Day schools strive to create close-knit learning communities similar to college prep boarding schools, with one big difference. Country day schools allow students to return to their homes and families at the end of the day. Keep reading to learn more about what a country day school is and whether it could be right for you or your child.
The history of country day schools
The founding of country day schools (which evolved into the suburban day schools of today) was part of the progressive educational movement that occurred in the late 19th century. In order to avoid the crime and pollution in the early 1900s, certain schools were established in the “country” rather than in the heart of industrialized cities. The aim was to give children “fresh air and sunshine” while they were immersed in a rigorous academic learning environment.
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What are country day schools today?
Day schools are private schools that offer a K-12 education. Day schools have a more rigorous academic curriculum, although some offer special education classes as well. Most day school campuses design their school buildings and landscaping to be both inspirational and aesthetic.
In order to foster the academic learning environment for students, most day schools offer programs to promote student development in a variety of extracurricular areas.
Some examples of country day school programs include:
- Athletic programs
- Religious studies
- Choir or other music focused programs
- Study time
What are some pros and cons of day school compared to boarding school?
Pros of day school
- Cost is less than boarding school
- Balanced social life
- Able to separate school and home
Cons of day school
- Transportation logistics
- More parental involvement is expected
- Offer fewer first-person global perspectives due to smaller international student populations
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What are some of the main differences between a day school and a boarding school?
Day schools are educational institutions in which students attend classes at the school but return home at the end of every day. In contrast, boarding schools are residential schools where students live on campus when school is in session.
Benefits of day school vs boarding school
| Pros of Day School | Cons of Day School |
| Cost is less than boarding school | Transportation logistics |
| Balanced social life | More parental involvement expected |
| Able to separate school and home | Offers fewer first-person global perspectives due to smaller international student population |
Further reading
We offer some related articles that may be of interest since you found yourself here. Check out “How much does boarding school cost?” and “What is a Montessori school?” as well!
Frequently asked questions about country day schools
How much does day school cost?
Do day schools offer financial aid?
- Approximately 24.5 percent of students at day schools received financial aid
- The average grant to students at day schools who received financial aid was $11,500