Encinitas Country Day School has been established to provide students genuine preparation for life through a program that supports balanced intellectual, creative, physical and personal development. Students receive traditional academic instruction aligned to state standards enriched by hands-on learning opportunities, visual and performing arts training, physical education and character development classes as part of the standard curriculum at ECDS. Our multi-dimensional approach is proven to capture student interest and inspire a love of learning, self-direction, self-control and strength of character at an early age.

Lower School

Elementary students learn the basics in Montessori classrooms specifically prepared to meet the needs of primary learners. They solidify their reading and writing and mathematics skills and are introduced to broad science and history concepts using Montessori instructional methods and hands-on learning materials to understand their time and place in the universe and begin to see how they fit into the grand scheme of life. Opportunities to explore the school’s conservation area and work in the school’s science and technology labs provide first-hand experience to reinforce student learning and prepare elementary students for our traditional middle and high school programs.

Middle & Upper School

The rigorous academics of our college preparatory middle and upper schools and opportunities for honors and advanced placement courses are complimented by carefully selected electives, challenging personal development courses and exciting extra-curricular activities to prepare students for higher education and life. Student government, athletics, visual and performing arts, science and technology, and leadership opportunities are important components of upper level campus life at ECDS.