Parent/Guardian Engagement

One of the unique strengths of LJCDS is the dynamic partnership between parents and the school. When families join LJCDS, they become part of a vibrant learning community that extends to the entire family. Through a range of opportunities, parents and guardians can connect, engage, and grow alongside their children while actively contributing to the school community.

For questions about parent/guardian engagement, please reach out to Director of Community Engagement Chelsey Watkins at cwatkins@ljcds.org.

Parent Groups

Parents Association

All LJCDS parents and guardians are automatically part of the Parents Association (PA), a thriving group that keeps the community connected. The PA hosts meetups and special events where families can connect and stay informed about upcoming campus improvements, program updates, and exciting opportunities to get involved. The PA oversees volunteer committees that all parents/guardians can join.

Arts Alliance

Parents/guardians who are devoted to the enhancement of the visual and performing arts programs and supporting student artists, performers, and musicians

Torrey Booster Club

Parents/guardians who are passionate about promoting athletic events on campus and supporting student-athletes

Parent Education

Wellness Insights for Families

The LJCDS Wellness Team offers a comprehensive series of wellness events designed to support parents and guardians in raising healthy, resilient children. In partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital and as a member of WeCare San Diego, the school hosts educational talks, workshops, and a wellness podcast featuring leading experts in parenting, education, and mental health.

Topics have included healthy sleep habits, teen substance use, anxiety, cyber safety, positive discipline, and strategies for building emotional resilience. These offerings provide practical, research-based tools to help families navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence.

Speaker Series

LJCDS brings thought leaders from the local community and around the world to campus, giving students and families direct access to bold ideas and real-world perspectives. Speakers have included innovators in technology, entrepreneurship, education, mindfulness, and social impact. These events spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire students to think beyond the classroom—connecting the school to the world and the world to the school.

Volunteer Opportunities

List of 9 items.

Admission Parent Ambassador

Welcomes prospective families to the community during admission events. Opportunities to share your Torrey experience with others include touring and participating in informational meetings.
Blue Bash Planning Committee

Planners, networkers, fundraisers, and those who build connections are needed to help lead the school’s annual fundraising gala. This committee rallies parents, guardians, and the community to get involved by organizing silent and live auctions, securing sponsorships, and boosting event attendance, all while making a meaningful impact on the school.

Blue Bash supports financial assistance, professional development, the Parents Association (which funds the Booster Club, Arts Alliance, faculty and staff appreciation, and other student activities) and the endowment.
Classroom Coordinator (Lower School)

Serves as a volunteer for grade-level classrooms. Works alongside the teacher to plan class events. Also helps with PA activities and attends monthly PA meetings.
Grade-Level Coordinator (Middle and Upper School)

Serves as a goodwill ambassador and liaison for faculty, class parents/guardians and the school. Supports the grade-level teachers in coordinating field trips and class events. Also helps with PA activities and attends monthly PA meetings.
Grandparent Committee

Helps promote the engagement of LJCDS grandparents and special friends through outreach, networking opportunities and events.
New Family Welcome Team

Supports initiatives and events that connect new families to the school community.
Philanthropy Ambassador

Serves as an extension of the Office of Philanthropy, positively promoting ways to support and advance LJCDS’ mission through fundraising. Opportunities include making calls to families, sharing and encouraging various philanthropic opportunities, promoting and attending events hosted by the office, and writing thank-you notes or making thank-you calls.
Service-Learning Volunteer

Adult family members are invited to chaperone field trips or support service events such as Giving Tree (icon pickup and gift collection) and Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Build Day.
Other Volunteer Opportunities

One-time or short-term volunteer opportunities are available, including chaperoning field trips, bringing in items for class celebrations and helping out in the classroom. Parents/guardians may also volunteer for the library, Parent Association initiatives, admission events and many others.