Established in 1909 The Bishop’s School stands proudly in La Jolla. It began as a girls’ boarding school. The school aimed to prepare young women for top Eastern colleges. This was the vision of Ellen Browning Scripps and her sister Virginia. They generously donated land and funds. The Right Reverend Joseph Horsfall Johnson a Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles supported their vision. Anna Frances O’Hare Bentham became the first headmistress.
The early campus buildings were designed by Irving Gill. He was a pioneer of the modern architectural movement. Gill’s unique style is visible in many of the original structures. The current tower building however is a later addition designed by Carleton Winslow. It replaced Gill’s original tower.
In 1971 The Bishop’s School merged with San Miguel School. This made the school co-educational. Philip Perkins led the merger. He served as headmaster until 1974. Dorothy Anne Williams then became headmistress. The boarding department closed in 1983. Michael Teitelman became headmaster that same year. The school expanded to include sixth grade in 2009. The first sixth-grade class graduated in 2016.
Today The Bishop’s School is a thriving independent college preparatory Episcopal day school. Its eleven-acre campus is just a block from the Pacific Ocean. It houses twelve buildings. The school boasts a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. It’s renowned for its academics arts and athletics. The Bishop’s School has consistently earned high rankings nationally and in California. Its motto is Simplicitas Serenitas Sinceritas meaning Simplicity Serenity Sincerity. This perfectly captures the spirit of this remarkable institution. The school continues to shape the lives of its students preparing them for success in college and beyond. It remains a significant part of the La Jolla community and San Diego as a whole.