ur founders’ dream of a school that would offer the

finest academic preparation for young people within a

caring community meets the reality of the 21st century

in today’s Metairie Park Country Day School. Our

tradition of care and cultivation of each individual

child comes to life with innovative approaches to

teaching, advanced uses of technology, and an expansive curriculum that opens the

world to our students. Our tradition of developing an aesthetic sensibility in each

student is reflected not only in the beautiful physical surroundings of our campus,

but also in the rich and varied performing and visual arts program that has been

a hallmark of our school since its inception.

We have been pleased, but not surprised, to see that current research on brain

development and learning calls for the very values and practices that have

made our school unique since its inception. The primacy of the adult-student

relationship in connecting learning to living, the need for physical activity to

stimulate the thinking process, the value of collaborative learning, and the

importance of depth of inquiry over mere recitation of facts are key features

inherent in the Country Day philosophy. The successes of our graduates in

college and beyond are a living testimony to the curiosity, involvement, and

creativity engendered by this philosophy.

As you read through this view book, you will see multiple examples of cooperative

and experiential learning, global connections, projects tailored for and designed by

individual students, and myriad opportunities for exploration. We hope you will

also come to campus to experience for yourself the vibrant spirit of a school that

seeks not only to equip students with the skills essential to meeting the challenges

that lie before them, but also to meet those challenges “with a sense of humor, with

optimism, and with confidence.”

Cordially,

Carolyn Chandler

O

etairie Park Country Day School opened its

doors in 1929. Its founding head, Ralph Boothby,

arrived at Country Day anxious to apply the

progressive principles of cooperative learning that

were to be the hallmark of his new school:

“Study of the individual child, and effort to satisfy

his or her needs; Freedom to develop naturally, which does not mean license to invade

other people’s rights; Attention to play and physical development for every child; The

utilization of children’s interests for educational ends; A large place for beauty in nature,

in art, in music; Friendly relationships between pupils and teachers, with teachers

functioning as guides rather than taskmasters; Such cooperation between school and

home as will make the two, supplementing each other, provide for the whole development

of the child.”

The first student body of fifty-six assembled in the current administration building,

completed just in time to open for the first academic year. Over eighty years later,

the School has evolved into a pre-k through grade twelve institution, with nearly

100 full and part-time faculty members educating over 700 students on a fourteen-

acre campus.

Generations of families have been prepared for life here, and the strength of the

bonds among our alumni is legendary. Country Day is more than just a school. It

is both an extension of home and an exceptional place for exploring the world in

which we live.

of theof theof child.” the child.” the

The first student first student first body student body student of body of body fifty-six of fifty-six of assembled fifty-six assembled fifty-six in assembled in assembled the current administration current administration current building,

completed justcompleted justcompleted in just in just time to open for the for the for first academic first academic first year. Over eighty Over eighty Over years eighty years eighty later,

the School has evolved into evolved into evolved a pre-k a pre-k a through pre-k through pre-k grade twelve institution, with nearly

100 full and part-time and part-time and faculty members faculty members faculty educating over educating over educating 700 over 700 over students on a fourteen- a fourteen- a

acre campus.

Generations of families of families of have been prepared for prepared for prepared life for life for here, and the and the and strength of the of the of

bonds among our among our among alumni our alumni our is legendary. Country Day Country Day Country is Day is Day more than just a just a just school. a school. a It

is both an extension of home of home of and an and an and exceptional place for exploring for exploring for the exploring the exploring world in world in world

which we live.

MGenerations of Excellence

www.mpcds.com 3

OUR MISSION

Country Day’s cooperative

learning environment fosters

critical thinking, curiosity

and a love of learning for its

own sake. Students learn to be

ethical, to be adaptable, and

to face the challenges of life

with a sense of humor, with

optimism, and with confidence.

“Prepare to cultivate your sense of wonder.”

- Country Day teacher, Mimi Landry

Academics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Lower School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Upper School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Minds In Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Country Day Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

College Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

A Profound Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

T A B L E of C O N T E N T S

www.mpcds.com 7

he Country Day curriculum is a balanced exploration of the

math-sciences, the humanities, and the arts. It is challenging

and flexible to respond to a world in flux and designed to

teach students to engage and think critically. The traditional

academic subjects are not self-contained; we connect them across disciplines

and grade levels, from the pre-k curriculum through the interdisciplinary senior

humanities requirement.

Thought-provoking inquiry begins in Lower School with active discovery to

cultivate excitement and wonder. From pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, our

students are guided in the development of critical socialization skills, personal

accountability, and open communication with peers and teachers, all of which

serve as the foundation of our collaborative learning environment.

Country Day is characterized by the pursuit of ideas and hands-on application of

knowledge. The middle school curriculum stresses a mastery of essential content

and skills through provocative questions and creative problem solving. Our middle

school students are introduced to service learning to heighten their awareness of

the needs of their community. Our outdoor education program allows them to

cooperatively solve challenges with their peers.

Vigorous intellectual exploration expands in the Upper School. Students hone

their skills with our advanced curriculum and make genuine connections to the

wider world. They are challenged to apply what they have learned through student-

directed independent study and externship opportunities. Meaningful study of

the history of ideas and cultural exposure through study-abroad programs provide

an expanded global outlook and help to develop the habit of ethical thinking and

moral behavior.

A C A D E M I C S

T

8 Learn how to be a Morehead-Cain Scholar and letter in a Varsity Sport @mpcds.com

www.mpcds.com 9

“Country Day teaches you that one’s obligation is not just to study hard but to use what you learn to serve the greater community.”

- Will Hales, Class of 2004

www.mpcds.com 9

“Each student has the opportunity to develop fully and confidently on their unique path to maturity. No child is left unknown...”

- Lower School Principal, Lilian Mullane

10 www.mpcds.com

L O W E R S C H O O L

ountry Day’s pre-kindergarten program, housed in

Bart Cottage, provides young students with a fascinating

environment in which to explore and develop genuine

friendships and a love of learning. Pre-kindergarten teachers

take into account each child’s skill set and life experiences and personalize

curriculum to bring in student and family interests, cultures, current events, and

Country Day traditions. Parents play an important role in cultivating a confident

and engaged child, and teachers maintain an open dialogue with families and

encourage parental involvement in lessons.

Because every child has a unique learning style and pace, flexible goals are set

according to student readiness. Through rich exposure to group dynamics,

joyful play, and the practice of effective communication skills, pre-kindergarten

students develop a sense of self-worth and secure relationships with their peers

and with adults. They develop confidence in their ability to read, write, count,

and problem solve, laying the groundwork for the kindergarten curriculum. Our

pre-kindergarten program ignites a passion for discovery while enabling children

to naturally and confidently progress to the next physical, emotional, and cognitive

stages of development.

Look up to your 5th grade buddies @mpcds.com 11

Pre-Kindergarten - Where Discovery Begins

C

12 See how meaningful relationships form confident learners @mpcds.com

ur multiage classrooms, adopted by Country Day over thirty-

five years ago, have proven to be a highly effective format in

which to learn. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers

make individualized instruction possible in a collaborative

learning environment.

So how does it work?

Two teachers are assigned to one group of students for three years in kindergarten,

first and second grade, and for two years in third and fourth grade. Research shows

these are the years in which children develop at varied rates, both emotionally and

cognitively, so within each classroom our teachers strategically assemble student

groups with diverse interests, learning styles, and academic strengths. These small

groupings, the foundation of our multiage program, provide students of different

skill levels with appropriate attention, individualized instruction, and varied

teaching methods.

Our multiage teachers shape lessons around the students, offering specialized

instruction and assignments of varying academic intensity. Every child is allowed

to tackle complex problem solving and advanced curriculum at his or her own

rate, not constrained by a grade level or textbook timeline. If a student excels in

mathematics, advanced levels will be introduced, and if that same child requires

additional time to master language skills, it is also provided, balancing challenge

and success.

OThe Multiage Approach-The Gift Of Time

www.mpcds.com 13

Intellectual growth is not separate from social and emotional growth. The comfort

afforded by small class sizes and nurturing teachers allows children in the multiage

setting to grow in ability and engagement with their peers as they master multiple

subjects of interest. Older students appreciate their leadership roles and naturally

provide assistance to their younger classmates, reinforcing their own mastery of a

subject matter.

Fifth Grade. Ready To Lead.Students leave the multiage setting and enter traditional grade level specific

classrooms in the fifth grade, ready to embrace their roles as leaders of the Lower

School. In preparation for the advanced curriculum and responsibility of Middle

School, teachers emphasize accountability, homework, effective study and test-

taking strategies, time management, and organizational skills. Fifth graders dive

into literature and book clubs, research and essay writing, world geography, and the

study of complex mathematics and science. All lower school students are exposed

to French and Spanish as foreign languages and are allowed to elect which of the

two they will pursue into Middle School, when Mandarin is added for all.

iddle School at Country Day is a wonderful bridge

between the lower and upper school divisions. Our

talented faculty guide and motivate children during

this unique stage of their personal and intellectual

development. They are allowed to stretch their

imaginations, take academic risks, and to explore new areas of interest, making sense

of themselves as well as the world around them.

Middle school faculty maintain a model of instruction that challenges students to

think creatively while they learn to problem solve independently and in cooperative

groups. Apple laptops, iPod Touches, and iPads in the classrooms, as well as extensive

print and online research materials available through the library keep middle school

students engaged in connecting the how with the why.

Our modern science laboratories are exciting places to test the Kinetic Particle

Theory, while earth science students use the courtyard to map the relative distance

between planets in relation to the sun. Middle school students expand their

understanding of the culture of our diverse city by visiting historic neighborhoods

for creative writing and imaginative art projects, partnering with community

service agencies such as Head Start and Ronald McDonald House, and taking part

in a backcountry canoe experience. Physical education, athletics, music, and art

allow them to discover and enjoy their diverse talents outside of the classroom.

Commitment to active learning and social and moral education makes the Middle

School at Country Day a vibrant community.

MM I D D L E S C H O O L

Connect the How with the Why

14 www.mpcds.com

“Just go for it! Country Day has so many fabulous things to offer – tough academics, music, art, drama, athletics... and the size of our school makes it possible to participate and excel at a high level in any of these...not just observe from the wings.”

-Art Department Chair, Katie Antis

Learn more about Kinetic Particle Theory @mpcds.com 15

www.mpcds.com 17

ntensity increases in the Upper School, with the primary focus

on academics and preparation for success in college and beyond.

Students, guided by advisors, choose rigorous and stimulating

courses and class schedules. Upper school students learn to think

critically, preparing them to excel in a variety of careers, including developing fields

and those that do not yet exist.

Our traditional curriculum offers honors classes and fourteen Advanced Placement

options across all disciplines. Within our classrooms, inquiry-based discussion

develops analytical skills and encourages independent thinking. Working with

faculty members, students with special interests can design independent study

projects in subjects such as architecture, advanced psychology, digital animation,

and anthropology. A one-to-one tablet program makes individual study possible,

and frequent teacher assessment promotes a realistic measure of achievement.

More than half of the upper school faculty have advanced academic degrees,

and all pursue cutting-edge approaches to instruction through professional

development opportunities.

Our Global Humanities program furthers the experiential learning process; all

seniors write a senior thesis and participate in a self-designed externship program

related to their research interests. Students have recently enjoyed business-marketing

programs with the New Orleans Hornets, investment-banking opportunities, stock

portfolio research, and even exposure to critical infant care at Children’s Hospital.

U P P E R S C H O O L

18 www.mpcds.com

Prepare to Achieve

www.mpcds.com 17 www.mpcds.com 19

“Country Day does a great job at fostering well rounded young people.”

-Country Day dad, Dr. Robert Maupin

20 Explore the world @mpcds.com

Country Day provides opportunities for students to experience the

richness of cultures around the world through a student exchange

program with sister schools in Paris and South Africa. We also offer

opportunities for upper school students to study abroad during the

summer months in Spain and France.

Cultural Exchange

www.mpcds.com 21

The Country Day curriculum focuses on critical

thinking through academic disciplines.

The sciences explore nature from the

tiniest particle to the infinite universe,

and mathematics is expressed as the

language of nature. The humanities

and social sciences engage the

question of how we should live, and

our students interpret the world

around them through the visual

and performing arts.

Minds in Motion

“Homo sum: humaninil a me alienum puto.”

“I am a human being, so nothing human is strange to me.”

-Terrence

CRITICAL THINKING

SOCIAL SCIENCE

AP Human Geography

Anthropology

AP Psychology

World Geography

Economics

MATHEMATICS

Geometric ProofsManipulatives

Statistics

Quadratic EquationsTrigonometryAP Calculus

Mathematical Modeling

c2=a2+b2

Literature

Poetry

Fundamentals of Writing

Analytical Writing

Phonics

Spelling

Vocabulary

ENGLISH

HISTORYAP U.S., World Civilizations

Biography

AP Modern Europe

AP Art History

HUMANITIESPhilosophy

Art

Music

History of Ideas

World Religions

World Literature

Government

AP Government

Political Theory POLITICS

“...a truly great intellect is one that takes

a connected view of old and new, past

and present, far and near, and which

has insight into the influence of these on

one another; without which there is no

whole, no centre.”

– John Henry Newman

CeramicsDrawingSculptureMetalsPaintingPhotography

ART

SERVICE LEARNING

EMPIRICALTHINKING

Shakespeare

Solfege Ear training

Orff Method

Honors Chorus

Orchestra

Band

Music Fundamentals

Percussion Ensemble

Musical Theatre

PERFORMING ARTS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

ROBOTICS

CHEMISTRY

Thermodynamics

Quantum MechanicsAP Chemistry

Biochemistry

BIOLOGYCellular BiologyAP Biology

Ecosystems

BiodiversityEARTH SCIENCES

PHYSICS

States of Matter

Atoms

Compounds

Newtonian Mechanics

AP Physics

n=fΛl

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Student ExchangeLatin American Studies

Spanish

AP Spanish

French

AP French

MandarinStudy Abroad

MOREHEAD-CAIN ScholarJEFFERSON Scholar

PRESIDENTIAL Scholar

14 ADVANCED PLACEMENT

COURSES

12+

Cum Laude Society members inducted each year for superior GPA, character,

honor and integrity

Duke TIP PARTICIPANTS

20 7th & 8th grade

National Spanish Award Winners

21% score 5 on AP exams

7 Seniors scored in 99th% on ACT

11 Seniors scored in 95th% on ACT

4 AP National Scholars

19 AP Scholars - Honors

10 AP Scholars - Distinction

22 AP Scholars

71 Sophomores, Juniors,

and Seniors took 142 AP exams in 2011

51% of Freshmen take at least 1 Honors course

60% of Sophomores take at least 1 Honors or AP Course

78% of Juniors take Honors and AP Courses

79% of Seniors take Honors and AP Courses

Science Olympiad Winners in:

TECHNICAL ROBOTICSFORENSICS

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

National French

AWARDS:Certificate d’Honneur

Prix d’Excellence

Sociedad Española award for

EXCELLENCE

10 gold,16 silver,18 bronze medals awarded for National Spanish Exam

Statistics based on 2009-2011 student success

4 AP National Scholars

19 AP Scholars - Honors

10 AP Scholars - Distinction

22 AP Scholars

T H E A R T S

Express Yourself

T he arts program at Country Day allows our students to

express their interpretation of the world around them. Visual

art, music, and drama develop creativity and strengthen

fine motor skills in young students and continue as part of

the core curriculum through Upper School. Many of our students take Honors

Art classes and pursue independent study courses in stage lighting, set design,

advanced instrumental music, vocal music, and drama. The Country Day art

faculty is composed of professional musicians and practicing artists who exhibit

their work on an ongoing basis.

Visual Art

Visual art courses at Country Day involve students in a wealth of visually

stimulating experiences leading to an appreciation of their own efforts and

the efforts of others. Students are afforded frequent opportunities for creative

problem solving as well as for developing sound technical skills and a sophisticated

art vocabulary. Country Day offers an extensive list of Visual Art electives,

including Painting, Metals, Drawing, Advanced Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking,

Photography, Clay, and Video Arts. AP Art History students study art beyond

the European tradition, with an emphasis on China, the Middle East, Africa,

and Japan. Each year our students and faculty produce vibrant art installations in

the Georges Art Gallery and have enjoyed exhibiting their work at the nationally

acclaimed Contemporary Art Center in New Orleans.

26 www.mpcds.com

www.mpcds.com 27

Music

We strongly believe that music provides opportunities for personal growth

and satisfaction in cooperative effort. Introduction to music begins in Lower

School with simple rhythms, unison playing, and development of finger agility.

By Middle School, students may apply any of the music courses to their fine

art requirements such as Orchestra, Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chorus,

and Honors Chorus. Country Day students also enjoy music outside of the

classroom by participating in the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra or

performing at the Jazz and Heritage Festival. Several students distinguish

themselves with Superior ratings at the Louisiana Music Educators’ Association

festival and selection into the District Honor Band. In 2011 alone, over 172

students from Lower to Upper School took music lessons while the middle and

upper school chorus stood strong with 111 members.

Drama

In drama classes, the Viola Spolin method is used as a basis for theater training

for both comedy and drama. Students learn improvisation and present various

scenes to classmates for discussion and critiques. Middle and upper school

annual productions in Weinmann Auditorium traditionally include works of

Shakespeare in the fall and a full musical production such as the recent Anything

Goes and Fiddler on the Roof in the spring.

We support students who pursue their talents in acting, music, and art

at NOCCA and other institutions beyond Country Day, and reasonable

accommodations are made to their school schedules to allow for rehearsals and

performances off campus.

Healthy Bodies. Healthy Minds. Healthy Teams.Our physical education program is designed to engage students in active, healthy

lifestyles beginning in pre-kindergarten. Whether the day calls for an obstacle course

inside Lupin Gymnasium or a brisk jog around our extensive campus, Country Day

students strengthen their bodies and clear their minds with invigorating exercise. All

students with an interest in athletics are encouraged to join one or more of the many

available team sports. Our coaches reinforce the importance of teamwork, commitment

to challenge, and community spirit, and our student athletes know that the highest

measure of performance is not in being a star, but in giving their team the best they have

to offer.

Our “no cut” policy encourages all students to take a chance on the field, from the

highest-ranking athlete to the novice interested in trying a new sport. Each year our

teams enjoy statewide acclaim competing among the largest schools in Louisiana, and

our coaches are often honored among the best in the state.

Country Day offers more than eighteen sports and over fifty teams at the middle school,

junior varsity, and varsity levels: more than most Class 1A High Schools in Louisiana.

We are proud of the successes of our student athletes, but we are even more pleased that

seventy to eighty percent of middle and upper school students choose to participate in at

least one sport, with fifty to sixty percent involved in two or more sports.

28 Learn how to be an Academic All-State Volleyball MVP @mpcds.com

A T H L E T I C S

-The Reily Recreation Center

32 www.mpcds.com

Academic intensity at Country Day is balanced by a rich student life, a diverse com-

munity of friends, and faculty to rely on for direction and support. Everyone shares

a role in maintaining the integrity of our community, and through that responsibil-

ity comes an appreciation for diverse perspectives.

No Bells-No Whistles

The community-orientated values of Country Day are exemplified in the physical

form of the campus. There are no bells in closed hallways, but rather open walk-

ways and a main courtyard that invite a stroll between classes, a friendly conversa-

tion, and enjoyment of the fourteen-acre outdoor grounds. Unique among schools in

the area, Country Day is intimately connected to its environment.

Advisors Clear the Path

Faculty advisors are assigned to every middle and upper school student and meet

with their advisees weekly to assess personal and academic goals. Advisors guide

students in ethical decision-making while they face the tough choices that come

with growing up. Communication with parents about their child’s personal and

academic progress is a critical part of our advisory system. Advisors are compassion-

ate advocates who provide a vital link between home and school.

Student Leaders Forge Ahead

Country Day relies heavily on student leadership and input and affords students

opportunities to discover their leadership abilities and guide their peers in service

to others. Our student government consists of the upper school student senate and

the middle school student council. Both groups, diverse in gender, age, interest, and

ethnicity, work together to improve student-to-student relationships, promote com-

munity action, and uphold our commitment to ethical behavior, on and off campus.

Student leaders support honor and discipline, which are integral components of our

educational philosophy from Lower School to Upper School.

C O U N T R Y D A Y L I F E

“We do more than teach students to follow the rules. We teach them to understand why the rules are important.”

-Upper School Principal,Howard Barton

www.mpcds.com 33

Diversity Keeps Us Relevant

Learning in a dynamic environment requires diversity at all levels. The differ-

ences that our students, families, and faculty bring to our community main-

tain the richness of culture and perspective that makes Country Day relevant

and interesting.

Selflessness is a Lifestyle

Pitching in is a natural part of daily life that leads to the desire to do more. All

students participate in caring for our community, from fifth graders clearing

plates in the Dining Room, to seniors partnering with kindergarten students to

offer support in their new environment. Country Day students find joy in pro-

viding for people and communities far beyond our campus. Students and fami-

lies have gathered on weekends to restore our coastal wetlands or prepare hot

meals for families in crisis. Innovative recycling initiatives and hands-on work

with Habitat for Humanity take place virtually year round. Funds have been

raised to construct fresh water facilities in African villages, and our baseball

team takes time every season to play innings with area students with physical

disabilities. All of our students are active in improving their community, and

through this, many discover talents that direct their futures.

Join the Club

Our students create their own opportunities to remain engaged in their

academic interests beyond the classroom. With over twenty-one student run

clubs in the Upper School and a rich extended day program (EDP) offering

courses in cooking, dance, performing arts, chess, seasonal sports, and even

study skills development, there is truly something for everyone. We encourage

students to remain involved with their peers and put their great ideas to work.

Family Style Dining

The dining experience at Country Day is one of our most deeply rooted

traditions. To promote interaction among diverse groups in a family style

setting, students sit at assigned tables. A designated student server is respon-

sible for serving the day’s meal and ensuring the younger children are cared

for first. Faculty and staff hosts sit at nearly every table to assist in fostering

mature conversation and reinforcing manners. When the meal is complete,

all share in the responsibility of clearing the table and leaving it ready for the

next group of diners.

Our professional chef and staff provide delicious, well-balanced meals for hun-

dreds of students every day, many of which are prepared with fresh ingredients

from our student-grown gardens. Favorites like red beans and rice, jambalaya,

and gumbo always receive rave reviews. Sandwiches, a fresh salad bar, and veg-

etarian alternatives are made available to students daily.

Read about the Global Green project @ www.mpcds.com 35

Clubs:• Global Citizens Group• Green Club• Literary Magazine• O-YES• PAX• Speech and Debate• Science Olympiad• Math Club• Economics Club• Students Against

Destructive Decisions• Sports Club• Grill Club• Assets Task Force

36 www.mpcds.com

Finding the Right Match Country Day students are provided with a rich college

preparatory curriculum to ensure success in college and

beyond. Our college counseling program helps students

identify their goals for higher education, introduces

them to a broad selection of colleges and universities,

and supports them in applying for financial aid. Students

learn to manage the application and selection process

as they compete for admission into leading educational

institutions around the country.

Strategies that WorkIn an effort to make the college selection process as stress

free as possible, our students receive college guidance for five

years. In the eighth grade students prepare for standardized

tests by taking the formal Pre-ACT, and practicing on

high-quality software programs. Advisors emphasize the

importance of maintaining a strong grade point average

while taking challenging academic courses and participating

in extracurricular activities. All freshmen are introduced to

Student Edge software and take the PSAT in preparation

for the SAT.

COL L EGE COU NSE L I NG

www.mpcds.com 37

College 101Sophomores are given access to Naviance, a comprehensive

college database program, so they can begin researching

schools, while they continue to practice for the ACT, PSAT

and SAT. As juniors, students begin College 101, which

offers seven sessions on everything from college essay

writing, interviews, application completion, to scholarship

opportunities. The college guidance counselor personalizes

college reference manuals for each student and schedules

regular meetings with students and their families to monitor

the progress of their college admission status.

College ForumWe are so committed to ensuring a successful college

admission process that each fall Country Day hosts a

public college admission forum. Representatives from

a variety of colleges and universities converge on our

campus to participate in a panel discussion about their

school and the profiles of the students they seek to admit.

Over 300 students and families from public and private

schools across the Greater New Orleans area attend this

event at Country Day.

College 101Sophomores are given access to Naviance, a comprehensive

college database program, so they can begin researching

schools, while they continue to practice for the ACT, PSAT

and SAT. As juniors, students begin College 101, which

offers seven sessions on everything from college essay

writing, interviews, application completion, to scholarship

opportunities. The college guidance counselor personalizes

college reference manuals for each student and schedules

regular meetings with students and their families to monitor

the progress of their college admission status.

College ForumWe are so committed to ensuring a successful college

admission process that each fall Country Day hosts a

public college admission forum. Representatives from

a variety of colleges and universities converge on our

campus to participate in a panel discussion about their

school and the profiles of the students they seek to admit.

Over 300 students and families from public and private

schools across the Greater New Orleans area attend this

event at Country Day.

38 Learn more @ www.mpcds.com

Class of 2011

Agnes Scott College

American University

Appalachian State University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Austin College

Babson College

Barnard College

Baylor University

Bennington College

Birmingham-Southern College

Boston College

Boston University

Brandeis University

Brown University

Bucknell University

Butler University

Carleton College

Centenary College of Louisiana

Chapman University

Charlemagne University College Antwerp

Clark Atlanta University

Clemson University

College of Charleston

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Corcoran College of Art and Design

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Davidson College

DePaul University

Drexel University

Duke University

Elon University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Emerson College

Emory University

Flagler College

Florida A&M University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida State University

Furman University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampshire College

Harvard University

Hendrix College

High Point University

Howard University

Huntingdon College

Indiana University at Bloomington

James Madison University

Johns Hopkins University

Kenyon College

Lake Forest College

Louisiana State University

Louisiana Tech University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University, New Orleans

Lynchburg College

Lynn University

Manhattanville College

Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount University

Mercer University

Miami University, Oxford

Middlebury College

Millsaps College

Mississippi College

Mississippi State University

Mount Holyoke College

New College of Florida

New York University

Nicholls State University

Colleges Want Country Day StudentsOur students have been accepted

to some of the most competitive

and prestigious colleges and

universities in the United States

and beyond.

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North Carolina State University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Oglethorpe University

Parsons School of Design

Pennsylvania State University

Pomona College

Pratt Institute

Princeton University

Randolph College

Randolph-Macon College

Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute

Rhodes College

Rice University

Roanoke College

Rockhurst University

Rollins College

Saint Louis University

Samford University

San Francisco Art Institute

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Clara University

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Seton Hall University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Smith College

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

Spring Hill College

St. Edwards’ University

St. Lawrence University

St. Leo College

Stanford University

Texas Christian University

The American International University

in London, Richmond

Transylvania University

Trinity College

Trinity University

Tufts University

Tulane University

Tuskegee University

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

University of Arizona

University of California at Berkeley

University of California at Los Angeles

University of California at Santa Barbara

University of California at San Diego

University of Colorado at Boulder

University of Colorado at Denver

University of Dayton

University of Denver

University of Georgia

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

University of Miami

University of Mississippi

University of Missouri at Columbia

University of New Orleans

University of North Alabama

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of South Alabama

University of South Carolina

University of Southern Mississippi

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Texas, Austin

University of Texas, Dallas

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Richmond

Valparaiso University

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Wabash College

Wake Forest University

Washington & Lee University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wesleyan University

Williams College

Winthrop University

Wofford College

Wright State University

Xavier University of Louisiana

Yale University

College acceptances 2009-2011

THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE.Each year, before Country Day seniors graduate, they take a moment

to reflect on the past and offer advice to their younger peers.

Grades Matter Early...“Every grade makes a difference when

college time comes around.”

“Freshman grades really do have a huge

impact on your final GPA.”

“Start now! Everything here counts,

so don’t approach anything with an

it doesn’t matter attitude.”

Value of Hard Work...“Figure out your learning style. Now I am at

the point where I know what to do in order to

make the grade I want.”

“Take the HARDEST class schedule possible

each year. Tasks that seem impossible are

usually much easier than you think.”

Cherish the Time...“Have fun! You’re only at

Country Day once!”

“Appreciate every moment you

have at Country Day. It’s a great

place to grow up.”

“Here, you can learn to balance

school with life without ruining

one or the other.”

Friendships...“The older you get, the more you learn

to make new friends and keep the

ones you have.”

“Take the time to talk to at least one

person that you do not know very well.”

“Always be honorable.”

“Take NO ONE for granted.”

“Friendships are incredibly important.

Don’t be afraid to make more.”

Always be Yourself....“Just be yourself. I promise you will find

people here like you.”

“It’s easy to get caught up in what others

think, but do what you want to for your own

reasons. You’re safe here.”

“Don’t be afraid to step out of the ordinary

and set your own path.”

“Make decisions that will not only have a

positive effect on you but on everyone else.”

Take Advantage of Opportunities afforded at Country Day...

“Do all the activities you can, because you

will never get this chance again.”

“Don’t be afraid to join any group or activity.

You will ALWAYS be accepted and it will

be rewarding.”

A PROFOUND EFFECT

An Alumnus Looks Back

The year was 1947. I was finishing the sixth grade where I had been disciplined

for inattention in class and chastised for having indulged my curiosity by reading

some of the meager collection of books which our school called a library. My

parents were concerned [and] had been advised by school teachers that I needed

the more challenging environment of a private school.

Somehow my mother found her way to the Headmaster of Country Day, Ralph

Boothby. Generous as ever with his time, he and she were able to work out a plan

which enabled me to begin Country Day in the seventh grade...

It is difficult to convey to you the enormity of Country Day’s effect on my life.

Country Day provided me with a safe place where I could flourish. There I found

respect for intellectual effort which had been utterly lacking at the school I had

been attending... Best of all I found a community of peers and teachers who

were accepting of one another and connected in pursuit of academic excellence

tempered with humane values.

I could go on at length about the changes wrought by my experience at Country

Day. Suffice it to say that I was able to go on to Yale and Harvard Medical School,

and to my present position as President of the American Academy of Psychiatry

and the Law, because of the foundation laid at Country Day. Those six years were

life changing for me. I am grateful beyond measure for what the school and Mr.

Boothby gave me.

With best regards,

Larry H. Strasburger, M.D.

Class of 1953

Diplomate

American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

American Board of Forensic Psychiatry

Strasburger, M.D.

42 www.mpcds.com

“It is difficult to convey to you the enormity of Country Day’s effect on my life.”

-Larry H. Strasburger, M.D.,Class of 1953

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