Middle School Team
Jeff Terwin, Ph.D.
Kristy Johnson
Head of Middle School
(858) 453-3440 x171
kjohnson@ljcds.org
Meg Hassey
Tyler Hales
Middle School Dean of Students
(858) 453-3440 x193
thales@ljcds.org
Head of Middle School
(858) 453-3440 x171
kjohnson@ljcds.org
Meg Hassey
Tyler Hales
Middle School Dean of Students
(858) 453-3440 x193
thales@ljcds.org
Getting Started: Middle School
Welcome to La Jolla Country Day School Middle School program. The purpose of this page is to provide you with an initial launching point for your introduction to Middle School (Grades 5–8) at La Jolla Country Day School. Please check this page regularly for updates.
Get to Know Country Day Families
New Parent Happy Hour
Join us for an evening of conversation, community and connection with parents of all newly admitted students and members of the Torrey community from across all grades.
Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Ice Cream Social
Families are invited to enjoy ice cream, games and Torrey community connection across all grades.
Date: August 13, 2025
Time: 4 - 5:30 pm
Where: LJCDS
RSVP by August 8
RSVP by August 8
Summer Meetups
Families sign up and can organize summer meetups with other LJCDS families.
You will receive invitations for grade-specific meetups throughout the summer.
Middle School Placement Tests
New Students Entering Grade 5
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Math: Testing is not required for new Grade 5 students.
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World Language: A test is only required if your child has extensive experience with the Spanish language and would like to be considered for the Spanish Heritage program. If your child does not have prior experience with the Spanish language, please select the "new - no previous Spanish" option. Please sign up for the Spanish Heritage program.
New Students Entering Grades 6-8
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Math: All math testing is held on campus. All new students entering Grades 6-8 are required to take the math placement test. If you are from out of town, there is an option for you in the drop-down menu in the sign-up form.
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World Language: All world language testing will be conducted virtually.
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New Grade 6 students only need to take the world language test if they have prior experience with Spanish. If your child has no previous Spanish experience, please choose the "new - no previous Spanish" option.
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New Grade 7 and 8 students only need to take a world language placement test if they have prior experience in the language they plan to take in 2025–26 (Spanish, French, or Mandarin). If they have no prior experience, choose the "new - no previous Spanish/French/Mandarin" option.
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Please sign up for Grade 6-8 Math and Language 2025-26.
If you have questions regarding these tests, please see the contact information below.
Math: Jamilah Ryan (jryan@ljcds.org)
World Language: Marisol Irwig (mirwig@ljcds.org)
Grades 7 & 8 Elective Information
For students entering Grades 7 & 8, elective selection is one of the most exciting aspects of the scheduling process. More information to come.
Middle School Transition Nights
Join Kristy Johnson, Head of Middle School, and the grade level teams for our Transition to Middle School sessions. These grade level specific programs, which will be hosted on campus, will be a wonderful opportunity to meet members of the Middle School’s administrative team and our incredible faculty. The Middle School team encourages students to join their parents for the transition nights.
Grades 5 & 6: Thursday, May 15 from 5-7 p.m. (no RSVP required)
From 5-5:30 p.m., students will have an opportunity to meet our music faculty and learn about the various instrument choices prior to their fall selection. At 5:30 p.m., the formal transition program will begin.
The program will cover the following:
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Welcome
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Specialty Classes
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Student Life and Physical Education
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Academic Schedule, Advisory and Travel Groups (Grade 5 only)
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Academic Life
Grades 7 & 8: Thursday, May 22 from 5:30-6:45 p.m. (no RSVP required)
The program will cover the following:
The program will cover the following:
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Welcome
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Athletics and Student Life
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Academic Life and World Languages
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Innovation Space
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Electives
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, please click here.
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
Friday, May 30, 2025
Tuition Due
Please contact the Business Office at 858-453-3440 ext. 124 or Wilson Aguirre at waguirre@ljcds.org with any questions.
June 2025
Summer Programs Begin
To register visit Summer at Country Day.
July 2025
Online Registration Available
Friday, August 1, 2025
Online Registration Due
Friday, August 1, 2025
Online Registration Due
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Middle School New Student Orientation
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
First Day of School
For more events, please visit our All School Calendar.
