School Spotlight: Country Day School
Rocket City Mom recently interviewed Stacie Naff, Co-Director and Registrar of the Country Day School in Huntsville. Established in 1987, Country Day School has a record of success with many graduates who have become valedictorians or top 10% of their respective schools.
Name of School: The Country Day School
School Phone: (256)837-5266
School Location: 1699 Old Dry Creek Road Huntsville, AL 35806; near the Providence area
Country Day Facebook Page
Religious affiliation: NA
Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9 for pre-K, not more than 1:25 for other classes
School Mission: “We learn, not for school, but for life.”
What is your school’s predominant educational philosophy?
Teachers use individualized instruction to help students to reach his/her full potential. We are a community of learners at The Country Day School, and work to create a program that adapts, changes, and grows to meet the individual needs of learners. We provide opportunity, support and encouragement so that all students can succeed.
What sets your school apart from other area programs?
We also use the Reggio Emilia Approach We are the only school in North Alabama that is practicing the Reggio Emilia Approach to teaching preschools, and have certified teachers facilitating. CDS also incorporates the Montessori method and has several Montessori trained teachers and Montessori materials. Some elements of Waldorf education are also incorporated such as form drawing and hand work. CDS bring the best practices together for your child to provide an individualized learning program like no other locally. We also have a 21-acre campus with lots of outdoor space for the children to use for nature studies, and there are areas outside for use as outdoor classrooms.
All students learn Spanish and Mandarin Chinese – we are an International School and our student body and faculty represent 17 different nationalities. The Country Day School is accredited both nationally and internationally. Established in 1987, Country Day School has a record of success with many graduates who have become valedictorians or top 10% of their respective schools.
What extracurricular opportunities exist for your students?
After-school extracurricular clubs include: Art, Science, Foreign Language, Yoga, Lego Robotics Team, and Nature Exploration. We have an active Arts Program for all students including: visual arts, music, keyboard, strings, and drama.
What advice do you have for parents looking for a school for their child(ren)?
When looking for a school be sure that classes are small enough that teachers can work with children individually and in small groups. The school environment is safe and comfortable, with enough space that students do not feel crowded. The building and grounds are cheerful and child-friendly. The teachers share information about individual children’s learning and development. Parents should feel that their input is welcome and that the teachers have their children’s best interests at heart.
Describe your admissions process:
Interested parents schedule a tour of the school. At that time, the Registrar explains the philosophy of the school and programs that the school offers. Parents have a chance to look at the classrooms in action and meet some of the teachers. A visit is usually scheduled for the child to come in and spend a day in the classroom at The Country Day School. Parents then submit the paperwork and pay the registration fee in order for the student to start classes at the school.
Additional Info:
Parents can register students at any time during the school year. Please contact The Country Day School to schedule a personal tour with Stacie Naff, the Registrar at 256-837-5266.
Summer camp is an option for Preschool and Kindergarten-8th grade. Camp activities include swimming, hiking and nature explorations, arts and crafts, technology using ipads, summer reading program, fitness and sports daily, game arcade, chinese lessons, science experiments, field trips, movies, in-depth projects, horse experiences, cooking lessons, gardening, yoga, fishing, horses, and roller skating. We start camp on June 3rd this year. See our website for more info at www.country-day.com [/sws_red_box]
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