Kalamazoo Country Day School

The teachers here are truly committed to their students' success. They go above and beyond to ensure each child feels valued and understood, making learning an enjoyable experience. Their dedication is evident in their engaging with the students and tailoring their teaching methods to meet individual needs. The educational plans in place are impressive. They are thoughtfully designed to prepare our children for the future, incorporating innovative strategies and curriculum that instill critical thinking and creativity. I feel confident that my children are receiving a well-rounded education that will set them up for success in whatever path they choose.

We love seeing how happy our daughter is at KCDS! We really appreciate the part time schedule available for preschool as well as the flexible summer camp offered. We are so grateful for the sweet friendships and bonds she has made with classmates and the amazing KCDS staff. It's such a special, small school that makes us feel safe and at home. You can tell that all of the KCDS staff truly care about our daughter and the personal growth of children.

For families looking for a private elementary school in kalamamzoo, this school is a hidden gem! I believe that as of 2024 it is the best option in kalamazoo for most students in early elementary. It is remarkably inexpensive for everything offered. During 2022-2024, My wife, children and I toured or attended a day or more at the big private schools in town including The Montessori School, Kazoo school, Gagie school. Also Comstock Stem with is a selective private school. We have not visited the Catholic or Christian or public schools but i wish we had. Each of these schools have advantages for certain students. I believe Kalamazoo Country Day is the best option for the early elementary grades. My son has attended 3rd grade for a half year and he has not complained. He does not celebrate school, but he does consider it a privilege. I have also volunteered at the school and spoken with several teachers and the head of school as well as alumni and other parents. All these private schools cost about $1000 to $1200 per month to attend. They do offer limited financial support. So if your family has the funds, here is a quick breakdown to help guide you to a school that matches your children. (Remember you also have a growing homeschool community around kalamazoo.) If you think your child would learn better outdoors, and you are ok with a politically progressive atmosphere, consider kazoo school. Something to consider: when will your child leave kazoo to indoor school and how will they adjust? If your child wants a more classical education, that is structured—essentially a “super” public school, consider gagie. If your child does well directing their own learning, consider the Montessori school. An added bonus is that it has a great environmental education program. If you need tests and grades and textbooks to feel comfortable with school, this is not your place. If your child is motivated to learn and ok with structured academic learning, consider comstock stem. Your child will need to complete and essay and score well to attend. If your child would benefit from small classes and a pragmatic approach to academic learning and personal development, consider kalamazoo country day school. Whereas Montessori promotes Community, I’d say KCDS promotes Growing Leaders. My son in 3rd grade has some classes mixed with 4th graders. He has a dedicated math teacher, English arts teacher. He has Spanish. He has art. I like the PE classes. The students have played hand ball, cricket, badminton. The school community is the most diverse of any elementary private school I’ve ever seen. You have country folk in their trucks, office workers in their Teslas and hard working folks in their work vehicles all mingling. The cultural and thought diversity is also amazing. The head of school is incredibly open to new ideas. He takes AI seriously and is trying to figure out how to best educate students in the modern world. I asked him if he would consider installing a nature playground at the school. He said yes! I alter learned he had to study what that meant and has been working with me ever since to get it done. He has a great can-do attitude. The school is I their 2nd or 3rd year of using a program called leader in me which is essentially Steven coveys 7 habits of highly effective people. It might sound a little odd, but they do it well. It’s kind of like secular religion that says everyone can learn, get better, find their gifts and be a leader—and these are the secrets on how to do it. The kids seem to roll with it. I like it. If you are curious, I recommend you meet with the head of school. If you want, he might offer your child a day at the school to learn more.