Rockland Country Day School

Our children are in RCDS for their second year and it just gets better and better. They are consistently challenged and also nurtured a surprisingly diverse number of classes including french, spanish, art history as well as math and language arts. They are also strengthening their social skills and self-esteem. They feel relaxed and at home on the farm-like campus and know students of all ages. I feel lucky that we found RCDS.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is happy to go to school in the morning. She is challenged with a rich array of stimulating topics. In her previous school she was bored and anxious. Here she writes poetry and fairy tales, challenges us and herself with math problems she adapts from real life situations, wants to become a scientist/artist, and is thrilled with her teacher. The other day we were reading a story about a girl who got a fluttery, uncomfortable feeling in her stomach when she went to school. My daughter said, ' I felt that way last year, but now I'm excited to go everyday.'
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, they know each student learning style and able to reach them to bring out the very best in them! This is a very positive learning environment that fosters the love for leaarning.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two in the Children's School and am entirely impressed by the school and the sense of community we have found at RCDS. The most impressive part is the teaching- there are excellent teachers who love what they do, and are free to create innovative lessons to reach the children. Our children are flourishing academically and socially- social development is an important part of education at this school. This school is very strong in music and art, but not at the expense of academics, which are first rate. Unlike many of the other "Country Day Schools", RCDS is very progressive, diverse, and laid-back, with families of many different socio-economic backgrounds. We love it.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents often dont tak into consideration some of the things that would detract from a students experiences at RCDS. With such a small student body student who don't "fit in" can be outcast, and without the population of a public scholl may find themselves alone though much of their RCDS career. Another HUGE factor that should be considered is the relationships the male and female students develop. While there is nothing wrong with students dating, the limited pool results in everyone dating everyone, girls AND boys being passed back and forth in a very unhealthy, both mentaly and physicaly way. Bring your wallets mom and dad, if you dont have the dough to play your childen will suffer in the "your parents are not as rich as mine" club. Be forewarned.
—Submitted by a parent

Our two daughters love, love, love school. They each had a wonderful preschool experience, and they transitioned into this PreK beautifully. Both girls were early readers, and the PreK and K programs enabled them to remain challenged, without pushing them into an older social group. The lush property plays a major role in campus life, teaching respect for the natural world. With foreign language and music classes beginning in PreK, our children are obviously benefitting from this rich and diverse curriculum. 2011-12 is our fifth year.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an outstanding school. After looking all over Westchester and Rockland Counties, we found RCDS, a real hidden gem. Unlike a lot of the schools in the NY area, RCDS focuses on the curriculum and learning -- not just achievement. Teaching is differentiating for every student and all students PK-12 pursue an independent study. All this on 20 beautiful acres in Rockland County. Our two children are thrilled to go to school everyday, which is a big change from last year at another private school in Westchester County. They are developing a love of school and learning. I couldn't ask for more!
—Submitted by a parent

A passion for excellence exists here- both in the teachers and students. This is a progressive school that is focused on individual learning styles. My daughter has excelled here after languishing in a public school which did not recognize her strengths and did not challenge her. I highly recommend it
—Submitted by a parent

Provided a challenging and safe environment for my son to thrive.
—Submitted by a parent

RCDS is the first school that my son ever said that he likes.
—Submitted by a parent

focus is on individuality, character development and participating in the world. Great community.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been able to discover their talents, develop strength in scholarship and grow into responsible citizens, all because of the unique environment at RCDS
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a beautiful campus for students to play, work, and explore. Faculty and staff are attentive and involved with each and every student. The diversity of programs is a strength and graduates attend desired colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to be socially responsible citizens and give back to their communities.

My daughters are actively encouraged to pursue excellence in all their studies while being valued as individuals and treated with respect. They think critically about the world around them, and understand that they have responsibilities to the larger community. They are excited about learning, conscious of their effect on the environment, and knowledgeable about their own health and nutrition. These things are all possible because of the dedication and hard work of the faculty and adminstration. I can't imagine a better place for my daughters to be. If you looked up the opposite of 'cookie cutter' in a dictionary, there would be a picture of RDCS.
—Submitted by a parent

When students are treated with fairness and respect for their individuality, they learn to give that back to one another and the community. The faculty and administration are remarkable in their generosity and level of interaction with the students and it shows. My personal joy is in watching young artists collaborate and support one another in this positive and nurturing environment. Opportunities abound here in many areas, and students are encouraged to get involved in all of them.
—Submitted by a teacher

RCDS shaped my life. The environment allowed me to be different, to think, and work hard. It fully prepared me for college. To this day, I remember the lessons about writing. My life is better because of the experiences I had at RCDS,

It has the most amazing teachers and the children learn with an atmosphere of fun and acceptance.
—Submitted by a parent

Allowing the kids to grow, create, become themselves in an environment that embraces diversity, individuality and community.
—Submitted by a parent

At Rockland Country Day School art is central to the life and spirit of each child. The arts program fosters a creative attitude while providing a safe environment in which students are encouraged to grow and develop their artistic skills.
—Submitted by a parent

I love RCDS because my daugther can do many different activities. She loves the singing program. The teachers are very dedicated and I know that my daugther gets all the attention and education for her to grow as a strong individual.
—Submitted by a parent