DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
What does it mean to be a BCD student? We invite you to discover the BCD Difference.
Welcome to Boulder Country Day School Situated on a picturesque, safe and private 5.5-acre campus, Boulder Country Day School is a small, independent school that provides a well-rounded classical education distinguished by academic excellence and social development in a caring and supportive learning environment. At BCD, we strive to build a community of confident, lifelong learners and thoughtful, responsible young adults. Our emphasis is on the pursuit of excellence, preparing children to attain their full potential while successfully meeting the professional and human challenges of the 21st century. Drop in on a classroom. Sit in during lunch. Walk the sidelines at a sporting event. It’s easy to see the true bond that exists between our teachers and students at every level and every age. It starts with a commitment to hiring the best and the brightest– teachers who not only teach and get students excited about learning, but relate to them as well. Small class size. Individualized attention. A beautiful campus and safe and pleasant surroundings. A committed and engaged parent body. Faculty and administrators who go beyond their role as educators to become lifelong friends and mentors.
TRADITIONAL COLLEGE PREP…
with a Contemporar y Twist. “At BCD, it’s cool to be smart.”
BCD Students Are‌
PREPARED.
Outstanding faculty, small class size and a rigorous curriculum prepare BCD students for success in any quality high school and beyond. BCD offers Preschool through Middle School students a classical education with high academic standards that foster an appreciation and awareness of the world around them.
Small Class Size
BCD Up Close
• Low student to teacher ratios • Intimate classroom settings and an individualized approach enables each child to reach his or her highest potential
Outstanding Faculty • Experts in their fields, caring, dedicated • A philosophy that prepares students for life by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed: how to study, be organized, take tests, and even manage their time
A Rigorous Curriculum
BCD students test 2-3 years above the grade equivalent based on our annual standardized testing. In 2007, BCD became the first approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School in Boulder Valley. BCD graduates typically matriculate into the top Boulder-area private and public high schools and are accepted into challenging IB or AP Programs. Our Middle School offers three math levels per grade, grouping students by ability, and further lowering the student to teacher ratio.
• Challenging…with high expectations for achievement • Traditional with a strong emphasis on math, science, reading, and writing, as well as foreign languages • Member of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program • Differentiated instruction
Modern foreign language instruction begins in our preschool program and continues through 8th grade. Latin begins in fourth grade and the choice of another foreign language is offered in Middle School.
BCD Students Are…
CHALLENGED.
From Preschool to 8th grade, Boulder Country Day students come to school ready to learn. At BCD, small class size means instructional time is maximized, giving teachers the opportunity to provide each student with individualized attention. Accreditation by several of the leading state and regional accrediting associations underscores the excellence of the BCD educational program.These include: • Association of Colorado Independent Schools • National Association of Independent Schools • The International Baccalaureate Organization
“ BCD looks at each child in terms of the whole person, not just the academic piece. We also give them the social skills they need to prepare them to succeed in life.” – BCD teacher
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Mission Statement Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessment, the International Baccalaureate organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom with the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed in the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for richness in life.
Preschool (3, 4 and 5-Year-Olds) Small class size, one-on-one attention and a welcoming and caring environment distinguishes the Preschool program at BCD. Inviting classrooms and creative outdoor spaces encourage active participation and combine activities and materials designed to enhance children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. The academically-based curriculum is a mix of teacher-directed/child-initiated learning that focuses on providing the youngest BCD students with the skills needed to advance during their Preschool years and beyond. In addition to language, literacy and math, Preschool students also experience weekly classes in music, library science, foreign language, and movement. BCD promotes strong family – school connections. Parents are always welcome and many are active participants in classroom activities, field trips and other events.
Elementary School (K-5) The BCD Elementary School curriculum is a blend of old and new. Here, as at every level, tried and true educational strategies are infused with the latest and best instructional practices enabling teachers to provide student-focused instruction that is challenging yet meets the needs of each student. In addition to the core academic classes of Math, Literature, English, Social Studies and Science, all Elementary students study a modern foreign language. Also, the study of Latin begins in the fourth grade. “Specials,” including music, art, technology, library, and physical education round out students’ Elementary School experience. In grades K-4, the classrooms are self-contained; students have the same teacher for basic subjects, but leave the classroom to attend specials. In grade 5, curriculum is taught by a two teacher team. Students spend approximately half the day with each teacher. Fifth grade students continue instruction in art, library skills, foreign language (2), Physical Education, technology and music. Students also learn organization skills and time management in preparation for the transition to Middle School.
Middle School (6-8) The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) is the basis for the Middle School curriculum. BCD is one of the few stand alone MYP programs in the country and the first approved IB program in Boulder Valley. As an IB school, BCD seeks to connect all subject groups: Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages (2), Technology, Fine Arts, and Physical Education in a unique interdisciplinary way. Along with the core academic pieces of the IB program, Middle School students are expected to be responsible young adults by participating in community service, studying health and social education, developing their study skills, and seeking to discover their own unique potential. As young leaders, Middle School students are also charged with living and modeling the core values of the school as espoused by our motto, “Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility for Your Actions.”
BCD Students Are…
RESPONSIBLE. CARING. CONFIDENT.
Responsible... Accountability is increasingly becoming a lost value. That’s why our motto, “Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility for Your Actions,” is the living, breathing embodiment of the school’s philosophy concerning personal responsibility. We recognize that students sometimes make mistakes. That’s how they learn. At BCD, however, we believe that students need to be held accountable – when they do well and when they can do better. Our experience confirms it: Students who are held accountable for their actions are better able to develop their own unique potential.
Caring... Community service is a big part of the BCD experience; while our Middle School students are required to do 20 hours of community service outside of school, our commitment to teaching our students about the importance of community service starts at the Preschool level. At BCD, our goal is to put “service” back in community service by enabling students to have a hands-on, first-person experience helping those in need – within the Boulder community and on a larger global scale. BCD families are integral to the effort, volunteering their time to help with everything from food drives to field trips.
Confident... Helping students develop a sense of self or “sense of me” is at the heart of the BCD education. Building a community of confident learners means giving children of every age various opportunities to shine, from weekly assemblies where they can build their stage presence to sports teams and after school clubs where they can discover an untapped ability or talent.
“Being at BCD helped me realize that I am smart and that I can get good grades. This school gave me confidence that I couldn’t have found at a public school.” – BCD Alumna
BCD Students Are‌
ADVENTUROUS.
Developing the whole child is another hallmark of a BCD education. At BCD, students are encouraged to take the stage as well as the pottery wheel.They can choose to feed their inner artist or develop a not-so-hidden athletic talent. The BCD commitment to the arts is strong.Throughout their time at the school students will find themselves on stage, building confidence and nurturing a lifelong love of the arts. Every Friday there is an All School Assembly where different grade levels give performances or presentations. BCD also puts on several musical productions each year with Middle, Elementary and Preschool students.
BCD has a wealth of opportunities such as enrichment field trips that expand the learning experience and help students build the confidence they need to reach their highest potential.
Athletics Sports also have a starring role at BCD. Learning to play and developing physically helps build strong self esteem. Our no-cut policy encourages every student to get out of their comfort zone and consider playing a team or individual sport they may have never tried before. Students gain confidence and develop the skills necessary to participate on various teams and enjoy continued success at the competitive level. This philosophy has led to 95 percent of all 5th through 8th grade students participating in team sports including: Boys – Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Wrestling Girls – Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball
Music And Drama BCD students benefit from a hands-on approach to the Performing Arts with a general music program that exposes students to a wide range of musical experiences including singing in the choir, learning to play an instrument, studying the great composers and even creating compositions of their own. The general music program also offers units in theatre and drama where characterization, costume, motivation, stage movement and directions and other theatrical concepts are included in the curriculum. Throughout their years at BCD, from Preschool through Middle School, students are encouraged to spread their wings by performing in school-wide Assembly Productions. These annual productions, complete with costumes, provide an opportunity for every student to develop stage awareness. Performances given by the Elementary School Choirs often have a dramatic element that may incorporate dance as well as lines and a plot. At the Middle School level, students typically tackle larger productions, performing either a drama or a musical each year.
Fine Arts BCD’s commitment to the Arts is unparalleled. The richness of the Fine Arts curriculum is designed to foster creativity, self expression and artistic and personal growth. Throughout the sequence of art courses – from art room basics to art appreciation, criticism and aesthetics, there are also numerous opportunities for students to conceive of and work on their own art projects. Pottery is a popular medium that teachers often use to tie together different aspects of the curriculum, enabling students to experience art on several levels.
BCD is…
AN INSTITUTION OF EXCELLENCE. Why should your child be a BCD Student? From our youngest Preschoolers to our graduating Middle School class, BCD is a school that attends to children – teaching them the basics and bringing out their best in a safe learning environment. It’s a special place and a tight-knit community – recognized by families, educators and students as an outstanding school that offers a unique educational experience in the Boulder Valley. If your child wants to be challenged, learn, be an active participant and reach his or her full potential, BCD is the place for you. At BCD, your children will make lifelong friends and learn lifelong lessons. A BCD education is a gift that lasts a lifetime. We invite you to explore Boulder Country Day School further and contact our Admissions Office to arrange a tour to experience our school first hand. Also, please visit us at www.bouldercountryday.org for more information and to apply for admission online. Or you can download and print the application and other admission forms. In an effort to conserve and do our part to be a “green school,” we have not provided any printed application forms in this brochure. Once you accept this invitation, you will see for yourself that Boulder Country Day is truly a cohesive, dedicated community that’s committed to motivating and inspiring students to become lifelong learners and responsible, caring and confident young adults.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Boulder Country Day does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability in the admission and educational policies, financial aid programs, employment practices and other school administered programs. Design: © Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT Photography: Christina Kiffney Copywriter: Karen Pugliese
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a well-rounded, classical education of academic excellence and social development in a safe environment, where students are motivated and inspired to become lifelong learners and productive, respectful citizens.
OUR MOTTO: Respect Yourself, Respect Others,Take Responsibility for Your Actions.
4820 Nautilus Court North • Boulder, Colorado 80301 303.527.4931 (telephone) • 303.527.4944 (fax) www.bouldercountryday.org Please direct all inquiries to: info@bouldercountryday.org
We are proud to be accredited and approved by the following organizations:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Association of Colorado Independent Schools