North Shore Country Day School

North Shore has been an excellent school, giving my child access to high level classes and talented teachers. The work level at North Shore is much higher than other schools in the area; the advanced class work pushes students to become better students
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school. Rigorous, fun, and creative curriculum. My son has had an amazing educational and developmental experience at North Shore. The classes are small, allowing teachers to focus on the students' individual learning styles and interests. The school has been instrumental in helping my son develop writing, math, public speaking, and critical thinking skills far beyond his grade level. The curriculum is incredibly rich and creative. For example, in addition to the rigorous fundamentals, the fifth-graders learn to make documentary movies, write and record a song in a studio, and have numerous opportunities for public speaking. The school also focuses on instilling children with a sense of self-confidence and community ethics. Something my wife and I believe is important. We believe North Shore has been well-worth the investment.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Very attentive. High quality teachers who are especially committed and insightful. Parents are pretty laid back and not pushy, which is nice. The programs are excellent, with specials teachers for most subjects, even in the lower (grade) school.
—Submitted by a parent

lower school teachers are very helpful. Parents with money and prestige have too much power at this school..... The middle class folks aren't given board or leadership positions. The major fundraiser is really a competition to show how much money you can flash.
—Submitted by a parent

North Shore is a really good school. Small so that teachers pay attention to you when you need help, and everyone is friends with each other. Great academics. However, I wish that the high school had more course selections and that we had more of a traditional high school experience. I also wish that we had more sports, but with such a tiny school you really can't or the teams won't be big enough.
—Submitted by a student

I am a grade of NSCDS's upper school and my two older brothers attended both the middle and upper school. I found the school to offer excellent college preparation in english, history, science and the visual and performing arts in particular. A great experience socially and academically. Also a very strong athletics program.
—Submitted by a student

North Shore Country Day is a school where students are known by the faculty and staff and because of this they are challenged to do their best, to grow , stretch, go outside their comfort zone and experience not only a great education but a lesson in how to self advocate and be your best at everything not just the things you like. The opportunities to participate in sports, the arts, student government and more are vast and encouraged. One of our children who is curretnly a Junior at a top 10 college, has found that North Shore prepared him for college better than almost all of his classmates. What better thing can one say about a school?
—Submitted by a parent

NSCDS is an excellent school! The standards are high. The teachers are intuitive, creative and know how to challenge the kids. The academics are challenging. The kids are well behaved and very respectful. Students are well rounded and well prepared for the world. The faculty is attentive and knows how to challenge the kids. I give this school top ratings.
—Submitted by a parent

So small that students have nowhere to go if they run into trouble. The entire school is basically one big clique. Are cliques nurturing? Sure, to the ones in it. If you're going to spend that kind of money, buy a house in the New Trier school district and send your kids there. They'll get just as good an education and they'll have many more options to find their way as they navigate childhood and adolescence.

NSCDS is the way every school should be! It is small, nurturing, challenging and well rounded. The students are extremely well behaved and know what is expected of them. While it is very expensive, I would live in a shack just so that I could afford to send my children there. The sheltered thing is ridiculous! We have more students from many,many communities around the Chicago area! There is no better place!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The best experience of my entire school career. Including college. Small classes, very good teachers. The commitment of the school to inspire students to get into the best schools possible. Would not change anything in the world about NSCDS
—Submitted by a student

I attended NSCDS from first through 12th grades. Unlike people I know who attended local public schools, I and most of my classmates adored our school days. Yes, in some ways we were sheltered. But we received a superior education in a small and nurturing environment. There was a very strong focus on the arts, which now as a parent I see less of in schools.
—Submitted by a former student

Sent my child there for five years. Average school, Kids are too sheltered and don't recieve enough exposure. Not a real high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! Wonderful, caring, supportive faculty, great learning opportunities. Best decision we ever made for our child.
—Submitted by Lenore Sarasan, a parent

Fabulous school, with a very caring faculty. Scholastically challenging with a terrific support system.