St. James, NY - October 23, 2015 - Harbor Country Day School, a nonprofit independent day school located in St. James’ Head of the Harbor, announced that its kindergarten through eighth grade enrollment has increased 64% in the past five years. Even with the significant increase in enrollment, Harbor consistently maintains its commitment to low student-to-teacher ratio, which has been and will continue to be a hallmark of the school.
“Of course, we are thrilled to see our enrollment numbers continue to climb every year,” said Harbor Country Day Head of School, John Cissel. “We’ve always known what a unique and extraordinary education our students receive here at Harbor, as have the families whose children have walked our halls. It’s gratifying to know that many new families are also discovering what is so special about Harbor.”
Since Harbor Country Day first opened its doors in 1958 to 38 students, the school has grown from a small local school into one of the area’s premier independent day schools. The nonprofit school draws its students from across Long Island, from as far east as Westhampton to as far west as Flushing, and from Nissequogue on the North Shore to West Islip on the South Shore.
“Over the past several years, we have taken steps to add a number of bold and innovative programs to our curriculum,” added Cissel. “We have a thriving Mandarin program for our students in preschool through eighth grade, which immerses students in the Chinese culture while teaching fluency in the Mandarin language. Our STEAM curriculum continues to flourish, as we have adopted the innovative Singapore Math program for all grades and created additional robotics and programming opportunities for students. And of course, we never lose sight of the ‘fundamentals’ of a solid education. Our reading and writing programs are more robust than they’ve ever been, and we will always look for new ways to challenge our students in those areas.”
Harbor Country Day will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the school.
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.