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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

 

 

 


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Challenging

 

 

 


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Engaging

 

 

 


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Exploring

 

 

 


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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.

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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. 

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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 …

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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

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

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Beyond Dogman: Reading Challenge Pushes Fourth Graders to Build Important Literacy Skills

In North Shore Country Day’s lower school, a love of reading is not just encouraged — it’s celebrated. Walk into a fourth grade classroom, and you’ll find students eagerly discussing books, sharing recommendations and setting ambitious reading goals. At the heart of this enthusiasm is the Fourth Grade Reading Challenge, a program designed to help students transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

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Middle School Performing Arts Showcase Highlights Creativity and Growth

Middle school acting, dance and stagecraft students took center stage in January for the winter performing arts showcase, an event that celebrated their progress over the first half of the year. For the first time, the showcase featured a rotating format, with audience members moving between three locations to experience each discipline up close.

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A Slam Dunk for Alzheimer’s: Upper Schoolers Raise Nearly $11K

The energy inside North Shore Country Day’s newly renovated Mac McCarty Athletic Center was electric on January 25 as students, parents, alumni and faculty gathered for the 13th annual Dunk Alzheimer’s Basketball Bash. The event — one of the school’s most beloved traditions — not only showcased a full day of spirited basketball but also raised nearly $11,000 for Alzheimer’s research, far surpassing the committee’s original goal.

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Covers of Acorns from 1929 to present

At North Shore Country Day, thoughtful evolution is at the heart of everything we do. In 2020, we launched a bold refresh of our visual identity, aligning our brand with the values, culture and aspirations of our community. While that project included overhauling our logo, color palette and other visual elements, one piece remained untouched: the Acorn, our school magazine.

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Fueled by Hard Work and Community, Edgar Romero ’25 Receives QuestBridge Scholarship to Grinnell College

When Edgar Romero ’25 arrived at North Shore Country Day, he could not have predicted how far he would come in just a few short years. This past December, Edgar learned he had been awarded a full four-year scholarship to Grinnell College through the QuestBridge National College Match program. This prestigious award recognizes high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, and Edgar’s story of determination, resilience and kindness exemplifies everything the program celebrates.

Read More about Fueled by Hard Work and Community, Edgar Romero ’25 Receives QuestBridge Scholarship to Grinnell College