Summit Country Day School

The Summit Country Day School is a private, Roman Catholic, PreK–12 school located in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of 2015, 153 students are enrolled in the Montessori preschool, 459 in the Primary and Middle schools, and 398 in the Upper School division. Although located within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the school is run by an independent board of trustees.

Background

The Summit Country Day School is a private, Catholic, co-ed school in Cincinnati. Its Montessori preschool celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and is one of a few schools in Greater Cincinnati to offer academic instruction to children as young as age two. Founded in 1890 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school is now operated by an independent board of trustees. Originally only a school for girls, it has expanded over the years to include boys' enrollment and an athletic program.

The school's signature Character Education Program immerses students at each grade level in a yearlong reflection on one character trait, in the belief that school should not only educate the mind, but the whole person.

Country Day School movement

The Country Day School movement is a movement in progressive education that originated in the United States in the late 19th century.

Country Day schools seek to recreate the educational rigor, atmosphere, camaraderie and character-building aspects of the best college prep boarding schools while allowing students to return to their families at the end of the day. To avoid the crime, pollution and health problems of the industrial cities of the early 20th century, the schools were sited in the 'country,' where wealthy families owned large homes in what would later be known as suburbs.

The Country Day School movement shared many values with the Arts and Crafts movement. School buildings and campus landscaping were designed with the goal of creating an inspirational atmosphere that would foster learning and culture. In keeping with this holistic view of the student learning environment, various "after-school" programs promoted student development, including athletic programs, choir and religious studies, and monitored study time. Students were given opportunities to develop leadership skills through clubs and student organizations.