ISO Recent Feedback on The Country Day School, McLean

[Anonymous]

Seems like a great place, would love feedback from families who are there or have been, thanks!

[Anonymous]

Warm, loving school with a perfect mix of academics and play. Best in the area for sure.

[Anonymous]

2 of my 3 kids went there. Great school. Not cheap. Third kid went to a cheaper church based preschool and I think it is just as good except that the playgrounds aren’t nearly as expansive/good. So, if you don’t mind spending the $, it is a great choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:2 of my 3 kids went there. Great school. Not cheap. Third kid went to a cheaper church based preschool and I think it is just as good except that the playgrounds aren’t nearly as expansive/good. So, if you don’t mind spending the $, it is a great choice.

Thank you; may I ask the name of the church based preschool? Thank you again!

[Anonymous]

I've had two children about go through county day and a third starts next year--we are very happy! County Day is a loving and caring environment which is play based focusing on developing social and emotional skills. The school makes a point in getting the kids outdoors rain or shine, exploring nature and playing in one of several outdoor classroom spaces in their three acre campus. Yes the school is expensive, but worth it... there is an active parent community both in and outside of the classroom, an experienced administration that is supportive of families and arms teachers with the resources they need, and a host of long term teachers who make learning fun. My kids are excited to go to school everyday and are getting exposure to enrichments like science, music, art, Spanish and library all which have dedicated teachers. Another major bonus is that Dr Rene is on staff. She spends time in the classrooms with the children teaching them various skills like problem solving, taking turns and how to communicate with adults and peers. She also offers free parent workshops on everything from behavioral issues, potty training and how to use screen time effectively and can meet with parents individually about their specific needs gratis. I feel fortunate for the relationships with the families and the staff that I have made in my short time there. It is a special place indeed.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree with everything PP said above. We also sent all our children through the school, and spent 8 consecutive years there, from Parent Child through Kindergarten, just ending our run with our third child last year, and I already miss it for my children.

Besides focusing on the whole child - with much emphasis on social-emotional development - we loved the play based curriculum. This was very important for our family. Country day teaches how to be kind and self-sufficient, independent and hardworking. From teaching the magic flip to helping potty train my son, this school was part of “my village” in raising my children.

To this day, all my children get so excited when we drive by the school, and always want to stop by to play on the playgrounds. It truly is a magical place.

[Anonymous]

My oldest graduated from CDS, my middle is there now, and my youngest will start next year. I can't say enough good things about our experience. The teachers are so talented, creative, and loving. The NINE playgrounds are well integrated into the curriculum as outdoor classrooms. The community is welcoming and supportive. My two older kids have had different strengths/needs, and CDS has fit them both perfectly.

[Anonymous]

I believe that Country Day School is by far the best Preschool in our area. I have sent all 4 of my children to the school and truly don't have one bad thing to say about it. The school is so warm and has a magical feel to it. They have 9 beautiful playgrounds, a butterfly garden, an outdoor theater and spend a majority of the day outside- rain or shine! The staff and teachers are all accommodating, knowledgeable and pleasant. As a former educator, I know how important a play based curriculum is and that sold me on CDS.

[Anonymous]

It’s amazing!

[Anonymous]

Hello All-
Will be moving to McLean in a few months and need full time childcare for 2 kids. Any suggestions? One of my kids is under 2, the options seem quite limited.

[Anonymous]

FAIR WARNING: country day school has a serious over enrollment issue that’s just come to light. It impacts you when you hit the 4s class. They have 85 3 year olds and only 45 spots for morning and full day 4s classes, so the remaining 40 kids are offered an afternoon spot (1-4pm)

In addition, this wasn’t even clearly communicated to parents until Jan/Feb at the monthly parent organization meetings, so many parents are probably still unaware of all the facts.

Many parents are furious and left in quite a lurch for next year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FAIR WARNING: country day school has a serious over enrollment issue that’s just come to light. It impacts you when you hit the 4s class. They have 85 3 year olds and only 45 spots for morning and full day 4s classes, so the remaining 40 kids are offered an afternoon spot (1-4pm)

In addition, this wasn’t even clearly communicated to parents until Jan/Feb at the monthly parent organization meetings, so many parents are probably still unaware of all the facts.

Many parents are furious and left in quite a lurch for next year

Holy crap, I'd be pissed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FAIR WARNING: country day school has a serious over enrollment issue that’s just come to light. It impacts you when you hit the 4s class. They have 85 3 year olds and only 45 spots for morning and full day 4s classes, so the remaining 40 kids are offered an afternoon spot (1-4pm)

In addition, this wasn’t even clearly communicated to parents until Jan/Feb at the monthly parent organization meetings, so many parents are probably still unaware of all the facts.

Many parents are furious and left in quite a lurch for next year

Holy crap, I'd be pissed.

+1 So, what does this mean for new families? No chance?

[Anonymous]

There are definitely a lot of 4s classs but I think they are doing everyhing they can to offer the CDS experience for all families. If his means offering an afternoon a lot, it’s not a biggie. We chose the afternoon for our kid and it made our days so much more relaxing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have to agree with everything PP said above. We also sent all our children through the school, and spent 8 consecutive years there, from Parent Child through Kindergarten, just ending our run with our third child last year, and I already miss it for my children.

Besides focusing on the whole child - with much emphasis on social-emotional development - we loved the play based curriculum. This was very important for our family. Country day teaches how to be kind and self-sufficient, independent and hardworking. From teaching the magic flip to helping potty train my son, this school was part of “my village” in raising my children.

To this day, all my children get so excited when we drive by the school, and always want to stop by to play on the playgrounds. It truly is a magical place.

It seems amazing. We love the emphasis on social-emotional development. How have the children fared academically when they graduated? Do you feel it is academically strong/were they well prepared? (We are interested especially in perspectives of parents that had children who matriculated to the top private schools in the area.) Thanks for any feedback.