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.
Counseling
Dedicated counselors work closely with students and families to foster emotional well-being, strengthen self-awareness and support healthy development at every stage.
Educational Technology
Explore how North Shore thoughtfully integrates technology to enhance learning, foster creativity and collaboration, and help students become confident, responsible digital citizens.
Learning Resources
Discover how North Shore develops strong reading, writing and critical thinking skills through a comprehensive literacy program grounded in research and best practices.
Library
Learn how the library serves as a welcoming hub where students discover new ideas, build research skills and cultivate a lifelong passion for reading.
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.
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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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 Palmer '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