Lower School Team
Jeff Terwin, Ph.D.
Head of School
858-453-3440 x240
jterwin@ljcds.org
Colleen O'Boyle
Associate Head of School
858-453-3440 x251
coboyle@ljcds.org
Briony Chown
Head of Lower School
858-453-3440 x120
bchown@ljcds.org
Maria Curtis
Director of the Early Childhood Center
858-453-3440 x191
mcurtis@ljcds.org
Marsha Poh
Assistant Head of Lower School
858-453-3440 x229
mpoh@ljcds.org
Emma Buttery
LS Administrative Assistant
858-453-3440 x161
ebuttery@ljcds.org
Head of School
858-453-3440 x240
jterwin@ljcds.org
Colleen O'Boyle
Associate Head of School
858-453-3440 x251
coboyle@ljcds.org
Briony Chown
Head of Lower School
858-453-3440 x120
bchown@ljcds.org
Maria Curtis
Director of the Early Childhood Center
858-453-3440 x191
mcurtis@ljcds.org
Marsha Poh
Assistant Head of Lower School
858-453-3440 x229
mpoh@ljcds.org
Emma Buttery
LS Administrative Assistant
858-453-3440 x161
ebuttery@ljcds.org
Early Childhood Center and Lower School
This page is your starting point for exploring our Early Childhood Center and Lower School programs, spanning Tiny Torreys through Grade 4. We encourage you to visit this page regularly, as it will be updated frequently with important information, news, and helpful resources to support your family’s journey at La Jolla Country Day School.
Get to Know Country Day Families
Ice Cream Social
Families are invited to enjoy ice cream, games and Torrey community connection across all grades.
Date: TBD August 2026
Time: TBD
Where: LJCDS
Summer Meetups
Families sign up and can organize summer meetups with other LJCDS families.
Please check our Summer Meetup Overview and RSVP to see when your grade level will be meeting and RSVP if you are able to attend.
Spring Rising Grade Level Information Session
This is a wonderful opportunity for new families to connect with our Lower School team, learn what to expect in the upcoming school year, explore the exciting opportunities available, and begin building meaningful relationships within the LJCDS community.
- Tiny Torrey - May 14 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | RSVP
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Junior Kindergarten - May 7, 2026 | 8-9:00 a.m. | RSVP
-
Rising Kindergarten - May 6, 2026 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | RSVP
-
Rising Grade 1 - May 1 | 8:45-9:45 a.m. | RSVP
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Rising Grade 2 - May 8 | 8:45-9:45 a.m. | RSVP
-
Rising Grade 3 - May 15 | 8:45-9:45 a.m. | RSVP
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Rising Grade 4 - May 21 | 8:45-9:45 a.m. | RSVP
Kindergarten–Grade 4 Summer Reading
The library team has partnered with Lower School to curate a list of summer reading suggestions for families. These recommended reads will be available at the end of May.
Summer Playdate Connections
Families are always eager to connect and begin building friendships. If your family is interested in arranging 1-on-1 or small group playdates with others in the LJCDS community, please complete the interest form below. The Summer Playdate Connection List spreadsheet will continually be updated with information on participating families.
Summer Programs
Our Summer Programs are a great way to become familiar with the campus and engage in fun activities with fellow students. For more information or to register visit Summer at Country Day.
Fluent Spanish Speaker Program
The Fluent Spanish Speaker (FSS) Program in the Lower School is designed for students in Grades 1–4 who already demonstrate strong proficiency in Spanish.
The program focuses on advancing reading and writing skills while expanding vocabulary and building confidence in speaking and listening through culturally rich, language-based instruction. Admission includes an assessment to ensure the program is an appropriate fit for each student’s language abilities.
Complete the Fluent Spanish Speaker Assessment Form.
The program focuses on advancing reading and writing skills while expanding vocabulary and building confidence in speaking and listening through culturally rich, language-based instruction. Admission includes an assessment to ensure the program is an appropriate fit for each student’s language abilities.
Complete the Fluent Spanish Speaker Assessment Form.
Update Contact Information
Have you moved or changed your email? Please use the Update Contact Information Form to make sure we have the most current information.
Important Key Dates
Specific Dates to Come
End of May 2026
Tuition Due
Please contact the Business Office at 858-453-3440 ext. 124 or Wilson Aguirre at waguirre@ljcds.org with any questions.
June 2026
Summer Programs Begin
July 2026
Online Registration Available
Online Registration Available
Beginning of August 2026
Online Registration Due
Mid/End August 2026
New Class Welcome Emails
Back to School Night 5-7:00 p.m.
Group A: TT-JK Student Orientation
Group B: TT-JK Student Orientation
K-Grade 4 Student Orientation 9-10:00 a.m.
First Day of School
Online Registration Due
Mid/End August 2026
New Class Welcome Emails
Back to School Night 5-7:00 p.m.
Group A: TT-JK Student Orientation
Group B: TT-JK Student Orientation
K-Grade 4 Student Orientation 9-10:00 a.m.
First Day of School
For more events, please visit our All School Calendar.
