Frequently Asked Questions
Is TCPS a private school?
The Child’s Primary School (TCPS) is a K-8th grade private school located in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego. TCPS is known for our intentionally small classes and small school that we feel maximizes student engagement and love of learning.
What are the school hours at The Child’s Primary School (TCPS)?
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. TCPS does not have a weekly minimum day.
What is the teacher-student ratio at TCPS?
We are very proud to have a low teacher-student ratio of 6:1. This provides an opportunity for teachers to get to know each child and how they learn best, providing individual attention and differentiation in the classroom, without the need for special aides. We feel this is the best way for all students to learn.
How big are the class sizes at TCPS?
Average class sizes are 10-14 students. In K - 2nd grade the class maximum is 12. In 3rd-8th grade the class maximum is 16. We believe in the unique power of small classes and we pledge to keep our class sizes intentionally small.
Does TCPS require a school uniform?
There is a modest dress code but TCPS does not require a uniform.
My child loves art. Does TCPS offer art and other enrichment classes?
Yes! At TCPS we believe art and creativity are important elements of a balanced, progressive, education program. We offer fine art instruction and music. Other enrichment classes include science and Spanish for grades K-8, as well as coding, library, and P.E.
Does TCPS offer sports?
Yes, we offer a robust Physical Education program to all students, K - 8th grade. Our P.E. program has a full curriculum including learning the rules and skills for over twenty sports during the year including baseball, tennis, pickleball, cross country, flag football, volleyball, and much more.
Is TCPS a religious school?
No, TCPS is an independent, private, non-sectarian school with no religious affiliation. We are an inclusive environment that promotes a values-based curriculum with a focus on empathy, integrity, responsibility and kindness.
How do I schedule a school tour?
We recommend that all parents take a personal parent tour to learn what makes a small school like TCPS a great place for ALL students to learn and grow. Tours are offered every weekday at a time best for you and last approximately one hour.
Request a tour:
online: tour request form
email: admissions@tcps.org
phone: (858) 576-2120
Is TCPS the right school for my child? How can I be sure?
We know this is the question that many parents are ultimately trying to answer when they look at schools for their child. We also know that after visiting many schools, researching schools online for hours, and talking with family and friends, parents often feel overwhelmed trying to find the right school.
The goal of our admissions process is to find a good match with students and families who believe in the power of small classes in a small school to maximize the academic and social-emotional development of their children. If you also believe in a small class experience, then TCPS may be a great fit for you and your family.
How do you decide if my child is a good fit for TCPS?
We designed our admissions process to get to know each student through information submitted in the application, teacher recommendations, testing, and in-person evaluation. By getting to know each child as an individual, we are able to assess each candidate’s academic, social and behavioral readiness. We find this increases the likelihood of a positive school experience for each student and their family.
What are you looking for in a successful TCPS applicant?
We admit students from a wide range of backgrounds and academic abilities. We have students at TCPS who have been accepted into gifted and talented programs, such as GATE and seminar programs. Like students everywhere, our students may excel in some subjects and may need support from an attentive teacher in others.
TCPS students are seen as individuals. They are curious and open to the idea that learning at a high level can be interesting and fun! Some of our older students come to TCPS having lost that love of learning and our goal is to revive their interest in exploring new ideas. We encourage students to “take risks”(i.e. to try something new) in a safe environment supported by teachers and classmates. A new elementary student excitedly remarked after their first day “this school is awesome!” That’s our goal.
Really, there is no “typical TCPS student.” We are looking for families who believe their child will flourish in an environment that offers creativity within structure and who expect a challenging academic program focusing on skills such as:
How to be a successful student
How to become an independent thinker
How to communicate effectively with teachers and peers
How to work as part of a team
How to effectively resolve conflicts
How to become a responsible and motivated lifelong learner
We are looking for families who want their child to discover and reach their full potential.
How do I apply for admission?
You can begin by calling our admissions office at (858) 576-2120 or completing our online form to schedule a tour. We encourage you to tour first, however you can apply online through our online Application at any time!
Along with the written application, and supporting information, each applicant has a personal interview/evaluation. For best consideration apply in the fall for early consideration or by our priority application deadline of February 1. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in late February or early March (or for early consideration, in December). After that time, applications are considered on a space available basis.
Do you accept mid-year transfers?
Yes, we will consider mid-year transfers. Please call the Admissions office at (858)576-2120 to inquire if there is space in the class you would like to join.
How much is tuition at TCPS?
Tuition is set by the TCPS Board of Directors each year. Tuition rates are tiered by grade level to provide a gradual progression through the years a student is enrolled from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Monthly payment plans are available for no extra fee.
2025-2026 Tuition Rates:
Elementary School
Kindergarten - 2nd grade 3rd - 5th grade
$17,400 $21,500
Middle School
6th - 8th grade
$23,900
Does TCPS offer financial assistance to make tuition more affordable?
Yes, financial aid is available. TCPS strives to keep tuition as low as possible to keep our independent private school education accessible to as many families as possible. To help meet this goal, financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Financial aid decisions are made by our Admissions Committee with guidance from our third party vendor, Clarity, which administers the application and determines a reasonable tuition discount for families who would not be able to afford the full tuition. Please see our Tuition and Financial Assistance page for important deadlines and information regarding the financial aid application process or call or email our Admissions office with any questions.
Does TCPS have extended care or after-school programs?
Extended Care is available before school beginning at 7:45 am and after school until 5:00 p.m. Parents pay for the after-school hours they use and are not required to pay upfront each month or commit to time they won’t use to save a spot. In addition, students can join optional after-school enrichment programs including robotics, chess, science, art, sports, cooking, and more.
Who is in charge of after school programs at TCPS? Will there be room for my child?
Our after-school program is staffed by TCPS’ own teachers headed up by our P.E. Coach and our Spanish teacher. We use our own staff who already know our students rather than hire outside vendors. We have room to accommodate all students who need to remain after-school, whether every day or on an occasional basis.
Does TCPS offer special education services for students who need services?
TCPS is not able to offer special education services for students.
Does my child have to be immunized to enroll in TCPS?
Yes, immunizations are required, per California state law. Under a strict California law, SB277, families do not have the option to claim exemption from California vaccination requirements based on personal beliefs.
As of July 1, 2016, all children must be fully immunized before enrolling in public or private school or daycare.
Please note that no student will be allowed to attend The Child’s Primary School (or any other public, private or charter school in California) if they do not meet California vaccination requirements—this is the law.
Children with medical conditions, who meet specific criteria, may be exempt. Learn more about California immunization requirements and medical exemptions at the buttons below. This is not a school-based decision.
What about COVID vaccines? While not required for students attending school in California, we encourage those eligible to be immunized against COVID. We will continue to follow San Diego County requirements for schools as they are updated.