List of 18 items.

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  Hands-On Science Launches Learning Sky-High

  LJCDS third graders recently launched a high-altitude balloon from campus, sending a student-designed payload soaring nearly 100,000 feet. Guided by Blue Dot Education and supported by Upper School mentors, students worked across divisions to design parachutes, build sensors, and develop experiments exploring weather, air pressure, and the stratosphere.

   

  Upper School students coded Arduino units to collect data, while third graders predicted what would happen to marshmallows and liquids in near space. After a successful flight, students recovered the payload 50 miles away.

   

  From coding to data analysis, students brought science to life—working collaboratively, thinking creatively, and learning by doing. One third grader summed it up best: “It was amazing. I’ll never forget it!”
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  Battle of the Torreys: Two Alumnae, One Unforgettable Night

  More than 80 LJCDS students, parents, and alumni traveled to Crypto.com Arena to cheer on Kelsey Plum ’13 and Te-Hina Paopao ’20 as they faced off in a nationally televised WNBA game. Clad in Torrey blue, the crowd was recognized on-air as Plum and Paopao made history as two LJCDS alumnae sharing the professional stage.
  
  

  The group met both athletes postgame for photos and inspiration. For students in the stands, especially girls’ basketball players, it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible.
  
  

  “Kelsey and Te-Hina were amazing on the court, but they’re even better off it,” said Athletic Director Jeff Hutzler. “They’re showing our girls the next level is real—and reachable.”
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  Belize Field Study Sparks Global Growth

  This spring, seventh and eighth graders took part in a transformational Global Leadership experience in Belize. Before traveling, students explored Belizean culture and geography, studied the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and examined their own strengths as leaders.
  
  

  On the ground, they connected with local students, explored marine life on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and met conservation advocates protecting wildlife and ecosystems.
  
  

  The trip inspired students to reflect, ask questions, and take action. Back home, they launched Passion Projects comparing life in Belize and San Diego through personal and cultural lenses.
  
  

  As Zora North ’30 shared, “We didn’t just visit Belize—we experienced it. I came back a better version of myself.”
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  TorreyMUN Takes on The Hague

  This winter, 16 LJCDS students traveled to the Netherlands for THIMUN—the world’s largest Model UN conference. Representing over 100 nations, 3,200 delegates gathered to debate urgent global issues from AI and armed conflict to climate change.

  Beyond the debate floor, students explored The Hague and Amsterdam, visiting museums, historic landmarks, and sharing meals with peers from around the globe. The trip deepened friendships and global awareness.

   

  “THIMUN taught me the value of compromise and understanding,” said Harper Goff ’28.
  
  

  Club president Andres Cervera ’25 closed the conference by carrying the flag of Uruguay during the final ceremony. The week left students inspired, connected, and more committed than ever to global citizenship.

• Elevating Stories of Displacement Through Student Leadership

  Gabriel Rosen-Ahmed ’25 used funding from the Susan Nordenger Endowed Fund for Service & Leadership to launch Displaced Voices, a digital platform that amplifies the personal stories of refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers.
  
  

  Inspired by a commitment to empathy and global awareness, Gabe interviewed and featured individuals from around the world, creating a space for education, dialogue, and advocacy.
  
  

  The Nordenger Fund supports students exploring complex local and global issues through immersive, service-driven projects. Gabe’s work challenges the Torrey community to listen deeply, learn critically, and engage compassionately.

  Through storytelling, Displaced Voices reminds us of the power each student has to foster understanding and spark change–core values championed by Mrs. Nordenger throughout her 36-year LJCDS career.

• Campus Upgrades Foster Connection and Expression

  This summer, LJCDS is investing in shared spaces that support student growth, play, and community. In the gym, a brand-new floor—crafted from the same high-performance wood used by the Minnesota Timberwolves—is being installed, along with new bleachers. Whether training for competition or learning the basics in PE, students will return to a space built for movement, energy, and teamwork.
  
  

  Meanwhile, the amphitheater is getting a major comfort boost with added shade structures. The upgrade transforms it into a more inviting space for performances, assemblies, and everyday creativity.
  
  

  These enhancements reflect our commitment to building a campus where students thrive together—in body, mind, and voice.
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  Connecting Alumni Nationally

  Creating an engaged, supportive alumni network is one of our top priorities. This year, we launched a series of regional events, spanning coast to coast, helping us connect with our 4,000+ alumni network. These gatherings bring together Torreys of all ages, creating wonderful networking and mentoring opportunities. The sheer joy and volume at these events reminds us all of the truth of saying, “once a Torrey, always a Torrey!”
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  Torreys Welcome Cambodian Teaching Fellow

  Our youngest Torreys in kindergarten and the Early Childhood Center spent a month in the fall of 2022 with teaching fellow, Chareya Long. Among many things, she taught our students how to say hello and write their names in Khmer, the official language of Cambodia. She also conducted a show-and-tell of Cambodian currency. Ms. Long was able to join us through the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program.  
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  She Kills Monsters

  She Kills Monsters, came to the Four Flowers stage by way of the US theater students. The play provided Torreys with a unique opportunity to stretch their imaginations to design and create every element of the experience. For the innovative set design, they constructed a rotating stage with moving floor sections to enhance the fast paced transitions. Fantastical costumes and prop design brought their characters to life in expertly choreographed combat scenes, while thoughtfully curated lighting and sound design amplified emotions.
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  Students Experience Education Outside of the Classroom

  Middle and Upper School students spend their Outdoor and Experiential Education weeks connecting with nature, volunteering, visiting colleges and learning new skills. These real-world learning opportunities, spanning the globe, stretch students outside of their comfort zones, strengthen their connections with classmates and teachers, and enrich their school experience and personal growth.
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  Students Earn UPenn Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship

  In January 2022, LJCDS became one of 18 high school age programs worldwide to join forces with the University of Pennsylvania giving upper schools students the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship which fast tracks participants and connects them to advanced learning. 
  
  

  This unique partnership elevates the learning experience and encourages an entrepreneurial mindset to find and solve problems.
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  Industry-Leading Artists Mentor Students

  Visiting authors, artists-in-residence and programs through the Center for Excellence in Citizenship, students are connected to experts in the field.
  
  During the 2021-2022 academic year, artist Jesse Colin Jackson, spent time with students in all divisions encouraging them to create sculptures that connect modern design and fine art, using his interactive Marching Cubes, which have been featured across the world.
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  Creating Responsible and Ethical Media

  Today's students must understand what it means to create media in healthy, thoughtful, responsible and ethical ways. Formal media literacy education is now one of the fastest-growing fields of study in colleges and universities and Pre-K–12 schools and districts.
  
  LJCDS' Media Literacy Education program teaches students how to curate and verify what they see and read as well as what it means to create media in healthy, thoughtful, responsible and ethical ways.
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  Junior Kindergarten Students Travel the World

  As a part of the “Global Studies Center" students visit countries around the world and learn how to respect the value of these cultures. Ms. Tripoli shared that even at age four, students can retain a great level of information after each interactive presentation, often sharing what they’ve learned by heart. Every three weeks, the center is changed out, and as soon as the “Under Construction” sign is posted, students will eagerly ask, “Where are we going next?” sparking curiosity, excitement and a continuous passion for learning.
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  New Sand Volleyball Courts

  Sand volleyball was elevated from club to CIF level in 2022 and is one of the fastest growing NCAA sports. Thanks to the generosity of more than 20 families, approximately $275,000 was raised for three sand volleyball courts which were completed in July 2022. 
  
  

  Now, sand players have a dedicated space for practices and CIF matches, and will have a better opportunity to compete at the next level and earn a collegiate scholarship. The facility can also be used for cross training purposes for all high school level athletes. 
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  Families Choose LJCDS for Multiple Generations

  “Legacy Families” are current families who have chosen an LJCDS education for multiple generations. We are grateful to our 44 current Legacy Families for their dedication and commitment to LJCDS. We absolutely love to see our Torreys back as Torrey parents and grandparents experiencing LJCDS in a different way!
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  Tuition Assistance Changes Lives

  Tuition assistance provides a profound educational foundation to those who may not have had the opportunity to experience an LJCDS education. Generous support helps current students and alumni like Alex Guenette ’13 inspire greatness for a better world. Watch how Alex uses his LJCDS education to make an impact.
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  Sustainable Education Sprouts

  A new school garden located in the Lower School was established at the start of the 2022-2023 school year and will incorporate sustainability into age 3–Grade 4 education, build health habits for life, and provide farm-to-table produce for campus food programs.