Home

paging
The 2nd grade class works on a water filter project at the beach.
Leveraging relationships is the foundation of the student experience

   

Students perform in a musical at North Shore Country Day.
Expanding beyond academics is essential for discovery and growth

   

Lower school students work on a project in the Live and Serve Lab.
“Live and Serve” is our motto put into action

   

The girls volleyball team celebrates a victory.
Becoming a team player is a requirement

   

JK buddies read together.
Creating buddies, JK-12,  is how students learn from each other

   

An aerial view of the 16-acre campus.
Our 16-acre campus is a breath of fresh air

   

What Matters Most

Since our founding we have committed to answering a fundamental question: 
What matters most when educating a child?

Our answer? A holistic, intentionally designed learning experience where all members of our community are focused on: 

Connecting

 

 

 


Learn More

 

Challenging

 

 

 


Learn More

Engaging

 

 

 


Learn More

Exploring

 

 

 


Learn More

Our Programs

Lower School

Lower School

GRADES JK-5

Our integrated curriculum and program help children see the world through more courageous, compassionate eyes, planting the seed for a lifelong love of learning.

Learn More

Middle School

Middle School

Grades 6-8

We believe in the unique capabilities of our adolescent learners, and our curriculum reflects that. Our teachers challenge students to stretch themselves. 

Learn More

Upper School

Upper School

Grades 9-12

Students develop into well-rounded adults by stretching themselves with experiences in performing arts, athletics, service, activities and meaningful connections made with …

Learn More

Paging

I have found that the NSCD teachers are very committed to their students. They want the kids to learn the topics thoroughly and also feel challenged. They also are there for their students way beyond the classroom.

Susie ShermanParent of alumni

Every single teacher seems to have a smile on his/her face and a twinkle in the eye—everyday. It’s a wonderful thing to witness because it’s obvious that those smiles and twinkles are powered by the pure joy of loving one’s work. And, seeing that magic come through in remote learning brought a tear to my eye more than once last spring.
Trish ThomasLower and Middle School Parent

NSCD continuously goes above and beyond in ways one cannot imagine. It often amazes me how the administration is always one step ahead in making decisions about the well being of the children and working toward ways they can encourage growth.

Ashleigh Palmer '04Lower School Parent

It started by looking for a full day of kindergarten. My family quickly learned the attention to students’ needs was amazing and we never looked back.

Jennifer MedvinUPPER School Parent

By the Numbers

Paging

7 to 1

Student to Teacher Ratio

45%

Students of Color

106

Years NSCD has been serving the greater Chicago area

510

Students Enrolled

47

ZIP CODES REPRESENTED

80%

FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

Paging
Exploring Possibilities: Reflections from the 2025 Bus O’ Fun Trip

Over spring break, 13 juniors joined North Shore Country Day’s college counseling team for the annual Bus O’ Fun trip, a weeklong adventure designed to help students explore a variety of college and university experiences. Led by Director of College Counseling Matt Mettille and College Counselor Kristen Kaczynski, this year’s group traveled through North Carolina and South Carolina, visiting 11 schools in just five days.

Read More about Exploring Possibilities: Reflections from the 2025 Bus O’ Fun Trip
Collage of PA events on campus.

The importance of parental involvement traces back to the very foundations of the day school movement. Unlike boarding schools, day schools sought to offer students the benefits of academic rigor while allowing them to return home to their families each evening. This philosophy emphasized the “healthful influence of parents” as a vital element of a child’s development — an ethos that remains deeply ingrained at North Shore.

Read More about Stronger Together: Parents’ Association Helps Build Community and Make Lifelong Connections
Via Kelly performs at Carnegie Hall.

When I first got my nomination letter for the Honors Performance Series, I thought there had been a mistake. I had just walked in the door after another normal day of school, and my dad said that a letter had arrived for me. I opened it, not expecting anything of much importance, when I saw the words, “You have been nominated” and “Carnegie Hall.” I think I was shocked at seeing it because I do not remember much of the rest.

Read More about Hitting the High Notes: My Carnegie Hall Debut
The Raider Ramble Promo

In this episode of Raider Ramble, Montse Lusarreta, Lower School Counselor, and Courtney Wilson, Middle School Counselor, are joined by this year's Harold Hines Visiting Fellow, Dr. Ethan Kross. Renowned as a leading expert on emotional regulation, Dr. Kross delves into the science of emotions in his latest book, "Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You."

Read More about The Raider Ramble Podcast: Managing Your Emotions with Dr. Ethan Kross
Students participate in Model UN.

North Shore has long encouraged students “to think critically, communicate effectively and engage fully” within the classroom, as stated in the school’s mission. One the best examples of this mission in action is North Shore’s Model United Nations conference. In parallel with the upper school’s Model UN program, the middle school conference has experienced a surge in both its size and training opportunities. This year’s conference, held on March 1, was open to all middle schoolers, and for the first time, ninth grade students with limited varsity experience.

Read More about From Prohibition to Poverty: NSCD’s Model UN Conference Tackles Global and Historical Challenges
Student practicing for Xanadu.

For many NSCD students, what they know about the spring musical, “Xanadu,” centers on sparkly roller skates, ’80s disco balls, fluorescent colors and Greek mythology. But “Xanadu” isn’t just a new musical for NSCD — it also marks a brand-new direction for the theater department, which is no small feat. After all, delivering “75 minutes of fun” requires many more hours of preparation than you might think.

Read More about New Meets Retro in ‘Xanadu’ the Musical