Home

paging

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.

Learn More

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

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

48%

Students of Color

107

Years NSCD has been serving the greater Chicago area

505

Students Enrolled

53

ZIP CODES REPRESENTED

74%

FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

Paging

Movement, Mindset and Teamwork: Getting to Know Eric Sgarbossa

Whether he’s teaching students how to throw and catch, building teamwork in the gym or braving winter temperatures in shorts, physical education teacher Eric Sgarbossa brings energy and intention to every class he teaches.

Coach Rashid Smith Earns 200th Career Win

North Shore Country Day boys varsity basketball head coach Rashid Smith reached a major career milestone on January 3, earning his 200th win at the Hiawatha Holiday Basketball Tournament.

No Single Path: Alumni Career Day Encourages Students to Follow Their Curiosity

North Shore Country Day welcomed alumni back to campus in January for the school’s first-ever Alumni Career Day, an X-Day program designed to give upper school students an honest look at the many paths life after North Shore can take.

The Raider Ramble Podcast: Joel de la Fuente ’87 Brings Hold These Truths Home to NSCD

In this episode of Raider Ramble, host Lisa Doi ’09 welcomes back NSCD alum and acclaimed actor Joel de la Fuente ’87, joined by award-winning writer Jeanne Sakata, for a powerful conversation about storytelling, history, and purpose.

Seeing Differently: Alum James Robinson ’15 Encourages Students to Lean Into Discomfort, Create Connections

North Shore Country Day welcomed alum James Robinson ’15 back to campus as the 2026 Harold Hines Visiting Fellow, marking a full-circle moment for the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author and disability advocate.

Lessons in Courage: Joel de la Fuente ’87 Brings Moving Story of Japanese American Resistance to Campus

North Shore Country Day welcomed alum Joel de la Fuente ’87 back to campus for a day of classroom visits, conversation and a performance all centered around “Hold These Truths,” the acclaimed one-person play about civil rights and constitutional courage.

A 'Common' Thread: How a Student-Led Program Creates Connections Through Meaningful Dialogue

I have been involved in the Commons Ambassadors (CA) program for two years, and it has been both meaningful and transformative. Last year, I co-led a session on social media and identity and this year, I’m leading a session on fast fashion and overconsumption. While the program is still growing and improving, I have seen firsthand the positive impact this student-led initiative has had on our school community.

Summer at NSCD: A Place to Learn, Play and Belong

From its earliest decades, North Shore Country Day’s Summer Programs have served as a natural extension of life on campus, offering students a place to learn, play and connect during the summer months. Over time, the program has grown into a set of distinct offerings shaped by the interests and developmental stages of different age groups. Today, Day Camp, Expedition Camps and Little Explorers Camp form the core of the summer experience at NSCD.

Alumni Panel Offers Insight for Middle School Families Preparing for Upper School

North Shore Country Day recently welcomed middle school families to campus for an alumni panel, an opportunity to hear directly from students and graduates about the upper school experience and the transition to college. The conversation offered a thoughtful, candid look at academics, student life, and what comes next.