ENCINITAS – Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, The Grauer School, an independent school in Encinitas, will host a Discover High School at Grauer Tour for prospective students and families on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Designed for families interested in applying for ninth through 12th grades, this unique tour will focus on the high school program. During the event, attendees will enjoy a student-led tour of the school’s beautiful green campus, witness classes in session and meet some of the school’s extraordinary students, teachers and staff.
“Our Discover Grauer Tours are a great opportunity for families to visit our campus and classrooms while school is in session. Through small group tours, families will be able to experience ‘a day in the life’ of a Grauer student and get the full sense of The Grauer School,” said Dr. Tricia Valeski, director of enrollment management at The Grauer School. “Discover High School at Grauer is the perfect time to learn more about our amazing high school program.”
The Grauer School offers high school students an exceptional range of transformative experiences. Students choose from diverse expeditions, including international travel, school visits, home stays and college tours, as well as intensive week-long expeditionary learning programs focused on specific themes. Beginning in 10th grade, every student receives comprehensive college application support, from crafting resumes and essays to participating in a dedicated college application camp as incoming seniors. Academically, students select from over 100 high school classes and electives spanning multiple disciplines. The STEM program features high school FIRST Robotics, mathematical modeling, computer science, engineering design and video game design. The visual and performing arts come alive through cafe nights, theatrical productions, yearbook, photography, digital art, screen printing, ceramics and painting. Athletics thrive with three seasons of competitive, CIF-sanctioned sports alongside strong interscholastic teams in archery, surfing and obstacle course racing. Beyond the classroom and field, students build community through cross-grade engagement, club leadership positions and social events, including movie nights, dances and prom.
“Our balanced, holistic educational program is designed to inspire each student to take risks and to try new things,” said Alicia Tembi, principal at The Grauer School. “Grauer students do not have to specialize in one interest. Rather, they can play a CIF sport, be on the robotics team, take Honors classes and perform on stage. Our talented teachers are here to support and champion every student along their high school journey.”
Founded on August 1, 1991, by Stuart Grauer, Ed.D., the school started with humble beginnings in a rented 1,200-square-foot storefront in Rincon Plaza on Encinitas Boulevard and now encompasses nearly 26,000 square feet on a beautiful six-acre campus. In 1991, The Grauer School started with seven students and finished its first school year with 12 students in ninth through 12th grade. The initial team included Dr. Grauer, two staff members and four part-time teachers. Now, The Grauer School has nearly 50 faculty and staff members and serves approximately 160 students in grades seventh through 12th. From 1992 to 2025, The Grauer School has had over 400 teens graduate.
“At The Grauer School, we prioritize our students’ curiosity, independence and joy, and value relationships above all else. As a result, all our graduates have been notable in their own way. We’ve had entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, medical professionals, lawyers, teachers and more. Above all, they are all compassionate, intellectually curious, resourceful and adventurous,” said Dana Abplanalp-Diggs, M.Ed., head of school for The Grauer School. “The Grauer School has been and will continue to be an educational leader that prioritizes compassionate, relationship-driven education while balancing expeditionary learning with college preparation.”
To RSVP for the annual Discover High School at Grauer Tour on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or an upcoming Discover Grauer Tour, visit www.grauerschool.com.
About The Grauer School
Founded in 1991, The Grauer School is an independent private school in Encinitas, Calif., serving students in grades seven through 12 in a college preparatory environment in Northern San Diego and surrounding communities. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school has a relationship-driven approach and strong commitment to Learn by Discovery®. The school nurtures and encourages six key core values: compassion, self-advocacy, perseverance, accountability, intellectual curiosity and resourcefulness. The Grauer School serves as a successful educational model for hundreds of private schools around the world through the Small Schools Coalition. For more information, visit www.grauerschool.com.
