HEAD OF SCHOOL
Lee Thomsen lthomsen@saccds.org
HEAD OF HIGH SCHOOL
Brooke Wells bwells@saccds.org
DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
Alicia Perla aperla@saccds.org
ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIPS
Western Assoc. of Schools & Colleges
National Assoc. of Independent Schools
California Assoc. of Independent Schools
Inspiring discovery since 1964.
Sacramento Country Day School
2636 Latham Drive
Sacramento, CA 95864
www.saccds.org • 916.481.8811
Sacramento Country Day High School encourages students to explore, improvise, and take risks as they discover and fully express themselves. Students grapple with complex issues, engage with conficting points of view, make connections across disciplines, and collaborate with peers and faculty.
Our inclusive community works together to promote equity and understanding through meaningful conversations that welcome a variety of voices and celebrate individuality. We empower students with curiosity, confdence, and resilience to thrive in an evolving world.
13
average class size
55% of students identify as non-Caucasian
97% of graduates enroll in 4-year colleges and universities
87% of teachers have advanced degrees
INTENTIONAL SCHEDULES & INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
We use a two-semester calendar totaling 36 weeks. Grades are issued four times a year, with quarterly grades used only to indicate progress. Transcripts only refect semester grades.
Over a six day rotating cycle, each day has fve 52 minute academic periods, a 60 minute open block for electives and special classes, and a 30 minute fex period. Our schedule intentionally provides space for students to reach deeply in subject areas of their passion, have internships, meet individually
with teachers, excel in athletics, and have space to take courses that go well beyond the traditional Advanced Placement model.
There is also a 20 minute daily morning break where students have Morning Meeting three times a week, meet with their Advisory group once a week or meet as a grade level once a week. Advisory groups provide another touchpoint and layer of support. Faculty advisors work closely with small groups of students to set academic goals, evaluate progress, and create multiyear academic plans.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
•We advise students to enroll in 5 academic classes and 1 elective annually
•Some electives are offered on a Pass/Fail basis. A passing grade for Pass/Fail classes is 70%
•Most rigorous curriculum possible: 8 weighted courses by the end of senior year
•We require students in grades 9-11 to take AP exams if enrolled in the class. Seniors may take one course not required for graduation Pass/Fail and are not required to sit for AP exams
CLASS OF 2026 FACTS
•50 students
• 1 National Merit Semifnalist
•6 National Merit Commended
2025 AP EXAMS & SCHOLAR AWARDS
•121 students
•302 exams
•27 subjects
•84% pass rate
•3.6 average score
2023-25 CLASSES SAT TESTING
•71% of students tested
•1330 median
•1200-1450: mid-50% range
Grading System
Weighted courses receive an additional point when calculating a weighted GPA*. The highest grade awarded is “A” and the passing grade is “D-”
•We do not record grades received at other institutions; transcripts from prior schools and outside programs are attached to the Country Day transcript
•Semester Honor Roll for 3.3 and above, and High Honor Roll for 3.7 and above.
*Unweighted and weighted GPAs include only grades from core academic classes taken at Country Day. Weighted courses receive an additional point when calculating a weighted GPA.
THECOLLEGECOUNSELINGPROMISE
Our college counselor is able to provide personal attention to students during the college application process. As we guide and support students through the transformational process of applying for college, we promise to:
•Provide one-on-one college counseling for each student, promoting each student’s interests, strengths, aspirations, and goals.
•Offer resources for students and their families throughout the college application process.
• Help students discover colleges that are a good ft for them academically, philosophically, socially, and fnancially.
TUITION & AFFORDABILITY
39% of students receive fnancial support
We strive to make our unparalleled program fnancially accessible to families for whom our mission and programs are a ft. In addition to the large number of students who receive tuition assistance, our Scholars Program offers two newly enrolling ninth grade students the opportunity to enroll with tuition and expenses fully covered.
Learn more about tuition assistance and our Scholars program at www.saccds.org/admissions/tuition
SUBJECT AREAS
English (4 years required)
History & Social Science (3 years required)
Science (3 years required)
Mathematics (3 years required)
9
English 9 (Intro to Literature)
Curriculum
10
English 10 (Literature of Migration)
World History 9 Human Geography 10
Physics
Chemistry
11
English 11 AP English Language & Composition* Intro to Creative Writing
12
English 12 AT English Literature & Composition* Intro to Creative Writing
U.S. History AP U.S. History* AT Art History* AT Human Behavior*
Biology, AP Biology*, AT Anatomy & Physiology*, AP Chemistry*, AP Physics C (Mechanics & Electricity & Magnetism)*, AT in Applied Science*, AT Environmental Studies*
Geometry, Geometry Honors, Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, Math Analysis and Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus Honors*, AP Statistics*, AP Calculus AB*, AP Calculus BC*, AT in Calculus (Honors)*
Computer Science AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, AT Computer Science (VPA)
World Language (Level 3 profciency required)
Visual & Performing Arts
(2 semesters required)
French I, French II, French III, French IV, AP French Language & Culture*
Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish IV, AP Spanish Language & Culture*, AP Spanish Literature* Social Movements in Latin America, Equatorial Guinea and Spain
Studio Art, AP Studio Art*, Mock Trial, Garage Band, Chamber Music, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choir, Drama
Media Yearbook (VPA), Journalism, Film Appreciation (VPA)
Physical Education (4 semesters required)
Athletics (1 sport equals 1 semester of P.E.)
Community Service (50 hours)
To promote individual responsibility and fexibility, students design their program with various physical activities and sports in which they may wish to participate for years to come. Independent P.E. provides credit to students who participate in outside competitive programs for more than 10 hours per week.
Girls: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Ski/Snowboard, Softball, Soccer, Swimming/Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Boys: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Ski/Snowboard, Soccer, Swimming/Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Students focus their philanthropic activity in several areas on and off campus. Students volunteer for Breakthrough Sacramento, a community-based organization, which operates its summer program on Country Day’s campus. They spearhead fundraising for the annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day as well as the annual Turkey Drive. Students also help mantain Country Day’s organic garden, which donates the bulk of its harvest to a local food bank.
* Weighted courses AT= Advanced Topics
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