Countryside School

A great school. Our 2 boys have each spent 7 years at Countryside. Unlike any other public or private school . A diverse population of kids who are given the freedom and resources to excel. Math counts went to state competition , sports are fun, emphasis on academics , but with a compassion that is rarely seen in other venues. Usual for a high percentage of countryside students to be admitted to University Laboratory High School, one of the nations premier high schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I looked at this school and it was amazing. The odyssey of the mind and 'outdoor break' are great for the kids. This school is wonderful and different.

Countryside was a wonderful experience for our family. The administration and staff are experienced, knowledgeable, approachable, and caring, and the academics are very strong. The return was well worth the cost of tuition.
--Submitted by a parent

Countryside is a very positive alternative to the public and private schools in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding area. As far as I know, it is the only significant non-profit and non-sectarian school in C-U, funded solely by tuition and contributions from families and friends.
--Submitted by a parent

Our two children have thrived at Countryside.A caring and warm environment with challenging academics which are tailored to meet the individual needs of the student. The kids there are a diverse lot and the parents are very involved.All schools should be as well run as this school .
--Submitted by a parent

Countryside fails to deliver on any of it's promises. The staff and administrators selectively support and nurture favored students and allow others to fend for themselves. It is not uncommon for students to have vastly different experiences. While the classic education is on par for the community the expectations for respect and character building are seldom met. Indeed bullying is common, in our experience and goes unchallenged. We would never recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

Countryside delivers the highest quality education in Champaign County, is known for its caring and family friendly atmosphere, and is in *outstanding* financial health. We have three children there, and there is no doubt that this school will be delivering excellent education in a nurturing atmosphere for generations to come.
--Submitted by a parent

We send our daughters to Countryside and are absolutely in love with this school. Not only are the academics incredibly strong, but the school has a very friendly and open atmosphere, where every teacher and staff member knows the name of every student (and usually also the names of siblings and parents!) It is the most nurturing environment we could imagine. I wish I had been so fortunate to attend a school like this!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Countryside School for almost 7 years and I love nearly everything about the place. The facilities, the curriculum, the atmosphere, the administration, the teaching methodologies are all terrific. I especially love the focus on the basics. It's like the 3 R's but more rigorous and sophisticated than anything I ever got when I was that age. Countryside offers a much higher level of basic education. The thing I like best about this school is that my child loves it! I've never heard 'I don't want to go to school'. I've only heard 'When will break be over so that I can go back?'
--Submitted by a parent

A great school.We have 2 sons who have attended Countryside, one k-7, one k-4. We are very pleased with the environment at the school. We find the school administrators and teachers extremely sensitive to the school environment and culture. The head of the school and the teaching staff at very accessible.The school and the teachers encourage feedback at every turn. My older son emails is teachers and they respond, and encourage such communication. They really get to know our kids well.The focus is on students and academics. Great cultural diversity and a low student /teacher ratio are real experience enhancers. The school sends a message that 'its cool to be smart and creative'.There are academic enrichment opportunities at every turn. The teachers are superior. The parents are dedicated and involved .A great school.
--Submitted by a parent