LJCDS Upper School

UPPER SCHOOL

Susan Domanico STAFF PROFILE Looking back on the path that brought me to La Jolla Country Day School, I realize now that I was destined to be a teacher. When I was in high school, I enjoyed explaining complicated ideas to my classmates. I loved science and went to college knowing that I would pursue a field that included working with this amazing molecule called DNA. I chose to study molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, and I fell in love with the idea of doing basic research.

My education continued at Northwestern University where I earned a Ph.D. in cell biology. Bench research was often exhausting, but the excitement of discovering a gene sequence that no one had ever seen before captivated me and kept me excited about pursuing a career as a professor who would one day run her own lab. During that time, however, I had the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduates.

My next step brought me to The Scripps Research Institute, where I received a grant to study changes in protein expression in breast cancer.

After five years at Scripps, I was presented with an unexpected opportunity to teach AP Biology at Country Day as a long-term substitute. I jumped at the chance. I left the lab in 1998 and I haven’t looked back. Teaching the students at Country Day has exceeded my expectations. I am routinely challenged by questions from my students, and I am humbled by and proud of the colleges and universities where they have continued their studies.

Over the years, my students have worked beside me as we have explored together from competing in robotics tournaments to conducting summer research on malaria drugs in a lab at the University of California San Diego. I look forward to continuing to mentor students along their own paths toward fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.

Preparing individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth, and social responsibility

UPPER SCHOOL Achieving the goals and reaching for more

As a nationally respected, college-preparatory school, Country Day provides its students with the vital intellectual and academic skills they need to excel in college and beyond. The Country Day Upper School academic program is rigorous, yet our entire faculty is passionate about seeing every student succeed.

A staff of full-time college counselors also provides information, encouragement, and guidance throughout the college application and admission process.

“ Country Day’s comprehensive approach develops the scholar, artist, and athlete of character.”

GRADES 9-12 Academic Program • College preparatory curriculum • Students encouraged to question and make connections • Curriculum includes a rich array of visual and performing arts Campus Life • A variety of special interest clubs • Comprehensive Community Service programs • Student Leadership opportunities • Athletic programs designed to meet the physical needs, abilities, and interests of students College Counseling • Staff includes three counselors and an assistant • Supports students as they search for colleges and begin the admission process • Receipt of the tools necessary to ask the right questions and make informed decisions

A

t present, Country Day offers over 18 Advanced Placement courses. Every year, members of the Country Day graduating class are accepted to the nation’s most prestigious academic institutions.

The arts and athletics are also essential components of the Upper School experience. Students have the opportunity to receive an exceptional range of arts instruction including offerings such as ceramics, film studies, playwriting, and orchestra. Our alumni include numerous college scholarship recipients, a U.S. Congressman, a Heisman Trophy winner, a WNBA player, and a Wimbledon semi-finalist. And our “no cut” policy ensures that if students wish to participate in a sport, they will.

The La Jolla Country Day School College Counseling Office is staffed by three full-time directors of college counseling. All Country Day juniors participate in a unique week- long program touring college campuses which are designed to help students understand and filter their individual priorities alongside a broad assortment of schools, providing them with the depth and breadth that informs the research to come.

LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL CONTACT INFO: ADMISSION@LJCDS.ORG 858.453.3440 x132 9490 GENESEE AVENUE LA JOLLA CA 92037 WWW.LJCDS.ORG