Our Learning Village
Designed for curiosity, exploration, and creativity
Our classrooms are Reggio Emilia and social constructivist inspired.
Students will find an abundance of natural light, open layouts, engaging materials, and beautiful displays that encourage interaction, collaboration, and movement.
Our outdoor spaces are an extension of the classroom.
Here, children connect with nature, engage in messy play, and explore the world firsthand. This nurturing environment allows them to take risks, develop problem-solving skills, and build a deep appreciation for the environment.
Our evolving campus plays a vital role in our innovative educational approach.
We consider our students’ environment to be a “third teacher,” designed to nurture a vibrant, participatory community while prioritizing student safety. Our campus embodies our mission, supporting the key priorities of our strategic plan: Inclusion, Well-being, and Innovation. This positions us for growth, flexibility, and excellence in education.
The best of San Diego is just outside our school's gates.
Our students regularly take walking field trips to explore nearby tide pools and the ocean at our doorstep. Beautiful public parks, aquariums, and libraries are also easily accessible from our location. And we frequently partner with world-renowned neighboring institutions like the University of California San Diego. We are truly a learning village within the village of La Jolla.
the campus
Our 2.33 acre urban campus is located in the village of La Jolla, encompassing an:
- Early childhood center with an exploratory playground
- A stand-alone cottage for toddlers
- A dedicated building for our Kindergarten classes
- A two-story elementary building connected to a gymnasium
- An outdoor sports court and a sports field
- An art bungalow and a early childhood art atelier, connected by a sustainable learning garden
THE Sandbox
In the summer of 2021, Gillispie opened its Sandbox, a 7,000 square-foot building adjacent to our current campus.
Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, this bright and colorful space encompasses:
- A theater and multi-purpose space
- A music room
- A library and media center
- A science classroom with indoor/outdoor makers space
- A teaching kitchen
- An outdoor shaded student lunch area
The Sandbox has transformed the quality of the student experience, supporting each child’s unique journey and growth by empowering students to dream big, think creatively, work collaboratively, and pursue their passions.