seem like a good thing but it is not. There is a divide and an 'us against them' mentality, which was shocking. Multiple times I heard teachers differentiating and belittle regular paying kids (ie, most kids here are spoiled, most kids here don't do chores, etc). Finally, there were multiple lockdowns in the time we were there due to faculty and parent threats. All in all, as a parent, I cannot recommend this school. I urge you to investigate for yourself, but think long and hard before you invest your money and more importantly your child's future in this school.

Posted: November 27, 2015

I am writing to back up the last review. LJCD has been a terrific school for our kids! Too much focus is spent on SAT scores, AP exams and National Merritt Scholars. Although those things have a place and demonstrate certain kinds of success, a truly great school provides opportunities for its students, motivates them to work hard and take risks and produces confident graduates who attend, not only top colleges, but the right college for each graduate. LJCD kids are given countless opportunities to excel, display varied talents and attend great colleges (check out the lists). LJCD is the best school in San Diego, no doubt about it.

Posted: November 6, 2015

Looks like another lackluster performance on the National Merit front. Yet the school keeps telling us they are "rebranding" (whatever that means) and promises us excellence. Please...we stopped believing that nonsense years ago. World class faculty second to none? Not even the best in San Diego county is more like it. Please just stop making us feel stupid for wasting all this money and not sending our kids to public school.

Posted: October 28, 2015

Some good, some bad, some so bad they shouldn't be in ANY classroom let alone one where people are paying good money.

Posted: October 28, 2015

All depends on who you are and how much money you have. If you cheat, you better be a star athlete or someone with connections.

Posted: October 28, 2015

If you have the good fortune to be financially secure enough to waste tens of thousands of dollars per year on what amounts to nothing better than a public school education, then God bless you. Other than smaller class size (and that has changed recently in some cases), there really is nothing special about this place. If your child is motivated, he or she will do just fine in a public school. And if he or she is not motivated, no one at this place will change that.

Posted: October 7, 2015

Excellent teachers is one of the school's greatest strengths. The Upper School faculty are accomplished and encouraged to engage their students in innovative ways.

Posted: October 7, 2015

Posted: October 7, 2015

Posted: October 7, 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. The school is actively addressing weaknesses and working hard to make improvements across all areas. In the near future, LJCDS will not be recognized as one of the best schools in San Diego, but ti will become one of the nation's top five Pre K - Grade 12 schools in the nation.

Posted: June 2, 2015

In our experience the teachers have been quite good. Most have gone out of their way to accommodate for kids with extracurricular activities. They also made an honest effort to get to know my child. The administration has some issues. Don't get me wrong there are some great administrators but there are some who are not. My family was burned because we upset one of the influential families through no fault of our own. Their child didn't like ours so we were treated poorly by the administration. The school is great if you are a wealthy family or if you are well connected socially. Unfortunately the ceiling for families who fall outside of those buckets is much lower. I am writing this review as other families have felt the same way. My advice is to befriend the influential families and keep limit your child's interaction with those children. This is just a data point in your review of this school. It can truly be a great place but don't anger anyone in the process.

Posted: May 28, 2015

Very disappointed. Big time investment. Commuting on the road. Car investment with the heavy duty commute. Emotional investment with relationships made. Monetary investment with the ridiculous price tag of $30,000 a kid... NOT WORTH IT.
You will not get back what you put into it.

Posted: May 28, 2015

There are one or two good teachers sprinkled throughout. ON the most part VERY UNIMPRESSIVE. SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Posted: May 28, 2015

My kid never did his homework and the teachers never told me.
So, in turn, this very smart kid did not get good grades.
The teachers would tell me in the "11th hour" just to cover their backs come report card time.

Posted: May 28, 2015

When the COACHES, teachers and administrators don't practice honesty, integrity and fairness... how do you expect your kid to learn that???

Posted: October 20, 2013

La Jolla Country Day School has exceeded my expectations in every way. It treats each student as an individual and took my son from a point where I wondered whether college was in his future and now, we believe, he may be Ivy material. This isn't a school for parents who want a cookie cutter approach and want to sit back and critique the place. As with all schools there are plenty of challenges when shaping and re-shaping students. But they did a marvelous job with my sometimes cantakerous son and I couldn't be happier.

Posted: October 3, 2013

Unfortunately, LJCDS has not faired well in the financial down turn. They have accepted an increasingly large number of underperforming, poorly behaved, spoiled kids over the last 5 years. The results have been disastrous. If you have a high functioning, hard working child, this is NOT the school for you. Most LJCDS kids don't want to work hard, and the main emphasis is social connections for the parents. This is not an academic institution no matter how many times the head of school says it to you. If you have a lot of money, and can afford a country club environment, complete with spoiled bratty children,many with learning issues, that don't want to work hard, this is the school for you. Otherwise, you best go elsewhere. Many teachers are dedicated and trying hard with the students that they have to deal with. Lots of bullying by nasty overindulged kids. Glorified, expensive, public school.

Posted: March 15, 2013

Be careful. This is school that thinks the parents work for them. We had our daughter here for several years and just pulled her this last year. We are so much happier. The administration and the teachers want the kids to fit a very specific framework. They talk a wonderful amount about what they care about and their theory of education but in reality they practice something very different. Our daughter is so much happier at a new school, private and nearby. We wish we hadn't wasted these years. Some of the teachers truly care and truly try but they are overwhelmed by the focus of the administration and the overall tone of the school. The more we research, the more we have found out about how many kids have been leaving.

Posted: February 23, 2012

Best of the best in San Diego. Closest competitors are Francis Parker or Bishops. However, FP is ugly and in a questionable part of town, and Bishops is religious and requires the kids to wear uniforms (Yuk!). LJCDS looks like a mini college campus, with beautiful, spacious grounds in one of the best, safest areas of San Diego. LJCDS foreign language offerings are incredible. Girls' sports are top-notch, especially basketball and volleyball. The rest of the sports programs are sort of "B+". Great faculty with very happy kids. Not nearly as many "brats" as you would think, given the sort of "fluffy" school name.

Posted: October 25, 2011

The potential is there, but the school really needs some changes...clean house, get rid of the bad teachers and stop taking the weak kids who hold everyone else back. Most importantly, let's see more than talk from the admin...let's see some action.

Posted: August 7, 2011

How very blessed we are as a family with 2 Country Day Students. One currently enrolled and the other just recently graduated. As a low income family we were so fortunate to receive the financial support from the school. This allowed my children to be part of this wonderful community called La Jolla Country Day. I read the majority of the reviews and find it very difficult to understand how any parent could be critical of the School. With the most beautiful campus in the Country to the magnificent Teachers and Staff, Country Day has what every kid needs, character. I just can t emphasize this enough. La Jolla Country Day School is one of the best all around college preparatory schools in the U.S. and the graduates will rock the world.

Posted: July 21, 2011

We are so happy our children are in the care of loving, supportive, challenging teachers. They look forward to going to school each day. But I totally agree with the previous review. The lack of air conditioning in several classrooms of the lower school is ridiculous. There is no reason for our kids to come home lethargic and cranky for a month when simply adding air conditioning would create a condusive learning environment.

Posted: June 1, 2011

I've attended public school from kindergarten to 8th grade and I can say there really is a difference between the public school system and CD. I've been here for 9th and 10th grade so far and am looking forward to my next two years here. Teachers are available and are extremely willing to talk after class and during free time. Most teachers take a genuine interest in their students and their future. For example, just last week I was able to talk with my history teacher for over an hour (on his free time) about history related extracurriculars that he'd recommend for me next year. Student body is extremely diverse in race and personalities. There really is a group for everyone. The Student Diversity Leadership Club/Conference attendees also work hard to promote tolerance and respect between people of different race, socio-economics, religions, and sexual preference. I myself being a minority, don't feel any tensions here or experience the same amount of labeling I did in public school. Lastly, many programs here depend on the leadership of the students and create many opportunities to get involved! Getting involved is super important to enjoy your time here.

Posted: April 25, 2011

Campus resembles a college. Middle school buildings look like a prison and Upper School is so small the kids are on top of one another. Middle School teachers have been there far far too long and are bored and boring. Curriculum is mundane and needs new blood and fresh eyes! Lower School is a joke. $25K for art, sci and music 1x a week! You can get that in public school! Don't come here for elementary. Beware of Middle School unless you enjoy mean girls, cliques and horrible teachers (with a few really great exceptions). If your child is smart, you won't find the challenge they deserve because LJCDS wants them all to fit in a little box. Lots of BMWs in the lot - sixteen and driving Porche's. It's the overarching message sent to the kids here. Lots of entitlement. No community sense whatsoever, very urban, very standoffish. Not for our family.

Posted: February 22, 2011

A phenomenal school. It's emphasis on the whole student -- the scholar, the artist, the athlete of character -- fit perfectly with what we hoped for our child -- a rich and balanced life. He has had that and then some at Country Day. I owe the good teachers and forward thinking administrators much for what they have done for my son and my family. You might hear some griping about the place -- but only from parents whose children chose not to engage fully in a school that offers so much.

Posted: January 17, 2011

Amazing place. Rebuilt from the ground up in recent years. World studies, community service, athletes, scholars and artists all. Highly endorse the place

Posted: January 8, 2011

First off, a quick correction regarding the language program at Country Day....as of the 2011-2012 school year, Latin will no longer be taught at LJCDS. (It used to be a required class in 5th and 6th grades, but, after the current year, this will no longer the case, and the language program will no longer offer Latin as one of its languages. Yes, they have begun to offer both Mandarin and Arabic, and continue to offer both Spanish and French, but the loss of the Latin program is most regrettable. As for the quality of the education, it varies from teacher to teacher and year to year. Most of the teachers are indeed excellent, while others should have retired years ago and truly have no business still teaching. Rather than conducting nation-wide searches to bring in the best and the brightest educators, they often just promote from within. On the positive side, students are exposed to a number of disciplines (art, music, science etc.) at levels not found in the public schools, and the smaller class sizes and close interactions between the (better) teachers and the students make for a pleasant environment in which the children generally thrive.