Miami Country Day School Viewbook

myday starts here.

Miami Country Day School

1

(louder!)

Each morning, Miami Country Day School (MCDS) students awaken excited about the day’s possibilities.

At night, they reflect on their experiences throughout the day, what they learned and what they loved. As an independent, non-denominational, PK3–12 college preparatory school, we provide a well-rounded learning experience for the whole child — a right-fit experience we explore and nurture at every age.

Learning in a positive, sunlit environment creates an anticipation for what the next day will bring.

Each day opens a door of possibility.

Whether joining our community as a Lower, Middle or Upper School student, a typical day on our expansive, open-air campus is one defined by numerous possibilities that strengthens each child’s core values while exploring his or her potentials. Each is encouraged to discover how learning is a chance to connect with ideas that are personally meaningful. We empower every student to find his or her unique voice and sense of self through a diversity of opportunities that meet a breadth of interests and academic, artistic and athletic abilities.

At the end of each student’s journey here, your child will emerge intellectually engaged, compassionate and respectful—an ethical citizen of the world prepared to walk through his or her day with confidence and curiosity.

2

Miami Country Day School

Miami Country Day School

3

Every day expands potential.

4

Miami Country Day School

MEANINGFUL PROBLEM-SOLVING If a lesson learned in the classroom can travel beyond our doors, education becomes truly valuable. We show our students how to make that realworld connection every day.

NATURAL CONNECTIONS At MCDS, we believe it’s a big, beautiful world out there—with plenty to be learned from the rocks, trees and creatures that populate the outdoors, our living classroom.

DEPTH OF CONTENT From academics to arts to athletics,the curriculum at MCDS is characterized by a love of learning that is experiential, expansive and subject to continual exploration.

COLLABORATIVE THINKING Often, our best ideas are born FOCUS OF ATTENTION from collaborative thinking.

What ignites a child’s love of learning?

Together, we can come up with We seek to help our students identify answers that are richer and their passions early on in our quest more thoughtful as the result of to bring their education into focus by working collectively. making the most of their individual gifts.

INQUIRY AND INTERACTION Humans are, by nature, insatiably curious. At MCDS, we nurture inquisitive minds that understand that the questions asked are just as important as the answers they yield.

FLIGHTS OF WONDER From our playgrounds to our playing fields, there is a joy and love of life that is palpable among our students. We encourage their dreams and expose them to even greater possibilities.

RESPECT AND INCLUSION As a microcosm of our truly international city, MCDS not only celebrates the diversity present in our community, but also expects all who enter to treat one another with respect and dignity.

Miami Country Day School

5

24/7/365 & counting.

Preparing our children for college and life requires more than a challenging curriculum and dedicated teachers: it also requires the development of a meaningful code of

Two halves. One whole.

personal ethics and aspirational set of daily expectations. In service to our Whole Child philosophy that seeks to unite these two vital cornerstones for success, we developed our four core values and six potentials. When combined, they serve as a solid foundation by which all actions and choices can be measured at Miami Country Day School. It’s true, we expect a lot from our children in and beyond the classroom, but never more than we ask of our own faculty, parents and staff. Together, we can

4 CORE VALUES

THE WHOLE CHILD

6 POTENTIALS

pursue a life well lived with a few simple guidelines that encourage us each and every day.

4

RESPECT encourages valuing the rights and opinions of others as well as acting with consideration

CORE VALUES >

6

Miami Country Day School

towards others.

COMPASSION expects action towards others with empathy, care, acceptance and understanding.

HONOR fosters integrity and truthfulness, which leads to correct and trustworthy actions.

WISDOM defines intelligence and knowledge, which comes with

miamicountryday.org/AboutUs/ SpartansThatShine

experience and allows for good judgment.

6 POTENTIALS INTELLECTUAL Broadening one’s intellectual capacity requires more than facts and figures. To this end, our learning environment, passionate teachers, challenging curricula and creative teaching approaches bring about the best in our students. With a rigorous academic program that far exceeds most college preparatory requirements, our 21st century educational model is one that encourages truly meaningful learning.

AESTHETIC Personal expression through the arts is central to our development as individuals. At every stage of a student’s growth, the opportunity to explore one’s creativity is made possible through our artsrelated classes, clubs, guest speakers and performances. Through the creative process, our students begin to learn something about their own humanity as young actors, painters, musicians, photographers and sculptors.

EMOTIONAL No one is a stranger here thanks to faculty who take the time to know our students as unique individuals.

Throughout his or her time here, a student’s emotional health and well-being is given top priority by our caring Guidance Department.

Collectively, they also help develop our Life Skills and Seminar curriculum—a wellness and prevention program addressing such timely topics as bullying and Internet safety.

PHYSICAL At MCDS, we understand that physical activity is integral to such invaluable lifelong lessons as teamwork, sportsmanship, tradition, dedication and self-esteem. With a thriving athletic program that offers opportunities for all skill levels and abilities, we provide student-athletes with a welcoming sports environment—one in which they can all become skilled, confident and honorable individuals.

SOCIAL A diverse cultural mosaic, our student body represents a broad variety of economic, spiritual and even international backgrounds we encourage all to celebrate and share with one another. Whether participating in special interest clubs, student council, honor societies or community service projects, our students strengthen their social understanding of the world through collaborative interactions.

SPIRITUAL We believe a meaningful appreciation for the ethical and moral development of our students is key to their spiritual growth. Throughout their journey here, we seek to instill in all Miami Country Day students a healthy respect and acceptance for a multiplicity of religions and beliefs—challenging them to consistently place compassion, justice and equality at the epicenter of their everyday actions.

Miami Country Day School

7

Ideas should be explored, not just talked about.

At Miami Country Day School, we create experiential learning opportunities to encourage direct contact with subjects learned in the classroom. Whole-brain learning takes place when all aspects of a child’s mind and body are exposed to new ideas, theories, skills and people beyond our textbooks and tablets. After all, we live in a world that’s meant to be experienced — and we believe in connecting the students to it whenever possible.

MINIMESTER. MAJOR POSSIBILITIES.

We used to believe black holes were rare. But thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope’s explorations, we now know the presence of supermassive material means black holes are a standard feature of most galaxies.

Wow.

8

Miami Country Day School

True 21st century learning must take place in a variety of environments—here at home and abroad.

With our popular one-week Minimester Program, students have the opportunity to explore exciting and innovative courses outside of our regular curriculum. From student-selected topics, such as “Wetwork: Marine Biology Outside the Classroom” and “Yoga, Holistic Health and Consciousness” to “A View From The Bench” and “Total Immersion in the Performing Arts,” we dare to go there!

SEEING PATTERNS WHILE WE PLAY

At MCDS, chess is king. Student players from K–12 routinely put their math, science, social, communication and problem-solving skills to the test as members of our Spartan Chess Club.

Throughout the year, they compete in (and win) local and national competitions, including our very own prestigious Epicure Grand Prix Chess Tournament held annually in South Florida.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND ROCKETS & RACECARS

How do you get up close and personal with Newton’s third law of motion? If you’re a Middle School student in our math and science classes, you design and build your own racecars and rockets powered by carbon dioxide canisters. When exploring equations, linear functions, principles of flight and properties of density, mass and lift, we like to get creative!

(we did it!)

BATTLING FOR THE BUOYANCY CUP

What better way to learn about the properties of water than by designing, building and piloting your own boat in our annual Buoyancy Cup? The catch?

You can only use cardboard, Elmer’s glue and duct tape to construct a sea-worthy craft with no more than six fellow classmates. May the best sailors (and scientists) win!

>

miamicountryday.org/academics/ UniquePrograms/Minimester

Miami Country Day School

9

Curious things, those birds, bees, flowers and trees.

We could learn a thing or two from Mother Nature — and often, we do! With an abundance of sunshine in Miami, we make sure to turn the great outdoors into a living classroom as often as possible. By putting our students in direct contact with as much flora, fauna and fun as possible, Miami Country Day makes good on its promise to pursue 360-degree learning throughout the academic year.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS STAR

(wow)

What better state than our own to explore a broad diversity of wildlife habitats and inhabitants?

Through our Comprehensive Outdoor Education Program (COEP), our adventurous students have the opportunity to explore the insects, animals, plants and terrain unique to Florida and the rest of the country through an ongoing series of weekend and summer treks. As an official trekker, the skills and lessons learned in the classroom are explored out in the real world as students journey with peers and adult trekkers—stretching their minds while stretching their limbs. In the Sunshine State alone, our students have traversed the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Myakka River State Park and Hillsborough River State Park, to name just a few.

SERVING UP IDEAS THAT SERVE

The Abess Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) offers our students a rare opportunity to explore Earth’s biodiversity and environmental issues.

Through a variety of stimulating hands-on activities with a diverse menagerie of animals (our chicken coop is a favorite), gardens and a greenhouse, students participate in authentic learning experiences through the real-world lens of 21st century professions. In ACES, budding scientists, journalists, broadcasters,

10

Miami Country Day School

socially conscious entrepreneurs and even chefs are busy at work. Ever tried a pizza baked by the sun?

Solar Cooking may just offer a key to survival for our global neighbors in Africa, Haiti and Afghanistan. To that end, our 4th graders have learned to build, test and improve their own foil-lined “ovens,” then devise a variety of tactics to help raise funds for solar cookers where they’re needed most.

HOW DO OUR GARDENS GROW?

Abundantly, thanks to the often dirty, but rewarding work of our MCDS “avant-gardeners” who plant, tend to and learn from our lush campus gardens and their tiny guests. From broccoli to beetles, our fertile grounds offer students a wealth of food and food for thought to nourish the body, mind and soul.

It’s all about getting our kids connected to the earth and the source of their sustenance—from the seeds they sow and water to the ripe fruits and veggies they harvest and then enjoy together. Along the way, our students have the rare opportunity to become practicing botanists and entomologists with up close and personal observation of the entire life cycle right in our own backyard.

>

Did you know that human life is dependent on honey bees for its sustainability?

If all the bees disappeared from the earth, humans would also disappear within four years as well.

miamicountryday.org/COEP

Miami Country Day School

11

Remember when printers only printed paper?

Today, we use 3-D printers to create everything from clothes and homes to prosthetics and skin tissue!

What will today’s youngest innovators dream up tomorrow?

At Miami Country Day School, we welcome and nurture the inquisitive among us — especially the questioning minds of our Lower School students. Immersion in a truly 21st century education is key to preparing our youth for the exciting array of pursuits and professions available to them as adults. Naturally, we cover all the basics

AN APPLE A DAY

FROM A TO Z

BRINGS TECHNOLOGY OUR WAY

(AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN)

Our Lower School students are exposed to cutting-edge computers at an early age as one of many tools to explore, create, problem-solve and share what they learn—establishing ease and familiarity with sophisticated technology in their formative years. In The Stanley and Dorothy Whitman Library and Katherine E. Franco Center for Learning Resources, we give tomorrow’s 21st century thinkers and leaders direct access to state-of-the-art Apple iMacs, digital cameras and music keyboards today.

In our after school clubs alone, over 25 varied offerings make learning a blast for kids beyond the classroom—with an exciting variety of activities that connect with every individual’s spirit. If they love to help out in the kitchen, Cooking: Foods of the Rainbow might be a good fit. Or if they like to bend and move their bodies ’round, our Yoga and Zumba classes are the perfect place for little movers and shakers.

And for the budding vets on the playground, Crazy About Animals is a great place to get them connected to a diversity of exotic animals.

THE KINDER TO COLLEGE CONNECTION

Through their many accomplishments, our Upper School superstars serve as excellent role models for our younger students. With so much to share, we realized a mentorship program connecting these two groups just made good sense.

Established in 2010, our Kinder to College program affords our seniors the opportunity to become trustworthy “buddies” to our Kindergarteners: to teach, inspire, guide and encourage them with their own stories of success. Naturally, the experience is a reciprocal one as the mentors themselves develop a sense of responsibility during their own intellectual, social and emotional journey.

USING I.C.E. TO IGNITE HOT IDEAS

Still-growing minds are often filled with some pretty large-scale ideas. To get them out into the world, we encourage our young entrepreneurs to enroll in our Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (I.C.E.) Initiative. With the guidance of faculty, alumni, mentors and parents who can share their experience and knowledge, students have the opportunity to formulate, propose, pitch and then launch a pet project, idea or dream!

>

miamicountryday.org/Academics/ LowerSchool

including math, science, language arts, history, world languages, technology and the fine arts. But these are only springboards for deeper learning and acquisition of creative and critical-thinking skills — cultivated by habits of mind that encourage lifelong discovery, reflection and innovation. During this period of their growth, every answer is connected to a new question. We encourage every why.

Lower School Program

Miami Country Day School

13

Widespread access to information changed the world over 600 years ago with the introduction of the Gutenberg press. How will the Internet transform our world as more people gain access to it today? Hmm.

HIDDEN CURRICULUM. VISIBLE RESULTS.

IN THE STUDIO AND ON THE SCENE

The period of development from childhood to adolescence

Every year, our 8th graders are treated to a unique learning experience that poses the question of “how do I affect my community?” via our Hidden Curriculum. Through a diverse program of activities, trips and events, students are challenged to answer this question out in the real world—interacting with diverse communities affected by illness and poverty, volunteering at hospitals and missions and visiting historical landmarks and memorials.

Tomorrow’s directors, producers and journalists are getting an early start thanks to our state-ofthe-art broadcast studio featuring HD digital cameras and professional video editing software.

Classes, clubs and even a SpartanTV Camp led by an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster all make for an unforgettable experience here.

is a critical time in an individual’s development. In response,

WHAT THE HOLOCAUST CONTINUES TO TEACH US

Learning about the Holocaust is just one of many ways we encourage understanding and compassion—engaging students in conversations that lead to a deeper appreciation for one another’s heritage. At the annual Holocaust Education Day, our 8th graders have the opportunity to listen to and interact with living survivors.

MAN AND MACHINE IN HARMONY

In our math and science classes, our students gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind the devices of the future. Middle Schoolers have the rare opportunity to explore computerprogramming fundamentals used to control robotic devices with electives that challenge them to design their own robots.

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL

We make a concerted effort to include everyone on the team, whether in the classroom or out on the fields. Our no-cut policy for Middle School athletics allows for more than just a high percentage of participation—it also helps to build individual confidence and self-esteem among all team members regardless of skill level or ability.

we foster an encouraging and inclusive spirit for our Middle Schoolers. With the development of a strong character and whole person in mind, a variety of subjects, skills, athletics and social and personal growth activities are central to our program. In addition to the standard core subjects, courses in the fine arts, technology and physical education are also explored to help students connect with budding interests while further developing their potential. The acquisition of important life skills is also central to this period with direct exposure to guidance counselors who help students develop a healthy approach to life.

LEARNING TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE

With well over 30 countries represented across our student body, we feature a strong and vibrant international presence. As such, we make a variety of English Language Learners (ELL) courses available to assist in the development of English language and cultural skills to help ELL students succeed at MCDS.

>

miamicountryday.org/Academics/ MiddleSchool

Middle School Program

14

Miami Country Day School

Miami Country Day School

15

Upper School Program For Upper School students, exploring individual passions

CUE THE MUSIC. BRING THE DRAMA!

is key during these years. Working with caring faculty who

Upper School music skills are refined and put to the real test through various courses, competitions and performances that create the perfect stage for individual and collaborative expression. Our popular contemporary music ensemble, “21 Hearts, 1 Beat,” is comprised of advanced vocal and instrumental musicians who perform everything from classical pieces to pop extravaganzas for appreciative audiences everywhere. For the socially conscious among us, our Theater for Social Change offers a thrilling opportunity for our young thespians to tackle potentially hot-button topics—creating resonant artistic performances capable of fostering change in our school and out in the world. By presenting issues in a public forum that allows for ongoing reflection and resolution, everyone can join in on the conversation.

challenge them to become a part of the learning process, they refine their core values and potentials — evolving into truly critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers. No matter their primary interests, all are exposed to a rigorous college-preparatory program, including Honors and AP courses in all disciplines. By now, we know the scholars, artists, athletes, musicians, scientists and social advocates among them — but we never set limits on anyone. Which might explain why it’s just as likely to have a stellar athlete starring in a school play as it is to have a math wiz getting his or her hands dirty in a ceramics class.

Thanks to over a hundred billion neurons that comprise the brain, there’s enough available space to hold approximately 1,000 terrabytes of information.

So what are you waiting for? Learn something new!

THE REAL WORLD (THINK YOU’RE READY?)

Our capstone Senior Project Program offers an opportunity to engage in real-world exploration of a passion or profession, allowing students to demonstrate that learning is, in fact, more than just the acquisition of facts in a classroom. As such, the process begins with proposals planned and designed by the seniors themselves in one of four areas: Social Service, Academic Research, Career Exploration and Artistic Development. By directly engaging with professionals in these spaces—everywhere from law, architecture and marketing firms to hospitals, homeless centers and artist studios—our seniors engage in experiences that often result in a clear

16

Miami Country Day School

direction for future career and community interests.

Not to mention an opportunity to demonstrate character through discipline, punctuality, responsibility and attention to detail.

SPARTANS IN THE ZONE

Athletics bring us together as a community. Central to our robust athletic program—featuring everything from football, basketball and swimming to golf, lacrosse and water polo—a desire to foster sportsmanship, dedication and self-esteem is key to student-athlete success. While our 37 athletic teams offer endless opportunities to stretch their physical potential, students are also developing an appreciation for the lifelong values of physical activity and teamwork.

Our dedicated coaches have led our players to new heights competing against some of Florida’s top teams on the road. But the most fun happens when we rally ’round our Spartans in our collegiateworthy facilities—including our state-of-the-art Aquatic Center, J. Calvin Rose Athletic Center and Koch Athletic Complex, featuring one of Florida’s finest artificial surfaces.

>

miamicountryday.org/Academics/ UpperSchool

Miami Country Day School

17

Your child’s day can start here.

INQUIRE about the possibilities available to your family.

EXPERIENCE a glimpse of an MCDS day by scheduling a visit.

LEARN MORE about how to join our community.

CONTACT our Admissions Department today with questions about your child’s

At MCDS, I was provided with tools which served me through college, law school, and career achievements, while simultaneously serving athletic, artistic, and spiritual aspects of my life.

—Alex Dombrowsky ’92

From the right fit to the right future.

The end of the journey at Miami Country Day is only the beginning of the countless adventures and opportunities yet to come for our lifelong learners and future global citizens.

Our deep involvement in the students’ lives — from PK3 through 12th grade — pays dividends when 100% of our graduates continue to a college or university that can best expand upon the individuals’ interests and passions we’ve helped them nurture.

As our college counselors advise every student, it’s about getting connected to the best college and career path that will allow for his or her specific talents and contributions to truly flourish. Which might explain why our graduating students tend to pursue an eclectic variety of right-fit paths—choosing higher education institutions that run the gamut from Harvard, Princeton and Yale to the Berklee College of Music, the Parsons School of Design and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A future that fulfills your child’s varied passions and abilities can begin today at Miami Country Day School, where pathways to endless possibilities are being created for every student, every day.

tomorrow. We are here for you.

MAKING PARENTS PART OF OUR DAY

Miami Country Day School is home to a very active and involved Parents’ Association (PA), with many of our parents attending monthly PA-sponsored coffees for enrichment on various topics in the areas of school administration and trends in education. By maintaining a strong and reciprocal connection to our parents, we can ensure a more personal and focused program of studies and experiences for every child during their journey here. We encourage all parents to get involved in our vibrant community to help us achieve our mission to nurture lifelong 21st century learners.

Admission is open to all students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, citizenship status, creed or national origin who possess the motivation, ability and character which would enable them to succeed in our school community.

Miami Country Day School 601 Northeast 107th Street Miami, Florida 33161 (305) 779-7200

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

18

It’s hard to say goodbye to Miami Country Day. Just ask Kevin J. King ’95, a graduate of MCDS and current V.P. and Wealth Management Advisor of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. As the recipient of our 2014 C.W. “Doc” Abele Award for Distinguished Service to the School, Kevin has always embodied the characteristics we strive to instill in all of our students—honor, respect, wisdom and compassion. But it’s his continued dedication to our Miami Country Day School school’s future over the years that truly make him shine.

Whether functioning as Alumni Board President, member of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Financial Sustainability Committee or as a fundraising advocate for our school, Kevin’s devotion and connection to his alma mater is awe-inspiring. And when he isn’t speaking to senior students at Career Day or engaging fellow alumni to take on leadership positions within the school, Kevin and his wife Tricia are helping their own daughter navigate her day as a young Miami Country Day student!

miamicountryday.org facebook.com/miamicountrydayschool twitter.com/OfficialMCDS

Miami Country Day School

19

601 Northeast 107th Street Miami, Florida 33161 (305) 779-7200 20

Miami Country Day School

miamicountryday.org