The Independent Mind
LANCASTER C O U N T R Y D AY SCHOOL
[ Fax mentis et cordis incendium gloriae — F R O M T H E S C H O O L S E A L ]
The Independent Mind
ON THE COVER
In medieval England, the red rose represented the House of Lancaster. For LCDS, a Lancaster fixture since its founding in 1908, adopting the red rose as our school seal was a natural choice. AND LEFT:
The mission of Lancaster Country Day School is to encourage each student's growth within a challenging and supportive academic environment that inspires enthusiasm for learning, the joy of accomplishment, and commitment to community. LCDS fosters the individual's thinking skills, physical and emotional well-being, and creative expression with an emphasis on personal integrity, mutual respect, and social responsibility.
For more than 100 years, Lancaster Country Day School has prepared students for college and beyond by combining a peerless education with a warm, nurturing environment that fosters critical thinking, rewards intellectual curiosity, and encourages experimentation and personal growth. Students in preschool through 12th grade enjoy the unique benefit of close, meaningful relationships with teachers as well as the mutual enrichment of peers that follows naturally from a “rightsized” class, small enough Unlike other area schools, to ensure a student-centered LCDS’ broad offering of travel courses, sports and approach to learning but arts continues outside large enough to encourage the classroom with: • T he Hague International interaction among children Model United Nations Conference, Netherlands of diverse backgrounds. • Volunteering with local Nepali refugees Our engaged, committed • PIAA competition in faculty are invested in 25 varsity sports • Performing Shakespeare the intellectual and social in Scotland growth of our students.
LANCASTER C O U N T R Y D AY SCHOOL
Research* tells us that Country Day students will be more likely to: PERFORM
better academically in college STRIVE
for a future that combines economic success with social responsibility and personal fulfillment PURSUE
an advanced degree
1
2
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
Free to Think Big
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
3
THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING AND GROWING
L
ancaster Country Day School prides itself on encouraging all manner of intellectual inquiry with the goal of cultivating creative, critical thinkers. This journey begins with exceptional and exceptionally devoted faculty and an 8:1 student-teacher ratio. Manageable class sizes allow teachers to devote more time to each student and create more meaningful classes. Our graduates find themselves extraordinarily well prepared for college, having spent years doing substantive work reading and writing in myriad styles and genres. Free from the constraints of government testing, our academic departments regularly review the curriculum to ensure the material keeps a natural sequence and flow from preschool through 12th grade. In Upper School, students enjoy not only a wealth of Advanced Placement, arts and travel courses to choose from, but also have an extraordinary educational tool to
4
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
8:1
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO
43% OF STUDENTS
RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
use in all their classes: the iPad. Whether they use it to record or edit audio and video or blaze new trails in studio art, students can create and achieve as far as their imaginations can reach.
What makes Country Day different from other schools?
EVERY 8–12TH GRADE STUDENT RECEIVES AN iPAD.
Spirited academic freedom • Student-centered instruction • Great depth of programming • Substantive studentteacher relationships •
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
5
“ In the lower school, our students begin the crucial process of motivating each other and building respect for their studies. We are in the unique position of turning small events into ‘teachable moments.’” Betsy Hedbavny, Faculty
2x A WEEK
ART
MUSIC
There are as many different ways to learn as there are students in a classroom. Country Day’s teachers recognize this and the school actively supports their professional development so the faculty can keep traditional methods fresh while also cultivating new ones. This goal of continual improvement has led many teachers to earn postgraduate degrees and certifications. Faculty enrichment leads directly to student enrichment. One example is Writers’ Workshop, a program several Lower School
6
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
teachers studied at Columbia University, in which students spend almost an hour each day writing short pieces with themes like realistic fiction and autobiography.
One of the most effective methods of reaching students holds true across all ages and grades: a healthy balance of academics, arts and physical education.
SPANISH
In the Lower School, students receive instruction in art, music and Spanish twice a week and science several times a week.
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
7
“ Our children have taken full advantage of the challenging academic, artistic and athletic opportunities offered by LCDS. They have developed into independent, confident leaders.” Anne Warfel, Parent
4-5x 3x
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES EACH WEEK:
PRESCHOOL — FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS
SIXTH-, SEVENTH- AND EIGHTH-GRADERS
At LCDS, “extras” are integral. We invest in children’s gifts with vibrant arts and athletics programs that enrich the Country Day experience. Both fine and performing arts classes are available to students in every division. These include theater, dance, ceramics,
Studies show a strong correlation between physical activity and academic performance.
8
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
photography, chorus, ensemble, orchestra, band and jazz band. In addition, private music lessons are available to all students. To help keep our youngest students’ minds engaged inside the classroom, we ensure their bodies stay active throughout the day. Beginning in third grade, students have the opportunity to compete in team sports after school. A co-op agreement with the School District of Lancaster allows boys and girls to play on 25 varsity teams.
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
9
“ I love teaching around the Harkness Table. Students quickly find they are responsible for their own education and for teaching their peers. This is an essential step toward academic success.” Allen Miller, Faculty
100% ACCEPTANCE TO
FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
At Country Day, we’ve complemented the traditional, lecturedriven classroom model with a newer approach. At Harkness Tables in some English, history and math classes in the Upper and Middle Schools, each student contributes to a discussion which the teacher gently guides rather than leads. The result is a vibrant and inclusive approach to learning. Country Day’s curriculum abounds with classes that stimulate creative and critical thinking. To help students find the college where they can best follow the passions first stoked at LCDS, 10
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
our College Guidance program begins in Middle School and has two advisors actively involved in the application process providing support for both students and parents.
Benefits of The Harkness Table
Everyone shares in the discussion • C lass is participatory and collaborative • Students become better speakers, listeners and critical thinkers •
Foreign language instruction begins in preschool with Spanish, and expands to four languages, including Mandarin, in Middle School.
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
11
2
A World of Opportunity
A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY WHERE E V E RYO N E CO U N T S
L
ancaster Country Day School provides students a foundation to follow their intellectual and physical skills wherever their interests lead. With the support of involved parents and a caring faculty, LCDS students explore, experiment and achieve in countless ways every day. Here are some of their own experiences, in their own words.
12
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
13
“ At first I was nervous that I couldn’t keep up, but my teammates were supportive and encouraging. At LCDS, the team is like family.” Alex Vaughn
14
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
“ My favorite part about LCDS is being in a school of people like me who are curious and like to be academically challenged. We work together to achieve our full potential and do things we didn’t imagine we could do before.” Matt Gerace
“ Because music is an important part of any child’s education, Lower School students have music class twice a week, can perform in our Lower School band or orchestra, and have the option to study an instrument in free group lessons or private instruction for a fee. My hope is that our young students will go on to love and perform music for the rest of their lives.” Kathy Horein, Faculty
“ Students are exposed to such a wide range of literature that their ability to make connections between ideas across times and cultures gives them an extraordinary foundation for the kind of critical thinking they will need in college and beyond.” Sarah D’Stair, Faculty
16
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
“ I love that phys ed at Lancaster Country Day isn’t just running around. We learn how to play different sports while still having fun.” Jonah Rebert
18
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
“ It’s amazing how computers operate. Cougarbots — the Country Day LEGO robotics team — gave me a new perspective on technology. Our groups would think of how everything needs to work, brainstorm new ideas and make the robot do cool things. It taught me teamwork and inspired me to learn different computer languages.” Anna Quiros
“ In art class I can try new things. The teachers give us the freedom to express our ideas.” Lindy Vicari
20
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
“ LCDS teachers and resources have helped me become more confident academically.” Louise Bloom
3
22
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
The Spirit of Trust
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
23
A CO M M I T M E N T TO VA L U E S A N D A N A S P I R AT I O N T O G R E AT N E S S
W
alk down the hallways of Lancaster Country Day School and two striking differences between Country Day and other schools will immediately stand out: The lockers have no doors and Upper Schoolers and Lower Schoolers walk side by side. The two might seem to have nothing to do with each other, but both exemplify the spirit of trust, community and character that lies at the heart of an LCDS education. From teachers treating students with respect and students responding in kind, Country Day cultivates the qualities that make up character.
The Harvard Family Research Project found that a close collaborative relationship between parents and faculty increases the likelihood of students’ long-term success in school. Driven by a vision shared with our teachers, parents take an active part in their children’s education. Our faculty and staff find genuine meaning and fulfillment in their relationships with students and colleagues. The result is a uniquely positive, inspiring school.
24
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
Our students know they’re safe. With manageable class sizes and selective admission, discipline problems are rare, leaving more time to learn.
13
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
16 | 11 | 11
LOWER
MIDDLE
UPPER
Our community is able, like no other, to nurture children’s strengths.
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
25
LOWER SCHOOL
“ I love that when LCDS accepts a student, we welcome the whole family into our school community. Parents are warmly welcomed to participate and visit.” Sheryl Krafft, Faculty
A complete education in Lower School means that our youngest students enjoy the same resources as our oldest. For example, Early Childhood and Lower School students have their own dedicated library stocked with age-appropriate books. Conscientious librarians help individualize learning by guiding children toward the materials that best complement what they’re studying in class and their own unique learning styles. Children write out specific academic goals, talk about them with each other, work hard together to achieve them, and celebrate their accom-
26
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
plishments as a group. Whether these lessons take place in our two gymnasiums, art rooms, music rooms or theater, children discover the value of learning and empathy. These shared values are a fundamental part of LCDS, and they animate the school experience from preschool through 12th grade.
“Children at LCDS learn confidence and selfrespect. My children feel supported and comfortable challenging themselves because they know they have the respect of their peers and the encouragement of wonderfully engaged faculty.” Paige Bernabei, Parent
Children as young as 3 receive a complete education at Lancaster Country Day.
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
27
MIDDLE SCHOOL
“ Moral character development is an important part of education at LCDS. Social and emotional learning complements cognitive education and promotes civic virtue, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.” Kelly Atland, Parent
OFFERINGS INCLUDE ANIMATION ART, BAND, CHORUS, COMPUTER GRAPHICS, DANCE, PHOTOGRAPHY, ROBOTICS AND THEATER
The values children carry from Lower to Middle School help make the transition a smooth one, and the LCDS advisory program provides children with meaningful relationships with an adult. Advisors care about the students and create a culture of connectedness. They work on school-related issues and everyday challenges to support the students. Middle School is also when students first sit at Harkness Tables in class. Everyone sees and hears one another and shares in the discussion. One benefit of sitting around an oval table is 28
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
that there’s no way to hide in the back. By engaging with teachers and classmates, students not only find confidence in their own voice, they learn one of the least intuitive truths about growing up: The best way to fit in is by being comfortable being yourself.
The Middle School curriculum is expressly designed to broaden students’ horizons by challenging them and encouraging them in equal measure.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FOREIGN LANGUAGES: SPANISH, FRENCH, LATIN AND CHINESE
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
29
UPPER SCHOOL
“ The two-year humanities program in the Upper School transforms the writing, thinking and speaking skills that our students bring into junior year. The students I teach are superbly prepared for the challenges of college.” Todd Berner, Faculty
COMMUNITY SERVICE
3,000 TOTAL
STUDENT-HOURS
In Upper School, the qualities acquired in Lower and Middle school reach maturity and display their value in countless ways. By the end of Upper School, nearly all students will have participated in a sustained service project, helping advance a cause they find signifi-
When they head off to college, our graduates will have studied great works, studied a foreign language, and become independent, critical thinkers.
30
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
cant. These initiatives range from the local to the global, and include tutoring children at a Lancaster City middle school, and traveling to Nepal as the culmination of a yearlong Service Learning course working with a partner school there.
“Whether exploring China as part of a language class, discovering local nature areas or history at Gettysburg, LCDS field trips help to enrich students’ understanding of local, national and global issues.” Scott and Francy Bailey, Parents
Whether students travel abroad or not, Upper School prepares them for a wider world. These qualities will continue to serve our students, encouraging them to be bold in pursuing their own meaningful path. Each graduate’s journey is unique; what they share is a broader horizon that stretches out from Lancaster Country Day School. L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
31
LANCASTER C O U N T R Y D AY SCHOOL
SECULAR COED
ADMISSION OFFICE 725 Hamilton Road Lancaster, PA 17603 717-329-2916 www.lancastercountryday.org
25% STUDENT DIVERSITY
COLLEGE PREPARATORY
K-12
PRE
ACADEMIC AND INTELLECTUAL ADVANTAGES*
Compared to their public school-educated peers, college students with educational backgrounds such as Country Day’s are more likely to:
STUDENTS OF COLOR
TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE
{
Lancaster, Berks, Dauphin, York
31%
ECONOMIC DIVERSITY
}
OF STUDENTS RECEIVE NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID
djust to academic A demands comfortably • Perform better academically • Experience greater intellectual self-assurance • Possess better ability and greater experience as writers • E njoy greater creativity •
2014 SAT SCORES SCHOOL COMPARISON
2015 LCDS SAT AVERAGES VS. NATIONAL SAT AVERAGES
LCDS 1810
Critical Reading 613
York Suburban 1617
495
Manheim Township 1616
Math 626
Hershey 1612
511
Lampeter Strasburg 1580
Writing 608
Warwick 1580
484
Wyomissing 1579 Lancaster Mennonite 1575
Country Day
Hempfield 1568
National
Solanco 1528 Penn Manor 1499 Lancaster Catholic 1498 Governor Mifflin 1451 McCaskey 1210
2014–15
STUDENT:FACULTY RATIO SCHOOL COMPARISON ACADEMIC, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL ADVANTAGES IN COLLEGE* STUDENTS FROM
COUNTIES
|
32
L A N C A S T E R C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
As college freshmen, graduates of schools like Country Day are more likely to feel they are at least above average or even in the top 10 percent of their age group in terms of:
38
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
and several international partnerships and exchanges
87%
56%
GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
6
AVERAGE LCDS AP TEST RESULTS
ocial self-confidence S • P ublic speaking ability • Physical health •
2013–14
88%
58% 2012–13
85%
LCDS
8:1 (PS–12)
Lancaster Catholic
13:1
York Suburban
14:1
Hershey
14:1
McCaskey
14:1
Lancaster Mennonite
15:1
Hempfield
15:1
Solanco
15:1
Penn Manor
15:1
Governor Mifflin
15:1
STATISTICS P.1, 32
SAT SCORES
Manheim Township
16:1
Lampeter Strasburg
16:1
* NAIS Graduates: Ready and Able to Adjust and Excel at Academic Life August, 2010, NAIS.com
Warwick
16:1
Wyomissing
16:1 (MS–US)
From PA State Education website except the following schools where the data is from the school website: Hershey High School (2014-2015), Lancaster Mennonite High School (2014-2015), Lancaster Catholic High School (2014-2015)
57% Scored 3 and above Scored 4 and above
SOURCES
STUDENT:FACULTY RATIOS
From US News & World Report website; all are high school data unless otherwise noted
LANCASTER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Admission Office 725 Hamilton Road Lancaster, PA 17603 717-329-2916 www.lancastercountryday.org