In 1972, a dedicated
group of parents dreamed of a school for their children that would combine a first-class education with the
values they cherished. Together they founded The Country Day School (CDS), an institution that has grown
tremendously to an enrolment of approximately 700 students and one that has become one of the top independent
schools in the country.
“Founding families wanted all of the benefits of a university-preparatory education in a country setting
while instilling the values of integrity, a love of lifelong learning and the development of individual
purpose in their children,” says David Huckvale, director of admission and university placement.
Today, CDS offers just that — and more. “We have a unique school culture, and we are the only independent, JK
to 12 co-ed, non-denominational day school in the area,” says Huckvale. “We are an Ontario curriculum school…
What we do is we enrich and enhance that.” Specialist teachers lend their expertise to academic programs such
as languages, music, visual art, drama and physical education. These teachers, combined with small class
sizes from primary through secondary, allow CDS to offer the highest level of academic instruction to its
students. CDS provides students with a sound knowledge base, a comprehensive set of skills, and unparalleled
preparation for university and beyond.
“We also have eight guiding principles; embedded in those principles are all the things we do as a school,”
says Huckvale. “One is to raise social and global awareness in our students.” CDS is clearly dedicated to
preserving communities internationally. In March of 2009, students took a trip to Kenya to build the
foundation for a local library. A similar trip to India is planned for March 2011.
The school is set on 100 acres in the heart of King Township, surrounded by rural vistas and country views
that add serenity to the classroom environment. “The athletics program is totally enhanced by the space that
we have,” says Huckvale. “We have an after-school program that is an expected part of the day for our
students from Grades 4 to 12.” The vastness of the grounds and facilities provides a myriad of athletic
opportunities and, as Huckvale points out, “no need to stagger athletic programs due to limited field or gym
space.” This opportunity to practise has seen extraordinary results: The senior girls’ rugby team has
excelled in their league of Canadian independent schools, earning the championship title nine out of 10
years.
Along with leading academic and athletic programs, CDS boasts an enviable music program and an outstanding
theatre arts program, and their productions regularly play to packed houses in their performing arts centre.
The skills acquired through performance transfer to other areas of school life, as demonstrated by the team
of leading public speakers and debaters that CDS coaches at the school. Senior student Victoria Sienczewski
was selected for Team Canada 2010 at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships in
Lithuania, where she placed 11th in the world.
The dedication of the CDS staff, parents and faculty is reflected in the students themselves.“There’s a joy
on campus,” Huckvale says. “Kids are safe and supported and feel loved.”
CDS strives to create a place where each student can feel at ease in trying something new. When they are
ready for university, they’ve already had the chance to explore many disciplines and reveal their talents.
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