The Children's School
Inspire. Engage. Prepare.
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Welcome to The Children's School!
The mission of The Children's School is to inspire each child's unique potential and desire for life-long learning through a strong academic, social, and environmental curriculum.
Welcome to The Children’s School, a community of children, parents and teachers growing and learning together. The key to understanding our distinctive approach to education lies in our basic respect for each child as a unique individual with inherent motivation and an enormous capacity for learning. With programs for toddlers, preschool, prekindergarten, elementary and middle school, we establish a foundation for lifelong learning by encouraging students to question and become involved, work together, and share what they learn by helping one another.
TCS was founded in 1972 by a group of educators whose goal was to provide a quality, child-centered education for students by creating a learning environment in harmony with the concept of educating the whole child. With nearly 50 years of excellence, The Children’s School remains true to its philosophy of incorporating developmental theory in an educational setting. The mission of The Children’s School is to inspire each child’s unique potential and desire for lifelong learning through a strong academic, social and environmental curriculum.
Our Educational Philosophy
To provide a strong, success-oriented, child-centered learning environment, recognizing that each child is unique. To educate the whole child— intellectual, social, emotional and physical—through an integrated curriculum using experiential and project-based learning. To create a community that values diversity and promotes the development of character, critical and creative thinking, communication and leadership skills, intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. To enable students to discover the passion, excitement and challenge of lifelong learning and to develop their full potential.
Our Curriculum
At TCS, learning is doing. Our curriculum emphasizes rich academics as well as social and emotional development. The California State Frameworks are a starting point for our approach to academics; what most schools reserve as a gifted curriculum is what our students learn every day. Our social and emotional curriculum emphasizes personal growth, a sense of respect and responsibility for oneself and others.
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Toddler, Preschool & Prekindergarten
At The Children's School, we believe that an excellent education develops the unique and creative potential of every child. We provide a strong academic and social foundation for a lifetime of inquisitive, confident and socially responsible learning.
Introducing Children to the Joy of School
Hands-on, play-based exploration and cooperative learning activities, both inside and outdoors, foster students' love of learning.
Teaching children how to confidently and independently verbalize their feelings, respect themselves and others, establish social relationships, and resolve conflicts.
Paying careful attention to the skills, knowledge and questions each student brings ro the classroom, in order to create classroom projects that encourage intellectual curiosity and academic confidence.
Exploring academic concepts including letters, numbers, counting, and writing in multiple forms (music, arr, and drama) using a variety of materials to foster cognitive, linguistic and social development.
Group and individual learning centers encourage collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.
Differentiating learning and setting developmentally appropriate individualized goals.
Elementary
Elementary
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Our dynamic, rich academic program and our strong social curriculum engages students in the learning process through hands-on activities, collaborative group projects and the investigation of subjects from multiple perspectives and disciplines.
Reaching Far Beyond the Basics
ln language arts, we emphasize reading skills and comprehension, seeking to engage srudenrs with quality literature. Our writing program develops grammatical understanding and usage as well as vocabulary, handwriting, word relationships and spelling skills.
Mathematics is a crucial part of our world and we emphasize this relevance through real world applications of numeration, patterns, computation, functions, geometry, measurement and probability.
Physical, life and earth sciences form tbe foundation of our lab-based science curriculum. Students explore scientific processes, working collaboratively, comparing data and conclusions along the way.
Learning about and connecting with the world by defining the role of a global citizen is the focus of our social studies curriculum. From exploring communities in .Kindergarten to visiting the state capital in 4th grade, students examine history, geography, cu1lture, values and traditions.
Specialty classes of art, music, Spanish, physical education and technology are integrated into our core curriculum.
Middle School
Middle School
6th - 8th Grade
Hands-on, individualized learning and a sense of belonging help students feel engaged and ensure they reach their full potential. We blend intellectual rigor with social and emotional support for all students.
Learning Without Limitations
Subjects are integrated, combining math, science, history, art, literature, and music so students recognize authentic connections across disciplines.
Our program stimulates creative thinking and self-directed learning, facilitates collaboration and fosters imagination.
Students take an active role in their learning and experience it through projects, simulations, service learning and self-directed research. Learning to embrace success as well as setbacks builds confidence that our students take with them to high school and beyond.
Opportunities abound for leadership development and exploration of emerging interests and abilities.
Our 8th graders graduate with:
Confidence: A well-developed sense of self confidence; the skills and assurance to follow and achieve their hopes and dreams.
Curiosity: A passion for learning-the ability to be self-directed, lifelong learners.
Connectedness: A strong sense of social responsibility and desire to make the world a better place.
Admissions Timeline and Checklist
The Children’s School admits children who exhibit an enthusiasm for learning, have a friendly demeanor, and will be active participants in our exciting educational environment. The school looks for parents who are dedicated to their child’s educational success, support their child’s school, and are eager to participate in the school’s many programs and activities.
The Children’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid or other school-administered programs and activities.
Toddler-5th Grade Admissions Timeline and Checklist ✓
Tours give an overview of the entire school. Children are welcome to attend this initial visit. Tours are held in the mornings by appointment only. To schedule a tour, please contact our Director of Admissions at admissions@tcslj.org or (858) 454-0184, ext. 101.
Applications are due by February 1st for priority consideration for the following school year. Applications will be accepted and considered on a space available basis after the February 1st deadline. Applications are available online on our school’s website, www.tcslj.org.
Assessments are involved in the admissions process for every child. For the younger child, this involves being part of a morning class with other children the same age. The teacher is able to observe the child participating with a group and in learning centers. Assessments for children in the elementary and middle years involve reviewing progress reports and teacher recommendations, and participating in a classroom visitation.
Age Guidelines
Toddler Program
Children must be 25 months old by September 1.
The half-day toddler program meets from 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
The full-day toddler program meets from 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
Preschool
In most cases, children must be 3 years old by December 1.
Preschool morning drop off begins at 8:30 a.m. for both programs.
The half-day preschool program meets from 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
The full-day preschool program meets from 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
Prekindergarten
In most cases, children must be 4 years old by September 1.
Kindergarten
In most cases, children must be 5 years old by September 1.
First – Eighth Grade
Assessments determine the best placement for new students. Our school relies heavily on information regarding the child’s success in previous schools.
Summer Program for the Preschool and Prekindergarten summer programs, children must be enrolled at TCS for the upcoming school year in order to participate. Students from any school in Kindergarten - Eighth Grade may participate in the summer program.
6th-8th Grade Admissions Timeline and Checklist ✓
Application Requirements
Admission Application
Deadline for submission is February 1 of the year of anticipated entry for priority acceptance. Applications will be accepted and considered on a space-available basis after the deadline.
Admission Application Fee
A $110 non-refundable application fee made payable to The Children’s School must be included with each application that is submitted.
Parent Tour and Introduction
The tour will be scheduled by The Children’s School admissions office.
Candidate Campus Visit
The visit will be scheduled by The Children’s School admissions office.
Teacher Recommendations
Provide teacher recommendation forms to candidate’s current language arts, mathematics teachers, and administration. Recommendations must be sent directly from the candidate’s school to The Children’s School.
Request for Academic Record
Provide an academic record release form directly to the candidate’s current school for the current year and three years prior, if applicable.
Deadline for Completion of Application Materials is February 1
Applications will be accepted and considered on a space-available basis after the deadline. The Children’s School admissions committee will only consider candidates who have completed all of the application requirements.
Financial Assistance Application (Optional)
The completed Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) and all additional financial assistance documentation is due by February 1 of the year of anticipated entry. Please contact the admissions office for more information on financial assistance or for information on financial assistance that might be available after the deadline date.
The Children’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion or sexual
orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid or other schooladministered
programs and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are applications due?
Applications are due in the admissions office by February 1 of the year of anticipated entry for priority acceptance.
What is the age cut-off for school admission?
The age cut-off date for all grades is September 1 of the year of entry. Check the table below for cutoff ages for specific programs.
Class/Grade Minimum age by September 1 of year of entry
Toddler Program 25 months
Preschool 33 months and potty trained
Prekindergarten 4 years
Kindergarten 5 years
What kind of student does The Children’s School seek to admit?
The Children’s School seeks to admit students with a broad range of talents and interests in academic as well as non-academic areas. The Children’s School community is a blend of cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels and religions.
What is the ethnic make-up of the student population?
The Children’s School is a school committed to many types of diversity. Students representing cultural, racial and ethnic diversity make up 38% of the school population. In addition, The Children’s School dedicates its efforts to creating and maintaining a community rich in its range of socioeconomic, geographic, family, and religious diversity.
Do siblings receive priority in the admissions process?
In our application process, siblings who have successfully completed the admissions process do have priority status.
Are students tested as part of the admissions process?
While there is no formal testing during the admission process, assessments are performed, usually during a visit to the class of the prospective student’s current grade. Because The Children’s School believes in educating the whole child, teachers are assessing social interaction as well as cognitive, physical and behavioral development.
When may I come see the school?
For more information, to schedule a tour or attend an Open House event, please contact Rachel Ridgeway, Director of Admissions, via email at admissions@tcslj.org or by phone at (858) 454-0184.
Does The Children’s School offer scholarships?
The Children’s School offers financial assistance and it is granted based on need. Socioeconomic diversity is one of
the fundamental commitments of The Children’s School. Please let us know if you would like information on financial assistance.
How many students are in a class?
Class/Grade Number of students per class Number of teachers per class
Toddler Program 6 - 12 1 to 2 depending on number of students
Preschool 8 - 24 1 to 3 depending on number of students
Prekindergarten Up to 18 1 to 2 depending on number of students
Kindergarten Up to 14 1
First - Eighth Grade Up to 18 1
What are the school hours?
Our Toddler program begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. Preschool begins at 8:30 a.m., half day children leave at 12:00 p.m. and full day children say good-bye at 3:00 p.m. Prekindergarten begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Our elementary school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Our middle school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. We offer morning care beginning at 7:00 a.m. and extended care after school from 3:15-6:00 p.m.
Where do students continue their education after graduation from TCS?
We assist students and their families in finding the school most suited to their talents, interests and aspirations. Most recently we have had students accepted to such schools as The Bishop’s School, Cathedral Catholic High School, The Francis Parker School, The Grauer School, High Tech High, La Jolla Country Day School, and Pacific Ridge. In addition, TCS students come from all over the county and some students choose to return to their local neighborhoods to continue their education in public schools.
Is The Children’s School accredited?
The Children’s School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAYEC), the San Diego Consortium of Independent Schools, and the Reggio Roundtable Consortium.
Where is The Children’s School located?
The Children’s School is located at 2225 Torrey Pines Lane in La Jolla, California. We are situated at the intersection of Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla Shores Dr., and Torrey Pines Lane. We are directly across the street from a small shopping center that includes a gas station, a Starbucks and a Subway.
Important Dates to Remember:
March 13, 2026: Acceptances and Financial Assistance Decisions Communicated to New Families
March 26, 2026: Due Date for Enrollment Contracts and Financial Assistance Acceptances for New Families
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