La Jolla COUNTRY DAY School

La Jolla Country Day School is an independent college-preparatory school serving 1,050 students from age 3 through Grade 12. It is the school of choice for families throughout San Diego County who value an education that teaches students to think for themselves by providing them with a balanced program through which they can achieve their potential as scholars, artists and athletes of character.

HISTORY 

La Jolla Country Day School traces its beginnings to The Balmer School, founded in 1926 by Louise C. Balmer. A small cottage on Coast Boulevard served as the schoolhouse for the four children who attended the primary school that first year. They learned about reading, writing, and arithmetic in an atmosphere where individualized attention was valued.

As families throughout La Jolla heard about Mrs. Balmer's work, The Balmer School expanded, eventually holding kindergarten through fifth grade classes in what is now John Cole's Book Shop on Prospect Street. Nearly three decades later, Mrs. Balmer and a group of dedicated parents saw the need for an independent day school which would include Middle and Upper School classes as well. The school now known as La Jolla Country Day School received its charter in 1955 and moved to its current location in 1961.

The campus has changed since the first class of seniors graduated in 1964. Where there once stood only the administration building and the Lower and Middle School classrooms, the continuing generosity of dedicated Country Day parents has enabled the school to fund the building of an Upper School campus, a library, an outdoor amphitheater, a double gymnasium, a state-of-the-art theater, an observatory, tennis courts, a fine arts buildings, computer and science labs, and additional playing fields. Students from communities all over San Diego County now make up the Nursery through 12th grade population of Country Day, where a sound liberal arts background and strong college preparation and counseling programs are hallmarks.

COMMITMENT TO CHARACTER

At La Jolla Country Day, as we prepare our students for a lifetime of personal growth, social responsibility and intellectual exploration, we regard the development of good character to be as important as the development of one's academic, athletic, or artistic ability. The moral and ethical tone of the school is maintained by a commitment to the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Across the three divisions of the school, these pillars are in operation:

I. TRUSTWORTHINESS
Keep promises and tell the truth. Never present another’s work as your own. Be a loyal friend.

II. RESPECT
Recognize that we have different backgrounds, abilities, and attributes. Respect, or at least tolerate, differences in others. Never bully, harass, or isolate another person.

III. RESPONSIBILITY
Be punctual and prepared. Meet deadlines and take pride in your work. Strive for excellence in everything you do.

IV. CARING
Be compassionate. Show consideration and concern for others.

V. JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS
Respect the basic rules that enable our community to function smoothly. Understand that there are fair consequences for infractions of these rules.

VI. CIVIC VIRTUE AND CITIZENSHIP
Appreciate that much has been given to you and that much is expected. Regularly perform acts of community service and be a good citizen.

ACCREDITATION

La Jolla Country Day School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, the school is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).