Our Philosophy

Overview

Our Philosophy

Movement Education

Developing healthy bodies and healthy minds

Healthy bodies are necessary for the development of the whole child, so Physical Education is an integral part of a Country Day education. Unlike many neighboring schools, our schedule devotes time to Physical Education every day, so that every child has the opportunity for maximum development in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.

Our Movement Education curriculum teaches children how to master the intricate balance of strength, flexibility, speed, strategy, and sportsmanship and good character that enhances a person’s life and makes participation in sports and other physical pursuits fun and satisfying. Activities are designed to challenge each individual’s abilities and they provide a positive atmosphere for learning.

Integrating classroom studies into activities as often as possible, P.E. teachers help promote kinesthetic learning to solidify academic concepts.

Country Day Athletics

The mission of the Country Day athletic program is to foster the growth of well-rounded, confident young adults in an age-appropriate manner. Country Day has a no-cut policy for 5th grade to junior varsity teams to encourage all students to participate in athletics. Some varsity sports, at the discretion of the coach, will hold tryouts to select appropriate players.

The athletic program, starting in grade 5, offers student-athletes the opportunity to explore competitive sports in a safe way. Trained coaches, most of whom played at the collegiate level in their respective sports, emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and self-discipline, and they commend individual effort and commitment.

Country Day offers the most comprehensive athletic program in our division of the Sac-Joaquin Section. In most years, the school organizes close to 40 teams in 14 different sports, and usually almost 80% of high school and middle school students participate in athletics. Student athletes develop skills in leadership, teamwork, goal setting, mental toughness, sportsmanship, and confidence. Many of our recent graduates play college athletics at colleges and universities throughout the country.

Country Day is also known for supporting students in exploring new interests, and athletics is an important part of this tradition. College-bound athletes not only compete in their strongest sport, they have the ability to play on other teams, as well as participate in the many co-curricular activities offered by Country Day. We encourage all of our athletes not to limit themselves to the “one sport” mentality that is prevalent in high school athletics at other schools.