Learning at NSCD
In the classroom and beyond, our faculty provide the learning experiences and scaffolding of skills to develop students who are ready to actively engage the world and embody the school's mission through their lives.
Our integrated JK-12 curriculum intentionally develops skills, dispositions and mindsets that complement content knowledge; promotes interdisciplinary and experiential learning; and demands engagement with multicultural and global issues.
Our exceptional faculty understand the power of spiraling curricular threads, collaboration across grade levels and between disciplines. It develops enduring understanding in students and changes busy work to meaningful work.
Our emphasis on the whole child ensures that critical and creative thinkers not only have the intellect but the compassion, communication skills and social awareness to engage constructively in the world around them.
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Grades JK and SK
Every day, our youngest students bring to school boundless curiosity and creativity—we honor and nurture these traits with a rich, innovative kindergarten program.
Lower School
Lower School
Grades 1-5
Our integrated curriculum and program help children see the world through more courageous, compassionate eyes, planting the seed for a lifelong love of learning.
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.
Upper School
Upper School
Grades 9-12
Challenging classes, one-on-one interactions with teachers, long-
block schedules, personalized college counseling, service learning, regular community gatherings—are all part of the experience.
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NSCD encourages engagement in many disciplines. You can not be a bystander at NSCD. They insist each student jump in and participate, and contribute in their own way. Susie Sherman
Upper School Parent
As an alum of NSCD, I knew that I wanted our son to be in an environment that would provide an inclusive and empowering atmosphere for him to thrive. NSCD is that and so much more.Ashleigh Weathers '04
Lower School Parent
We choose NSCD for our children because the smaller learning environment fosters a more robust educational experience and offers a more meaningful faculty/student connection.Maggie Scheyer
Upper School Parent
“The North Shore experience forces students to reach beyond their comfort zone. The school encourages students to try new experiences whether it’s the trumpet, learning how to make dumplings in Mandarin class, attempting printmaking or singing in chorus.” Linda Karmin
Upper School Parent
“What attracted us to NSCD was the quality of education and commitment to building critical thinkers.”
Jonathan Anderson
Lower School Parent
By the Numbers
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8 to 1
Student to Teacher Ratio
43%
Students of Color
105
Years NSCD has been serving the greater Chicago area
540
Students Enrolled
47
ZIP CODES REPRESENTED
52%
FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES