What happens to children and schools when war becomes normal or accepted? A teacher reflects on bombed universities, silence in American schools, the Vietnam era, and why teaching may be humanity’s oldest pacifist tradition.
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Welcome to The Grauer School!
As a premier independent private school in San Diego, we are steadfastly dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s leaders for roles in our global community. The Grauer School was founded in 1991 by Dr. Stuart Grauer to provide teens with an environment to develop their own empowered voices. Our green, six-acre campus in Encinitas, California offers diverse programs accommodating approximately 160 students in grades seven through 12.
Our Socratic learning environment allows our students to stand on their own two feet while developing critical thinking skills necessary to meet the unique challenges of a rapidly changing society and world. Our curriculum allows students the flexibility to take classes for fun, learn how to make mistakes, become confident pursuing their passions, and ultimately follow their hearts doing things they are drawn to, rather than plotting out preordained or controlled paths they have little or no control over.
At The Grauer School, we believe our students achieve more enduring outcomes by cultivating independent thinking faculties necessary for self-empowerment, which includes forming core values like personal motivation, freedom, and courage. Our innovative curriculum has resulted in many students matriculating to the nation’s finest colleges and universities. As an inclusive independent school committed to celebrating diversity in all forms, we welcome students of many cultural and social backgrounds throughout the United States and across the globe.
A visit here could easily change the way you see great education
Latest News
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Our talented senior class members completed their Senior Graduation Defense presentations, where they petitioned for distinction in a given area. We are so impressed by our seniors’ embodiment of our core values, their talent, their gratitude, and their ability to articulate what legacy they are leaving The Grauer School.
Congratulations to all of the students who received awards at our Academic and Core Values Awards Assembly on May 12! The awards honored their academic excellence and embodiment of the school's Core Values.
An Inclusive Independent Private School in San Diego

96% Acceptance rate to the
top two colleges of choice

176 Sister schools worldwide
(UNESCO Associated Schools)

41Countries students
have traveled to on expeditions

Top 10 Places to work in the U.S.
-Outside Magazine

70% Student body participation in team sports
Grauer Events
All parents are invited to join the monthly Parent Association Meetings, held at 9:00am. Offsite location TBD.
Monthly Topic: End of Year Celebration!
PA Co-Presidents: Ann Chhokar & Jenny Hong
Faculty Lead: Lindsay Zickler
Grauer has a wonderful tradition of celebrating faculty and staff with monthly lunches. Each grade is assigned a month to host and will select a theme. Your Room Parent will share details and sign-up opportunities.
The High School ASB presents, Prom 2026 at The Del Mar Social. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to join the ASB for a night to remember!