Lower School

Class Hours

Kindergarten at Country Day School is a full day program beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 2:45 p.m., with playtime in all the right places. The program provides a strong academic environment that challenges our students while nurturing them socially and emotionally.

Class Size

We aim to limit our class size to 18 students to give our children individual attention and to focus on each student’s needs. There are 2 classrooms, each with their own teacher and teacher assistant.

Homework

Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. It is designed to reinforce the basic skills taught at school and to encourage a sense of responsibility.

Evaluation

All Kindergarten parents have individual “benchmark” meetings in the Fall with their child’s classroom teacher. These introductory meetings take place early in the year so that teachers and parents can discuss each child’s individual needs and what to expect over the course of the year. In addition, three formal assessments of students’ progress are made throughout the year. Two of these are parent-teacher conferences, and the third is a written evaluation presented at the end of the year.

• Music
• Art
• Swimming
• Library
• Community Service
• Technology Lab

Grades 1-5

In our classrooms, on our fields, and across our stage, we nurture the art of expression.  Our students look within themselves and to their teachers for motivation, and to each other for inspiration.  As our students develop their skills and enhance their natural abilities using the tools we provide, they come ever closer to achieving and often surpassing their goals.

• Establish a strong, well-balanced educational foundation
• Furnish an atmosphere that enhances their creativity and curiosity
• Cultivate critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Develop each child’s written and oral communication skills
• Offer a variety of hands-on mathematics and science explorations
• Encourage each child to reach his or her full potential
• Empower students with the ability to become independent readers
• Lay the foundation for a solid base of study skills and personal management tools
• Foster the development of positive self-esteem through academic and social skills
• Develop independent, well-educated, and responsible citizens

Class Hours

The Lower School begins at 8 a.m. Kindergarten dismisses at 2:45 p.m. Grades One through Grade Three conclude at 3:00 p.m. Grade Four and Grade Five end at 3:15 p.m.

Class Size

Small classes of approximately 18 to 25 students, coupled with a dynamic faculty, ensure that each child will work toward fulfilling his or her individual goals.

Homework

Homework is an extension of class work and is assigned Monday through Thursday. It is designed to reinforce the basic skills taught at school and to encourage a sense of responsibility. Long-term projects are assigned to teach organization, long-term planning, and personal responsibility.

Evaluations

Formal assessments of students’ progress are made throughout the year. Written evaluations are presented three times during the year, and Parent Conferences are conducted in the Fall and Spring. Letter grades begin in Grade Three. Teachers are available in addition to these scheduled times for individual meetings throughout the year.

Curriculum

In addition, we offer classes in:

• Music
• Art
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Science/ Engineering (Lab)
• Library
• Character Education
• Community Service
• Technology Lab