Countryside Day Blog

The Great Divide: The Difference between Montessori and Traditional Education

The Great Divide: The Difference between Montessori and Traditional Education

August 3rd, 2015
The Great Divide: The Difference between Montessori and Traditional Education At first glance, you might think that defining this difference is insurmountable, unrealistic, impossible to achieve: the Holy Grail of Montessori practitioners. And if I were to try to answer it in its totality, I would have to agree. But, if I were asked to pick the seminal parting of ways between Montessori and traditional education? This I think I could do. Deceptively simple, really.... READ MORE
By the Time Your Child’s Two

By the Time Your Child’s Two

August 2nd, 2015
By the Time Your Child's Two By the time the child is 2 years old he should already have experience caring for himself and his environment in many ways: - Feeding himself with utensils - Washing his own hands and face - Brushing teeth - Getting and putting away his own jacket - Participating in the process of dressing himself - Pouring drinks from a small pitcher - Choosing his own clothes from a limited... READ MORE
Will the Best Mother in the Room Please Stand up?

Will the Best Mother in the Room Please Stand up?

August 1st, 2015
Will the Best Mother in the Room Please Stand up? Parenting surely has changed in the last 50 years. What are the new dos and don'ts? How are today's moms holding up under the new set of standards? The New Set of Standards: She who pays the most attention and spends the most time with her child is the best mom. She who never loses patience with her child is the best mom.She who does... READ MORE
Could this be True? Share your Thoughts.

Could this be True? Share your Thoughts.

January 6th, 2015
I came upon this post while on Facebook last night (I know, nobody uses Facebook anymore), and I paused to really think about it. Is it an exaggeration? A silly rant written by someone who didn't do well in school?  Or is there truth in it? If there is truth in it, is it true for all schools? Is it true for CDS? Before I share my thoughts on the subject, I would really love... READ MORE
The Road to Potty Training is Paved with Good Intentions

The Road to Potty Training is Paved with Good Intentions

December 10th, 2014
Good intention is one of the most important ingredients when undertaking the task of helping your child learn to use the bathroom. For most parents this process is fraught with anxiety, questions, and conflicting advice. When should you start? How should you start? What if you start too early? What if you start too late? It really doesn’t have to be so hard if you accept that this milestone in independence and control is one... READ MORE
Standardized Testing: Fostering Growth in Academics and Character

Standardized Testing: Fostering Growth in Academics and Character

December 9th, 2014
Did you know that CDS uses assessment tools to foster the development of both academic skills and character qualities?  The MAP Test for Academics  Our MAP testing results indicate that our students score competitively in Math and Reading. Our Math scores for Fall 2014 show that 55% of CDS students score in the top 10% nationally and our reading scores show that 58% of CDS students score in the top 20%. Our academic programs in... READ MORE
3 Reasons a CMS Education is a Life Changer

3 Reasons a CMS Education is a Life Changer

December 2nd, 2014
Several weeks ago we had the former president of the National Association of Independent Schools, Patrick Bassett, consult at our school for two days. He has worked with hundreds of schools and visited schools all over the world. He is a true visionary and spent some of his time with us talking about the 6 Big Shifts in education and what 21st Century Schools were going to have to look like if America is going... READ MORE
3 Educational Myths of Halloween-like Proportion

3 Educational Myths of Halloween-like Proportion

October 31st, 2014
It’s that time of year when conscientious parents carefully check their children’s candy after returning from trick-or-treating. We even remember our parents scrutinizing the popcorn balls, unwrapping the butterscotches, and pulling apart the taffy--while we impatiently waited to dive into the spoils of our childhood trick-or-treating. Think about how widespread “Halloween Parenting" changed because of the tainted candy rumors--stories powerful enough to change day-to-day parenting behavior on a massive scale!   But even more shocking is... READ MORE
Pat Bassett Lit a Fire at CMS!

Pat Bassett Lit a Fire at CMS!

October 28th, 2014
What an inspiring 2 days it was when Pat Bassett visited our school for observation and consultation! Who is Pat? Pat Bassett is a long-time educator, administrator and former president of NAIS. I think that there are many occasions in Pat's life when he is likely the smartest guy in the room, yet he clearly sees every interaction as an opportunity to learn. What I most admire personally in Pat Bassett is the depth of his knowledge,... READ MORE
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Countryside Programs

We offer a continuous program from 16 months through 6th grade — inculding an all year program option for Pre-K/K and elementary school. LEARN MORE

TODDLER — Ages 16 mos.-3yrs

PRE-K/K — Ages 3-6

LOWER ELEMENTARY — Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3

UPPER ELEMENTARY — Ages 9-12, Grades 4-6

SUMMER PROGRAMS — Ages 16 mos.-12 yrs., Toddler-Grade 6

ALL YEAR FULL DAY — Ages 3-12, Grades Pre-K/K-Grade 6

where learning meets life

COUNTRYSIDE DAY SCHOOL
1985 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

office 847-498-1105
email

Proud to serve families in the Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Wilmette, and Winnetka area.

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