Our whole-child philosophy compels us to create classroom experiences that combine elements of a classical education with the innovative practices of project- and problem-based learning. This intentional balance allows for a vigorous education that yields extraordinary results.
The MCDS Philosophy On Education
Our distinctive approach
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Our distinctive approach is defined by:
Committed, passionate teachers who know each student fully, are their advocates and guides and push them to grow in ways previously unimaginable.
Small class sizes that allow teachers to tailor instruction to the students in their presence.
The use of technology to support instructional strategies, which foster interactive, collaborative and innovative teaching and learning.
Trans-disciplinary skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communicating and questioning which are a core part of every academic endeavor.
A focus on the real-life application of what is studied in the classroom, which motivates students to delve deeper into topics.
The importance of finding passion and purpose beyond oneself, a belief that is a hallmark of the Country Day experience.
Dan Bronish Chief Academic Design Officer“We all go into education because we want to enrich the lives of young people. Children and young adults are at the center of what we do, our decisions are always made with their best interests and futures of students in mind. Student success and student happiness is what our job is all about.”
Academic Programs
Our academic programs nurture innovation and curiosity from PreK through to college acceptance. Our whole child approach not only prepare kids for college, but for lifelong learning. Each student has the opportunity and resources to reach their full potential in any field.
Early Childhood
Through hands-on learning, students develop independence and skills to work cooperatively. The program is designed to meet the needs of each student with the primary focus on social and emotional development. Students will develop skills to:
Communicate effectively
Work cooperatively and independently
Use knowledge and conflict resolution skills to problem solve
Self-regulate in a variety of situations
Understand and respect cultural diversity
English And Communication Arts
Our students learn to engage with and appreciate literature in all its forms. Reading, writing and engagement with media communications arts is critical for today’s globally connected students. Students will develop their ability to:
Effectively communicate for different audiences and purposes
Read and reflect critically, speak with clarity and confidence
Think and act with a critical mind
Read and write with empathy
Converse respectfully and intelligently with others about texts they have read or written and the evolution of media
Understand and experiment with literary research
History And The Social Sciences
Studying History and the Social Sciences, students understand the lasting and essential diversity of the human species – social, intellectual, geographic. We encourage students to honor the perspectives of others while developing and defending their own viewpoints. Students will develop their skills to:
Act as a responsible citizen locally and globally
Critically analyze and interpret data and information
Address issues of bias and credibility
Construct and support thoughts and arguments
Respectfully and effectively express opinions and listen to others
Use history to inform and solve contemporary problems
Mathematics
Mathematics is a universal language that enables students to uncover and make sense of ideas, patterns and phenomena. Our math program empowers students to create relevant questions, be intelligent consumers of data and find meaningful answers. Students will develop the skills to:
Apply mathematical knowledge to model and analyze relationships to solve problems
Develop abstract reasoning and critical thinking
Use higher order thinking to make connections between fundamental concepts and skills
Collect and analyze data to make well-informed decisions
Construct, communicate and critique arguments involving mathematical evidence
Science
By nurturing curiosity, we encourage students to appreciate how science intersects with our daily lives. The scientific method provides a framework for student exploration and discovery. Students question and evaluate scientific claims, seek their own answers and take responsible action. Students will develop the abilitiy to:
Observe and analyze empirical patterns to explain phenomena, develop models and make predictions
Question, analyze and evaluate the validity of claims independently and collaboratively
Communicate evidenced-based ideas effectively
Develop scientific persistence
Understand the value of natural resources and advocate for their sustainability
World Language
Language learning is an essential vehicle for global understanding, and we educate students to become respectful citizens of the world. Language acquisition promotes life-long, interdisciplinary learning and exploration of other languages and cultures. Students will develop their ability to:
Be respectful citizens of the world
Embrace and understand other cultures alongside their own
Develop their interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication
Celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and social justice
Arts
The Arts program inspires students to dream big, play freely and take risks. We value our students’ voice and nurture their creative process. It is our goal to inspire a lifelong involvement in the arts for each of our students. Students will develop the skills to:
Discover at least one discipline in which they continue active involvement
Be an educated, culturally open, accepting and informed consumer of the arts.
Apply the disciplines of practice, resilience and perseverance
Seek, process and thoughtfully apply constructive feedback
Problem-solve, analyze, synthesize and think creatively and critically
Physical Education And Health
We empower students with the skills and knowledge to collaborate, cooperate, resolve issues, overcome obstacles and practice sportsmanship. Students develop physical competency, cognitive understanding and a positive attitude toward a lifetime of physical activity. Students will develop the ability to:
Demonstrate skills and apply concepts to perform a variety of physical activities
Practice sportsmanship and respect before, during and after competition
Incorporate physical aspects of wellness in a healthy lifestyle
Evaluate and select the right activities for personal enjoyment, benefit and support of a healthy lifestyle
Social Emotional Learning
Partnering with parents, we provide support, resources and counseling to guide students to attain the awareness, self-management, knowledge and relational skills that allow them to develop as individuals who respect self and others.
With the development of the early adolescent in mind, the Middle School program is designed to help students make connections between schoolwork and the real world.
Through its strong and diverse program, the Upper School provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate their individual strengths and develop their potential.
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MCDS Academics by the Numbers?
List of 8 items.
40+
Performances in the Center for the Arts
581
College acceptances
18
Average class size
37
sports teams
8
GATEway programs
228
full time employees (faculty and staff)
19
Drama Superiors
16
Math Honor Society Members
Portrait Of A Graduate
Persistent with a strong work ethic
Strong in character and ethical
Confident in their abilities and resilient in the face of challenges and disappointments
Honorable, respectful, wise, compassionate and mindful
Intellectually curious and an independent thinker
Committed to lifelong learning and reading in their personal and professional lives
A leaderwhose integrity is unquestioned
College Counseling
Our dedicated College Counseling Office helps students with the increasingly complex and competitive college admission process.
We facilitates their matriculation to a college that matches
their interests and skillsets.
College Counseling
The College Counseling Office is committed to a hands-on, student/family-oriented philosophy to maximize our students’ opportunities for admission.
We are focused on meeting the individual needs of every students.
Our web-based college search application, SCOIR, provides a variety of tools for students and parents, including the ability to research colleges and universities, compare costs, visit campuses virtually, watch videos produced by current students, and conduct keyword searches through a social media-like experience. Additionally, students complete a personal interest inventory and strengths assessment that encourages them to explore potential academic majors and career options.
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MCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local laws.