Starting at the preschool level, The Country School aims to be a magical place that teaches "the whole child" in a nurturing environment. It's a small school that celebrates each individual. The preschool offers a play-based curriculum where children are encouraged to explore, experiment and collaborate. The small class sizes and team teaching provides varied opportunities for individual experiences as they do art, science, math language and dramatic play. Not insignificantly, The Country School considers social and emotional development to be an integral part of the preschool curriculum, something that is sometimes missing with the increased push for academic preparedness in preschools. 

One of the things I especially like about TCS is its math program (specifically the program for middle schoolers). I’ve never been particularly great at math, even as an adult. TCS starts from the assumption that all students learn at different levels and in different ways and does something about it. Mathematical concepts are taught by incorporating them in real life situations, rather than in hard-to-understand word problems about trains going in two different directions. Students also receive constant informal and formal assessment at every stage, to be sure that they are truly picking up what the teachers are putting down. Nobody gets passed by or glazed over.

At the elementary school level, kids get their hands dirty. Art is taught across all subjects; when learning about landscape, kids draw and create sculptures. Empathy, and its role in relationships, is considered a part of the curriculum. And afternoons are left free for family time and playing. 

At the middle school level, things get a bit more serious. Art, for example, is taught through “studio practice” where kids come up with ideas based on their personal interests and make their own artistic creations. Homework begins to play a role in preparation for high school, but always with room allowed to struggle and make mistakes. Teachers always focus on finding the next success.

Technology is incorporated into academics across the board as part of the core curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade. From researching and creating basic spreadsheets and charts, to creating interactive weather maps for a weather station, to making movies, technology enhances everything students do. 

If you're looking for an academic experience that empowers children to take the reins of their own education, with an eye to creating global citizens who face the world with kindness, creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm, TCS should definitely be on your list. The Country School is an independent preschool through eighth grade school; to learn more and see its admissions process, visit the school's website.

Photos courtesy of The Country School