Philanthropy C E L E BR AT IN G 95 Y EA R S O F G I V I N G
CELEBRATING 95 YEARS OF GIVING
1926
1942 WI ST E RIA C OT TAG E
Balmer’s unique and engaging teaching style attracted attention from the community. The school began to grow and eventually moved to Wisteria Cottage, which was loaned by Ellen and Roger Revelle, marking the first documented occurrence of parent philanthropy.
BALMER SCHOOL FOU N D ED
1955–1960
1961
GR OWTH AND OPPORTU NITY
NEW BEGINNINGS ON
• Headmaster Don Leavenworth joins the newly rechartered La Jolla Country Day School.
GENESEE AVENU E
• Louise Balmer retires. • One grade per year is added and enrollment grows to more than 100 students. • A successful capital campaign raises more than $450,000 ($4,000,000 in today’s dollars) to build our new campus on Genesee Avenue.
48 | | 2019–2020 48 2020–2021 RReEpPoO r tRoTnOGNi vGi nI V g ING
1970
1960
In a small, cozy cottage in downtown La Jolla, Louise Balmer opened the Balmer School with just four students and three teachers.
1950
1940
1930
1920
Since our founding in 1926, philanthropy and tuition have funded the expert blend of traditional and progressive education for which LJCDS is known.
• Designed by architect and parent Frederick Liebhardt, La Jolla Country Day School moves to its current location on Genesee Avenue. • The original school bell is relocated to the Upper School. Today, the ringing of the bell marks an important milestone for all graduating seniors.
