When a school is destroyed, the world debates war. Teachers see something else: the subtle but real classroom work of building peace. What is the responsibility of schools and teachers in times like this?
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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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The Grauer School had two High School teams competing at the San Diego Science Olympiad (SDSO) competition at the University of San Diego on February 28. It’s a huge accomplishment for students to place in the top 30 of any events, so it was very exciting that many of our students on both teams were able to accomplish that.
The Music Department presented our 7th annual Battle of the Bands semi-final and final competitions. Congratulations to the winning band, and to all of the other bands who competed!
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
Our Admissions team will be announcing admissions decisions for the 2026-2027 school year today. Faculty Leads: Dr. Tricia Valeski and Akemi Dyer.
The Shockwave #3848 High School Robotics team will be competing in the San Diego Regional competition on Saturday, March 7, at Pacific Ridge High School. Faculty Leads: Morgan Brown, Liam Murphy, and Ryan Stevens.
The Grauer Surf Team will be competing in a Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) competition today at Army Navy Academy. Surf Team Leads: Trevor Olson, Coach Brogan O'Bryan.
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.