At North Shore Country Day in Winnetka, Illinois, education is more than preparation; it’s transformation. For over a century, this progressive JK-12 school has stayed true to its mission of cultivating curious minds, compassionate leaders and confident problem-solvers ready to make a difference in the world.
Here, says Head of School Tom Flemma, learning isn’t confined to classrooms or textbooks. It’s immersive, interconnected and deeply personal, rooted in the belief that when students are challenged, supported and invited to explore widely, they discover who they are and what they’re capable of.
“We’re teaching students the skills they need to thrive personally and academically,” Flemma says. “We work tirelessly to create the culture, build the programming and provide the physical spaces where students can be themselves, engage with others and learn most effectively.”
Academics designed for growth, reflection and real-world readiness
From the very beginning, Flemma says, students are encouraged to think critically, speak up, ask questions and connect ideas across disciplines.
In lower school, learning is active and expansive. An integrated curriculum helps children see the world with empathy and curiosity. Participation is built into daily life through art and service projects to music, public speaking and weekly community gatherings.
Meanwhile, in middle school, faculty recognize the power and potential of young adolescents. Students build and program robots, compete in Science Olympiad, debate at Model United Nations, participate in service days, and even lead their own parent-teacher conferences. They develop confidence not just in what they know, but in who they’re becoming.
By upper school, challenge and support go hand-in-hand. Long-block schedules, one-on-one faculty relationships, dedicated college counseling, service learning and tailored academic pathways ensure students thrive without losing balance. They graduate with the skills and agency to lead, collaborate and pursue their passions boldly.
A community of belonging and purpose
Walk across campus and you’ll feel it, Flemma says: a deep sense of welcome, connection and pride in community.
Rooted in progressive ideals, North Shore sustains a culture where every student is seen and valued. The school’s guiding vision has been strengthened over generations by alumni, families, faculty and staff who believe in both honoring tradition and staying agile in service of students.
“Here, every student is known, valued and empowered to become the amazing people they are meant to be,” Flemma says.
It’s a place where voices are heard, identities are affirmed and multiple perspectives are encouraged. Students learn early that respect, dignity and inclusion aren’t abstract values; they’re lived commitments.
Beyond the classroom with confidence and creativity
Co-curriculars at North Shore aren’t add-ons, school leaders note. They’re core to the experience.
Lower schoolers can explore after-school enrichment programs, while middle and upper school students choose from more than 40 student-led clubs and affinity groups. The arts, athletics and extracurriculars are interwoven with skill-building and leadership.
Athletics stand out in particular. Every upper school student has the opportunity to play on interscholastic teams — a rarity among high schools. And despite its size, North Shore consistently excels at the conference and state levels, with many graduates continuing their sport in college.
From Debate to STEAM, affinity groups to outdoor learning, students don’t just participate — they shape their school experience.
What families should know
As one of Chicagoland’s premier independent schools, North Shore Country Day is intentional in every detail, school leaders say, from academic design to wellness support to campus spaces.
Teachers know each student deeply and help them take meaningful risks, stretch their thinking and discover personal strengths. Students are encouraged to serve, lead, question and grow, not just for high school and college but for life.
Above all, North Shore graduates leave with more than knowledge, Flemma says. They carry purpose, confidence and a sense of responsibility to their communities and the wider world.
This content is sponsored by North Shore Country Day. To learn more, visit the North Shore Country Day website — and discover more Chicago schools in the Best Schools Guide.
