The Country Day School today bears little physical resemblance to the humble institution where it all began. Yet, our core values—community, balance, integrity, and inclusiveness—have withstood countless changes and substantial expansion over the decades. Having opened with 47 students in 1972, at 810 students today, CDS remains passionate about supporting, knowing and inspiring students of all ages.
Contact Information:
Address: 13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
Phone number: 905-833-1220
Website: CDS Official Website
Country Day School Overview
Situated on a sprawling 100-acre campus just north of Toronto in King Township, The Country Day School (CDS) provides coeducational opportunities for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. With average class sizes of around 17 to 20, CDS exclusively offers day school options and refrains from boarding facilities. The school’s mission revolves around nurturing student talents, igniting their passions, and arming them with the skills and tools to lead purposeful and promising lives. The campus boasts state-of-the-art technology, an expansive athletics department, dedicated faculty and staff, and ample outdoor spaces, all aimed at ensuring holistic support for every student’s academic and personal growth. CDS proudly maintains an inclusive environment, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education with a focus on life skills and success.
CDS Academics:
Country Day School follows a Traditional and Supportive curriculum approach, emphasizing short-term success without overwhelming rigor. While academic excellence remains a priority, the school adopts a holistic approach, encouraging students to excel not only academically but in all aspects of life. The school offers a diverse curriculum, affording students considerable flexibility, particularly in higher grades. This flexibility allows students to engage fully with their passions and talents while thriving in an academic setting. CDS provides the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum and Advanced Placement courses, adequately preparing students for their post-secondary endeavors.
Special Accommodations & Extra-Curricular Activities:
Though Country Day School does not offer special needs assistance, it excels in providing a wealth of extracurricular activities designed to enhance students’ learning experiences and foster their life skills. Notably, the CDS Debate Club has achieved international recognition, winning the World Champion title in 2016 and 2017. The school’s expansive campus features gymnasiums, sports fields, music rooms, theatres, and various amenities that support a wide array of extracurricular programs. Additionally, Country Day School promotes a healthy lifestyle with its professionally prepared meals in the dining hall.
Country Day School offers a wide range of sports teams, including but not limited to:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Football
- Golf
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Mountain Biking
Popular clubs at Country Day School (CDS) include:
- Art club
- Band
- Chess club
- Choir
- Community Service
- Computer Lab
- Debate Club
- Drama Club
- Environmental Club
- Jazz Ensemble
- Math Club
- Musical Theatre / Opera
- Outdoor Education
- Photography
- Poetry / Literature Club
- Robotics Club
- Student Council
- Yearbook
- Yoga
Admission:
Prospective students are required to complete an application package, which includes a “Confidential Teacher Report Form,” the student’s recent report card, a photograph, and a copy of their birth certificate or passport. A non-refundable application fee of $125 is also necessary. Different admission requirements exist for students in various grade levels, including interviews, standardized testing (SSATs for grades 7-9), and entrance exams (grades 4-6).
Tuition and Fees:
The tuition fees at CDS are in line with the rates at other private schools in Ontario, and the fee structure is as follows for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12:
2023-2024 Tuition $32,450
Capital Building Fund $1,000
$33,450
Financial aid applications are processed through Apple Financial Inc., with the amount of aid contingent on Apple Financial Inc.’s criteria. To maintain financial aid eligibility, students are expected to make a positive impact on the school community. CDS also offers two merit-based scholarships for grade 9 students, each requiring a separate application and specific eligibility criteria.
The financial structure entails that the tuition fee covers core programs, staff salaries, facility maintenance, and administrative expenses. On average, families should anticipate additional expenses ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per child per year, above and beyond the tuition fee. The exact amount per child may vary based on their grade level and their participation in various activities, programs, and excursions.
Enrollment Fee
A one-time, non-refundable fee of $5,000 per child is required at the time of enrollment. However, for siblings who are enrolled simultaneously or in the future, a discounted Enrolment Fee is applicable. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the sibling discount amounted to $1,000 per sibling.
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