About Us

Foreword

At Children's Country Day School, we believe that children learn best, and remember what they learn, by actively participating in the learning process. Learning by doing is the principle which guides every lesson in our classrooms. Doesn't it seem obvious that one learns to swim by swimming with guidance rather than reading about swimming? The same logic applies to writing, calculating, computing and experimenting - any form of intellectual pursuit. Our goal in science class is to engage students as scientists; in history class, as historians.

In and around our colorful, comfortable classrooms, invitations and opportunities abound for children to explore, experiment, problem solve, analyze and communicate. Our class size of 10 to 15 students allows us the opportunity to know each child as a unique individual. Our expert team of teachers can thus offer deeper and more meaningful challenges and support to enrich and enhance the educational experience.

Children's Country Day School is unusual by today's standards. Along with an engaging and challenging curriculum is included a focus on the acquisition of life skills. Described in more detail later, these character cornerstones play a vital role in leading a rich and rewarding life. Classrooms are structured as small communities where life skills are modeled and reinforced every day by teachers and staff. Children learn that the roles they play in their communities are valued not just by the adults, but by their peers as well. School traditions which link classrooms and children together across grade levels further enhance a strong sense of belonging and foster a commitment to the values that make this school so special.

The school tells its own story when seen in operation. I invite you to call to schedule a visit. We'd enjoy getting to know you and helping you better understand our approach to children and their educational experiences.

Karen R. Lee , Head of School

History

The Children's Country Day School is a small, nonsectarian, not-for-profit private elementary school. Formerly known as The Children's Place, the school first opened its doors in September 1983 with a student body of thirty children in Pre-K through grade 2. In the summer of 1988, the school moved from Lawrence Avenue in New Windsor to its present location on the grounds of Mt. St. Joseph. In that same year, grade 3 was added, along with a latchkey program to accommodate working parents. Shortly thereafter, the school expanded to include grade 4.

Mission Statement

We believe in and are committed to providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing learning community for children from Pre-K through fourth grade. Within this community, parents, teachers and children work together in positive, respectful and supportive ways to ensure that each and every student grows toward his or her full potential.

Philosophy

We believe in open communication and mutual respect among all staff, children and parents. We encourage honest, supportive relationships and are committed to making each individual feel valued and appreciated, thus fostering a sense of community within the entire group. Active family involvement supports student learning and we extend ourselves in whatever way necessary to accommodate families and bridge the gap between home and school. We believe in the value of networking, sharing ideas and resources between the home and school. We feel that teachers, parents and children should approach learning as a life-long endeavor.

The Children's Country Day School provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes the growth in the whole child. The academic curriculum for each level focuses on hands-on activities that include a wide variety of multi-sensory learning experiences. Each child is encouraged to be a thinker, to solve problems collaboratively and independently, and to express ideas in a free and creative manner.

To instill a love for reading, the staff emphasizes the importance of literature by incorporating quality children's books into their classrooms every day. The literature-based approach to reading and writing, combined with numerous opportunities for self-discovery, makes learning for children not only more exciting, but also more meaningful. In addition to the classroom academic curriculum, students are also enriched by specials such as foreign language, art, drama, cooking, physical education and music.