“Live and Serve” echoes through the halls of North Shore Country Day School. These words are not just a motto. They represent the very essence of this independent school. North Shore Country Day School has a rich history. It began as the Rugby School for Boys in 1893. Later it transformed into the Girton School for Girls. In 1919 North Shore Country Day School took its current form as a coeducational institution. This happened during the Country Day School movement.
Perry Dunlap Smith founded North Shore Country Day School. He envisioned a school for girls and boys of all ages. Smith later hired architect Edwin H. Clark. Clark redesigned the school grounds. He ensured the campus reflected the school’s progressive spirit. North Shore Country Day School was selected for the Eight-Year Study in 1933. This study allowed alternative admission standards for selective colleges. The school tailored its curriculum to students’ needs. It didn’t impose a fixed course of instruction.
During the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 North Shore Country Day School supported racial equality. It believed all qualified students deserved a quality education. In 2016 Thomas J. Flemma became the ninth head of school. He continues the tradition of excellence. North Shore Country Day School follows a liberal arts curriculum. Students study literature mathematics social studies and the sciences. They also learn world languages and fine arts. The school has no class rankings or academic awards. This encourages a focus on learning.
North Shore Country Day School is known for its service learning programs. Students extend their dedication to service across continents. In 2007 the junior class raised money for a village in Tanzania. They organized a read-a-thon and collected almost $30000. Some students even traveled to Tanzania. Seniors at North Shore Country Day School complete a Senior Service project. It is a two-week community service commitment. Students then present their experiences.
North Shore Country Day School offers many sports. Physical education is required at all grade levels. North Shore Country Day School competes in the Chicago Independent School League. The Raiders face rivals like Francis W. Parker School and Latin School of Chicago.
Many notable alumni have walked these halls. Richard Appel is an executive producer for Family Guy. Richard Marx is a Grammy Award-winning musician. Pete Wentz is the bassist for Fall Out Boy. John R. MacArthur is the publisher of Harper’s Magazine. Alex Moffat is a Saturday Night Live cast member. These alumni represent the diverse achievements of North Shore Country Day School graduates. North Shore Country Day School has a beautiful 16-acre campus. It is located in Winnetka Illinois. The school serves students from 47 zip codes. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7 to 1. About 45% of the students are students of color. The school’s endowment is $35 million. Approximately 20% of students receive financial aid.
North Shore Country Day School remains committed to its motto. It encourages students to live and serve. The purple and white colors represent this commitment. For over a century North Shore Country Day School has shaped young minds. It prepares them to make a difference in the world.