Country Day The Value of a School Experience

From the very beginning, Nathan Hale planted the roots of our progressive education in a specific tradition when he christened the school Rocky Hill Country Day School in 1941 after taking over the preschool founded by Dorothy Marshall in 1934.

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Diane Rich Head of School

The country day school movement was a response to the perceived elitism of boarding schools of the time. Boarding schools focused on classical education, with students, sitting in rows in the classroom, literally studying the classics, indoors, often through memorization. Country Day Schools wanted to capture some of the perceived ‘better’ elements of those boarding schools - educational rigor, character-building, and collegiality - but in a setting where students could still live with their families. Schools were created in the country rather than in cities, with a belief that the pastoral campus would inspire learning, and where they could escape the increasing crowds and air pollution of the Industrial Revolution.

Identified as ‘progressive education’ in the late 19th century, to distinguish it from the classical prep school approach, the goals were to focus

50% increase in work performance was seen in people working outdoors.

University of Utah and the University of Kansas on the whole child - mind, body, and spirit. Sound familiar? These days we may have a different connotation of the word ‘progressive,’ but in this instance it actually defines what we most value about a Rocky Hill education - learning by doing, rather than by rote memorization.

Even back then, the focus was on skills: problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, a sense of social responsibility, and the development of social-emotional competencies. Nurturing democratic (small ‘d’) ideas and leadership aptitude were paramount, joined by an attempt to bring entrepreneurship and service learning into education. Learning was personalized, and students were evaluated on what they could produce rather than just what they could report back.

And so this ‘country day movement’ that Nathan Hale embraced is in our DNA; it informs our educational philosophy to this day We are the quintessential country day school! Our expansive bucolic campus,

Stanford University study definitely out of the city, invites exploration of and communion with nature; it strengthens our bodies and soothes our spirits. A recent Stanford University study determined that people who spent 15 minutes outside experienced a 300% increase in creativity. And a study between researchers at the University of Utah and the University of Kansas found that people working outdoors saw a 50% increase in work performance. That kind of data fuels our belief that educating the whole child requires us to get outside. And now more than ever, we know the country day experience that offers our students opportunities to explore the forest, to examine the wildlife of the waterfront, and to enjoy the vastness of the outdoors not only engages them in challenging academic and physical activities, it also keeps them healthy, in mind, body and spirit.

The value that Nathan Hale saw is the bedrock of what we value today: experiential learning amongst a community working together in an inspiring place. Rocky Hill Country Day helps students uncover their intellectual talents and passions, and become self-aware and resilient, able to navigate their way through a complex world long after they leave the campus.

In our Lower School there is much to celebrate! Our nurturing and safe environment encourages discovery, open-ended learning experiences, and integrated activities designed to foster a sense of wonder and excitement about the world in which children live. Each day our faculty and students pave the way for meaningful and joyful learning opportunities.

Our Middle School faculty, advisers, and coaches help each child navigate their journey through early adolescence. Learning focuses on student engagement, deeper learning. and global connections to stretch their thinking and understanding, while at the same time building a respectful, collaborative, and ethical community.

Upper School coursework is modern, real-world, and relevant, so it is authentic for every student’s future. Over four years, students tackle real challenges, collaborate on important projects, do independent research, and participate in signature experiences, all of which help our students mature into individuals prepared for the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional demands of college and life in a changing world.

This is Rocky Hill Country Day

1. Unique Learning Experiences

2. Small Class Sizes

3. Beautiful Waterfront Campus

4. Passionate Teachers

5. Oppor tunities for Self Discovery

6. Strong Community

7. Thriving Ar ts Department

8. Competitive and Recreational Athletics Opportunities

9. Student Leadership

10. Wellness Mindset

For more information visit Rocky Hill Country Day webpage