The Country Day School: A Detailed Report with Information, Reviews, and Insights

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
The Country Day School

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Analysis

School overview

Pages in this report:

Grades
JK — Gr. 12
Gender
Coed
Class Size
18 students
Tuition
$35,450 to 36,450/year
Language of instruction
English
Associations
AP, CAIS, CIS Ontario
Enrolment
820 day students
Curriculum
Progressive
EBROCHURE
View eBrochure

View address

Next open house
N/A
Application Deadline
Rolling (Day students)

Special Event

Meet The Country Day School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW

The big picture on The Country Day School

We wrote a book reviewing the school

The 50-page review of The Country Day School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.

Read our in-depth review

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Situated on a 100-acre campus just north of Toronto among the rolling hills of King Township, The Country Day School is a leading JK-12 co-ed independent school. Since 1972, the dynamic and friendly CDS community has been nurturing student talent and fulfilling promise. Our innovative approach to learning integrates leading-edge technology, sophisticated facilities and exceptional teaching. We offer a superior educational experience that is sensitive to each student's individual needs, enables learning and equips them for life. Emphasizing education with balance, CDS provides diverse opportunities in academics, athletics, and visual and performing arts. Plus, students of all ages also love to explore our sprawling campus for outdoor education activities. This is a place of possibilities where students unearth their passions and everyone feels known, supported and inspired. CDS is a school where each graduate can answer the biggest question of all: Who will you be? Learn more at www.cds.on.ca."

Nurture academic excellence
Build sound and honourable character
Raise social and global awareness
Advocate fitness for life
Employ talented people
Promote community involvement
Foster artistic passion and expression
Create a place where all are welcome
Develop the finest campus resources

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"At CDS, we help students realize their brightest future, and equip them with the knowledge, abilities and perspectives they need to navigate their journey with empathy, fortitude...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"Over the years, we’ve found that students who actively engage in school life tend to be happier and more fulfilled in every aspect of their experience. While participation in...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"The opening of the Senior School in 1986 marked a transformative moment for CDS, propelling us from a “small school in the country” to, nearly 40 years later, one of...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"At CDS, we celebrate each student's individuality—their unique interests, talents, and learning styles. Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, we look to attract...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"If a student requires more academic support than we can effectively provide or if their character isn’t the right fit for our community, we encourage families to explore other...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Prospective parents either hear about CDS’s warm and friendly teachers via word of mouth or get a sense of its caring community firsthand hand while touring and find themselves...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"As a well-rounded co-ed day school serving students from JK to Grade 12, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment where every student is truly known. With over 50 years of...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"While we provide a balanced, nurturing, and supportive academic environment, we are also a university preparatory school with rigorous programs designed to challenge students both...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"There are probably lots of answers to this question, but the main one is how deeply rooted the sense of community and belonging is at CDS, starting with how well the teachers get...(more)

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"In 2023, we opened our expanded and rejuvenated Junior School, including a brand new Primary Wing and entranceway that encloses our 1883 Eversley Schoolhouse. As well, we have...(more)

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"Later this year, we will break ground on a new multi-purpose fieldhouse and athletic centre on our campus. In our commitment to continuous improvement, we are excited to enhance...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

The Country Day School: Alumni Review from Stacey Speranza

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — Watch our alum interview with Stacey Speranza to learn about the unique experience of attending The Country Day School.

The Country Day School: Parent Review from Priya Suppal

Watch our parent interview with Priya Suppal to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend The Country Day School.

The Country Day School: Alumni Review from Ali Iwai

Watch our alum interview with Ali Iwai to learn about the unique experience of attending The Country Day School.

The Country Day School: Alumni Review from Ali Dashti

Watch our alum interview with Ali Dashti to learn about the unique experience of attending The Country Day School.

The Country Day School: Parent Review from Jennifer O'Neill

Watch our parent interview with Jennifer O'Neill to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend The Country Day School.

The Country Day School: Alumni Review from Eric Pinto

Watch our alum interview with Eric Pinto to learn about the unique experience of attending The Country Day School.

The Country Day School: Alumni Review from McKinley Hunt

Watch our alum interview with McKinley Hunt to learn about the unique experience of attending The Country Day School.

Alumnus, Vivien Zhang (2022)

(4.9)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — Thanks to The Country Day School I was well-equipped heading into university. The courses I took in high school were stimulating and built a strong learning foundation for me, so I made an easy transition from grade twelve into my first year. A prospective student should expect that The Country Day School really tailors to your needs and learning style. They also encourage you to take ownership of your own learning – an important quality to have in university. But, because all of the staff and faculty are there to guide you through that personal growth, you feel well-supported. Thinking back on my experiences at CDS, I have very fond memories of my music trip to Europe, going to extracurriculars after school with friends and the St. Donat French trip, etc. This school has so many opportunities to learn outside of campus and get to know the world around you. Plus, the dining hall is superb!

Parent, Sarah Hepburn (2022)

(4.9)

I have been a parent at The Country Day School since 2014 when my boys started in grade 5. Throughout their years at the school they have grown as individuals be it through the smaller, more personalized classes, the extra curricular activities they have participated in or the trips they have gone on through the school. Now, in grade twelve, they are well prepared for university and the world beyond The Country Day School. The community has been what has made the difference. My boys have made friendships that I know they will have for life. Both my boys participated in the sports extracurriculars and thrived. Getting in early to basketball or soccer practice or playing around on the hill at snowboarding events with their teammates are memories they will cherish forever.

Parent, susie bousada (2021)

(5)

My three children started the same year at the Country Day School when they were in Grades 7, 5, and 3. The school made sure that they knew at least one other student at the school before they started through their mentorship program. It was a great way to start at their new school. Now that all but one have graduated I can say that the experiences they had at the school helped form the people they are today. The teachers were amazing and encouraging and pushed them to be their best. My two kids at University have felt well prepared for post-secondary studies. The extracurriculars at the school, including the drama, choir, student council, and the athletics available are what my kids loved the most about CDS. Coming from a public school, they really appreciated the extras available to them. After-school sports are what all three would say was their favourite. We are grateful to CDS for providing the most amazing balance of academics, sports and leadership.

Parent, Jennifer Sanderson (2021)

(5)

Both of our children went to The Country Day School from Kindergarten through to graduation. They are very proud to be part of the "lifers" club. They loved all aspects of school life. What they appreciated most was the informed, thoughtful and inspired mentorship that they received from their teachers at every level - junior school, middle school and senior school. They were also pleased with the unique course offerings and they truly valued the extensive and varied extra-curricular program that allowed them to fully explore their talents and interests without sacrificing new passions they might discover along the way. They were free to discover who they hoped and wished to become without fear of judgment. They felt incredibly prepared for the rigour of the university programs that they pursued.

Parent, Jane Cathers (2021)

(5)

My daughter started grade 9 at CDS last year and right from day one she was very impressed with CDS, for so many reasons. The teachers are enthusiastic, the classes are small and focused with very little disruption, (whether they were online or in class) and her classmates are outgoing and included her when she did not know anyone. She found the online learning engaging and interactive, as though she was right in the classroom, and the online classes were a full day. The meals are not only delicious, they are healthy! There is a daily lunch menu and snacks are always available. The recipes are available on the school website, and the lunches are prepared and served with pride. The Chef uses fresh quality ingredients and the meals look and taste great. The school does not own a deep-fryer! Our daughter looks forward to going to school every day and is proud to wear the uniform. We drive every day from 45 minutes away but there is bussing available. The grounds offer 100 acres to explore and the green space is so inviting. The new architecture in the Senior School is gorgeous and makes the building very bright and airy. Muskoka chairs are placed outside for almost a cottage experience. There are beautiful common areas throughout the school and also outdoor classrooms when the weather is good.

Parent, Liz Diaz (2018)

(4.6)

Balanced education which means his receives great education and many options to participate in other areas such as sports, music, technology, theatre, trips and much more. The ability to expand beyond the theory is wonderful. There is also another key factor that makes his experience wonderful. Teachers are wonderful too!

See all reviews (13 total)

We reported on the school in articles

Profile of John Liggett, Head of School, The Country Day School

Liggett’s passion for education comes from his enthusiasm for engaging young people in the possibilities of the future. He believes that great schools don’t only maintain strong academic standards, but engage the whole student as a person.

Name
Email
Verify Code

	You can withdraw consent by unsubscribing anytime.

My Shortlist

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:The Country Day School

School Busing:

School overview

Pages in this report:

The big picture on The Country Day School

We wrote a book reviewing the school

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

(4.9)

(4.9)

(5)

(5)

(5)

(4.6)

We reported on the school in articles

Dig deeper into The Country Day School

Analysis

Reviews

Compare

Related Searches

Start your Admissions Pathway

Where are you in your school-search journey?

What is your school criteria?

Let's stay in touch

Sign up to receive our exclusive eNews twice a month.

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
The Country Day School