Frequently Asked Questions

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Unfortunately, we rarely have any spaces available in our school for short term enrollment (less than a full academic year). We do not accept any i-9 applicants for international students. During our Summer Discoveries Program, we often have international students who are in San Diego with their families and they have a wonderful experience during the 6-week program.  Registration for Summer Discoveries opens on March 1st.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Inquiries regarding enrollment are welcome at any time. The admission process typically begins during the October preceding the child’s target enrollment date. For example, parents of children who are interested in enrolling for the next school year, starting in September, should begin the application process in the Fall of the current year.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>First, explore our web site, where you can get a taste for what we do and why we do it. Then, complete an <strong><a href="https://delmarpines.parentlocker.com/form/15842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Admissions Inquiry</a></strong> from our web form or <strong><a href="tel:+18584815615" data-type="tel" data-id="tel:+18584815615">call our office</a></strong>. We'd love to hear from you! We will be happy to answer your questions and show you what makes Del Mar Pines School a great pace for children to learn, grow and thrive.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>The Kindergarten class has 20 students. Grades 1 – 6 are usually limited to 23 students per class, however some classes may have one additional student due to extenuating circumstances. There are between 1 and 2 teachers per class depending on the grade level. Additionally, small group instruction is offered in both language arts and mathematics, with six to eight students in each group (four to seven students per group in kindergarten and first grade). Specialist instructors teach fine arts, Spanish, music and performing arts, technology, hands-on science, library and physical education.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Del Mar Pines School enrollment is 158 students during any given school year. There are 20 students in kindergarten and approximately 23 students in all other grades.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>2024/25 Tuition is $21,750 plus a $400 book/material fee. There is a $1,000 discount for siblings.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Del Mar Pines School is a non-sectarian institution. We emphasize religious tolerance and understanding and do not ignore the symbols, expressions and spirit of major religions. Instead, through sharing and celebrating major holidays together, students become familiar with major religions’ similarities, including hope, peace, faith and good-will.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>During the school year (late August – mid June) our office is open from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –><!– wp:list –> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!– wp:list-item –> <li>School hours: 8:00: 2:30</li> <!– /wp:list-item –> <!– wp:list-item –> <li>After care: 2:30 – 5:15</li> <!– /wp:list-item –></ul> <!– /wp:list –><!– wp:paragraph –> <p>During our summer sessions (June 23 – July 31) our office is open from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –><!– wp:list –> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!– wp:list-item –> <li>School hours 9:00 – 2:30</li> <!– /wp:list-item –></ul> <!– /wp:list –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>As an Elementary School we teach kindergarten through sixth grade.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>The Del Mar Pines School campus is located in the Carmel Valley area of San Diego, one-half mile east of Del Mar. The school offers convenient access to all North County coastal communities including San Diego, La Jolla, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carlsbad and Rancho Santa Fe, as well as inland locales such as Pacific Highlands Ranch, Del Sur and 4S Ranch. Our campus is located in a quiet residential neighborhood and the gated campus includes numerous security protocols.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Technology is used to transform learning and teaching with 1:1 access to iPads (K-3) and MacBook Air’s (3-6). In addition to daily class work, students have a weekly class in Technology to ensure that all graduates are able to utilize technology to most effectively help them learn, explore, and communicate with others.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Yes. Starting in kindergarten, every student receives weekly Spanish language instruction, beginning with simple phonetics and progressing through vocabulary building and correct syntax. Besides learning the Spanish language, students are also exposed to all the Spanish speaking cultures around the world.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Art and music, taught weekly, are essential parts of the Del Mar Pines curriculum. Following a sequential K-6 progression of musical objectives, students study expression, melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, texture and form. In addition, special attention is given to musical traditions of other cultures, the study of classical composers, and the instruments of the orchestra. The art program is based on a system developed at the Getty Center for Education in the Arts. It is designed to bring a sense of accomplishment, joy and creativity through the use a wide variety of materials and artistic expression.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Del Mar Pines School offers a standards-based curriculum that far exceeds California's requirements. The typical student measures significantly above the national average on all standardized tests, with over 96% of children performing up to their quantifiable ability level. Del Mar Pines School graduates are motivated, self-confident, well-organized students who are prepared for the personal and academic challenges that lie ahead.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Yes, Del Mar Pines School offers two exciting six-week summer school day camp sessions. Our summer day camp program is one of the area’s most popular and fills up quickly. Over a dozen classes focus on both personal and academic enrichment. Children develop and refine basic skills while expanding their horizons through creativity and innovation. Most of all, our program shows students that learning can be fun!</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Yes! Del Mar Pines School offers after school care and supplemental enrichment classes. After Care is available from 2:30-5:15 p.m. throughout the academic year. Students can do their homework, work on individual or group projects, use the computer lab and/or enjoy a number of recreational activities.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –><!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Del Mar Pines offers an impressive variety of supplemental after school enrichment programs to accommodate busy parents’ schedules as well as curious students’ minds and imaginations. Enrichment classes vary throughout the school year and are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring. There is an additional fee for after school enrichment classes. Typically enrichment classes include Mad Science, Computer Programming, Mountain Boarding, Chess, Woodworking, Archery, Lego, Math Club, Science Club, Yearbook, Art, Fencing, Gymnastics, Band, and Mindfulness, Yoga and more. Classes vary depending on availability of space, instructors and vendors.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>We will accept children from other countries who move here with their families for a minimum of one school year. We do not accept partial year enrollment and we can’t take i-9 students without their parents or legal guardians. Please <a href="https://delmarpines.com/contact-the-best-private-elementary-schools/"><strong>contact the office</strong></a> if you have additional questions.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Please <a href="https://delmarpines.parentlocker.com/form/15842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submit an Admissions Inquiry form</a>. Within two business days you will be contacted by our school Director. If appropriate, tours are scheduled at this time.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Typically a prospective family will submit an inquiry form, speak with the director, submit an application and schedule an evaluation (based on class availability). We recommend applications are in by February 15th. Kindergarten evaluations begin in January for admissions to the following school year.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –><!– wp:paragraph –> <p>In addition to the completion of appropriate forms and payment of an application fee, the application process involves interviews with parents and children, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of each prospective student’s unique academic and social capabilities.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –><!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Siblings of current students are given priority status for upcoming enrollment. Please understand that space is extremely limited, and Del Mar Pines cannot enroll all of the outstanding candidates who apply for admission.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Children need to be five years old by September 1st of the year they enter kindergarten.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>

<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>2024/25 Tuition is $21,750 plus a $400 book/material fee. There is a $1,000 discount for siblings.</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –>