
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario, L7B 1K5, Canada
8569 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3M7, Canada
5,698.4 km
5,691.6 km
1972
1961
830
870
JK to 12
Preschool to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Montessori, International Baccalaureate
18
Varies
In-class adaptations
Accelerated curriculum
$37,150
$22,670 to $37,790
Yes
Yes
0%
0%
7 to 12
Preschool to 12
$0
$0
55
54
0%
0%
0%
0%
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Nov 03, 2026
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes
No
Yes
“In the 50 years since its founding, The Country Day School has managed to retain its small-school, community feel while growing to offer students rich academic, artistic, outdoor, and athletic programs on a modern campus.”
“Nurturing academic excellence and challenging students are key priorities, but not at the expense of the whole child’s development.”
“Everyone wants to be successful, and our teachers push us to get to the next level, but all in a supportive atmosphere where the goal is to get us ready to be independent, motivated learners.”
Read The Our Kids Review of The Country Day School
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The Country Day School (CDS) began, literally, over a dinner one evening in 1971. The region was in the process of amalgamating schools, which meant that students who had been attending local schools would be bussed to larger, more suburban ones. That didn’t sit well, in part because of the bussing involved, but also because of the sense of community that students had and, presumably, would lose by going to schools further afield. Seven families decided to do something about it, to take things into their own hands, and to build a school that would continue what had been developed in the rural, country schools that their children had been attending. (The name refers to that, as well as to the country day school movement that had been developing in the US since the late 19th century, with a period of renewed growth in the 1960s and 70s.) They didn’t have any experience building a school, but they turned to those who did, including Dick Howard, then head of Upper Canada College. “You’ve got to get a feel for the community,” was Howard’s advice, “who’s in it and how they perceive education.” And, for the next two years, that’s exactly what they did, speaking with families, and building a conceptual outline for what the school could be.
When CDS opened its doors in 1972, it was, in every way, an expression of the community that created it. The school has grown since then—enrollment has grown from 49 in that first year to over 700 today—and the community it sits within has grown and changed, too. Nevertheless, the school remains very much an expression of the families that turn to it. The size of the school allows for a very rich, robust extra-curricular program, and students are gently required to experience all aspects of it. The physical plant of the school has been significantly augmented through a recent and very sizable capital campaign. The core program continues to be underwritten by the values that the founding families intended to express, namely a sense of belonging, empathy, inclusion, and respect. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a vibrant, diverse, student-centred environment.
Lauremont School (formerly TMS, Toronto Montessori Schools) is a leading independent school that celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021. The school offers a unique educational framework that integrates Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs across two campuses. The school's philosophy is encapsulated in the phrase "I Am Known," which highlights the individualized attention and support offered to each student. Lauremont has a strong culture of academic excellence, with graduates accepted into prestigious universities worldwide. However, the school equally prioritizes character development, international-mindedness, and entrepreneurial thinking. Lauremont offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, including various sports teams, arts clubs, and community service opportunities. The school's House System for upper grades promotes friendly competition and school spirit. With a focus on excellence, holistic development, and global citizenship, Lauremont School aims to prepare students for both academic success and life beyond the classroom.
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Building experience and leadership
Liz Diaz - Parent (Feb 03, 2018)
Balanced education which means his receives great education and many options to participate in other... View full review
"Parents are involved in the life of the school on many levels."
Jennifer Sanderson - Parent (Nov 02, 2021)
Both of our children went to The Country Day School from Kindergarten through to graduation. They ar... View full review
"The teaching staff at The Country Day School are top-notch!"
Jane Cathers - Parent (Nov 02, 2021)
My daughter started grade 9 at CDS last year and right from day one she was very impressed with CDS,... View full review
"TMS teachers nurture students’ abilities to be free-thinking, independent, passionate, and intrinsically motivated from such a young age.""
Alexandra Makos - Parent (Jul 11, 2019)
We have one child that recently completed the Toddler program, and who is moving on to Children's Ho... View full review
"Situated on a 100-acre campus just north of Toronto among the rolling hills of King Township, The Country Day School is a leading JK-12 co-ed independent school. Since 1972, the dynamic and friendly CDS community has been nurturing student talent and fulfilling promise. Our innovative approach to learning integrates leading-edge technology, sophisticated facilities and exceptional teaching. We offer a superior educational experience that is sensitive to each student's individual needs, enables learning and equips them for life. Emphasizing education with balance, CDS provides diverse opportunities in academics, athletics, and visual and performing arts. Plus, students of all ages also love to explore our sprawling campus for outdoor education activities. This is a place of possibilities where students unearth their passions and everyone feels known, supported and inspired. CDS is a school where each graduate can answer the biggest question of all: Who will you be? Learn more at www.cds.on.ca."
"Founded in 1961, Lauremont School (formerly known as TMS) is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a uniquely designed framework combining the Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. The school operates from two beautiful campuses in Richmond Hill with exceptional learning environments for students at all stages. Our Lower School offers a Montessori start for students from 18 months to Gr. 6. Our Upper School offers the IB Programme for students in Gr. 7 to 12."
"At CDS, we help students realize their brightest future, and equip them with the knowledge, abilities and perspectives they need to navigate their journey with empathy, fortitude and confidence. We do this by offering an education with balance that includes outstanding academics and arts programs, excellent extra-curricular clubs and leadership opportunities (including a world-recognized Debating program), and expansive athletic offerings that offer something for every level of athlete, all supported by our highly dedicated teachers and coaches."
"Lauremont School has a unique sense of interconnected community that differentiates us from other independent schools. A strong and dependable relationship between teachers and students is so important to the overall learning experience at our school as well as the community we foster at Lauremont."
"Over the years, we’ve found that students who actively engage in school life tend to be happier and more fulfilled in every aspect of their experience. While participation in sports and extracurriculars isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage it—because those who take part often find their time here more rewarding, enriching, and unforgettable."
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"The opening of our Senior School in 1986 marked a transformative moment for CDS, propelling us from a “small school in the country” to, nearly 40 years later, one of Canada’s leading co-ed JK-12 day schools. The launch of a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre in 2002 further underscored our commitment to the Arts in education.
More recently, the addition of a long-awaited Dining Hall in 2015 has reinforced our dedication to wellness, providing a space where our community gathers daily to connect, share ideas, and foster meaningful collaborations."
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"At CDS, we celebrate each student's individuality—their unique interests, talents, and learning styles. Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, we look to attract students willing to explore what excites them, embrace new experiences, and step outside their comfort zones. We seek students who are eager to get involved, take risks, and actively shape their journey toward discovering who they are meant to be."
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"If a student requires more academic support than we can effectively provide or if their character isn’t the right fit for our community, we encourage families to explore other options. Likewise, if a family prefers a school where their child isn’t encouraged or expected to participate in after-school extracurricular activities—such as sports, drama, music, and visual arts—we may not be the best fit. At CDS, the connections, growth, and unforgettable moments often happen while engaging in non-academic pursuits outside the classroom."
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"Prospective parents either hear about CDS’s warm and friendly teachers via word of mouth or get a sense of its caring community firsthand hand while touring and find themselves imagining their students here.
As well, they consistently comment on how impressed they are by our confident and kind student ambassadors when visiting our school and want their children to be part of it. We actively work at creating an environment where kids can feel comfortable and happy in their learning and it shows."
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"As a well-rounded co-ed day school serving students from JK to Grade 12, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment where every student is truly known. Since celebrating our 50-year milestone in 2022, CDS has solidified its reputation in the York Region community as a place where students build lifelong friendships, benefit from a top-tier education, and thrive through a well-rounded approach to learning. We provide countless opportunities for students to explore their passions, along with comprehensive guidance and support for their post-secondary journey."
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"While we provide a balanced, nurturing, and supportive academic environment, we are also a university preparatory school with rigorous programs designed to challenge students both in the classroom and beyond. Our strong academic foundation pushes even the most ambitious learners, offering a diverse curriculum and dedicated teachers who inspire students to reach new heights."
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"There are probably lots of answers to this question, but the main one is how deeply rooted the sense of community and belonging is at CDS, starting with how well the teachers get to know each student. The expression ‘support, know and inspire’ is taken very seriously by every faculty member. Likewise, the more effort our students (and parents) make to become involved, the more rewarding their CDS journey will be. Our amazing lunches in our Dining Hall, incredible facilities and a 100-acre campus also top the list!"
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"In 2023, we opened our expanded and rejuvenated Junior School, including a brand new Primary Wing and entranceway that encloses our 1883 Eversley Schoolhouse. As well, we have planted a Sugar Maple Grove in our back property that will soon become a welcome addition to our outdoor education program and will further inspire our young learners. A recent community partnership with King Township’s new community centre in January 2025, includes naming rights to a CDS Arena just 800 metres up the road."
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"Later this year, we will break ground on a new multi-purpose fieldhouse and athletic centre on our campus. The new athletic centre will be built in two phases. The first phase will include a fieldhouse, signature double gym, spectator lounge, outdoor terrace, and infrastructure, such as washrooms and change rooms. The second phase will include a new fitness centre and several multi-purpose studio rooms for yoga, dance, small gym classes, and many other activities, along with a new home for our General Store. Pending all approvals and permits, we hope to break ground in early 2026. In our commitment to continuous improvement, we are excited to enhance and expand upon our athletic and science facilities in the near future."
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What do I love most about The Country Day School? That’s a good question. It is the overwhelming sense of community I discovered the first time I visited.
Community still remains at the core of all that we do here at CDS. In 1971 a group of committed parents first conceived of the idea to start a co-ed private school in King and worked tirelessly to open our doors to 49 students just a year later. CDS has since grown to 830 students with offerings in JK-12 and beautifully situated in the original 100-acre country setting.
This is a place where your children can come be themselves and feel encouraged and supported in everything they do. Our tagline – Education with Balance – speaks to our balanced offerings of a wide range of individualized academics, athletics, arts and extra-curriculars that will cultivate a passion in every student and help them achieve a healthy balance. I encourage you to experience some wonderful examples of this by watching our Portrait of a Graduate videos.
Are you just starting your search for an independent school? Or are you well on your way to making a decision?
Whatever stage you are at in this important process, I invite you to explore our website and social media presence, and then attend an Open House or request a personal visit. Once you step onto our campus for a face-to-face visit, you will witness firsthand the feeling of community I talked about earlier.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to meeting you soon.
John Liggett,
Head of School
Thank you for your interest in Lauremont!
It is a pleasure to share with you some of the special features that give our school its unique identity and which inspire those of us who work here to give our very best to every child. Our students experience a warm and nurturing environment every single day when they walk through our doors. We are a community of caring and innovative educators and support staff, and students who continually amaze us with their artistic, academic, athletic, and linguistic prowess and their desire to grow and develop as responsible young citizens.
We appreciate that a school is more than a collection of individuals. For us, a school is a place where lasting relationships are formed, where lifelong interests and aptitudes develop, and where character is refined and shaped by exposure to a wide range of beliefs, traditions and views of the world. Finding the right school for your children is one of the most important gifts you can bestow upon them. Our students develop strong attachments to Lauremont, both during their time with us and after they leave us. When our graduates venture off into the world, they do so equipped with the knowledge, resilience and sound ethical framework that comes from being known and cared for deeply as individuals.
Indeed, the phrase I Am Known sums up in a few words our entire approach to educating children. From the youngest children in our Toddler program to our graduating classes in Grade 12, our students know the feeling of being supported and guided as unique individuals.
We place high value at Lauremont on academic rigour and our graduates are accepted at outstanding universities in Canada and abroad. Of equal importance to us, however, is that our students leave Lauremont not only with a broad knowledge base but with an educated heart and an internationally-minded outlook on the world.
As a leading Montessori school in Canada, we believe strongly in the world-class education that Lauremont teachers provide our 18 month-old to Grade 6 students. Beginning in Grade 7, we offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme which culminates in the IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12. The IB is globally recognized as a rigorous and holistic curriculum which provides an outstanding preparation for university studies. Our skilled and experienced IB teachers help our students to achieve their full potential, and our IB scores are well above the world average.
During these very challenging times for all of us, Lauremont has continued to offer an outstanding education to our students. As we open our doors for the new school year, we will continue to do everything possible to keep our students and staff safe and well, and to promote the values that have guided our school for the past 60 years.
I invite you to contact our Enrolment Management team for much more information about our programs, people and facilities. Ask questions, explore our website, schedule a virtual visit and let us invite you to learn more about one of the leading independent schools in Ontario.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Cross
Head of School
Lauremont School
Montessori
International Baccalaureate
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
At CDS, we recognize that as students approach the final stages of their educational journey, they are faced with some of life’s most significant decisions, including the choice of post-secondary pathways. To support them in this process, we offer both the Ontario Secondary School curriculum and a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses. As students progress through the Senior School, the breadth of optional course offerings expands to reflect increasing independence, curiosity, and personal choice. By their final year, students may select from more than 20 elective courses tailored to a wide range of interests and aspirations. Guided by a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, our Senior School faculty engages in an annual curriculum renewal process, carefully evaluating and introducing new courses that empower students to pursue their passions while developing the knowledge and skills essential for future success.
Lower School - 18 months to Grade 6 Internationally Recognized Flagship Montessori Program Upper School - Grade 7 to 10 International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Grade 11 to 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Lauremont School students thrive in academics while developing the life-changing mindsets of entrepreneurial thinking, positivity, and resilience that build a foundation for Significance not just at university, but in life.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Montessori
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
A successful kindergarten program encourages curiosity and imagination. Our full-day developmental program provides our students with a balance between academically appropriate activities covering math, language, science and social studies, and fosters a sense of mutual respect, responsibility and a positive attitude toward learning.
Lauremont School has garnered a reputation for creating an extraordinary learning environment. Up to Grade 6, the curriculum is based on the core premise of a Montessori education: that students need to drive their own learning. Using materials and processes that make abstract ideas concrete, students initiate their learning and can assess their own progress. This balance between the freedom and responsibility of a child produces highly competent learners who are self-reliant, self-disciplined and self-confident.
Student-paced
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
Montessori Program - Toddler to Grade 6 IB MYP and DP- Grades 7 to 12 Varies by level
Rigorous
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
We really work at making sure that students meet their potential and go on to thrive from there. In the Senior School, we require students have a 70% average to promote them, but also take into account if they've had struggles in their home lives or whether there are other relevant factors. Our teachers and courses do provide academic rigour because we are a university preparatory school, but we are not a pressure-cooker school. We want students to be successful, but we also want them to be well and happy in that success.
Lauremont School offers a uniquely designed framework that combines a Montessori start and International Baccalaureate (IB) finish. Our academics are rigorous and each student is "known" and supported. We deliver an accredited educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of who they are and to achieve their full potential.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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CDS provides an intellectually challenging, diversified and balanced academic program that is learner-centered. At the heart of The Country Day School’s academic vision is the belief that all students can achieve success and meet their learning goals. A one-size-fits-all approach to learning does not serve the best interests of most students who approach their studies from various learning styles and preferences and at differing stages of skill development. To this end, we diversify our instructional strategies, the content of our curricula and our assessment methods to create an overall approach that focuses on how students are learning and ensures success.
At Lauremont School every student is "Known". Lauremont School provides an environment where students are cared for. Lauremont School students are given a foundation to grow, to be ambitious and bold. Lauremont School creates opportunities for children to be inspired by learning through experimentation, exploration, and self-discovery.
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Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
7 - 12
Preschool - 12
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$0
$0
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Nov 03, 2026
Rolling
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Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes: grades 7 - 9
Yes
No
No
No
No
The Country Day School recruits students who have the desire and potential to engage in their studies and embrace all facets of school life. A balanced education includes academics, athletics, the arts, service and opportunities to learn otuside of the classroom. The admission process identifies students who will thrive in the CDS environment so that we will continue to meet our objective of developing students who are confident, independent, intellectually curious, morally responsible, appreciative of the arts, physically fit and globally aware.
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