The educational foundation for your child is something that starts right from the beginning of school. And it’s not just about academics.
Becky Ballard believes that Chicago City Day School values teaching beyond textbooks. The mom of two City Day graduates, she says that the school’s JK-through-grade-8 model helped her children achieve academic and personal success. Both her son and daughter went on to their first choice high school; her son has since graduated and is studying at Rice University.
“Chicago City Day School doesn’t just offer excellent academics. The school teaches life skills that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities they will find once they graduate eighth grade,” she says.
Building essential life skills as well as academic achievements
City Day’s curriculum rests on the belief that after eighth grade, students are developmentally ready to tackle brand-new challenges and experiences. So its program, in gradual and age-appropriate steps, teaches students to be independent thinkers and doers. Kids learn to take accountability for their work, actions and outcomes.
“I was so impressed by how the school guided my children as they got older,” says Ballard. “The academic content grew more sophisticated, but the school also provided important life skills at the right time. Starting in fifth grade, students are supported and encouraged to be responsible for themselves regarding homework, managing their time and getting organized,” says Ballard.
Ballard says this resulted in a “huge leap” in fifth grade for both of her children in terms of their accountability and self-management. She believes that Chicago City Day School’s approach made a big difference in her children’s high school transition.
“Because my kids were already used to taking responsibility for themselves, they were able to manage their time and be successful in high school,” she notes.
Fostering comfort with public speaking and performing
Chicago City Day School has a public speaking requirement that helps students enter new high school environments with confidence and a penchant for self-advocacy.
“In first grade, the students speak four times throughout the year on a topic of their choice. The goal is to get the kids comfortable standing in front of a group of people and sharing their thoughts,” says Ballard.
Other opportunities to gain confidence by getting up in front of others abound. All students take part in the Science Fair, where they present their projects to the group. Plus, every City Day student participates in multiple performances throughout the school year, including plays and concerts.
Ballard feels that public speaking helps Chicago City Day School students gain a confidence that makes them stand out from their peers. “I’m often told how well-spoken my kids are. I believe this poise and confidence comes from their foundation at Chicago City Day School.”
Strong academics and unique travel opportunities
Besides strong academics, Chicago City Day School students have access to several travel experiences that help them finish eighth grade as well-rounded, knowledgeable citizens.
“The trips are open to everybody, with an unlimited number of spots and financial support for those who need it,” says Ballard.
The seventh-grade trip to Space Camp is one such opportunity, which Ballard says was her kids’ favorite experience. There are also foreign language immersion programs for older students in both Spain and France.
One of the most unique experiences is a partnership with Shedd Aquarium. Each year, Chicago City Day School takes a group of seventh and eighth graders to the Caribbean to study the health of the coral reef. Students collect data and share it with working scientists around the world.
“Kids stay on a boat for one week while they study the reef. They help out with everything, cleaning, cooking, you name it. One year the Shedd lost their data, and they asked our students for it!” Ballard notes.
The combination of excellent academics and enrichment has paid off, says Ballard. “For my children, the education at Chicago City Day School paved the way for their success at a rigorous high school. Both my son and daughter were accepted into honors math and science.”
Support for social and emotional growth
Class sizes at Chicago City Day School are small, which is one of its benefits, according to Ballard. Teachers are aware of students’ personalities, interests and academic strengths and weaknesses.
“Teachers keep an eye on the kids’ growth and development,” says Ballard. “If they have any concerns, they let the parents know. They watch out for the kids, not just academically, but they also make sure they are doing OK with finding friends and adapting to school.”
Extracurriculars at Chicago City Day School are open to everyone and provide opportunities for socialization and teamwork. “If you want to do a sport, you are on the team, no matter your skill level,” says Ballard. Kids get to explore activities and learn from them, without stressful tryouts or other limiting factors.
And because City Day ends after eighth grade, the school’s older students can act as true leaders and mentors on campus. Middle school-age students regularly interact and work with younger learners at City Day, an experience that benefits both groups. Ballard says that her children’s leadership experiences at City Day made them confident and conscientious high school students.
A strong school community that builds confidence and inclusion
Chicago City Day School is a very inclusive community, says Ballard. Due to the small size of the school, everyone knows and accepts each other. “The kids view each other as an extension of their families,” she says.
It’s also a place to build lasting friendships and connections. Ballard still volunteers at school events even though her children have graduated.
“The attitude of kindness and inclusion at Chicago City Day School has helped my kids adapt to their new schools,” Ballard explains. “Because everyone feels welcome, my kids don’t even think twice about being welcoming to others.”
Ballard believes that Chicago City Day School has made a positive impact on her kids’ transition to high school and beyond: “Students get excellent academic preparation and come out of the school confident in who they are as people.”
Learn more about Chicago City Day School at chicagocityday.org.
