DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

What does it meanto be a BCD student?

We invite you to discoverthe BCD Difference.

Welcome to Boulder Country Day SchoolSituated on a picturesque, safe and private 5.5-acre campus, Boulder Country DaySchool is a small, independent school that provides a well-rounded classical educationdistinguished by academic excellence and social development in a caring andsupportive learning environment.

At BCD, we strive to build a community of confident, lifelong learners and thoughtful,responsible young adults. Our emphasis is on the pursuit of excellence, preparingchildren to attain their full potential while successfully meeting the professional andhuman challenges of the 21st century.

Drop in on a classroom. Sit in during lunch. Walk the sidelines at a sporting event. It’s easy to see the true bond that exists between our teachers and students at everylevel and every age. It starts with a commitment to hiring the best and the brightest–teachers who not only teach and get students excited about learning, but relate tothem as well.

Small class size. Individualized attention. A beautiful campus and safe and pleasantsurroundings. A committed and engaged parent body. Faculty and administrators whogo beyond their role as educators to become lifelong friends and mentors.

“At BCD, it’s cool to be smart.”

TRADITIONAL COLLEGE PREP…with a Contemporary Twist.

BCD Students Are…

PREPARED.

Outstanding faculty, small class size and arigorous curriculum prepare BCD students forsuccess in any quality high school and beyond.

BCD offers Preschool through Middle Schoolstudents a classical education with highacademic standards that foster anappreciation and awareness of the worldaround them.

Small Class Size

• Low student to teacher ratios

• Intimate classroom settings and an individualized approach enables each child to reach his or her highest potential

A Rigorous Curriculum

• Challenging…with high expectations for achievement

• Traditional with a strong emphasis on math, science, reading, and writing, as well as foreign languages

• Member of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program

• Differentiated instruction

Outstanding Faculty

• Experts in their fields, caring, dedicated

• A philosophy that prepares students for life by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed: how to study, be organized, take tests, and even manage their time

BCD students test 2-3 years above the grade equivalent based on our annual standardized testing.

In 2007, BCD became the first approved Middle YearsInternational Baccalaureate School in Boulder Valley.

BCD graduates typically matriculate into the top Boulder-area private and public high schools and areaccepted into challenging IB or AP Programs.

Our Middle School offers three math levels per grade,grouping st udents by ability, and further lowering thestudent to teacher ratio.

Modern foreign language instruction begins in our preschool program and continues through 8th grade.Latin begins in fourth grade and the choice of anotherforeign language is offered in Middle School.

BCD Up Close

BCD Students Are…

CHALLENGED.

From Preschool to 8th grade, BoulderCountry Day students come to school readyto learn. At BCD, small class size meansinstructional time is maximized, givingteachers the opportunity to provide eachstudent with individualized attention.

Accreditation by several of the leading stateand regional accrediting associationsunderscores the excellence of the BCDeducational program. These include:

• Association of Colorado Independent Schools

• National Association of Independent Schools

• The International Baccalaureate Organization

“BCD looks at each child in terms of the wholeperson, not just the academic piece. We alsogive them the social skills they need to preparethem to succeed in life.”

– BCD teacher

Preschool (3, 4 and 5-Year-Olds)

Elementary School (K-5)

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) is the basis for the Middle Schoolcurriculum. BCD is one of the few stand alone MYP programs in the country and the first approved IBprogram in Boulder Valley. As an IB school, BCD seeks to connect all subject groups: Humanities,Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages (2), Technology, Fine Arts, and Physical Education in aunique interdisciplinary way. Along with the core academic pieces of the IB program, Middle Schoolstudents are expected to be responsible young adults by participating in community service, studyinghealth and social education, developing their study skills, and seeking to discover their own uniquepotential. As young leaders, Middle School students are also charged with living and modeling the corevalues of the school as espoused by our motto, “Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibilityfor Your Actions.”

Small class size, one-on-one attention and a welcoming and caring environment distinguishes thePreschool program at BCD. Inviting classrooms and creative outdoor spaces encourage active participationand combine activities and materials designed to enhance children’s social, emotional, intellectual, andphysical growth. The academically-based curriculum is a mix of teacher-directed/child-initiated learningthat focuses on providing the youngest BCD students with the skills needed to advance during theirPreschool years and beyond. In addition to language, literacy and math, Preschool students also experienceweekly classes in music, library science, foreign language, and movement. BCD promotes strong family – school connections. Parents are always welcome and many are active participants in classroomactivities, field trips and other events.

The BCD Elementary School curriculum is a blend of old and new. Here, as at every level, tried and trueeducational strategies are infused with the latest and best instructional practices enabling teachers toprovide student-focused instruction that is challenging yet meets the needs of each student. In addition tothe core academic classes of Math, Literature, English, Social Studies and Science, all Elementary studentsstudy a modern foreign language. Also, the study of Latin begins in the fourth grade. “Specials,” includingmusic, art, technology, library, and physical education round out students’ Elementary School experience.In grades K-4, the classrooms are self-contained; students have the same teacher for basic subjects, butleave the classroom to attend specials. In grade 5, curriculum is taught by a two teacher team. Studentsspend approximately half the day with each teacher. Fifth grade students continue instruction in art, libraryskills, foreign language (2), Physical Education, technology and music. Students also learn organizationskills and time management in preparation for the transition to Middle School.

Middle School (6-8)

Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled withchallenging assessment, the International Baccalaureate organizationaims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individualtalents of young people and teach them to relate the experience ofthe classroom with the realities of the world outside. Beyondintellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis isplaced in the ideals of international understanding and responsiblecitizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical andcompassionate thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participantsin local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity thatbinds all people together while respecting the variety of culturesand attitudes that makes for richness in life.

The International BaccalaureateMiddle Years Program Mission Statement

BCD Students Are…

RESPONSIBLE.CARING. CONFIDENT.

Helping students develop a sense of self or “sense of me” is at theheart of the BCD education. Building a community of confidentlearners means giving children of every age various opportunitiesto shine, from weekly assemblies where they can build their stagepresence to sports teams and after school clubs where they candiscover an untapped ability or talent.

Caring...

Confident...

Community service is a big part of the BCD experience; while ourMiddle School students are required to do 20 hours of communityservice outside of school, our commitment to teaching ourstudents about the importance of community service starts at thePreschool level. At BCD, our goal is to put “service” back incommunity service by enabling students to have a hands-on, first-person experience helping those in need – within the Bouldercommunity and on a larger global scale. BCD families are integralto the effort, volunteering their time to help with everything fromfood drives to field trips.

Responsible...

Accountability is increasingly becoming a lost value. That’s why ourmotto, “Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility forYour Actions,” is the living, breathing embodiment of the school’sphilosophy concerning personal responsibility. We recognize thatstudents sometimes make mistakes. That’s how they learn. At BCD,however, we believe that students need to be held accountable – whenthey do well and when they can do better. Our experience confirms it:Students who are held accountable for their actions are better able todevelop their own unique potential.

“Being at BCD helped merealize that I am smart and that I can get good grades. This school gave me confidence that I couldn’t have found at a public school.”

– BCD Alumna

BCD Students Are…

ADVENTUROUS.

Developing the whole child is another hallmark of a BCD education.At BCD, students are encouraged to take the stage as well as the potterywheel. They can choose to feed theirinner artist or develop a not-so-hidden athletic talent.

The BCD commitment to the arts isstrong. Throughout their time at theschool students will find themselves on stage, building confidence andnurturing a lifelong love of the arts.Every Friday there is an All SchoolAssembly where different grade levelsgive performances or presentations.BCD also puts on several musicalproductions each year with Middle,Elementary and Preschool students.

Music And Drama

BCD students benefit from a hands-on approach to the Performing Artswith a general music program that exposes students to a wide range ofmusical experiences including singing in the choir, learning to play aninstrument, studying the great composers and even creating compositionsof their own. The general music program also offers units in theatre anddrama where characterization, costume, motivation, stage movement anddirections and other theatrical concepts are included in the curriculum.

Throughout their years at BCD, from Preschool through Middle School,students are encouraged to spread their wings by performing in school-wide Assembly Productions. These annual productions, completewith costumes, provide an opportunity for every student to develop stageawareness. Performances given by the Elementary School Choirs oftenhave a dramatic element that may incorporate dance as well as lines and aplot. At the Middle School level, students typically tackle largerproductions, performing either a drama or a musical each year.

Athletics

Sports also have a starring role at BCD. Learning to play anddeveloping physically helps build strong self esteem. Our no-cutpolicy encourages every student to get out of their comfort zone and consider playing a team or individual sport they may have never tried before. Students gain confidence and develop the skillsnecessary to participate on various teams and enjoy continuedsuccess at the competitive level. This philosophy has led to 95percent of all 5th through 8th grade students participating in teamsports including:

Boys – Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, WrestlingGirls – Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball

Fine Arts

BCD’s commitment to the Arts is unparalleled. The richness of theFine Arts curriculum is designed to foster creativity, self expressionand artistic and personal growth. Throughout the sequence of artcourses – from art room basics to art appreciation, criticism andaesthetics, there are also numerous opportunities for students toconceive of and work on their own art projects. Pottery is a popularmedium that teachers often use to tie together different aspects of thecurriculum, enabling students to experience art on several levels.

BCD has a wealth of opportunities suchas enrichment field trips that expand thelearning experience and help students build the confidence they need to reachtheir highest potential.

We look forward to welcoming you.

BCD is…

AN INSTITUTION OF EXCELLENCE.

Why should your child be a BCD Student?From our youngest Preschoolers to our graduating Middle School class, BCD is a school that attendsto children – teaching them the basics and bringing out their best in a safe learning environment. It’s aspecial place and a tight-knit community – recognized by families, educators and students as anoutstanding school that offers a unique educational experience in the Boulder Valley.

If your child wants to be challenged, learn, be an active participant and reach his or her fullpotential, BCD is the place for you. At BCD, your children will make lifelong friends and learnlifelong lessons. A BCD education is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

We invite you to explore Boulder Country Day School further and contact our Admissions Office toarrange a tour to experience our school first hand.

Also, please visit us at www.bouldercountryday.org for more information and to apply for admissiononline. Or you can download and print the application and other admission forms. In an effort toconserve and do our part to be a “green school,” we have not provided any printed applicationforms in this brochure.

Once you accept this invitation, you will see for yourself that Boulder Country Day is truly a cohesive,dedicated community that’s committed to motivating and inspiring students to become lifelonglearners and responsible, caring and confident young adults.

Design: © Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT Photography: Christina Kiffney Copywriter: Karen Pugliese

Boulder Country Day does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability in the admission and educationalpolicies, financial aid programs, employment practices and other school administered programs.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a well-rounded, classical education of academicexcellence and social development in a safe environment, where students are motivated and inspired to become lifelong learners and productive, respectful citizens.

OUR MOTTO: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility for Your Actions.

4820 Nautilus Court North • Boulder, Colorado 80301 303.527.4931 (telephone) • 303.527.4944 (fax)

www.bouldercountryday.org Please direct all inquiries to: info@bouldercountryday.org

We are proud to be accredited and approved by the following organizations:

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Association of Colorado Independent Schools