The Bishop’s School
General Information
About
The Bishop’s School is an independent, all‑gender, college‑preparatory day school located in La Jolla, California, serving students in grades six through twelve. Founded in 1909 and rooted in an Episcopal tradition, the school emphasises academic excellence alongside the cultivation of character, belonging, and well‑being. The campus of The Bishop’s School occupies approximately 11 acres in an urban coastal setting, creating a blend of historic architecture and modern learning facilities that support a vibrant student experience. With a student‑teacher ratio of about 8:1, the environment allows for close interaction, personalized support, and a community feel where learners are known individually.
The curriculum features more than 150 upper‑school course offerings, covering traditional academic disciplines, arts, athletics, and maker‑space/STEAM initiatives. The culture supports students in developing integrity, intellect, inclusion, and purpose, preparing graduates for selective colleges and lifelong learning. The Bishop’s School also emphasises service, global awareness, and student engagement in and out of the classroom.
Contact Information
Address: 7607 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, California 92037, United States.
Phone Number: (858) 459‑4021.
Email Address: rachael.garcia@bishops.com (Custodian of Records) or via general admissions contact at The Bishop’s School.
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1909 (as girls’ school) |
| Type | Private, independent, day school (grades 6–12) |
| Affiliation | Episcopal Church heritage |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 800 students |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | Approximately 8 : 1 |
| Campus Size | ~11 acres |
| School Colours/Mascot | Colours: Maroon & Gold; Mascot: Knights |
The Bishop’s School Rankings
| Ranking Body | Region/Scope | Rank or Notation |
|---|---|---|
| Niche – Best Christian High Schools in California | California | #1 of 167 private Christian high schools |
| Niche – Best Private High Schools in California | California | #2 of 438 private high schools |
| Niche – Best College Prep Private High Schools in California | California | #4 of 389 private college‑prep schools |
| National recognition (not global ranking) | United States | Consistently recognised among top private day schools |
The Bishop’s School Academics
The Bishop’s School Faculties / Departments
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Science & Mathematics
- Visual & Performing Arts
- World Languages
- Athletics & Wellness
- Center for Creative Sciences / Maker‑Space & STEAM Integration
- Student Life & Advisory Support
The Bishop’s School Courses and Programs / Majors
Since The Bishop’s School is a secondary institution (grades 6‑12) rather than a university with majors, its programs include:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses (for example AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English)
- Honors level and Upper School elective courses (more than 150 upper school courses offered)
- Middle School courses for grades 6‑8, including exploratory, interdisciplinary and technology‑rich curricula
- STEAM and maker‑space courses through the Center for Creative Sciences (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, interdisciplinary collaboration)
- Visual & Performing Arts programs including choir, instrument, theater, drawing, pottery
- Athletics and wellness programs across many sports teams and levels
Online Learning
While The Bishop’s School primarily operates an on‑campus, day‑school model and does not offer fully online degree programs like a university, it does incorporate technology‑enhanced learning and flexible modalities as needed. There are maker‑space and STEAM facilities, and during atypical circumstances (such as pandemic conditions) many independent schools like this one have offered hybrid or remote components, though the standard model emphasizes in‑person instruction, community, and collaboration.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Score at The Bishop’s School |
|---|---|
| SAT | Average approximately 1460 (based on reported 160 responses) |
| ACT | Average approximately 33 (based on reported 111 responses) |
| GRE | Not applicable (school is secondary level, not graduate) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
At The Bishop’s School, the upper school graduation rate is reported at 100% according to student review data from Niche. (Niche) The strong student‑teacher ratio, the supportive faculty, and the rigorous academic programme contribute to high retention (students remain from year to year) though specific retention figures are not publicly broken out. The fact of a 100 % graduation underscores the effectiveness of the institution in guiding its students through to successful completion of their upper‑school years.
The Bishop’s School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because The Bishop’s School is a secondary day school (grades 6‑12) rather than a college, standard GPA ranges are less publicly documented. However, the reported average SAT (circa 1460) and ACT (circa 33) underscore that students matriculating from The Bishop’s School are achieving at very high levels of standardized assessment. Applicants are expected to have strong academic performance, demonstrate the school’s values of integrity, inclusion, intellect, compassion and justice, and to engage meaningfully in extracurricular activities, community service, and personal growth.
The Bishop’s School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Recent | Specific acceptance rate not publicly disclosed; as an independent preparatory day school, admissions are selective but no official percentage is widely published. |
The Bishop’s School Application Requirements
Applicants to The Bishop’s School must submit academic transcripts (for current/previous school years), standardized test scores (commonly ISEE or SSAT for middle‑school entrants), teacher evaluations or recommendations, an interview with admissions personnel, and a demonstration of alignment with the school’s mission and values. Families are typically encouraged to visit or participate in a tour or admissions event. For upper‑school entry, previous coursework, extracurricular involvement, and personal reflection or essays may also be required. The process emphasizes not just academic readiness but personal character, collaborative mindset, and a commitment to community and purpose.
Application Process
- Submit inquiry and complete the online application form by the published deadline
- Provide current and past academic transcripts and testing (ISEE/SSAT for middle school)
- Secure teacher recommendations and possibly counselor or mentor references
- Attend individual student and/or family interview and campus visit or day experience
- Receive decision notification and, if accepted, complete enrollment contract and submit deposit
The Bishop’s School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Grade Level | Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Middle School (Grades 6‑8) | Typically around February 1 for priority consideration | Decisions often in mid‑March (varies) |
| Upper School (Grades 9‑12) | Typically February 1 for full‑year entry | Enrollment contracts usually due late March |
Essay Prompt
For The Bishop’s School upper school applicants, the school may invite one or more short written responses or essays such as: “Reflect on how you have grown as a learner and a community member. In what ways do you see yourself contributing to the community of The Bishop’s School? What intellectual or personal pursuits excite you, and how do you imagine engaging them in this environment?” The specific prompt may vary by year and grade level.
The Bishop’s School Scholarships
While The Bishop’s School is not a university offering traditional merit‑based scholarships by major, it maintains a robust financial aid programme for qualifying families. Approximately 20% of students receive financial assistance, with average awards around USD 33,530 annually as reported in recent data.
The Bishop’s School Tuition and Fees
| Grade Level | Annual Tuition (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Upper School (Grades 9‑12) | USD 49,600 per year (approximate) |
| Middle School (Grades 6‑8) | Slightly lower, specific figure not publicly detailed in reviewed sources |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
At The Bishop’s School the student body is all‑gender and spans ages typical of grades six through twelve (roughly ages 11‑18). The demographic composition is diverse: the school draws learners from more than 90 different feeder schools and represents a wide spectrum of religious, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Specific breakdowns by race/ethnicity are not broadly disclosed in the public profiles examined.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 20% of students at The Bishop’s School receive financial aid, indicating that a meaningful portion of the student body comes from families with demonstrated financial need. The school describes itself as inclusive and supports learners with varied needs—academic, social, emotional or physical—through advisory systems, student life supports, and programs aimed at well‑being and belonging, though detailed statistics regarding students with disabilities are not publicly specified in the sources reviewed.
Student Body
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 800 students |
| International Students | Specific number not publicly listed; the student body draws from diverse backgrounds including international family contexts |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | ~8 : 1 |
University Diversity
The Bishop’s School embraces diversity, equity, inclusion and justice as foundational elements of its educational community. Students come from over ninety different previous schools and represent a broad range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school intentionally fosters community spaces—such as affinity groups and student‑led initiatives—that allow learners to feel the strength of belonging and to engage meaningfully across differences. Faculty and staff partner with students in creating an inclusive climate where diversity is not merely tolerated, but valued as an asset to collaborative learning, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. By integrating character development, service, and reflective practices into the curriculum and student life, The Bishop’s School supports a learning environment where students of differing backgrounds learn with and from one another, and where a culture of curiosity, empathy, and mutual respect is central.
Average Earnings
As a secondary school rather than a degree‑granting university, The Bishop’s School does not publish alumni earnings statistics in the way that universities do. However, the school’s strong academic preparation, college‑counselling infrastructure (beginning in tenth grade), and longtime track record of placing graduates into selective colleges suggest that alumni are well positioned for future career success and positive earnings outcomes. The supportive environment—small class sizes, advanced coursework, maker‑space opportunities, arts and athletics—prepares students not only academically but in leadership, teamwork and self‑understanding. These holistic graduates are likely to move into careers that reward intellectual agility, collaborative skills and ethical character, positioning them to attain meaningful earnings and professional fulfilment.
The Bishop’s School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Bishop’s School faculty is composed of educators deeply committed to adolescent development, rigorous academics and student well‑being. A high percentage of faculty hold advanced degrees and the student‑teacher ratio of around 8 : 1 allows for close relationships between teachers and students. The school emphasises caring, responsive adults who know their students well and support their growth intellectually, socially and emotionally. The staff includes not only classroom teachers but also coaches, arts directors, advisors, and well‑being specialists, all contributing to a comprehensive learning environment.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at The Bishop’s School bring expertise across a wide spectrum—humanities, sciences, arts, world languages, maker‑space/STEAM, and athletics. The institution prides itself on its Center for Creative Sciences, where faculty guide students in 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing and interdisciplinary design collaboration. Some teachers have been recognized nationally for their contributions to independent school pedagogy, student success, or leadership in their fields. The school’s strong alumni outcomes—graduates attending selective colleges, participating in high‑level athletics and leadership—reflect the impact of faculty mentorship and achievement. Educators at The Bishop’s School are not only subject‑matter experts but also mentors who prioritize student engagement, collaborative learning, and growth‑mindset.
The Bishop’s School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day school, The Bishop’s School does not provide on‑campus housing or boarding options; students commute from home or local housing arrangements. The campus spans approximately 11 acres in La Jolla and is centred around a historic quadrangle, flanked by academic buildings, arts and athletic facilities, and modern maker‑space labs. Historic architecture (including buildings designed by architect Irving Gill) is complemented by state‑of‑the‑art science centers, arts studios, athletic fields, a maker‑space (Center for Creative Sciences), and communal spaces for student interaction. Student life is robust—with over 150 upper‑school course options, 72 sports teams, multiple performing arts productions annually, and numerous clubs and service opportunities. Because there is no boarding, housing costs are external to school tuition and managed by families locally in the La Jolla/San Diego region.
Transportation
The Bishop’s School is located at 7607 La Jolla Boulevard in La Jolla, California. Its urban‑coastal setting means it is accessible by road and local transportation networks in San Diego County. Many students commute by car, and the school likely facilitates parent carpools, rideshare, and drop‑off logistics given its day‑school model. While specific public transportation routes are not prominently noted in the publicly reviewed sources, the geographic location within La Jolla allows access to local transit, and on‑campus mobility is seamless due to the compact, pedestrian‑friendly layout of the campus. The historic quadrangle and walkable design support students moving between classes, labs, arts studios, athletic fields and gathering spaces with ease.