Welcome to the Upper School
The Detroit Country Day School motto, "Mens Sana In Corpore Sano" (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body), reflects the philosophy of the Upper School. We offer challenging and comprehensive instruction in the basic liberal arts disciplines through diversity of teaching styles for students of similar abilities. We adhere to the premise that creativity can flourish in a structured, dignified, competitive environment. We recognize that in addition to superior academic credentials, our faculty must also possess the character traits that will enable them to serve as role models for students in the areas of mutual respect, leadership, personal integrity and responsibility to the work ethic.
We maintain a nurturing environment created by close faculty-student, coach-athlete and advisor-advisee relationships. We stress the extension of the educational process beyond academics with required interscholastic athletics and activities, as well as interactive assemblies and symposia. We believe that every student from average to gifted ability has the potential for a successful university experience.
The Upper School strives to develop:
- an enthusiastic student with a high level of intellectual curiosity and a love for life time learning.
- a well-prepared student with highly developed study skills, one who can adjust to the expectations and rigors of college, career and community.
- a perceptive student with an understanding of technology and its applications to each academic discipline.
- a self-reflective student with a knowledge and appreciation of the larger world of ideas, with a capacity to address future challenges.
- an active student with a variety of interests beyond the academic classroom.
- a global student with an appreciation for different cultures and a respect for individuals.
- an ethical student with a strong sense of personal integrity and a willingness to lead.
- a well-mannered student with an appreciation for the value of decorum.
- a responsible student who can balance school commitments with family life.
- a healthy student with a commitment to athletics and physical fitness.
- Detroit Country Day School offers academic programs that contribute to the liberal arts education of students. Conferences and assemblies on current societal issues, and theater, art and musical enrichment programs serve to stimulate the mind and provide a variety of experiences in the educational process. By designing additional intellectual, ethical, aesthetic and social activities beyond the classroom, students learn to think in several areas of knowledge and to apply a tough, discriminating intellect to the information they obtain.
- The educational process demands meaningful homework assignments that are corrected, graded, reviewed and returned to the students. Each teacher must post assignment sheets for students as part of a planned approach toward teaching and learning. Teachers must display sound pedagogical practices and evidence classroom preparation.
- For students, it is axiomatic that evaluation is an integral part of the instructional process. Examinations require students to develop a course perspective and to reflect on acquired knowledge. Students regularly prepare for hourly examinations, as well as for two-hour midyear and final examinations; this comprehensive testing is necessary for a proper education.
- Detroit Country Day School is also committed to the psychological, social, athletic and aesthetic development of the student. To this end, students are required to earn White Points for service to others, Gold Points for activities, Blue Points for athletics and a fine and performing arts credit. The point system ensures student involvement and self-growth. The school believes that this goal of total involvement leads to the complete realization of individual potential.
Upon earning a place in the Upper School, you also earn a promise; a promise that from that day forward, you will be a part of something special for the rest of your life. It's a promise that you will be challenged, that your horizons will widen, that you will encounter memorable faculty and unique opportunities.
