Early Childhood

(Age 2-PreK)
Our Reggio-inspired early childhood program nurtures each child's unique contribution to learning.

Lower Elementary

(Grades K-2)
Our social-constructivist-inspired elementary program encourages children to explore the "why," not just the "how."

Upper Elementary

(Grades 3-6)
Our rigorous upper-elementary curriculum asks students to think deeply and independently.

Specialty Classes

A cross-disciplinary approach in our specialty classes enhances learning across all subjects.

Parent Toddle Exploration at Gillispie School

Parent Toddler

(Age 20-36 months)
Join us for fun-filled mornings with your toddler, age 20-36 months!

Why the Rush?

In today's fast-paced world, there’s pressure to accelerate learning. But why the rush and to what end? The years between ages two and 12 are a uniquely wondrous time in children’s lives. The investment in these years is foundational to developing joyous, life-long learners. At Gillispie, the journey matters.

Gillispie School Hands

Gillispie Foundations

Toddler to Tween
Toddler to Tween

We have been building learning foundations for life for more than 70 years.

The Journey Matters
The Journey Matters

These formative years matter most; we cherish and celebrate childhood rather than rush it.

learnbydoing
Learn by Doing

Students explore their curiosities and construct the skills of tomorrow through collaborative, hands-on, project-based work.

Remarkable Results
Remarkable Results

Our graduates attend top local schools, embrace learning, think creatively, care for their community, and show kindness to others.

Who We Are

Leaders in early childhood and elementary education, we nurture joyous learners from age two to Grade 6 who become confident problem-solvers, effective communicators, and thoughtful global citizens.

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Number of Students

0%

STUDENT Diversity

0:1

Early Childhood Student/Teacher Ratio

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Average Elementary Class Size

$0K

ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDED

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

Visit Gillispie

Seeing is believing! Join our admissions team for a personal tour of our classrooms in action and discover what sets us apart.

Ready to join our community?

Apply for 2025-2026 enrollment by February 1, 2025, for priority consideration. Submit your online application first, and we’ll schedule a classroom visit to get to know your child.

"You're going to love it here!"

Clair Aragon & Alden Rothe

Parents

Our family has had the great fortune to be able to attend The Gillispie School for five remarkable years, during which our experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. The school's exceptional programs are noteworthy, yet it is the vibrant and dedicated community of teachers, staff, students, and parents that truly sets it apart. Gillispie's guiding principle, "The Journey Matters," is beautifully embodied in our son's educational experience. Gillispie’s approach to education fully integrates real-life experiences, making learning engaging, enjoyable, and infinitely valuable. The devoted teachers, who appreciate their own growth alongside their students’, are at the heart of this enriching environment. Furthermore, the staff—from the warm and welcoming individuals at the front desk to the exceptional specialty teachers—play an indispensable role in creating a nurturing atmosphere.

California Association of Independent Schools

Visiting Team Report, June 2024

Students find a welcoming embrace at every juncture of their educational journey, while parents are not only esteemed and listened to, but also actively engaged in enriching their children's academic pursuits. Faculty and staff alike experience a profound sense of belonging within the school community, buoyed by robust leadership support. The prevailing sentiment is one of enduring commitment and contentment. Collectively, the community exudes warmth and affection, fostering an environment akin to a second home for all its members, where each individual is esteemed and acknowledged.

Gillispie Family

Parent

From the first day our child visited Gillispie, we knew we had found something special. They say it takes a village, and we are so lucky Gillispie helped shape our kids’ childhoods. They are kind, curious, and confident because of lessons learned here.

Gillispie Family

Parent

Academics at Gillispie are excellent, and their focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical skills for the future. My children love going to school at Gillispie and feel confident and happy there every day.

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