Chico Country Day School

102 West 11th Street

School District

Chico Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

charter

School Map for Chico Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 15, 2025

I had a couple kids go to this school from Kinder until upper elementary. When my kids first started at CCDS, part of the previous administration was still in place, which seemed to provide some checks and balances. The administration has undergone some significant changes, from what I understand the old admin was pushed out or made so miserable they chose to leave and the new admin is completely changing the school from the great inclusive school it once was. There is zero transparency with the way decisions are made, or where donations are used. When significant changes are made, such as the removal of all holidays, it is not communicated, but avoided until you see nothing on the calendar about it. The admin suggests that holidays are removed because not every religion celebrates them, which is fair, however they then make everyone say the pledge of allegiance which not everyone can participate in due to religion. The morale is so, so low among parents. The school pretends to care about families and their view point but is constantly told "change is hard" when a parent questions, asks for more detail or heaven forbid challenge a decision. Gone are all holiday celebrations and things that bring excitement to kids. I had one child who needed extra supports due to disability, not only was this child constantly singled out by one teacher, there was the expectation that the child fit the mold of a typical child and when they couldn't the child was again singled out, resulting in an absolute hatred for school.In addition, when we changed schools, my kids were so academically behind, at no failure of their own, because CCDS does not follow standard curriculum or align it seems with traditional schools. However, both children are now THRIVING at their new school, my disabled child has not had one issue at the new school. Moving away from Chico Country Day School was the absolute best decision we have made and has done wonders to my children's confidence, and abilities. If I had this to do again, I would 100% never send my kids to this school.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2024

We are so happy with CCDS. Not only has their education program been amazing in helping our child learn and grow since TK, but socially and emotionally, it’s the most compassionate and understanding school with teachers and staff who truly care about each and every student and their well being. I know my child is in very good hands when they go to school and that peace of mind is so important. We highly recommend this school and look forward to our eldest child’s continued growth and sending little sibling there when ready!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2024

Best school in Chico! So many enriching opportunities for my kids that are not offered in other elementary and middle schools. The staff is amazing and so supportive of everyone at the school. The school focuses on project-based learning which my kids love, and it teaches them skills that they’ll actually use in real life, like how to think critically, work with others, and present their work competently. The school is just a great place to be for students and parents alike. I love CCDS!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2023

It’s hard to write a review for a place that I feel just “so so” about, but I will say that I have nothing to compare it to. Overall, the staff is amazing. The custodians, the office staff, the teachers are all committed 100% to the children & I know they love my children & only want the best for them. It’s been very disappointing how many wonderful staff members have left the last few years, and I need to note that it’s not Covid related—they didn’t retire early, they didn’t go on to another career because of burn out, they left because they were unhappy with how they were being treated & the direction the school was heading. I am a liberal, and even I believe that the leftist approach that the school is taking is too much; they say it’s on account of being an inclusive school. Don’t we all want inclusivity? Instead of taking away, why can’t the school teach more about other cultures and traditions and celebrate them all? I am not a religious person, but I would love for my children to learn about the different types of holidays and cultural activities others celebrate.Maybe it’s the sign of our times (or maybe it’s just this school), but bullying is not taken seriously—it’s discussion after discussion with all parties involved with no clear path. Maybe they’re afraid of getting sued…but the few times my child has been a victim of bullying, I was told “well, no one saw it”. That’s an astonishing approach.As for education, the school gives very limited homework, and their education model is project-based learning. When I’ve questioned how kids are prepared for high school or college, the principal has gotten defensive that they are still accountable to their peers, therefore they MAY do some work at home. My children have never done homework unless they’ve been ill. As for learning time management for a project & how that related to work being done outside the school, I have first hand knowledge that it’s taken months for high school freshmen for learn these traits. And as for family engagement…yes! It USED to be that way. Families still become friends & are with one another outside of school, but more & more family-oriented activities on campus have been taken away because it’s “disruptive” to the children on campus. And believe me, we had to fight to help in the classroom recently. You’d think a school would appreciate free help.For years, I said that as long as my children are happy, I am happy, but it’s not how I feel any longer.
Submitted by other on September 19, 2023

All three of our kids went to CCDS. It WAS a phenomenal school community, a place we felt safe and proud to be a part of. It used to be a school where the kids, staff and parents worked together for the greater good of the students. Not anymore. Thank goodness our kids are older and no longer attend what has become a hostile environment, starting with the administration and how that role has been taken out of context. There is no longer a genuine relationship between administration and parents, which was solid prior to this administration taking over. What is happening there is out of control. Its turned into a dictatorship where if you don’t align with the “leader” you are out! Period. So many unethical practices are going on it’s worrisome that this can even be happening. They have taken away just about everything that made the school unique and special. It’s the things what used to draw hundreds of families to it that are no longer allowed. Longtime staff has fled over the past several years. Families have left in droves and there is no longer huge waiting lists for enrollment like there once was.People have asked me if they should go there, knowing our kids had. I have to be honest and tell them no I don’t recommend that school anymore because it is unrecognizable as to what it’s become and where it’s headed is even scarier. It’s a shell of what once was a remarkable school.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2023

As a parent of a student at Chico Country Day School, I can honestly say that it is the best school in the area. My child has thrived at CCDS, both academically and socially. The teachers at CCDS are highly qualified and experienced, and they are passionate about teaching. They challenge students to think critically and creatively, and they provide them with the support they need to succeed. CCDS also has a strong sense of community. Parents, teachers, and staff all work together to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. My child feels loved and supported at CCDS, and I know that they are getting the best possible education. I highly recommend Chico Country Day School to any parent who is looking for a school that will provide their child with a rigorous academic program, a supportive community, and a variety of opportunities to grow and succeed. Here are some specific examples of how CCDS has benefited my child: My child has developed a strong love of learning. They are always excited to go to school and learn new things. My child has made great progress academically. They are challenging themselves in the classroom and are achieving at a high level. My child has made close friends at CCDS. They feel like they belong to a community of supportive and caring people.My child is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities at CCDS. This has helped them to develop new skills and interests.I am so grateful that my child has the opportunity to attend Chico Country Day School. I know that they are getting the best possible education and that they are well-prepared for success in the future. Chico Country Day School has an amazing administration. They are highly qualified, experienced, and passionate about their jobs. The principal, vice principal, and other administrators are all visible and involved in the school community, and they are always supportive and encouraging. They are also proactive and innovative, constantly looking for ways to improve the school.I highly recommend Chico Country Day School to any parents looking for a school with an excellent administration.
Submitted by other on September 18, 2023

Terrible experience with the principal. The school has gone down hill.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2023

My children had some great teachers over the years and the annual events made it feel like family. The school historically had a great reputation but over the last several years (prior to Covid) the administration has alienated anyone who brings up a concern or disagrees with policy. They have a divide and conquer mentality, parents aren’t welcome and teachers work in fear. There has been a mass exodus of good families and staff who worked hard to make CCDS what it once was. It’s not the school it used to be. Better off at your neighborhood public non-charter school. At least the admin at CUSD schools have accountability.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2023

The teachers are great. They’re loving and welcoming and want to teach our children. The administration has gotten out of control with their manipulation and lies. I’m so saddened by how they’ve made us parents feel if we question anything they do. We just want the best for our kids and we want to be involved. But the lack of communication, the secrets and lies they’ve told makes us feel like we have no say or participation with our kids education and happiness at school. I am an active helper with the PTP and our principal has chosen to dismantle our group. We have organized countless events that bring community, fun and happiness to the kids and families during school hours and after. We’ve raised funds that go directly to the classrooms for supplies and experiences (field trips). Now our PTP has been taken away so who knows where those funds will go. And most importantly, we now don’t have a group of dedicated parents to organize special, fun events for our children.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2023

Chico Country Day School used to be the best school in Chico. Unfortunately, the current admin has destroyed it. Chico has far better schools where your children will receive a far better education. I would look into Sierra View, Parkview, Shasta, and Rosedale (Spanish Immersion). Look at the dates for the reviews on Chico Country Day School. The great reviews are from a time when the school was great. Sadly, this is not the current case.
Submitted by other on September 27, 2013

I am a student at CCDS and I have been here since kindergarden, I am in junior high and I love it !!! It has the comforting small school environment, but with the technology and resources of a big junior high. The teachers are GREAT, they make sure the student is never bored or unchallenged, and they unlike huge middle school teachers, they help you if your struggling and they will take the time to get to know you. They have a okay hot lunch program, and great volleyball nets ,soccer fields, basketball courts and more.The middle school provides great elective choices, such as art, spanish, models, tech. , yearbook and more. The school provide many fun and educational field trips. I would recommend this school to anyone!
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2013

I was skeptical when I walked onto the campus, as the facility is not in the greatest shape, but my children have attended for the past few years and the staff is amazing. The majority of the teachers truly care about the kids and are very creative in their lessons. The field trips are amazing and the parent involvement is the best I have ever seen. It really feels like a community. My child just graduated and I feel like she is really prepared for high school. The new principal seems like a great fit and I am excited that the facility is going to be getting the long-awaited revitalization that it so desperately needs.
Submitted by other on June 02, 2013

My school is... Okay i guess. The teachers do not take care of bullying as well as kids need them to. I've been there since K and im switching schools for 8th grade. Im not a rich kid and everyone else kinda is so its hard to fit in. The facility's are horrible. The parking sucks and the teachers are okay. Mr.Massa Mrs. Henderson Mr. Davis (in order: 7-8th grade, 4th grade, %th grade. Spanish is the best elective. -submitted by student
Submitted by other on August 31, 2011

I've been here since first grade it's ok there's just tO many rules and stuff I am now in junior high but overall it's pretty good 4th grade has the best teachers though over all I would rate the school a 4 star