One of the Best Private Elementary Schools in San Diego

For over 45 years, Del Mar Pines School has focused on building character and inspiring excellence in our students. We develop the foundational, academic, social and critical thinking skills that instill confidence and prepare our students for future success.

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Welcome to Del Mar Pines
Inspiring educational excellence since 1978
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Empowering students to create a better world.

Red, white, and pink all around โค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’—

Our students showed up dressed in Valentineโ€™s colors, filling the campus with heart, joy, and school spirit. From bright reds to soft pinks and crisp whites, the entire campus was wrapped in love.

We are celebrating Valentineโ€™s Day a little early, but DMP is always filled with kindness, friendship, and connection all year long. Today was just a little extra reminder. 

 It was beautiful to see our community come together in such a simple but meaningful way. What a wonderful way to jumpstart our day off tomorrow and all of ski week with love, positivity, and school spirit. ๐Ÿ’•โœจ

#DMP #ValentinesSpirit #SchoolLove #RedWhiteAndPink
100 Days Smarter! ๐Ÿ’ฏ

Today we celebrated the 100th day of school, and our students showed up dressed like they were 100 years old! From gray hair and glasses to suspenders and shawls, the creativity was incredible.

We celebrated 100 days of learning, growing, counting, reading, and making memories together. What a fun way to mark this milestone!

Hereโ€™s to 100 days down and many more to go! ๐Ÿ’ฏโœจ
#100DaysOfSchool #ElementaryFun #100DaysSmarter #SchoolSpirit #GrowingAndLearning
๐Ÿงฎ Math Monday Project Spotlight

The 6th graders in Mr. Fortinโ€™s math group put their measurement skills to work by designing and building three-dimensional robots.

Students planned their designs using precise measurements, labeled each part, and constructed robots that could stand on their own. This challenge required accuracy, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving at every step.

Each robot was designed for a specific business niche, such as education, entertainment, or healthcare.

Be sure to check out their beautiful slide presentations, where students explained their measurements, design choices, and creative process.

Real-world math, creative thinking, and proud builders all in one project 

๐Ÿค–๐Ÿ“
#SixthGradeMath #MathInAction #STEMLearning #MeasurementMatters #DesignChallenge
Young Artists Day 2026 filled our campus with color, movement, and imagination.

Students moved between watercolor, ceramics, and fashion design, explored hands-on art classes, and danced their hearts out in KPop Demon Hunters and Flamenco sessions alongside many other creative experiences.

A day rooted in expression, curiosity, and joy where young artists were free to create, move, and shine.

# #YoungArtistsDay2026 #CreativeKids #ArtAndDance #ArtsEducation
Pajamas on, smiles all around, and hot chocolate in hand โ˜•๐Ÿงธ
Spirit Day was extra cozy as we showed our school spirit in the comfiest way possible. Nothing like a little cocoa and comfy vibes to warm up the day!

#SpiritDay #PajamaDay #HotChocolate #CozySchoolDay #DMPspiritdays
Todayโ€™s No Place for Hate activity was all about unity, kindness, and respect โค๏ธ๐Ÿค

Each student received one-half of a red heart and one-half of a white heart. When joined together, they formed a whole heart, symbolizing how differences come together to create something stronger.

On each side, students illustrated symbols of kindness, friendship, and respect, showing what it looks like to care for one another and build an inclusive community.

Small acts. Big hearts. ๐Ÿ’ž
#NoPlaceForHate #KindnessMatters #Respect #DMP #WholeHeart
Today, we honor Martin Luther King Jr., a minister and leader who believed in kindness, courage, and treating others with fairness and respect.

Dr. King inspired people through peaceful actions and meaningful words. His legacy reminds us that compassion and understanding can help create a better world.

Dr. Kingโ€™s words still guide us today, offering wisdom rooted in love and hope. 

Here are a few of his powerful quotes:

โœจ โ€œThe time is always right to do what is right.โ€

โœจ โ€œDarkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.โ€

โœจ โ€œFaith is taking the first step even when you donโ€™t see the whole staircase.โ€

โœจ โ€œI have decided to stick to loveโ€ฆ Hate is too great a burden to bear.โ€

โœจ โ€œIf you canโ€™t fly, then run, if you canโ€™t run, then walk, if you canโ€™t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.โ€

#MLKDay #WordsThatMatter #Kindness #Respect #Legacy #SchoolCommunity#DMP
๐ŸŽ‰ Happy New Year from DMP! ๐ŸŽ‰โœจ

A new year brings fresh beginnings and endless opportunities to learn, grow, and shine ๐ŸŒŸ
We canโ€™t wait to see all the amazing ways our students will dream big, work hard, and support one another in 2026.

Hereโ€™s to a year filled with curiosity, creativity, kindness, and joy ๐Ÿ’›
Letโ€™s make 2026 our best year yet!

#HappyNewYear #Welcome2026 #NewBeginnings
#ElementarySchoolLife #DMPFamily #LearningAndGrowing #BrightFutures
๐ŸŽคโ„๏ธ DMPโ€™s Got Talent! โ„๏ธ๐ŸŽค

Rockin out and showing off incredible talent at our Winter Talent Show. From singing and dancing to music and big stage energy, our students truly brought the holiday magic. ๐ŸŒŸ

Happy Holidays and cheers to a bright new year ahead. See you in 2026 for more learning, laughter, and community. โœจ๐ŸŽ‰
โ„๏ธโœจ Holiday Tradition Centers were EPIC in second grade! โœจโ„๏ธ

From creating beautiful ornaments to playing the dreidel game, students explored meaningful traditions while having tons of fun. A joyful mix of learning, creativity, and holiday spirit filled the room! ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ•Ž๐ŸŽ„

So many smiles, so many memorable moments. โ„๏ธโœจ
๐ŸŽ„โœจ โ€˜Tis the season for holiday fun and cheer! โœจ๐ŸŽ„

We love the joyful spirit in the air as our campus fills with festive excitement. First grade had a sweet time creating gingerbread masterpieces, with parents joining in to help make the experience extra special. ๐Ÿชโค๏ธ

Holiday magic at its finest! ๐ŸŽโœจ
๐ŸŽ„โœจ Merry Spirit Day Magic! โœจ๐ŸŽ„

This week kicked off with a burst of holiday cheer as students and staff arrived in their most delightfully ugly sweaters and merry attire. Ugly? Maybe. Cute? Absolutely!

Our campus was filled with winter colors, silly sweaters, and lots of laughter. From sparkles and snowflakes to blinking lights, our campus was filled with cozy, joyful fun. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’š

#SpiritDay #UglySweaterDay #HolidayFun DMPproud FestiveVibes
๐Ÿงก๐Ÿฆƒ Thanksgiving Giving at DMP ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿงก

This Thanksgiving season, our DMP community came together to support families from the Casa De Oro Head Start program.

Thanks to your generosity, we collected enough food supplies for every family and raised over $3,200 in grocery gift cards. The gratitude from Casa De Oro was heartfelt and deeply appreciated.

We give back because it teaches our students the importance of compassion, gratitude, and caring for others in our community.

Thank you for helping make a meaningful difference this season. ๐Ÿงกโœจ

#DMPproud #GivingBack #CommunityStrong
๐Ÿˆโšฝ๏ธ๐ŸŽพ Spirit Day Highlights ๐ŸŽพโšฝ๏ธ๐Ÿˆ

Our students and staff showed incredible school spirit today in their favorite sports jerseys. We saw baseball, basketball, soccer, American football, gymnastics, golf, and more. The staff represented their favorite college sports teams, which made the day even more fun.

The campus felt charged with team energy, and everyone brought their game day attitude. DMP spirit always shines. ๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿ“ฃ

#DMPpride #SpiritDay #SportsJerseyDay #SchoolSpirit #DMPLife
๐ŸŽฅ๐Ÿ’ซ Our Student Leadership Team has created something special for you.

They put together a fun new ad to kick off Sports Jersey Day, happening tomorrow, Thursday, November 20th.

Pull out your favorite team jersey and get ready to show your spirit.

Whether it is football, basketball, soccer, baseball, or any team you love, letโ€™s fill our campus with team colors and excitement. ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿˆโšฝ๏ธ๐Ÿ€

๐Ÿฆ Ice Cream Day is also tomorrow.
Two celebrations in one day will make for an extra fun Thursday.

Letโ€™s make it a winning day at DMP.
#DMPpride #SpiritDay #SportsJerseyDay #DoubleTreat
๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿฆƒ A Fall Author Treat ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿ“š

The lower grades enjoyed a special visit from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Adam Wallace. Adam is known for his playful and wildly imaginative childrenโ€™s books, including โ€œTurkey in Disguise,โ€ the โ€œHow to Catchโ€ picture-book series, Fartboy, Cowboy and Birdbrain, Farty Pets, Numbskull and Nincompoop, the Secret Diary series, and many more.

He read his book โ€œTurkey in Disguiseโ€ and then taught the students how to illustrate their very own turkeys. The room was filled with creativity, laughter, and Thanksgiving season fun.

The book is now on display in our DMP Library for all students to enjoy. ๐Ÿ–๏ธโœจ

#AuthorVisit #AdamWallace #TurkeyInDisguise #HowToCatchSeries #ReadingIsFun #DMPproud #CreativeKids #FallFun
๐Ÿ“š November is Native American Heritage Month

Our librarian, Mrs. Cox, shared the beautiful book โ€œRememberโ€ by Joy Harjo, who served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 2019 to 2022 and is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. 

Harjo's words remind us to pause, reflect, and honor the connections that give life meaning.

After the reading, students wrote short reflections on what they will remember: the moments, people, and places that bring them peace. ๐ŸŒพโœจ

Click the link in our Instagram bio to learn more about Native American Heritage Month. 

#DMP #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #JoyHarjo #Remember #IndigenousVoices #DMPproud #Gratitude #PoetryInEducation
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธโค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™ Honoring Our Veterans โค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

We honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and heart. We are deeply grateful for their selfless service and for the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect our freedoms.

Thank you, veterans, for your strength and your service. We salute you always. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธโœจ

#VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #Gratitude #DMPproud #HonoringOurHeroes #RedWhiteAndBlue
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธโค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™ Honoring Our Heroes โค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

We kicked off the Veterans Day weekend with a special flag salute to honor all who have served with courage and selflessness. Students and staff wore red, white, and blue to show their pride and gratitude.

We were deeply moved to have parents who are veterans and local police officers join us for the celebration. A beautiful tribute collage was displayed along the fence by the field to honor DMP family members who have served or are still serving.

Thank you to all our heroes for your service and sacrifice. We salute you today and always. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธโœจ

#VeteransDay #DMPproud #HonoringOurHeroes #RedWhiteAndBlue #GratitudeInAction #CommunityStrong #FlagSalute
๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ‘ป Halloween at DMP was spooktacular from start to finish! ๐Ÿ‘ป๐ŸŽƒ

The day kicked off with our Halloween parade through the Assisted Living facility next door, followed by our Halloween carnival filled with bouncy fun, creative costumes, a dunk tank, spooky games, crafts, and even a haunted house decorated by our talented 6th graders ๐Ÿ’€๐ŸŽจ

Students and staff rocked the mic at karaoke, and our teachers brought the flavor, dressing up as The Seasoned Staff from curry and mint to crushed red pepper ๐ŸŒถ๏ธโœจ

What a bootastic time. Happy Halloween and have a safe night getting tricked or treated ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿฌ

#HappyHalloween #DMPproud #SpookyFun #BootasticDay #SeasonedStaff
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What Makes Del Mar Pines School Special?

Since 1978, Del Mar Pines has nurtured all aspects of our students' academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. Recognized for a low student-to-teacher ratio, with two teachers in every classroom, our robust curriculum is enhanced by weekly ancillary classes in music, art, Spanish, hands-on science, PE, technology, and library. DMP students benefit from strong academics with small group instruction. Del Mar Pines School provides our students with a safe and caring atmosphere that emphasizes character development.

Parent Testimonials

I am thrilled to share my positive experiences as a teacher for the past 10 years at Del Mar Pines School, an institution that stands out for its exceptional staff, dedicated administration, and commitment to fostering a genuine love of learning.

The teachers at DMP are extraordinary. They truly care about the kids and foster an environment not only for learning but also from developing great people. The school also keeps the parents informed at all times and proactively resolves any potential issues. Marci is the only principal I am aware of who knows each of the students at the school, on an individual basis.

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Why Choose Del Mar Pines School?

Del Mar Pines School is a very special place. This private elementary school is small, yet offers big benefits to its community.

  • Caring Teachers & Staff

    Build personal connections and lasting relationships.

  • Small Group Instruction

    Promotes low stress, yet effective learning in Math and Language Arts.

  • Supporting the Whole Child

    Values the academic, physical, social and emotional health of all students.

  • Exceptional Ancillary Classes

    Align with the curriculum in a fun and well rounded way. We offer weekly instruction in Science, Fine Art, Physical Education, Spanish, Music and Performing Arts, Technology and Library.

Recognized Among the Top 2.5% of Schools in the Country by Niche

Niche gave Del Mar Pines School an A+ Grade in The 2025 Best Schools Rankings. Schools with an A+ grade are among the top 2.5% of schools in the country.

A dark green badge with a blue ribbon at the bottom, displaying "2025 Niche Best Schools" in white text, along with the Niche logo.
A green circle with a white "A+" and text reading "Niche 2025 A+ School" on a dark background, including the Niche logo.

Fully Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 2007.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Prepare Your Child for Success

At Del Mar Pines School, your child will benefit from a strong academic foundation rooted in a safe and caring atmosphere that emphasizes character development. A Del Mar Pines School education nurtures all aspects of our student's academic, social, emotional and physical needs.

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