Metairie Park Country Day School 2022-2023 View Book

MISSION

METAIRIE PARK COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL ENRICHES THE LIVES OF TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE IN A DYNAMIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, BUILDING STRENGTH OF INTELLECT AND STRENGTH OF CHARACTER WITHIN A COMMUNITY THAT IS SIMULTANEOUSLY CHALLENGING AND SUPPORTIVE. OUR STUDENTS LEARN TO BE FLEXIBLE, TO BE ADAPTABLE, AND TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE WITH HONOR, OPTIMISM, CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, AND A SENSE OF HUMOR.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING STATEMENT

Metairie Park Country Day School believes that creating a fully inclusive community is an ongoing process that is essential for optimal learning. We are cultivating a community based upon respect and empowerment of all individuals. Our School’s commitment to fostering diversity does not simply reflect tolerance or accommodation, but rather a recognition of the ways in which all members of our community are enriched and strengthened when these principles are embraced.

In pursuit of this goal, our School community seeks to eliminate bias in school by addressing stereotypes, emphasizing similarities as well as differences, and encouraging awareness and enjoyment of multiple perspectives. The Country Day Board, administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students are committed to creating and maintaining a positive environment where the academic and social well-being of all students is affirmed.

Welcome to Metairie Park Country Day School!

Our founders’ dream of a school that offers the finest academic preparation within a caring community exists today at Metairie Park Country Day School. “Country Day,” as we call it, is a joyful place filled with thoughtful, passionate adults united in our mission to help students learn to be “flexible, adaptable, and to face life’s challenges with honor, optimism, confidence, creativity, and a sense of humor.” We understand that students learn best in an academically demanding and appropriately supportive environment, so we encourage independence, foster critical thinking, allow students to take risks, and empower them to open their minds to limitless possibilities.

State-of-the-art engineering, science, art-centered learning spaces, and our use of advanced technology continue to support our expansive curriculum and enhance our sense of shared community. Independent study opportunities and Global Online Academy courses in Medical Problem Solving, Entrepreneurship in a Global Context, Personal Finance, Introduction to Branding and Marketing, Arabic and Japanese, as well as travel abroad opportunities, continue to open the world to our students.

We are a proud school community, conscious of our long-standing traditions, our appetite for innovation, and our collegiality. Specific traditions like a common Dining Room, multi-age groupings of K/1/2 and 3/4 students in Lower School, and our Faculty Fellows professional development program emblematize our community, and our insistence on intellectual virtues and ethical leadership is woven throughout every aspect of our day.

It is my sincere hope that you spend a few moments looking through our viewbook and visiting with us on campus. By doing so, I believe you will see a community that lives its mission, actualizes its values, and a school spirit that is second to none.

Sincerely, Rob Hereford Head of School

Why Country Day?

Established in 1929, Metairie Park Country Day School is a co-educational, non-denominational, independent school. Situated on a beautiful 15-acre campus, Country Day enriches the lives of talented young people in a dynamic learning environment filled with thoughtful, passionate adults united in our mission to help students learn to be “flexible, to be adaptable, and to face the challenges of life with honor, optimism, confidence, creativity, and a sense of humor.” The School prioritizes curiosity, critical thinking, character, and citizenship as essential outcomes for all graduates.

» A focus on the individual is reflected in Country Day’s small class sizes, flexible scheduling, multi-age classrooms (in lower school), intentional social-emotional learning curriculum, and in the myriad opportunities for students to participate on athletic teams, in the visual and performing arts, and in community service related projects. Together, this focus helps ensure that our graduates succeed in getting into the college of their choice and in life.

» A challenging, rigorous, and global curriculum is offered through programs in the classroom, out in the community, and by traveling the world - literally or through cyber-space. Our students are given the opportunity to explore languages, participate in innovative, individually-tailored courses, and experience the richness of other cultures through travel abroad programs, by participating in Global Online Academy courses, or by selecting one of 17 AP courses.

»

A strong community is established and reinforced as faculty and students join together in advisory, during our family-style lunches, at little lunch, during our football fan dinners, and through participation in our various buddy programs across divisions. Our community is further strengthened by our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Country Day Life We Build Community

Academic intensity at Country Day is balanced by a rich student life, a diverse community of friends, and faculty to rely on for direction and support. Everyone shares a role in maintaining the integrity of our community, and through that responsibility comes an appreciation for all Country Day embodies.

Advisors Clear the Path

Faculty advisors are assigned to every middle and upper school student and meet with their advisees weekly to assess personal and academic goals. Advisors guide students in ethical decision-making and regularly communicate with parents about their child’s personal and academic progress.

The Campus

The community-oriented values of Country Day are exemplified in the physical form of the fifteenacre campus. There are no closed hallways, but rather open walkways, numerous courtyards, and vegetable and flower gardens that invite an appreciation of nature or friendly conversation.

Expanded Viewpoints

Our youngest students begin to understand diversity as they learn about the uniqueness of each individual. That knowledge base grows in Middle and Upper School as they further explore literature, languages, history, and are exposed to varying viewpoints and perspectives. Country Day also provides opportunities for older students to experience the richness of cultures through student exchange programs. However, all students participate in regular discussions on cultural competency and diversity.

Join the Club

Our students create their own opportunities to remain engaged in their academic interests beyond the classroom. With numerous student-run clubs in both Middle and Upper School and our after-school Cajun Care enrichment program offering classes

in robotics, chess, performing arts, and study skills development in the Lower School, there is truly something for everyone.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Opportunities to teach, nurture, and practice the values that build children of character are integrated into every aspect of school life. Socialemotional learning is woven into daily life through Lower School Morning Meetings and our unique lunch program. SEL is then reinforced in Middle School and in Upper School through the curriculum and the advisory program.

Designing Our Future

Faculty provide students with a challenging, balanced curriculum and regularly use advanced technology to enhance the learning process. Country Day’s Department of Applied Technology supports the infusion of digital technology into all disciplines and grade levels from Pre-K to 12th grade by promoting computational thinking through experiential, project-based learning.

Family Style Dining

The dining experience at Country Day is one of our most deeply treasured traditions. To promote interaction among diverse groups, students sit for lunch in a family-style setting at round tables with their peers from other grades. A designated server is responsible for serving the day’s meal and ensuring the younger children are cared for first. Faculty and staff hosts sit at nearly every table to assist in fostering mature conversation and reinforcing manners. When the meal is complete, all share in the responsibility of clearing the table and leaving it ready for the next group of students.

HEAD

“Country Day’s creative energy propels our students to take risks, explore, and problem solve. Our unique balance between rigor and support defines the Country Day experience and is only surpassed by the caring individuals that make up our community.”

Academics We Discover

Country Day’s educational approach reflects the rigor and accountability of traditional schools fused with the creativity and intellectual flexibility of progressive schools, cultivating students who are not just prepared for college, but for life. Our innovative curriculum teaches students how to think critically, creatively, independently, and to tackle challenges with optimism. As a balanced exploration of the math-sciences, the humanities, and the arts, our academic subjects are not selfcontained but connected across disciplines and grade levels.

Continually Evolving

Throughout its history, Country Day has consistently taken a concerted look at our curriculum and program. About 25 years ago,

faculty members saw the need for a class that centered on current events through a mix of art, music, religion, and philosophy lessons and lectures. Our Global Humanities class was created to skillfully balance just that. More recently, faculty members from the Department of Applied Technology saw the need for students to have a stronger foundation in computational thinking, Pre-K through 12th grade. Within one year, best practices were studied, a leading computer science curriculum was implemented, and formal instruction was scaffolded throughout Lower, Middle, and Upper School. As part of these changes, a Computer Science Principles course was introduced in Upper School to augment the existing AP Computer Science course.

Lower School Joyful Learning

Thought-provoking inquiry begins in Lower School with active discovery to cultivate excitement, wonder, and a love for learning. Students are guided in the development of critical socialization skills, personal accountability, and open communication with peers and teachers, all of which serve as the foundation of our collaborative learning environment.

Pre-Kindergarten

The Pre-K program provides our youngest learners with a fascinating, comfortable environment in which to explore, foster friendships, and a genuine love of learning. Teachers quickly become familiar with each child’s learning style and pace, and flexible goals are set according to student readiness. Through rich exposure to group dynamics, joyful play, and the practice of effective communication skills, Pre-K students develop a sense of self-worth and secure relationships with their peers and with adults, confidence in their ability to read, write, count, and problem solve.

What is a Multiage Classroom?

Country Day is unique in the New Orleans area as the only PreK-12 independent school that offers a multiage format in the Lower School. Adopted over fifty years ago, the multiage approach assigns two teachers to one class of students for three years in a Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade (K/1/2) setting and then for two years in a Third and Fourth Grade (3/4) setting. Research shows that these are the years in which children develop at varied rates emotionally, socially, and cognitively, so within each classroom, our teachers strategically assemble student instructional groups with diverse interests, learning styles, and academic strengths.

In an article published in Educational Leadership, Professor Barbara Pavan reviewed 64 research studies on multiage classrooms. Pavan found that 58 percent of students in multiage classes performed better than their peers on measures of academic achievement. She also found that students in multiage settings were “more likely than their peers to have positive self-concepts, high self-esteem and good attitudes toward school.”

MIMI ODEM, LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

“Our Lower School is a dynamic place for individualized instruction and creative exploration. Our thoughtful, intentional approach to social-emotional learning fused within a balanced curriculum means our students build a foundation of joyful learning that serves them as they progress through grade levels, divisions, and life.”

K/1/2

Eight Kindergarten, eight first grade, and eight second grade students are guided and encouraged by two teachers over three years. These small groupings provide students with individualized instruction and attention, allowing teachers to use the most appropriate teaching method for each subject. Teachers emphasize perseverance, personal responsibility, and respect in a dynamic environment that scaffolds challenge and responsively supports all learners. Our K/1/2 students learn to pose thoughtful questions, collaborate with classmates, use newly learned vocabulary words in context, and read with accuracy and expression.

PM Kindergarten (PMK)

Beginning after lunch, PMK is the afternoon program for all Kindergarten students. Dedicated classrooms provide developmentally appropriate activities to promote academic growth, large and small motor development, social and emotional maturation, and artistic expression.

Third and Fourth Grade (3/4)

Students advance to the 3/4 multiage setting and

enter into a class with twelve third-grade students and twelve fourth-grade students. The emphasis on “learning to read” shifts to “reading to learn,” and complexity increases in mathematics, science, and history. Students begin to develop a strong conceptualization of the problem-solving process and a basic understanding of engineering and design principles, while also learning about ancient cultures and geography.

Fifth Grade

Students enter traditional grade level, subjectbased classrooms in the fifth grade, ready to embrace their roles as leaders of the Lower School. In preparation for the advanced curriculum and responsibility of Middle School, teachers emphasize accountability, homework, effective study and test-taking strategies, time management, and organizational skills. Fifth graders dive into literature and book clubs, research and essay writing, world geography, and the study of complex mathematics and science concepts. All students are exposed to French and Spanish throughout Lower School, and elect in fifth grade which language to continue into Middle School.

There is something wonderful and infectious about Middle School students’ curiosity, excitement when discovering new things, and unfettered belief in the possible. Their ability to invent and reinvent themselves and the world around them is inspiring.”

PAUL FRANTZ, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Middle School Making Connections

Middle School at Country Day is a wonderful bridge connecting students between the Lower and Upper Schools. Within a safe, supportive environment, faculty and staff encourage students to take academic risks and expand their intellectual, emotional, and social development as they navigate this unique stage of their lives.

Through both independent and collaborative experiences, Middle School students begin to make connections between “the how” and “the why” of what they are learning.

Science laboratories, history projects, and math exploration provide opportunities for students to test theories and creatively solve problems. Students develop and expand their reading and writing skills so that they become tools for learning and demonstrating knowledge. Through

music, drama, and art classes, students have opportunities to discover and enjoy their creative talents, while physical education and athletics help them to develop their physical abilities and talents. Extensive research materials and resources are available in the Bright Library to support learning in every discipline.

Connecting what they are learning in their classrooms with the real world helps students to deepen their understanding of themselves and course content. Participating in service-learning activities and experiential field trips requires them to engage firsthand with the culture of our diverse city, and each year, students participate in an outdoor education program that challenges them to take healthy risks in nature and through their interactions with each other.

Cultivating an engaged community is key to the success of our Upper School. Students learn to build strong relationships with each other and with adults on campus, which allows our faculty to challenge students in an academically rigorous but supportive environment. Our students succeed in all facets of life as they learn to be curious, demonstrate citizenship, and have the strength of intellect and character.

Upper School Prepared to

Intensity increases in the Upper School, with the primary focus on academics and preparation for college and beyond. Students, guided by advisors, choose rigorous and stimulating courses and class schedules. Upper School students learn to think critically, and prepare to excel in a variety of careers, including developing fields and those that do not yet exist.

Our curriculum offers honors classes and 17 Advanced Placement options across disciplines. Within the classroom, inquiry-based discussions

develop analytical skills and encourage independent thinking. Working with faculty members, students with special interests can design projects on subjects such as digital animation, anthropology, or architecture. A one-to-one tablet program enhances individual study, and frequent teacher assessment promotes a realistic measure of achievement. More than half the upper school faculty have advanced degrees, and all pursue engaging, creative approaches to instruction through professional development opportunities.

UPPER

ON-SITE COLLEGE COUNSELING

Two directors, and an executive assistant, help students find the “right fit” college through group and individual discussions, family meetings, levelspecific college counseling classes, and college tours. College Counseling hosts coffee and evening programs throughout the year, connecting families with on-campus college counseling professionals and admissions representatives from universities around the world.

“Our students have the freedom to thrive in dedicated, creative spaces under the direction of renowned, practicing artists and musicians.”

KATIE ANTIS, ART

The Arts We Create

What does it mean to participate in the Arts at Country Day? It means that our students, faculty, and staff are exploring more than 50 different artrelated activities daily throughout the year. During a normal academic year, students present in four major art shows in the Georges Art Gallery and participate in more than 15 musical and theatrical productions. In addition, our student artists and musicians venture off campus to contribute to art exhibits

ART OFFERINGS

LOWER SCHOOL

Multimedia Art Ceramics

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Metals Woodworking Ceramics

UPPER SCHOOL

Metals

Woodworking Ceramics Drawing and Painting

such as Art in Bloom at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and students craft ceramic soup bowls to share with the Salvation Army during the Souper Bowl Gala. Musicians and singers are selected to perform at the district and state levels, and several artists place nationally each year in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Printmaking Band Orchestra Music

Drawing and Painting Photography Band

Digital Fabrication

Graphic Design

Honors Studio Art Band

Orchestra Percussion Ensemble Chorus

Orchestra Advanced Chorale Honors Music Small Vocal Ensemble

After School Players

Drama

AP Studio Art

MIKE MCGUIRE, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

“We are a dynamic school community centered on students, ensuring that their individual and collective pursuits are nurtured and explored. That includes athletic endeavors on the field, on the court, or in the gym.”

Athletics We Compete

Country Day’s athletic program is designed to engage our students in healthy, active lifestyles that instill leadership and sportsmanship qualities essential for success both on and off the field. Our “no-cut” policy allows our student-athletes the opportunity to be part of one of 19 sports or

50 middle school, junior varsity, or varsity level teams. Over 70% of our upper school students participate in at least one sport at Country Day. The typical Country Day athlete is involved in the arts, extracurricular clubs, and community service.

VARSITY SPORTS OFFERINGS:

Baseball Basketball (Girls and Boys) Cheerleading Cross Country (Girls and Boys)

Football Golf (Girls and Boys) Soccer (Girls and Boys) Softball

Swimming (Girls and Boys) Tennis (Girls and Boys) Track and Field (Girls and Boys) Volleyball

Country Day Graduates Currently Participate In The Following Collegiate Athletic Programs:

STATE CHAMPIONS

STATE CHAMPIONS

12 times in the past 13 years

DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field, Boys’ Cross Country, and Boys’ Soccer

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Trinity University

FOOTBALL

Arkansas Tech University

University of Florida

University of Kentucky

University of Montana

Tulane University

TRACK

University of Redlands

VOLLEYBALL

University of Central Arkansas

Howard University

The University of Iowa

CROSS COUNTRY

Dickinson College

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONS

St. Edward’s University Washington and Lee University