The Principal's point of view
Steve Prahcharov, September 26, 2012
Scottsdale Country Day School is full of highly qualified professional staff members who work incredibly hard to educate our amazing students and their families. We have a very stringent application for enrollment and not every student is accepted to our program based on our guidelines. Furthermore, staff members do not have tenure at our school and with the rigorous expectations and evaluations conducted on them, we always strive to have the best teaching staff at any given time. Come and see for your self why students love coming to Scottsdale Country Day School. Is it the iPads, Mandarin, Spanish, P.E., Etiquette, Science Lab, small class sizes of 15 maximum students, or the amazing environment we have created? You will just have to come and see for yourself!
Scottsdale Country Day School has more than exceeded the standards necessary to prepare my child to attend and be accepted into a college preparatory high school and allow him to grow into a well-rounded child. This is our second year at this wonderful school, and my child has progressed academically and socially. Because of the smaller class size, the teachers willingly differentiate instruction. The language arts curriculum emphasizes grammar and composition and the writing process. Students receive the benefits from the cumulative practice of Saxon Math. In addition, children gain the added benefits of exposure to public speaking, Mandarin, piano, art, chess, and Cricket. The school actively promotes partnerships between teachers and parents and provides a warm and welcoming environment to all students and their families. We love SCDS!
—Submitted by a parent
We are new to Scottsdale Country Day School as we recently moved our Kindergarten daughter and 3rd grade son to SCDS from a SUSD public school. The curriculum is challenging, my 3rd grade son receives amazing individual attention he did not receive at his public school, and because the classes are small, the children are often blended with other classes for optimal socialization. We are thrilled to be part of SCDS! It is ideal for us!
—Submitted by a parent
To every parent out there stop searching day and night for a great school and please come and join our school. We have amazing, talented and highly educated teachers and staff here at SCDS. Where other schools are cutting programs daily, we are adding more programs. We currently offer music, art, PE, etiquette, Spanish, Mandarin, dance, and more. Parents and their children matter to us at SCDS. I am thankful and grateful for this school which allows me to do what I do best...TEACH your children.
—Submitted by a teacher
I like going to SCDS because the teachers are nice. Playing on the I-Pads is cool and the other activities like P.E. are fun too.
Scottsdale Country Day has been a blessing for us. Our son is now thriving and enjoying school again. He was lost in the public school system. His classroom had over 30 students and he just wasn't fitting into the public school criteria. He now has 7 students in his class and gets the attention he needs when he has questions. Having a much smaller classroom allows for the students to work together with good supervision so that they all do well. The teachers and the staff really care about my sons education and always offer to help in any way possible. His teacher always offers him the encouragement he needs and makes my son feel like he can do accomplish anything he sets out to do. My sons teacher is always willing to work with him one on one when needed. The schools is well organized and provides a safe environment for learning. They always keep us well informed. This was the best decision we ever made regarding our sons education.
—Submitted by a parent
My Son joined SCDS this year for Kindergarten. We chose this school because of all the wonderful opportunities they have from Mandarin and Spanish to Art and Science class, PE and extra-curricular activities. Mrs. Paget is the Kindergarten teacher and is TRULY WONDERFUL. My son adores her as do my husband and I. Our son is thriving in this environment; warm hearts, great kids and small class sizes really encourage him and us to be open and excited about learning and advancing. We Love this School!
—Submitted by a parent
It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of the wonderful staff here at SCDS! Class sizes are small and allow for individualized attention, and a warm and nurturing environment encourage students to reach their full potential. It is a joy to see the students grow and learn, and to interact with their wonderful families on a daily basis.
—Submitted by a teacher
My 4 yr old started preschool/kinder here and it has been wonderful. Mandarin and Spanish, after hours activities including dance, music, and soccer. Academic yet artistically minded!!! WOW what a great combo and better yet such small class sizes that the children and several grades interact like a family. We even had zoo lights together - parents get to know each other without pressure. Truly focused on the children - WHAT A GEM!! THANK U!!!
—Submitted by a parent
We have two children that attend SCDS, one in 8th grade and one in the 6th grade. Not only does the school feel like family to me (us), but the school is safe, loving, and compassionate about making each student feel at home while learning as well. SCDS is an amazing quality school to find, and is unique to the area. The tuition is very reasonable, which allows different families be able to attend a private school at a manageable budget. The teachers and office staff are warm and each student is recognized each day. Weekly events are planned for SCDS families to grow together outside of school and make friendships that are quality for children. I am very pleased with SCDS and know in my heart our children are having the best experience academically and socially. Thank you SCDS!
—Submitted by a parent
Our two sons have been at this school since it began. This year, one is in third grade and the other in eighth grade. What I like about SCDS are the great teachers, high standard of care for the students, small classes, individual attention beyond just classwork, low tuition, and great kids and families to play with outside of school. Other schools have acted like we were lucky to be able to find a spot for our son there. SCDS has a completely different attitude. The office staff, principal, and teachers all tell me and act like they are lucky to have our children at their school.
—Submitted by a parent
We recently transfer from an A rated Excelling public school where our 3rd grader was bored waiting all day for a class of more than 30 to complete lessons as a whole. I must say SCDS has exceeded our expectations. Their small class size and professional staff affords them the ability to customize the curriculum to each child s needs. They have created an atmosphere where each child wants to participate and do their best. Our son loves going to SCDS. He is excited about school and wants to tell us everything he has learned when he gets home. It s amazing that after the 3 R s there s still time for foreign languages, music, etiquette, PE, and I-Pads. With the help of SCDS our son is turning into a confident, happy, healthy, and smart young man. What else could a parent ask for?
—Submitted by a parent
SCDS is an amazing school. The small class sizes, fun and caring environment, and common sense approach is something all schools should have. Students are truly taught on an individual level. The specials that are offered are exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent
My triplet boys are on their second year at SCDS and they are currently enrolled in first grade. The staff at SCDS is great with children. My children love school and have made tremendous progress. Small class sizes and tutoring is also available if necessary. I also love that fact that I have access to the teacher on a daily basis and it is in person and not by phone or e-mail. Also, etiquette is part of the curriculum and it shows because all of the children are so well behaved.
—Submitted by a parent
Our son has been at SCDS for 2 years and we LOVE it! He is academically challenged and the small class size means that he receives individualized instruction and challenges every day. The small environment also requires the students to develop social awarness of the people around them, both students and adults, which is a very mature and healthy trait to nurture in young people. Finally, the Staff and Administration are top notch! We are demanding of the people who spend so much time with our child and we have been nothing but impressed. Well done, SCDS!! We are lucky to have you in our community and in our son's life!
—Submitted by a parent
Thia ia our 2nd year at SCDS and we love it. The small class size enables the teachers to indiviualize learning for each student. The administration and staff really care about the students and their families. The introduction of IPADs as learning tools really prepares the students for an ever changing tech savvy world. My children really enjoy all the different specialvclasses that are taught. SCDS is a great place to learn.
—Submitted by a parent
I absolutely love this school and the staff...and most importantly, so does my child! We had tried several other schools, and there was never an appropriate mix of a challenging curriculum along with a nurturing, "won't get lost in the crowd" environment. Until SCDS!! The teachers are compassionate and personal, as well as being outstanding educators. The principal and other staff are just as personable and quite professional. They know each child's family, background, needs, strengths and weaknesses, and they work very hard to provide a well-rounded educational and growth experience. All students - even pre-K - work on Spanish, Mandarin, iPads, etiquette, and all the core classes, too. With such small class sizes and caring staff, you can rest assured that your child will get the individual attention they need and deserve, as well as an outstanding education!
—Submitted by a parent
Fantastic school with great education. Awesome kids and wonderful parents. Love working here. Everyone is involved in the process of learning.
—Submitted by a teacher
This is an amazing school! The teachers are friendly and qualified, and the students are happy and excited to learn. Low class sizes allow more time for teachers to give students the individualized attention they need. Everyone on campus is warm and caring and only want to give the best education they can to the students who come here.
—Submitted by a teacher
What a fantastic school! I am happy to know such enthusiastic and intelligent people. Feels like a family... :)
—Submitted by a teacher
I have to agree with the reviewer of August 9, 2012, unfortunately. There's a big sell with no follow through at this school. I would apply an even stronger word than unprofessional to describe the administration at this school however. Some of the teacher's do not have the credentials they should either. Look before you leap.
—Submitted by a parent
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