Del Mar Pines School Photo #7 - At Del Mar Pines School, we believe in the buddy system. Each Kindergartner is partnered with a 6th grader and each 1st grader with a 5th grade student. They do activities and projects together and learn and laugh together. They are buddies in every way.

Del Mar Pines School

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Del Mar Pines School Photo #1 - Del Mar Pines School offers its students a traditional learning environment with a low student teacher ration and small group instruction. Technology is integrated across the curriculum for a dynamic learning experience.
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Del Mar Pines School Photo #1 - Del Mar Pines School offers its students a traditional learning environment with a low student teacher ration and small group instruction. Technology is integrated across the curriculum for a dynamic learning experience.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #2 - Del Mar Pines School is a small private elementary school in San Diego CA. celebrating 37 years of excellence. We offer small group instruction with individualized attention for each student. Standard weekly instruction in Spanish, art, music, PE, technology and hands-on science.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #3 - Del Mar Pines school children have the opportunity to get involved. They participate in numerous classes and activities such as student leadership, yearbook, math club and much more.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #4 - Every year Del Mar Pines School puts on a school wide performance extravaganza affectionately know as Spring Sing. In addition to the school wide performance, each grade puts on a play that relates to the topics they are learning in class such as the solar system, revolutionary war and ancestors.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #5 - Students blend art, science and community action at Del Mar Pines School.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #6 - Award winning art program is just one of many standard enrichment classes offered at Del Mar Pines School. These include weekly instruction in Spanish, art, music, PE, technology and hands-on science.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #7 - Fun is never in short supply at Del Mar Pines School. The sports field is always put to good use.
Del Mar Pines School Photo #8 - At Del Mar Pines School, we believe in the buddy system. Each Kindergartner is partnered with a 6th grader and each 1st grader with a 5th grade student. They do activities and projects together and learn and laugh together. They are buddies in every way.
Del Mar Pines School was founded in 1978 to meet the individual needs of students from grade K - 6.
We support children with academic abilities ranging from average to advanced. To ensure that all students reach their academic potential, we have small instructional groups for language arts and math in an ability group at each grade level.
Students at grade level are challenged at that level, and children with more advanced academic abilities are given an accelerated curriculum that could be one to two years above their grade level.
In addition to our outstanding academic program, we also offer excellent art, Spanish, music, PE, technology, hands-on science and library programs.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 155 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,250
  • Average class size: 23 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Year Founded
1978
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
155 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 50%
Students by Grade
Del Mar Pines School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
23 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
selections from Land

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
There is also a $400 book and material fee for all students. Siblings receive a $900 discount.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Costs vary depending on class.
Admissions Director
Marci McCord

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Mad Science - Science in Action, Math Club, ThoughtStem Youth Computer Coding, Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Drama, Monart

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Yoga

School Notes

  • Considering a private elementary school for your child Del Mar Pines School is one of the best. Every kindergarten through sixth grade student enjoys a core syllabus of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, complemented by extensive programs of music, fine arts, Spanish language, technology, hands-on science, library and physical education taught in a safe, nurturing environment. We provide our San Diego elementary school students the opportunity to express intellectual curiosity and creativity while promotingstrong interpersonal relationships. Del Mar Pines school has a one-to-one student to technology ratio. With the latest AppleMacBook laptops and iPads, teachers integrate curriculum and real-world skills.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Del Mar Pines School cost?
Del Mar Pines School's tuition is approximately $18,250 for private students.
Does Del Mar Pines School offer a summer program?
Yes, Del Mar Pines School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Del Mar Pines School?
The application deadline for Del Mar Pines School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Del Mar Pines School located?
Del Mar Pines School is located in the Carmel Valley neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 5 other private schools located in Carmel Valley.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (14 reviews)
5  
My two children attended Del Mar Pines K-6 and we could not have been more pleased with the education they received as well as the community that we were a part of for those 10 total years. In addition to the best education you could give your children, the overall sense of community is second to none. The staff came alongside of us and provided contenting social-emotional support as our kids continued to grow. We were engaged with families throughout the school and those are relationships that are cherished. In addition, my daughter had a learning difference which absolutely would not have been caught in the public sector until much later. Staff helped us to navigate providing for her special needs and she achieved top success in her class as a result. Cheers to all things Del Mar Pines!
- Posted by
5  
Del Mar Pines has been the best experience for my two children. My first daughter was attending another private school in Encinitas that was poorly run. She applied and started mid-year and the director, Mrs. McCord, was so compassionate and welcoming about our situation. The transition was amazing. The attention to detail is what is special about Del Mar Pines. The teachers are very articulate about each child's needs and learning levels. With the amazing teacher-student ratio, every student gets the attention they deserve to excel in each subject. It is a very well-rounded school. There are advanced subgroups in math and English. The performing arts are very strong here with fun classroom plays and also a year-end whole school musical production. Best elementary school in San Diego.
- Posted by
5  
There are a lot of new teachers in this school with little teaching experience! I loved the idea that the students are supposedly broken down into groups based on their reading/math level. However, if your child needs any additional help at all, DMP wants you to pay their teacher to tutor them! Even when they are in the advanced group! We were told the groups are fluid but apparently they are not. Based on the principles emails, they have complete disregard for the students health and parents who aren't able to get vaccinated yet because the "majority of the staff is fully vaccinated". My child's class went on a field trip which is completely unnecessary.
- Posted by
5  
We write this review for DMP to say a profound thank you to Marci, her faculty and staff for the tremendous and positive impact they made on our children from kindergarten through third grade. In fact, while we recently moved out of state, the hardest part about leaving San Diego was taking our kids out of DMP and into an unknown new school setting. While a little small for some, the DMP community, education, and overall program was exceptional in the development of our children, both academically, and personally. They loved their teachers and excellent special instructors, and felt completely safe, as we did, in the DMP environment. We could not more highly recommend a school than we would DMP; we absolutely miss our friends at DMP!
- Posted by
5  
When it comes to developing the principles and framework needed to prosper, Del Mar Pines is second to none. Their first class faculty, curriculum, and campus truly create an environment that allows students to reach their full potential. In turn, Del Mar Pines has provided the very foundational principles I used to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and to serve as an Officer in the United States Army.
- Posted by
5  
Everything about the school is great. Our daughter looks forward to going and has a great attitude about school because of DMP. They focus on getting the kids to take responsibility for their own learning, which is fantastic.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter transitioned from a local public school to a private school because I wanted a learning environment with more personal attention and individual guidance. To start all the director, teachers and staff at this school are super friendly and supportive. We had several meetings with teachers to discuss which areas we felt were important for my daughter. Her teachers (especially the 5th grade teachers) helped develop learning strategies and periodically gave me updates on her progress. I would definitely recommend this school if you want a small, supportive, and empowering elementary school.
- Posted by
5  
I have two children at DMP, one started in Kindergarten and the other in 3rd grade. We have had nothing but great experiences with the school and the entire staff. I have seen a great growth in my children both academically and emotionally. This is truly a school where they believe in teaching and nurturing your children as a whole person. I was particularly impressed with how the school converted to online learning within 3 days of the lockdown so the children were able to resume their class work seamlessly. All the teachers and Mrs. McCord (principal) truly cares about the children and have always taken every opportunity to get to know them on a personal level. We appreciate all the hard work the teachers have put in during this tough time under quarantine. If you are looking for a great school that will keep your children engaged and a place where they will grow not just academically but also emotionally, you will not find a better place than Del Mar Pines!
- Posted by
5  
We researched so many schools and after a very exhaustive search we chose DMP. We definitely made the right decision. My son's teachers are so attentive and nurturing. The school is safe, small and intimate and very supportive. We love the staff and we feel like we joined a family. Students are engaged and taught in a fun, instructive way. My son loves his new school and asked if he could go to school on the weekends too!!!
- Posted by
5  
Our son just started kindergarten in DMP this summer. The transition from preschool to kindergarten has been extremely smooth thanks to the loving and fun environment created by DMP teachers and staff. I am trying to learn more about my son's daily school experience by asking him for 2 happiest things and 1 not-so-happy thing every day. He said: 'why only 2 happy things? I have more than 5.' :) And so far he has't been able to mention even 1 not-so-happy thing. He enjoys after-school care and enrichment classes very much too.
- Posted by
5  
Great school! I can't imagine a better fit for my family.
- Posted by
5  
This is a wonderful school. The small size enables the children to develop in ways a larger school would not. The academics are rigorous, yet the staff maintains a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Small class size and small instructional groups enable teachers to really address each child's needs and help them reach their full potential.
- Posted by
5  
I have a 4th and 2nd grader at Del Mar Pines and I highly recommend this school. My children started in Kindergarten and have flourished in this amazing environment where learning is fun and the exploration of knowledge is a priority. My kids LOVE going to school every day and are thriving because of the very individualized attention they get from their exceptional teachers and the robust curriculum. They are challenged to reach their academic potential but never stressed or put under unnecessary pressured to achieve academic success. Del Mar Pines is a very special place for children and their families.
- Posted by
5  
Teaching kindergarten at Del Mar Pines is my passion and a joy every day! Our teaching staff is committed to creating a nurturing environment, to encouraging creativity, to instilling responsibility and to fostering life-long learning. The kindergarten class is a place where each child is celebrated for their unique qualities, and guided with patience and enthusiasm. Our small-group reading and math instruction allows each child to be challenged and to work at the highest potential. Every day is fun, whether we are discovering a stick bug with the video projector and looking up its characteristics on Wikipedia, or recording our voices on the iPad and exporting pictures about Martin Luther King Jr. The most rewarding experience is watching the children grow from kindergarten to sixth grade. It is a totally caring and supportive community involving the students, teachers, staff and parents. I have been teaching for over 30 years, and can t imagine teaching anywhere other than at Del Mar Pines School.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 155 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,250
  • Average class size: 23 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Diego, CA is $14,881 for elementary schools and $28,434 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in San Diego, CA is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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