PROGRAMS

Scholar, Artist, Athlete of Character

As a college preparatory institution, La Jolla Country Day School strives for academic excellence. It is our goal to provide students with the skills needed to succeed at the college or university level. It is also our desire to develop the scholar, artist, and athlete of character. 

The academic curriculum provides students with a broad base of knowledge and experience, and it stimulates them to develop the habits of the mind that ensure future success. All students are expected to take an active role in their education, as they learn to ask the right questions and make pertinent connections. Within the fine arts program, students explore areas of particular interest, choosing from a rich array of visual and performing arts offerings. The physical education and athletics programs are designed to meet the physical needs, abilities, and interests of the students within each division. A Grade 7 through 12 no-cut athletics policy encourages active participation on 35 Middle School and 47 Upper School athletic teams during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

In the Lower School, children develop fundamental social and educational skills in a warm, nurturing environment. It is a child-centered community, with faculty focusing on the specific needs of students while using diverse teaching methods to encourage interest, creativity, and imagination in young minds. The joy of learning is as important as the mastery of the skill or task.

The Middle School curriculum addresses the intellectual, physical, and social growth that defines the fifth- through eighth-grade years. The program maintains a rigor that promotes academic excellence while accommodating students with diverse talents and levels of maturity. Through core classes and electives, Middle School instructors stimulate and challenge students to reach beyond traditional parameters of learning.

The Upper School academic program is ambitious, and we regard consistent hard work by all students as a fundamental skill leading to growth and success. Our goal is to prepare our graduates to become confident, independent scholars who have a curiosity for knowledge and a passion for learning. We offer 18 Advanced Placement courses in seven subject areas.

Country Day emphasizes an understanding for all students that the value of learning lies in sharing with others and contributing to society. The curriculum at Country Day reflects our commitment to the potential of individual achievement within a healthy and vibrant academic community.