Upper School Team

Jeff Terwin, Ph.D.
Head of School
(858) 453-3440 x240
jterwin@ljcds.org

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

James Joseph
Head of Upper School
(858) 453-3440 x128
jjoseph@ljcds.org

Rachel Clouser, Ed.D.
Assistant Head of Upper School
(858) 453-3440 x170
rclouser@ljcds.org

Aakash Kumar
Upper School Dean
(858) 453-3440 x221
akumar@ljcds.org

Jennifer Boock
Upper School
Administrative Assistant
(858) 453-3440 x126
jboock@ljcds.org

Getting Started: Upper School

The purpose of this page is to provide you with an initial launching point for your introduction to Upper School (Grades 9–12) at La Jolla Country Day School. Please check this page regularly for updates.

Get to Know Country Day Families

We will host some family gatherings over the spring/summer. You will have opportunities to RSVP for a summer gathering date to meet other new students, current students and parents.

 
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 parent community from across all grades.
Date: May 14, 2026
Time: 5-7pm
Where: LJCDS Lower School Courtyard
RSVP by Friday, May 8

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

New US Family Gathering Pizza Party!
Join us for a casual afternoon and meet other new familes as well as some current famies while enjoying some yummy pizza.
Date: June 24. 2026
Time: 5 pm
Where: URBN Pizza One Paseo
E-vite will be sent

New US Family Gathering - Community Service!
Join us for a fun morning of giving back to our community while connecting with each other.
Date: July 31, 2026
Time: 10 am
Where: Feeding America
E-vite will be sent


Past events:
May New Family Gathering/Scavenger Hunt
Date: May 3
Time: 3-4:30 pm
Where: LJCDS
Evite was sent out

May Parents Association Meet-Up
Meet fellow new parents, connect with school leaders and PA members, enjoy coffee and breakfast, and hear from students in each division share about some amazing experiences from this school year. Plus, grab some of the latest LJCDS gear at our Pop-Up Shop so you can show your Torrey pride all summer long!
Date: May 5, 2026
Time: 8:15am
Where: LJCDS Amphitheater
RSVP by Friday, May 1

Upper School Placement Tests

New students need to take placement tests. All students will take a math placement test. A world language placement test is only required if they want to take a class that is higher than level I.

Math (in-person)
Dates: Thursday, May 21 or Saturday, May 23

World Language (virtual)
Dates: Open online from May 16 at 8am until May 25 at 3pm
Self-proctored online. The virtual link will be emailed to your family once you register. 
 
If you have questions regarding these tests, please see the contact information below.

Math: Pam Patterson (ppatterson@ljcds.org)
World Language: Eva Power (epower@ljcds.org)

Virtual Grade 9 and 10 Orientation and Course Selection

Slides
Recording
Please contact Dr. Rachel Clouser (rclouser@ljcds.org) to complete course selection information.

Upper School Athletic Information

All Class of 2029 students must complete a minimum of one sports season during their freshman year.

Read a message from the Director of Athletics.

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.

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 29, 2026
Tuition Due
Please contact the Business Office at 858-453-3440 ext.124 or gferreri@ljcds.org with any questions.

June 2026
Summer Programs Begin
To register visit Summer at Country Day.

July 2026
Online Registration Available

Thursday, August 1, 2026
Online Registration Due

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Grades 9-11 Student Orientations
Grade 12 Senior retreat

Thursday, August 20, 2026
First Day of School

For more events, please visit our All School Calendar.

La Jolla Country Day School

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

© 2026 La Jolla Country Day School 

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