Thank you for visiting Seattle Country Day School and our website.

Our school is a mission-driven, independent school with approximately 325 students in grades K-8. Our program is designed for highly capable children who flourish in a child-centered, inquiry-based curricular program.

At SCDS, student-centered means many lessons are designed to encourage personal growth and achievement. The learning process at SCDS involves much individual and small group problem-solving, discovery, and exploration. Classrooms have many of “hands on” materials, instructional spaces tend to get a little messy at times, and rooms often have a low “hum” generated from inquisitive students at work!

While the curriculum accentuates math, science, and technology, every student’s experience is rounded out with reading, literature, writing, Spanish, physical education, and the arts. Class sizes are small, individual attention is ample, and students feel safe in taking academic and intellectual risks and accepting challenges. Creativity is welcomed and encouraged. Such an atmosphere generates fresh thinking from the students and creative problem-solving. When students exchange their ideas with so many others with similar interest, energy, and perspectives, the learning environment is even more dynamic.

SCDS is all about the students, the curriculum, and learning. It is purposeful and genuine, while stimulating, challenging, and developmentally age-appropriate. Our teachers love learning and they enjoy creating resourceful learning opportunities for the students.

Our secondary school placement record is exemplary. Eighth grade students matriculate to many independent, public, and parochial high schools. Bush, Lakeside, Northwest, Seattle Academy, University Prep, Blanchet, Holy Names, Seattle Prep, Bellevue High, Garfield, Ingraham (IB Program), and the early entrance program at University of Washington as well as boarding schools. The goal at SCDS is for students to be prepared and confident, with a love of learning that will serve them well in the future.

I invite you to tour Seattle Country Day School and observe, feel, and experience the passion for teaching and learning that permeates the campus.

Michael G. Murphy
Head of School