Founded in 1972, The Country Day School (CDS) is a co-educational independent school offering programs in Junior Kindergarten through Gr. 12. The beautiful and expansive campus is built on 100 acres and located approximately 50 kilometres north of Toronto in King City.
Throughout its fifty-year history, CDS remains committed to providing students a well-rounded program in academics, athletics, arts, outdoor education, leadership and character building. Keeping educational balance at the forefront of everything it does, CDS treats each area as a priority and without compromise.
The school implements diverse instructional strategies, and looks to enhance curricula and assessment methods, when possible, to create an overall approach that focuses on how students are learning.
Educational balance – what is it and why is it important?
CDS believes in the notion of Education with Balance. This means, it does not implement a ‘one size fits all’ model. On the contrary, it aims to meet each individual student’s unique learning needs, making sure to cultivate the passion they bring with them – or help them to discover a passion when they arrive.
Balance does not have to mean trying everything but it does mean being exposed to people, ideas and opportunities across key priority areas including:
- Academics – students are encouraged to be open to different academic subjects and styles of learning. The faculty makes sure to provide the most up-to-date curriculum and will enhance, when possible.
- Athletics – students are emboldened to try different sports, even if they don’t think they will enjoy it. In doing so, many discover new skills and a sport(s) they truly enjoy.
- Arts – CDS offers a variety of opportunities for students to explore the arts, whether that be on the stage, in the concert hall or at an easel.
- Environment – students learn to appreciate nature and become stewards of the environment. Opportunities to learn outside of the classroom promotes environmental responsibility while also enhancing health, wellness and the capacity to learn.
Junior School (JK to Gr. 6)
Students in the Junior School will begin to build the solid foundation needed to develop and grow into responsible citizens both in and out of school. Teachers work with students so they can develop the ability to adopt other perspectives, work collaboratively, cultivate empathy, compassion, care and concern for others, share responsibility and resolve conflicts respectively.
Middle School (Gr. 7/8)
Middle School students begin to seek increased independence and meaningful interactions with adults who are not their parents. The Middle School provides an environment that recognizes the emotional and social needs of its learners while encouraging good citizenship, global awareness and character development. The program aims to foster confidence, perseverance, tolerance and integrity; to enhance communication skills; to embrace creativity; to encourage teamwork; and to promote an open-minded and outward-looking mentality so that students are ready to make a positive contribution to the larger community.
Senior School (Gr. 9 – 12)
In addition to the four classes moving up from Middle School, CDS welcomes a sizable cohort of new students for Gr. 9 (approximately 18 -22) each year. Its new state-of-the art facilities have allowed CDS to enhance its academic programming in recent years, including the addition of a Robotics Lab and expanded Student Services Centre. Exciting new additions to the curriculum offerings include Digital Art, Environment and Resource Management, STEM and the Future of Science, The Big Ideas: On the Nature of Change and Challenging Perceptions of Well-Being. Senior School students are encouraged to take on leadership roles throughout their high school experience and are given ample opportunities to become involved in community service, the arts and athletics.
Diversity and Inclusivity
CDS is a place where all are welcome. The school is proud of its diverse community where students, faculty and staff come from different cultural and religious backgrounds. The school community learns, lives and works harmoniously, free of discrimination and with mutual respect and understanding. The school endeavours to continue to build upon its financial aid offerings to make a CDS education more attainable to those families who may not have previously considered it for their children.
A CDS Education – is it the right fit for your child?
Want to learn more about what an education with balance can do for your child? Please visit the school website, RSVP to the school’s May 3rd virtual Open House, book a personal conversation or tour by visiting the Book a Tour page, or call a member of the CDS Admissions team at (905) 833-1972.
“We can't wait to meet you!”
“The Country Day School is committed to offering a superior educational experience that is sensitive to the needs of each student, enables learning and equips students for life.”