Partner Profile | written by: DarienMagazineCT.com Staff
New Canaan Country School is for students three through fourteen, among the most crucial years of a child’s academic, creative, moral and physical development.
In this Q&A with New Canaan Country School’s Beth O’Brien, Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid, we learned why this private school option for students Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 is such a draw in our area. We’re pleased to share the interview with you here.
What makes New Canaan Country School different?
“A Country School education is much more than just gaining knowledge. It focuses on translating knowledge into action. Founded in 1916, for over a century the school has earned a reputation as a proven leader in the field of childhood education. Known for its experiential teaching methods, Country School ensures that students enjoy a broad range of age-appropriate, “learning-by-doing” activities in an environment that fosters trust and risk-taking.”
“Country School students thrive in an atmosphere of high expectations, mutual respect and individual attention. An extraordinarily talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally-appropriate ways by delivering a challenging curriculum that introduces academic skills and invites creative and critical thinking. Individuality and independence are valued characteristics here; collaboration is an essential skill.”
How are you able to do this?
“Diversity of thought, experience and background among students and faculty alike enriches our classrooms and enlivens our campus.”
How does New Canaan Country School prepare students for success?
“Students who graduate from Country School enter secondary school with confidence, ability and character. They leave with the knowledge, self-awareness and assurance to engage
the world head-on and craft fulfilling, vibrant futures. They are ready to face whatever challenges they may encounter at their next schools, and beyond, because of the habits of mind developed at New Canaan Country School.
“In addition to their preparedness, graduates are known for their natural leadership, their kindness and their ability to identify and create opportunities.”
Why is the New Canaan Country School educational program deliberately designed for students in Pre-K through Grade 9?
“The ages of three through fourteen—defined as childhood—are among the most crucial years of a child’s academic, creative, moral and physical development. Investing in these key twelve years, the most formative of their lifetime, is investing in their future.”
You describe your teachers as “guides along the journey.” Why?
“In and out of the classroom, on and off athletic fields and auditorium stages, Country School faculty artfully stretch students further than they think they can go, and they do so with the compassion children need to triumph over challenges. Teachers purposefully design hands-on experiences and direct lessons to provoke critical thinking, engage in conversations, foster relationships and connect ideas and concepts. Because classroom teachers also act as athletic and performing arts coaches, they know the children in a variety of ways, they earn their students’ trust and they develop meaningful relationships with them over the course of many years. This results in a community in which every student is truly known, loved and appreciated as a whole child.”
How can parents learn more about New Canaan Country School?
“There’s nothing like meeting our people and seeing our campus to gain a deeper understanding of what our school has to offer families and their child(ren). In addition to scheduling a personalized chat and tour, we welcome families to attend any or all of our upcoming admission events specifically designed to introduce you to our school. Our Admission team looks forward to meeting with families, learning about their children, sharing more detailed information about Country School and to answering any questions. For more information about the school, please visit www.countryschool.net.”
New Canaan Country School Open House Schedule
Sunday, 10/6 1–3pm All School Open House
Wednesday, 10/16 10–11am Early Childhood Open House (age 3, 4 & Kindergarten)
Wednesday, 10/23 10–11am Lower School Open House (Grades 1-4)
Wednesday, 11/06 10–11am Middle School Open House (Grades 5-9)
635 Frogtown Rd
New Canaan, CT 06840(203) 801-5608 • www.countryschool.net
School Highlights
• A co-ed, independent, day school of 555 students
• Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9
• 85-acre campus
• Four academic divisions: Early Childhood – Pre-K (ages 3 & 4, K); Lower School – Grades 1-4; Middle School – Grades 5 & 6; Upper School – Grades 7, 8 & 9
• Transportation provided to families living throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties.
• Founded in 1916
• Athletic and performing arts programs
• All classes from Pre-K through Grade 6 have two teachers in each classroom. Overall student/teacher ratio is 5:1.
