Students

We are so grateful for each and every one one of our students.

As individuals, they bring their own personalities, passions and goals. Together, they support each other on the field and on the stage, collaborate in the classroom and celebrate accomplishments large and small.

Our teachers truly enjoy engaging with them in classroom discussions, helping them reach an aha moment when grasping a new concept and cheering them on as they share their voices and talents.

They are the reason we are here.

What Our Students Say

Paging

My teachers are the best part of my entire experience at NSCD. I have close connections with every single one of them and they truly care about my success and the person I am beyond the classroom. Jane S.Class of 2021

One of the biggest reasons I love NSCD is you know almost everyone, if not everyone in your class. Since you have different people in every class, you work with and get to know others.
Dixie O.Class of 2026

My favorite class here is humanities. I had the most kind, understanding, and wonderful teacher imaginable. She made sure that everyone had a voice in her class, and encouraged everyone to share their thoughts on anything going on around us. I am certain that she — and North Shore — will continue to shape who I am not only as a student, but as the best, brightest and kindest human being possible.Caroline W.Class of 2026

I am new at North Shore and during my shadow visit, everybody was incredibly kind and had no room for judgement based on my personal interests. At North Shore, age or grade didn't matter at all. There were students who were seniors (while I was in 8th Grade at the time) who were able to completely relate to me, throwing age aside. Charlie H.Class of 2024

I play soccer and tennis at a high level and at most other schools I wouldn’t be able to do that. Also, I don’t think I would have had the Interim experiences at any other school.Ahan J.Class of 2021

See What our Students are Doing

Traditions

Homecoming

This annual event held in the fall brings together our entire NSCD community. Students JK-12 celebrate during the week with special spirit days and wear lots of purple and white, culminating with a spirited pep rally. The weekend festivities draw school families, faculty, staff, and alumni from across the country for reunion celebrations.

A typical homecoming weekend includes an art gallery opening, alumni and faculty/staff reception, games and activities for students of all ages, sporting events, food trucks and more.

For this year's Homecoming information, click here.

Morning Ex

Morning Exercise is certainly one of our longest-standing traditions that began as a daily gathering of all students, faculty and staff. The school—as an extension of family—was essential to Founding Headmaster Perry Dunlap Smith, and Morning Ex was the time and place to bond as family at NSCD.

The tradition continues to unite the school community several times a month for student performances, visiting guest speakers and musicians, and collaborative celebrations for special events with students and faculty from each division contributing to the program.

Buddy Program

The school is designed to promote engagement across divisions, creating intergenerational friendships among students through our Buddy Program. Students in each grade are assigned a buddy in slightly older grades. The most unlikely of friendships grow from pairings of seniors with junior and senior kindergarteners.

Special days are held throughout the year for buddies to meet and work on various service projects, Homecoming decorations or activities stemming from annual school-wide themes.

Field Day

Field Day first took place at the end of the first year of school in 1920 and lives on today. Both the lower and middle school students participate in a Field Day during the final days at the end of each school year. Teams are formed and compete against each other with teachers joining in the various challenges whether an egg toss, sack race, tug-of-war or any number of crazy, fun games.

Service

Service has played an important role at NSCD from the very beginning. Founding Headmaster Perry Dunlap Smith believed service was a crucial component in developing life skills and building a community. In 1923, students chose the simple words "Live and Serve" as the school motto.

Today, it is more than a motto. Service learning is integrated into the classroom curriculum, helping students learn about their communities and the world and designing ways to help others. In addition, students take the lead on community service initiatives that respond to immediate needs and passions. To learn more, click here.