Middle School Team

Gary Krahn, Ph.D.
Head of School
(858) 453-3440 x240
gkrahn@ljcds.org

Colleen O'Boyle
Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs
(858) 453-3440 x251
coboyle@ljcds.org

Kristy Johnson
Head of Middle School
(858) 453-3440 x171
kjohnson@ljcds.org

Tyler Hales
Middle School Dean of Students
(858) 453-3440 x193
thales@ljcds.org

Alicia Deutz
MS Administrative Assistant & Attendance
(858) 453-3440 x115
adeutz@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
Date: May 9
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: LJCDS
RSVP Link

May Parent Association Meet-Up and New Torrey Parent Welcome
Date: May 16
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: LJCDS
RSVP Link


Ice Cream Social at LJCDS
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Where: LJCDS
 

Middle School Placement Tests 
New Students Entering Grade 5
Math placement testing is not required for new Grade 5 students.  
A world language test is only required if your child has extensive experience with the Spanish language and would like to be considered for the Spanish Heritage.  If your child does not have prior experience with the Spanish language, please select the "new - no previous Spanish" option. Please click HERE to sign up.

New Students Entering Grades 6 - 8
All new students entering Grades 6 - 8 are required to take the math placement test. All math testing is held on campus. If you are from out of town, there is an option for you in the drop-down menu in the sign-up form.

For new Grade 6 students, a world language test is only required if your child has previous experience with the Spanish language.  If your child does not have prior experience with the Spanish language, please select the "new - no previous Spanish" option.

For new Grade 7 and 8 students, a placement test for world language is only required if your child has previous experience in the language they anticipate taking during the 2023-2024 academic year (Spanish, French or Mandarin). If your child does not have prior experience with the language anticipate taking next year, please select the "new - no previous Spanish/French/Mandarin" option.

Please click HERE to sign up.

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)

LJCDS Middle School Transition Nights
Join Kristy Johnson, Head of Middle School, and the grade level teams for the upcoming Transition to Middle School Nights.  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 16 at 5:30 pm (no RSVP required)
From 5 - 5:30pm, students will have an opportunity to meet our music teachers and explore and learn about all of the available instrument options prior to choosing their instrument for the fall.

The program will cover the following:
  • Welcome
  • Specialty Classes 
  • Student Life and Physical Education
  • Academic Schedule, Advisory and Travel Groups (Grade 5 only)
  • Academic Life
 
Grades 7 & 8: Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 pm (no RSVP required)
The program will cover the following:
  • Welcome
  • Athletics and Student Life
  • Academic Life and World Languages
  • Innovation Space
  • Electives
Summer grade-level meet-ups
You will receive invitations for grade-specific meet-ups throughout the summer.

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.

Summer School Programs
Please click here for summer school information.

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.


Middle School Important Key Dates

Friday, May 31, 2024 
Tuition Due
Please contact the Business Office at 858-453-3440 x124 or waguirre@ljcds.org with any questions.

June, 2024 
Summer Programs Begin
Click here for more information and to register.

July 2024
Online Registration Available

Thursday, August 1, 2024
Online Registration Due

Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Grade 9 New Student Orientation
Grade 10 & 11 - free (no orientations)
Grade 12 Senior retreat

Wednesday, August 21, 2024
First Day of School

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School 

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