Casady School Viewbook 2023-2024

OUR MISSION Casady School develops excellence, confidence, and integrity in students and prepares them with the skills and knowledge that serve as the foundation for success.

WE BELIEVE an exceptional education should cultivate those habits of mind and character that enable individuals to flourish at each stage of life. Casady School’s proven college-preparatory curriculum focuses on the full development of each student in mind, body, and spirit.

WE BELIEVE the mind should be nourished and developed; therefore, our academic program provides our students the challenges and opportunities necessary to develop critical and creative thinking skills, the ability to plan, evaluate and implement actions, and most importantly, the support to nurture their passions.

WE BELIEVE strong spiritual and moral values provide an essential foundation for one’s life; therefore, the School provides instruction in the basic tenets of the Christian faith as expressed in the Episcopal tradition. Central to the school are daily chapel services and instruction in theology and ethics. Casady embraces individuals regardless of belief and values an understanding of all faiths.

AS SUCH, we help our students succeed by challenging and supporting them in every aspect of their educational experience. The result is that our students are given every opportunity to realize their potential and use it to make a difference in their community.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

As parents of children pre-K through 12th grade, you will see an environment at Casady where students are challenged to be independent thinkers, to explore new ideas, to take risks with courage and enthusiasm, to serve their communities with passion and commitment, and to lead others with confidence and integrity. It is our remarkable faculty and staff who make this happen each and every day.

Our broad academic program provides exceptional opportunities in every discipline including math, science, technology, and the liberal arts. When Casady students graduate, they leave us well-prepared not only to succeed in college but to excel in life. Many recent alumni return to campus, gratefully reporting that, thanks to their Casady education, they help students from other schools adjust to the stress and academic rigors of college.

Casady’s athletic coaches, physical education staff, and fine arts faculty challenge our students by providing an environment in which the children are encouraged to be independent in their exploration of sports as well as the visual and performing arts. Students learn to tackle these new fields with confidence. At Casady, all students are welcome additions to our athletic teams; and likewise, athletes are encouraged to take risks in other areas. The coaches and fine arts faculty serve as mentors guiding students to step outside their bounds.

Our rich Chapel program, though ecumenical, instills strong moral values in the Judeo-Christian tradition. We believe those values serve as the foundation for strong character development of the individuals our students will become.

Casady’s future is promising. Our campus master plan is thoughtful, practical, and exciting.

We take our students’ safety very seriously and continuously make improvements to enhance our campus. In 2018, that included a new roundabout at our main entrance, a welcome center, landscapes and lighting, locked buildings during the day, and visible identification for all faculty and staff.

The School’s endowment has grown significantly since 2003, from $12 million to $35 million, and recognizing that financial strength is one key to continued success. Casady’s Board of Trustees is committed to further growing the endowment.

As the Head of School, I am both humbled and honored to lead our school community, and I cannot adequately describe the privilege of working with our exceptional faculty and staff.

Wherever I look, I see evidence of the great work they do. We are committed to providing the best in education. You will find excellence in our programs and creativity in our enrichment activities from Pre-K through Upper Division.

I invite you to visit Casady to see for yourself what a special place we are. And I look forward to personally welcoming you and your family to campus.

FAITHFULLY,

Nathan L. Sheldon Head of School

“My experiences as a student at Casady prepared me for my future educational pursuits and career in a way that set me up for success.

When it came time to choose a school for our children, we knew that Casady would provide the best education in order for them to succeed as well. Not only will our children learn at the highest academic levels, but also they will have the opportunity to engage in music, theater, athletics, foreign languages, art, volunteerism, and religion. Casady’s holistic approach to education empowers your child to learn, grow, thrive, and succeed and is worth the investment. There is no better gift to give your child than the power of an excellent education.”

- DINI ‘00 AND SAM HOMSEY (ZEINA 2029 AND SAMI 2032)

“I have been lucky enough to spend the past 13 years growing up around the lake. I love Casady because of its orientation around personal connection. Your teachers and peers know you as a student in the classroom but also as an individual. The opportunities that Casady has brought both on and off the campus will help me throughout the rest of my life.”

- CAROLINE HALL, 2021

"We knew that choosing the right school for our boys was a vital decision in securing an optimistic future for them. To us, Casady was the obvious choice and through our experience, we can say that our high expectations have been exceeded. We have found that Casady not only delivers on the school's mission of body, mind, and spirit, but it goes further in providing an incredible supportive structure for the family unit. We are grateful to be a part of the Casady community and all that it encompasses."

- DEBRA AND KRISTIAN KOS (ANDREW, 2028, BENJAMIN, 2030)

“My experience at Casady has been an extremely enjoyable one. Despite the challenging curriculum and countless late nights, I've been able to enjoy every minute of the process. This is largely due to the strong support system within the Casady community. Each faculty member is willing to go the extra mile to ensure their students' success, and each student receives a lot of individualized attention. For example, last year, in Honors Chemistry with Ms. Zesiger, whenever I had to miss a lab or a lesson for field hockey traveling, Ms. Zesiger was always more than willing to sacrifice her mornings to accommodate me and make sure that I remained up-to-date in our class. Each teacher always has the best interest of the students on their minds, and that's something really special about Casady.”

- DIVYA CHANDRASEKARAN, 2021

“Casady has cultivated my love of learning through its outstanding teachers and opportunities for students. Throughout the past four years of high school, the Casady education and community have inspired me to be an inquisitive student and take ownership of my learning.”

- SOPHIA DYKSTRA, 2021

The faculty has been the founda and professional qualifi­cations character.” The national recogni

As the country was emerging Thomas Casady, Bishop of the E which would include a cathedra

At the same time a group of Okl in the city and recognizing the c of starting a college preparato focused the diocese on educatio from the beginning the inclusive

They envisioned a school that wo competition. Named after Bisho Feb. 17, 1947. A donation of pro land and first buildings for the S

The Reverend Michael Martin w 36 students in three grades: sev per year. Classes were held in th behind Cochran became the “Sn

The School was renamed Casad thanks to a gift from Mr. Frank J physical and spiritual center.

ation and hallmark of the Casady experi­ence. The founders sought individuals with “personal such as the ability to teach, a liking for youngsters, and contagious qual­ities of good ition Casady continues to receive is built upon this treasury of talent.

from the trauma of World War II, some farsighted OKC citizens, together with Bishop Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, were exploring their dream to establish a diocesan center al, a conference facility, and a boarding school for the city.

lahoma City businessmen, out of concern for the quality of education available at that time contribution of independent schools to American education, was discussing the possibility ory church school in the classical tradition. Their assessment of the community’s needs on. This resulted in a financially feasible plan for a school, which, in many ways, resembled e, family-oriented and coeducational nature of Casady School today.

ould offer small classes, personal attention, and worship in an atmosphere fostering healthy op Thomas Casady, Casady Hall began with the first meeting of its Board of Trustees on operty located at the corner of Britton Road and Pennsylvania Avenue would provide the School. This included a tract of 38-acres, a small lake, one house, and two barns.

was hired as headmaster and in September 1947 Casady Hall opened its doors. There were venth, eighth, and ninth and a faculty of four, including Reverend Martin. Tuition was $500 he remodeled polo pony stable, which had been christened Cochran Hall. The feed building nack Shack,” and the hay barn served for arts and crafts.

dy School in May 1948. That same year, the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor was built J. Hightower. As a founding Trustee of the School, Mr. Hightower envisioned a chapel as its

MONTESSORI CERTIFIED PRIMARY DIVISION FACULTY

40+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN MIDDLE & UPPER DIVISION

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY FOR UPPER DIVISION EVERY 4 YEARS

ONLY MEMBER OF THE MALONE SCHOOLS ONLINE NETWORK IN OKLAHOMA

24% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE TUITION ASSISTANCE

COURSES OFFERED IN LATIN, FRENCH, SPANISH, AND CHINESE

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD STATE DIVISION B CHAMPIONS SINCE 2012

37% NON-CAUCASIAN STUDENTS

ACADEMIC ALIGNMENT Skills and Knowledge, Philosophy and Priorities, Policies and Practices, Communication and Cultures

COMPUTER SCIENCE Overarching competencies include Computational Thinking, Ethics, Analysis, Collaboration, Design and Creativity, Entrepreneurship

RHYTHM & MOTION At Casady School, we believe that, through fine arts, students can learn valuable skills and talents that provide universal benefits.

Students are encouraged to progressively develop visual literacy through creative expression. Student work is valued and exhibited throughout the School and within the Casady Community.

By learning how to use the language of art, we ensure that Casady students gain an understanding of a world deeper than they had previously thought.

Promoting daily physical activity and healthy habits among students is a core component of Casady’s mission. The positive values associated with being part of a team and representing the School prompt growth and self-discovery. Athletics and Physical Education at Casady are taught in a progressive sequence to promote a lifetime of wellness and healthy habits, foster healthy team relationships, teach good sportsmanship, and prepare student-athletes to win while teaching life lessons through physical activity and varsity sports.

9 MEMBERS

OF THE CLASS OF 2023 PLAYING COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

OSSAA MEMBERSHIP IN 2023-2024

FAITH FOR THE FUTURE Casady School is an academic institution that has been rooted in the Christian faith tradition since its founding in 1947.

We believe strong spiritual and moral values provide an essential foundation for one’s life; therefore, the School provides instruction in the basic tenets of the Christian faith as expressed in the Episcopal tradition. Our faith is primarily expressed through the sacraments, liturgy, and traditions of our Episcopal identity. While our foundation is solidly Christian, we welcome students of all different faith traditions.

Central to the school are daily chapel services and instruction in theology and ethics. Casady embraces individuals regardless of belief and values an understanding of all faiths. Each day, St. Edward’s Chapel fills with students and faculty for a time of spiritual refreshment, prayer, and worship. Daily Chapel consists of an abbreviated, yet spiritfilled, prayer service from the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer. During the service, students participate in a variety of ways: singing hymns, praying, interacting with daily scripture readings, and listening to a “Chapel Talk.”

160+ DAILY CHAPEL SERVICES FOR LOWER, MIDDLE AND UPPER DIVISION

WEEKLY CHAPEL SERVICE FOR PRIMARY DIVISION

LIVING WORDS The ultimate hope for our students’ Chapel experience is that they will not only realize their value as children of God, but also take these values and share them with the world.

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION In the Lower Division, Bible classes meet once a week for a thirty-minute period. The study of the Hebrew (Old) and Christian (New) Testaments are alternated every other year. The Middle Division religion curriculum is a chronological survey of the Old and New Testaments.

Our religion curriculum, integrated with the overview of the five major world religions presented in our history curriculum, combined with the wide range of Chapel speakers each day, gives Casady students a foundation for understanding religious cultures of the 21st century.

STRATEGIC ACADEMIC PLAN Since 1947 Casady School has been preparing students with the skills and knowledge that serve as the foundation for successful lives wherever their lives lead them in this rapidly changing world. Students receive the very best education, which is built upon developing excellence, confidence, and integrity in each student. This passion for individualized, studentdriven, durable, and engaging education has remained steadfast over the past 70-plus years. But the way students learn has evolved, and their school must meet them where they are today.

That mindset inspired Casady School to embark on an evolutionary journey. A journey that ultimately creates more "peak" moments for students. A journey that promotes balance, seeks purpose, and encourages joy. The development of this plan included extensive research, and was done in consultation with Independent School Management (ISM), a nationally renowned organization known for its expertise in schedule research and design. In the 2018-19 school year, after two years of collaborating and designing by faculty members and administrators, Casady’s Strategic Academic Plan was introduced to our Casady Community. This comprehensive plan was created to further provide our students with an academic program designed to encompass the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them for an exciting and vastly undefined future.

A Strategic Academic Plan encompasses every aspect of the school day, from start times to schedules, from course offerings to enrichment programs, from the learning environment to assessment tools, and from teaching strategies to professional development plans.

Through Casady’s development process, five priorities emerged that have become the foundational pillars in our plan: Student Wellness, Student Engagement, Durable Learning, Skills and Knowledge, and Community Engagement. At the same time, our Portrait of a Graduate was solidified.

The Portrait of a Graduate identifies the knowledge base, skills, characteristics, and spiritual qualities that the Casady experience provides as we prepare our students for the future. Our Strategic Academic Plan is also designed to support our faculty in their quest to provide a unique and highly effective learning environment for our students.

All that Casady does reflects these fives priorities, leads to "peak" learning opportunities, and stays true to Casady's mission.

INTERDISCIPLINARY

STUDIES

Interdisciplinary Studies literally means studies that involve more than one discipline, like English and History. Casady School’s Interdisciplinary Studies program is an integrative, inquiry-based learning experience encouraging intrinsically-motivated thinkers.

Our Interdisciplinary Studies program in the Upper Division leads students to explore topics through a focused lens that crosses into multiple subject areas. Through this learning strategy, our students become adept at making connections and solving problems from a variety of perspectives.

INTRINSICALLYMOTIVATED A focus on the students rather than the teacher will help students to honor, to learn, to engage, to innovate, to serve, and to thrive.

FLAGSHIP COURSE AMERICAN DESIGN

Casady launched its Interdisciplinary Studies program in 2021-22 with its flagship course, American Design. Juniors take the course, which counts as an English and history credit.

Students put the interdisciplinary approach into action through Design Thinking, a nonlinear continuous process, which challenges students to think critically, problem solve, collaborate, research, ask relevant and deep questions, strengthen argumentation skills, organize a process, evaluate multiple sources, and put knowledge into tangible action.

The class integrates multiple disciplines into a more complete framework of analysis, driving an inquiry-based methodology, which encourages questions and collaboration, ultimately leading toward a student who is intrinsically motivated.

INQUIRY-BASED Rather than having the teacher telling information to students, we will have students and teachers asking each other relevant questions about complex issues and collaborating with each other to locate varied sources of knowledge, information, and perspectives on those issues.

INTEGRATIVE A systematic effort to integrate multiple perspectives (disciplines) into a more complete framework of analysis, thus accomplishing a new understanding that could not have been created by drawing from a single discipline.

Team-Taught Courses: Eleventh-grade American Design is team-taught by an English and History teacher.

Dual Credit: Eleventh-grade students receive an English and History graduation credit on their transcript.

Inquiry-Based Learning: Eleventh-grade students explore in-depth topics related to “history and culture now” in a local context through project-andproblem-based learning.

Public Presentations: Eleventh-grade students complete collaborative projects that include community engagement and public presentations of their work.

Capstone Projects: Qualified, twelfthgrade students have the opportunity to apply for an independent project that will include working with a faculty member and/or an industry-based mentor.

A PORTRAIT TODAY A MASTERPIECE TOMORROW Casady School’s Portrait of a Graduate is more than just a portrait. It’s a journey - a road map around and through the experience of every graduate.

That’s what we express with our logo for Portrait of a Graduate. The outline of the Casady Lake, around which each grade resides, serves as the perfect shape from which the design of the Portrait of a Graduate logo was crafted. Each outline is highlighted by a vibrant color to convey diversity and how our students Honor, Learn, Engage, Innovate, Serve, and Thrive. Each color is layered with each other to form a symbol reminiscent and in honor of our Cyclone. More importantly, every piece comes together to build on one another - to build a portrait of a community, a portrait of a life, a portrait of a graduate who lives a life of balance, purpose, and joy.

I am a Casady Graduate I HONOR. I cultivate my own faith tradition and honor the traditions of others.

I LEARN. I explore the world with inquisitiveness and enthusiasm. I grow in the face of challenge and share my best ideas with others.

I ENGAGE. I participate in positive local and global communities and embrace the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

I INNOVATE. I commit to creative solutions and inspire others to action.

I SERVE. I act with compassion, empathy, and integrity, and I respect the dignity of others.

I THRIVE. I live a life of balance, purpose, and joy.

CYCLONE SUCCESS

9

CLASS OF 2023

will participate in

12

Matriculation to

47

different colleges in

21

states + DC

will participate in honors colleges or programs

1

U.S. Presidential Scholar

5

varsity sports

12

National Merit Finalists

78%

$10M

in scholarships awarded

will matriculate out-of-state

312

college acceptances to

92%

admitted to a top choice college

122

different colleges and universities

(100% are Barron’s indexed and approved colleges/universities for quality and excellence)

THE HORIZON OF

HIGHER EDUCATION We help our students succeed by challenging and supporting them in every aspect of their educational experience. The result is that our students are given every opportunity to realize their potential and use it to make a difference in their community.

At Casady, college counseling and readiness workshops ensure that each student is prepared to experience success in the Upper Division, as well as in college and in life. The Upper Division staff and College Counselors are focused on college preparation and college matching.

Our college counseling team provides a premier college readiness program that includes both a parent and student track. For parents, we offer college nights starting in ninth grade, along with special guest speakers, breakout sessions, one-on-one meetings, and financial aid workshops. For students, we provide a college seminar that includes essay writing, test prep, resume building, one-on-one college application consulting, and a mock admission capstone project.

A KEY TO COLLEGE A GATEWAY TO THE WORLD

Since 2007, the Casady Dean’s Fly-In Program has been a signature program of Casady’s College Counseling Team. It emphasizes their ability to cultivate strong and meaningful relationships with college admission representatives from across the country. These experts speak to our students and share their expertise with our Community.

This program is for 11th-grade students and their parents, and it is key to the success of Casady students finding the “best fit” to be successful in college and in the world beyond.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES THAT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN CASADY’S DEAN’S FLY-IN PROGRAM: Amherst College Austin College Boston University Bucknell University Case Western Reserve University Colby College College of William and Mary Dartmouth College Davidson College Duke University Emory University Furman University George Washington University

Grinnell College Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Northwestern University Oklahoma State University Pomona College Santa Clara University Southern Methodist University Southwestern University Texas Christian University Trinity University University of Chicago University of Georgia

University of Kansas University of Mississippi University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Southern California University of Tulsa University of Vermont Vanderbilt University Whitman College

ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE At the end of a Casady student’s journey, it’s natural to look back and reflect on the lessons learned along the way. Senior Speeches, given during daily chapel, are a way for the school to provide a platform for seniors to share their parting thoughts with their peers and teachers.

GOING OUT IN STYLE Just before Spring Exams begin, the senior class decides to take a day off and not show up for classes.

While this is now an expected, scheduled day, it is just as much a rite of passage today as it was when the tradition began.

BRINGIN’ HOME THE CYCLONES Traditionally celebrated in the Fall, Homecoming is one of the moments when Casady’s rich and storied history is most evident. There is a raucous campus-wide pep rally and cookout leading up to the Cyclones’ games on Friday evening in Football, Field Hockey, and Volleyball.

HONORING TRADITION CELEBRATING GROWTH The Alumni Awards Banquet is an elegant dinner and ceremony that serves as the kickoff for Casady’s weekend of Homecoming Celebrations each year. Three alumni are presented with the Distinguished Graduate, Alumni Achievement, and Young Alumni Achievement awards.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Just before Spring Break, each fourth grader comes to campus dressed as a famous American to perform songs, sketches, and share facts about our nation and the American icons they’ve researched as part of our “Celebrate America” program.

CORNUCOPIA OF CULTURE World Banquet is the culmination of the kindergartners’ geography studies and is traditionally held in May. Primary Division students and their families gather one evening in May to observe the different continents and regions around the globe. Kindergartners share what they’ve learned about those regions with parent volunteers and discuss the different outfits, foods, music, animals, and cultures that can be found in other parts of the world.

JAM SESSION Our Pops Concert allows Upper Division musicians the incredible experience each spring of performing cinematic and pop music alongside professional musicians from across the OKC Metro. Everyone leaves this concert humming the greatest movie themes of all time like Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean.

CURRICULUM OF FAITH CHORUS OF PRAISE At Casady School, “Lessons and Carols” is held annually on the first weekend of December and serves to prepare our community for the coming of Christ’s birth on Christmas Day. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings or lessons from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir anthems.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The purpose of the Alumni Association is to serve the alumni, serve the needs of Casady School, and advance the school’s mission.

The association serves the school’s need for leadership, volunteer commitment, financial support, and communications including public relations. It also serves the alumni through networking, providing connections to Casady School, and offering appropriate activities and services.

BOOSTER CLUB Recognizing that the athletic program is critical to the physical and social development of Casady students, in 2011, the Cyclone Booster Club was formed. Today, thanks to the Casady Community’s generosity and boundless energy, the Booster Club continues to fulfill its mission to promote excellence and enthusiasm in the Casady athletic program by enhancing school spirit and supporting equipment, facility, and coaching needs.

CASADY PARENTS’ ORGANIZATION All parents at Casady are automatically members of the Casady Parents’ Organization (CPO). The CPO’s mission is to support our School through a dualistic approach of service and fundraising. Every year, the money raised through these efforts is gifted back to the School to purchase items requested by the teachers to enhance their classrooms, to support faculty professional development, to donate to the Annual Fund, and more.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A

CYCLONE?

CONTACT US TODAY If you are looking for a school that nurtures, engages, challenges, provides diverse opportunities, encourages students to try new things, prepares them for the future, and provides them with the tools to succeed in school and beyond, you have come to the right place!

Casady School Admission Office (405) 749-3200 admission@casady.org casady.org

Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.