I have been a parent at The Country Day School since 2014 when my boys started in grade 5. Throughout their years at the school they have grown as individuals be it through the smaller, more personalized classes, the extra curricular activities they have participated in or the trips they have gone on through the school. Now, in grade twelve, they are well prepared for university and the world beyond The Country Day School. The community has been what has made the difference. My boys have made friendships that I know they will have for life. Both my boys participated in the sports extracurriculars and thrived. Getting in early to basketball or soccer practice or playing around on the hill at snowboarding events with their teammates are memories they will cherish forever.
My three children started the same year at the Country Day School when they were in Grades 7, 5, and 3. The school made sure that they knew at least one other student at the school before they started through their mentorship program. It was a great way to start at their new school. Now that all but one have graduated I can say that the experiences they had at the school helped form the people they are today. The teachers were amazing and encouraging and pushed them to be their best. My two kids at University have felt well prepared for post-secondary studies. The extracurriculars at the school, including the drama, choir, student council, and the athletics available are what my kids loved the most about CDS. Coming from a public school, they really appreciated the extras available to them. After-school sports are what all three would say was their favourite. We are grateful to CDS for providing the most amazing balance of academics, sports and leadership.
Both of our children went to The Country Day School from Kindergarten through to graduation. They are very proud to be part of the "lifers" club. They loved all aspects of school life. What they appreciated most was the informed, thoughtful and inspired mentorship that they received from their teachers at every level - junior school, middle school and senior school. They were also pleased with the unique course offerings and they truly valued the extensive and varied extra-curricular program that allowed them to fully explore their talents and interests without sacrificing new passions they might discover along the way. They were free to discover who they hoped and wished to become without fear of judgment. They felt incredibly prepared for the rigour of the university programs that they pursued.
My daughter started grade 9 at CDS last year and right from day one she was very impressed with CDS, for so many reasons. The teachers are enthusiastic, the classes are small and focused with very little disruption, (whether they were online or in class) and her classmates are outgoing and included her when she did not know anyone. She found the online learning engaging and interactive, as though she was right in the classroom, and the online classes were a full day. The meals are not only delicious, they are healthy! There is a daily lunch menu and snacks are always available. The recipes are available on the school website, and the lunches are prepared and served with pride. The Chef uses fresh quality ingredients and the meals look and taste great. The school does not own a deep-fryer! Our daughter looks forward to going to school every day and is proud to wear the uniform. We drive every day from 45 minutes away but there is bussing available. The grounds offer 100 acres to explore and the green space is so inviting. The new architecture in the Senior School is gorgeous and makes the building very bright and airy. Muskoka chairs are placed outside for almost a cottage experience. There are beautiful common areas throughout the school and also outdoor classrooms when the weather is good.
Balanced education which means his receives great education and many options to participate in other areas such as sports, music, technology, theatre, trips and much more. The ability to expand beyond the theory is wonderful. There is also another key factor that makes his experience wonderful. Teachers are wonderful too!
