At Country Day School, The CDS Way is our roadmap for teaching and learning—guiding every stage of a child’s journey from our Early Learning program through high school and preparation for life beyond CDS. This document captures the essence of who we are as a school: a place where students are nurtured, challenged, and inspired to become compassionate, curious, collaborative, and principled learners.
Aligned with our CDS Vision for Learning, “Everyone Grows, Everyone Exceeds,” and central to our academic strategic plan, Project Panther, The CDS Way sets a clear path for how we ensure growth and excellence in academics, social-emotional development, and character formation. Whether through play-based learning in Early Childhood, ownership and voice in Primary, challenge and community in Middle School, or deep, reflective learning in High School, The CDS Way ensures that every learner is prepared to thrive and to make a positive impact in the world
The CDS Way: A Journey Where Everyone Grows; Everyone Exceeds
At Country Day School, teaching and learning are intentionally designed to ensure that all students grow and exceed—academically, socially, and emotionally. Rooted in our vision, Everyone Grows. Everyone Exceeds, the CDS Way provides a comprehensive, inclusive, and high-quality experience across every house. We nurture the development of the CDS learner that is: Curious, Compassionate, Collaborative, Reflective, Goal-Oriented, Independent, Self-Driven, and Principled.
Early Childhood: Unleashing Potential through Play
In Early Childhood, children grow in an inclusive, nurturing space where they feel safe, seen, and valued. Through a student-centered, play-based approach, learners develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Indoor and outdoor learning environments are purposefully designed to inspire exploration, creativity, and independence, while a culturally responsive curriculum fosters empathy and meaningful connections. Strong relationships between educators, families, and children are at the heart of this learning community.
Primary: Empowering Ownership and Voice
In Primary, learners grow and thrive in warm, inclusive classrooms built around student voice, choice, and ownership. Instruction is differentiated and delivered through a variety of collaborative pathways. Curiosity and critical thinking are nurtured through a balanced program that includes a multi-disciplinary approach within a culturally responsive setting. Learners are supported academically and emotionally as they reflect, collaborate, and confidently express their ideas in a caring, connected community.
Middle School: Fostering a Community of Growth and High Expectations
In Middle School, learners are members of a dynamic environment where they are challenged and supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Grounded in high expectations with a culture of inclusion, our classrooms prioritize collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. We empower students to develop their academic, social, and emotional skills. Learners are encouraged to aim high, care deeply, and grow together, continuing on their path towards academic and personal success for the years ahead.
High School: Cultivating Deep Learning for Global Impact
In High School, learners grow in a rigorous, student-centered learning environment which prepares them for the world beyond graduation. High academic standards are paired with engaging, conceptually framed instruction that prioritizes reflection, curiosity, and experiential problem solving. Through inquiry-based approaches, learners develop essential skills, values, and attributes. Our inclusive culture promotes student voice, cultural responsiveness, and social well-being, ensuring that all learners grow in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the world.
The CDS Graduate is not just a learner—but a changemaker. Through the CDS Way, our commitment is to ensure that Everyone Grows; Everyone Exceeds.
