The Gillispie School

The Gillispie School (La Jolla, CA)

The Gillispie School is an independent, coeducational day school enrolling 305 students from Toddler through Grade 6.The campus is located in downtown La Jolla and is comprised of four buildings that house fourteen classrooms, a fine arts center, a science lab, a library and a gymnasium. Two playgrounds provide areas for recess and physical education.

History

The Gillispie School was founded in 1952 at the south end of Girard Street in La Jolla, California. The name of the school comes from Dr. Samuel T. Gillispie, the founder, Ada's, husband and a local pediatrician and civic leader. In his memory, Mrs. Gillispie and others committed to the care and education of children created the school.

The Gillispie School was incorporated in 1947. Soon after, land was purchased for the first building. Several buildings have been added since then, most recently a two-story elementary school building that also houses technology and science labs, a gymnasium and administrative offices.

Mission Statement

"The Gillispie School is an independent, co-educational school for students in early childhood through the sixth grade. The program is designed to provide an enriching education in a safe, nurturing environment that develops the whole child and addresses each student's strengths and capabilities. We strive to graduate students who are enthusiastic about learning, respect diverse backgrounds and talents and exhibit strength of character."

Sustainability

The school recently partnered with San Diego Gas & Electric and the [http://www.sdenergy.org/California Center for Sustainable Energy] to install a solar array on over 53,300 square feet of roof space. The panels, which comprise a 41.4 KW DC photovoltaic system, can supply enough energy to power seven single family homes a year and will meet a significant percentage of Gillispie's electricity needs.

Technology

The Gillispie School is in partnership with Apple Computers as a [http://www.lighthouseschools.com"Lighthouse" School] . Each third through sixth grade student is assigned a Macintosh laptop computer for the year. Early Kindergarten - Second Grade work with Macintosh laptop computers in small groups.

Children in Early Kindergarten through Grade Two learn basic computer operations on Macintosh laptops which are often used with small groups to enhance curricular areas in the classroom.