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
This week, Dr. Grauer celebrates National Banjo Day, honoring the joy of the old-time tradition of making music by hand, and keeping this heritage alive. To study our heritage is fundamental to what educators and schools are charged with doing with a rising generation.
Grauer's High School Theatre Arts Department presented Pride and Prejudice. Congratulations to all of our cast members and hardworking crew members on a fabulous show!
The Grauer School balances college preparation with Expeditionary Learning, where we cancel classes 2 weeks each year in order to engage our students in humanitarian and ecological service. During Spring Expeditions week 2025, all of our students traveled in California and around the world.
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
We will be operating under a 7-Period Day schedule today.
We will be operating under an Odd Friday schedule today. Students will attend periods 1, 3, 7, and 5.
We will be operating under an Even Friday schedule today. Students will attend periods 2, 4, 6, and 5.
![Dr. Grauer's Column - National Banjo Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744235574/grauerschoolcom/pt1sqxnob0ll3ja3gt6s/Column_041025-6_Thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744235574/grauerschoolcom/pt1sqxnob0ll3ja3gt6s/Column_041025-6_Thumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
![High School Theatre Arts Department Presents "Pride and Prejudice"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744305783/grauerschoolcom/w1emazubqfpegya1enh8/PPCastPhoto_Thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744305783/grauerschoolcom/w1emazubqfpegya1enh8/PPCastPhoto_Thumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
![2025 Spring Expeditions at The Grauer School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743799300/grauerschoolcom/ijm7sntounbaygkhqlps/Roots-Group-Thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743799300/grauerschoolcom/ijm7sntounbaygkhqlps/Roots-Group-Thumbnail.jpg","width":380}])