Mission-driven and guided by exceptional leaders, we're committed to developing fully the potential of every student.

Forward Thinking

For more than 75 years, Country Day has continued to build on our long legacy of firsts among the Charlotte region's independent schools, introducing groundbreaking programs and progressive ideas.

We respect each individual, embrace diversity, and value the relationships uniting us as a school and connecting us with our local and global communities.

A world of opportunity is waiting for your child, and we look forward to sharing each step along the way with you.

Schedule a Visit

We are eager to welcome you to campus and tell you more about how we prepare students for success in life and hear more about your child. To schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office at (704) 943-4530.

Investing in the Future

As you will learn through the admissions process, families find great value in the Country Day educational experience. Learn more about financial aid and affording the best in education.

Our students explore possibilities, gain skills and knowledge, and tackle intellectual challenges, as we prepare them to take their place in the world.

International Baccalaureate

We are the only independent school in the state to offer students this rigorous, internationally recognized course of study. Our small class sizes are essential to successfully developing the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills that the IB Program offers.

College Counseling

Through our highly individualized College Counseling program, involving both students and their families, Country Day Upper School students find the college or university that best matches their goals and interests—a place where they will thrive, excel, and contribute.

Our goal is to shape confident, healthy, well-rounded adults who are comfortable and successful in diverse settings and ready to make significant contributions to society.

Cultural Diversity

We believe a culturally, ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse community is essential to providing a rich learning environment for all children.

Technology

We believe the creative, innovative, and intelligent use of technology is critically important. By blending the best elements of traditional teaching and strong student/teacher relationships with the inventive nature of digital learning, our students will be ready for the future.

Through visual art, vocal and instrumental music, drama, and dance, our fine arts program celebrates personal expression and connects our students to history, diverse cultures, and their own imaginations.

Artists in Residence

Our Artists in Residence program provides unique student experiences fueled by art and culture. In addition to bringing outside artists to campus to work directly with our students on special projects, Middle and Upper School students are offered opportunities to explore their talents and creative expression abroad.

Hance Family Gallery

The Hance Family Gallery exhibits artwork from our students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists. Every year, we host an exhibit open to the public featuring works from special artists.

A vibrant culture of philanthropy has sustained our ability to offer excellence in education for more than 75 years.

Our Top Giving Priority

The Country Day Fund is our top giving priority because it directly supports Country Day's greatest assets—our students and our teachers.

2017-18 Giving Report

We invite you to review the financial, admissions and giving reports, and donor rolls for the 2017-18 school year, along with stories dedicated to examining some of the ways we instill ethical leadership in our students and through leadership by example.

Lower School

Junior Kindergarten–Fourth Grade

The important first years of a child’s education form the foundation for future success in every aspect of life. Country Day gives preschool aged through fourth grade students a balanced and challenging program where confidence, talent, friendship, and individuality flourish. Here, students become strong, independent thinkers, guided by expert teachers who encourage their natural curiosity and help them master essential skills.

Each day in Lower School is filled with remarkable opportunities and experiences.

As a member of the Country Day Lower School community, each student:

Helps build a class of compassionate, respectful, thoughtful students who value and learn from each other.
Conducts hands-on experiments in a dedicated Lower School science laboratory.
Learns healthy habits in our award-winning daily physical education program.
Begins to study French and Spanish in junior kindergarten and kindergarten.
Grows in confidence through public speaking, theatrical productions, and research presentations.
Creates a welcoming environment and helps visitors and new students feel at home.
Plays an active role in service projects that teach the importance of acceptance, integrity, cooperation, and fairness.

Coding is increasingly being viewed as a new 'literacy,' a skill so vital to understanding the world that many argue all students should master it—just like reading, writing, and math. I love working at a school that is looking critically at our computer science curriculum and thinking long-term about how to integrate engineering, design, thinking, and coding/computer programming skills into our program in meaningful ways.

Joe Hernick, Director of Educational Technology

Integrated Curriculum

A balanced, inquiry-based Lower School curriculum ensures that each student has the opportunity to master core knowledge, competencies, and technical skills. Many studies and activities take students outside the regular classroom.

MORE ABOUT OUR LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Extraordinary Opportunities

Tips for Indoor Fun

What do you do on those cold or rainy days when kids have cabin fever? Our Extended Day teachers are resident experts on how to meet these needs for children. Here are a few of their favorite indoor activities when the weather is just too cold or too rainy to go outdoors.

Developing Communication and Public Speaking Skills Among Our Youngest Learners

Head of Lower School Bill Mulcahy shares how we develop and cultivate vital 21st century competencies such as communication and public speaking skills

My Day as a Third Grader

Head of Lower School Bill Mulcahy shares his thoughts and reflections on how he spent a day in the life of a third grader.

How Teaching Math Has Changed Since We Were Kids

Featured in Charlotte Parent: When children are engaged in a progressive math curriculum such as Country Day's, they become great problem-solvers in addition to incredible math thinkers. That's because Country Day's math program is focused on differentiation, teaching strategic number sense, and ensuring complete understanding of each concept.

Building a Foundation for Critical Thinking

Students learn best when they are known, seen, safe, and valued; and their critical-thinking skills increase when they are taught from multiple perspectives. Learn how we use the AMAZE curriculum in junior kindergarten.