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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

Challenging

Engaging

Exploring

Our Programs

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.

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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.

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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 …

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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

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7 to 1

Student to Teacher Ratio

49%

Students of Color

108

Years NSCD has been serving the greater Chicago area

505

Students Enrolled

53

ZIP CODES REPRESENTED

74%

FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

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The Raider Ramble Podcast: Rich Appel ’81 on Comedy, Career Changes and Finding Your Path

Emmy-winning television writer, producer and showrunner Rich Appel ’81 joins The Raider Ramble for the Season 4 premiere, sharing the story of a career that has taken him from North Shore Country Day to Harvard, to a federal courtroom, to some of television’s most celebrated writers’ rooms.

Building Community, One House at a Time

This fall, North Shore Country Day revived its house system, bringing back four groups — Duff, Hall, Millet and Steel — and giving students a new way to build traditions, strengthen connections across grade levels and take greater ownership of upper school life.

What Makes Middle School TICK

The early adolescent years of middle school are a time of considerable growth, rewiring and "pruning," offering us the opportunity to guide students in developing habits of mind that will shape their future. Middle school isn't only about preparing students academically for upper school; it's a time to help them become people who persist through difficulty, act with integrity, remain curious and contribute positively to a community. At NSCD, four values make our middle school TICK: tenacity, integrity, curiosity and kindness.

A Century of Connection

Junior kindergarten students from the Class of 2040 recently found out through a special exchange with North Shore alum Louise Konsberg Noll, who graduated in 1940. Louise’s memories of her own childhood inspired the Class of 2040 to reflect on what they love about school today.

Read More about A Century of Connection

Raider Pride on Full Display

Homecoming spirit was on full display at North Shore Country Day as a week of celebrations culminated in Homecoming Reunion Weekend Sept. 25-26, bringing together students, families, alumni and friends for school traditions, athletic competition and plenty of Raider pride.

First Grade, Fresh Start: Getting to Know Ashley Smith and Ginia Oviedo

A new school year brings plenty of excitement to first grade — including two new lead teachers, Ashley Smith and Ginia Oviedo. Both bring a wealth of experience — and plenty of enthusiasm — to their classrooms. We caught up with them to learn a little more about their teaching philosophies, favorite books, first grade memories and what they’re most looking forward to this year.

Model UN Turns Global Thinking Into Local Action

North Shore Country Day’s Model UN program opened its 2026–27 season with high aspirations, its largest preseason camp to date and a new service initiative connecting the team’s global focus with local action.

Learning, Serving and Connecting in Washington, D.C.

For North Shore Country Day eighth graders, the annual trip to Washington, D.C., has offered a chance to experience history, government and civic life beyond the classroom. This year, the longstanding tradition includes a new dimension: a hands-on service experience that asks students to consider how they can contribute to the communities around them.

Opening the year together

North Shore Country Day marked the ceremonial opening of its 108th school year on Wednesday, August 26, bringing the entire community together for Opening Morning Ex and a morning filled with tradition, reflection and a warm welcome to the year ahead.