Lower School
Learning is a natural activity for your three to eight year old, and Country Day is the natural place for the awakening of the mind, body, and spirit. This makes the age, and the school, the perfect place to start on a lifetime of learning. 
Knowledgeable, loving teachers are at the heart of Lower School life. They combine individual attention with individualized instruction in a safe, nurturing environment. From the very earliest grades, your child learns science, math, computers skills, French, history, art, music, English and physical education. He or she is provided with life-long academic and social tools to develop self-confidence and an enthusiasm for learning.
In the sunny grade-school halls or the quaint Victorian setting of the pre-kindergarten learning village, you and your child will discover a “home away from home” where young students begin to lay strong foundations for their future.
Philosophy and Goals
The Detroit Country Day School motto, "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body) reflects the philosophy of the Lower School. We foster early academic development and value a broad-based, integrated, stimulating curriculum that includes basic instruction in academics, the arts and movement education, presented in a nurturing environment with structure and positive discipline. These are introduced through individual and group activities offered on a continuum for progression and according to ability in math and reading.
A variety of instructional methods range from unstructured play to structured academic experiences. A multidisciplinary approach involving visual, kinesthetic and auditory experiences is used to enhance learning opportunities and to allow for individual differences in processing information. We encourage children to be creative, responsible and independent thinkers. The school dress policy contributes to an environment that reflects our belief that children learn best within an atmosphere demonstrating appropriate decorum. We hold self-esteem in high regard and work to promote a supportive social and emotional environment, both in school and at home. Our faculty is dedicated to meeting the needs of the whole child and developing character through exposure to time-honored values.
The goals of the Lower School are to develop:
- self-esteem and mutual respect;
- a well-rounded child with basic instruction in mathematics, reading, communication skills, science, foreign language, social studies and the fine and performing arts;
- an enthusiasm for learning;
- social, physical and intellectual awareness and responsibility;
- a mentally resourceful child who demonstrates the physical confidence and skills to make successfully the transition into any competitive sport or dance program;
- an awareness of health and safety principles;
- each child to the best of his or her ability;
- a feeling of pride in appearance and appropriate behavior.
See images of the Lower School here.
