Alexandria Country Day School, Alexandria

Mission and Philosophy Alexandria Country Day School is a dynamic, K-8 independent school community that values academic excellence, character, independent thinking, citizenship, and respect for others. We inspire in our students creativity, enthusiasm for learning, and confidence through a stimulating academic program, athletics, the arts, and community service. Thirty-one years ago, a group of parents and educators set out to start a Kindergarten through eighth grade school that would offer a forward thinking, creative program designed to nurture intellectual engagement, joyful play, and commitment to community. From its humble beginnings in the basement of the Del Ray Baptist church to the stately and well-equipped building we now occupy, one thing has driven all that we do: an enduring commitment to the intellectual and moral growth of our children. ACDS has grown and matured over the years, adding facilities, faculty, and technology, but the spirit of our mission has remained unchanged. Alexandria Country Day School provides its students with an educational program that inspires curiosity and intellectual engagement, prepares them to succeed in the most challenging high schools, and allows them to discover who they are in a safe and caring environment. The development of strong communication skills, with particular emphasis on public speaking, is a hallmark of the School’s academic program. Small class size allows for frequent individual attention. Technology is integrated into all classrooms, and every student in third through eighth grade is issued his or her own iPad. Among Alexandria Country Day’s greatest assets is its Kindergarten through eighth grade structure. From the teachers we hire to the facility we occupy and the curriculum we teach, this configuration allows us to focus on the unique needs of children ages 5 to 14 without the distractions and very different social and academic dynamics a high school brings. After School Activities After classes have finished for the day, students may choose to remain at school and participate in an organized activity. With offerings as varied as Hip Hop and Harry Potter Club, after school activities are taught by either ACDS faculty or outside instructors once-a-week for an entire trimester. These activities give students a chance to have a new experience or further explore an interest. Other recent after school offerings have included: Tiny Chefs, Fencing, Jewelry Making, Engineering with Lego, and much more! Students interested in learning a musical instrument may also take advantage of lessons taught on campus by professional musicians. We currently offer instruction in violin, drums, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, base guitar, voice and piano. AM/PM Care ACDS provides extended day care on an hourly basis or by the trimester. The program is available to any student enrolled at ACDS and it runs from 7:00-8:00 am and from 3:00-6:00 pm. If parents choose to enroll their children by the trimester in the PM Care Program, they may participate for one, two, or three hours. The AM/PM Care Program is licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, and staffed by teachers and employees of ACDS. The philosophy and objectives of the program reflect the mission of ACDS while providing a valuable service to those parents whose work schedules prevent them from dropping off or picking up their children at the regular school hours. The AM/PM Care Program provides a safe environment for play, and an opportunity for students to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere or to do homework. At PM Care, a nutritious snack of fresh fruit and milk is provided by the school each day. The AM/PM Care staff provides games, activities, movies, and socialization opportunities for the students. Aside from taking care of the daily needs of children who are present, the staff encourages mixed grade level interaction among students and many strong friendships are formed between students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in informal activities with a wide range of schoolmates.