Country Day School

11499 Vonn Road

Largo, FL 33774

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 12, 2024

A dangerous and damaging school if your child doesn't fit into the perfect cookie-cutter student mold. We brought our daughter to the school because we thought it would be the answer to her prayers, a safe school where she wouldn't get bullied and she'd learn in peace. It ended up being the worst experience we could have ever imagined. She hated the school and begged me not to send her. She did not feel supported or loved there. She felt judged and she felt like the teachers thought there was something wrong with her. No child should ever feel this way, especially in school. Academically, the school has a very high course load, think IB and Ivy League. Even though both of my daughters passed the placement test they were given when we first joined the school, our girls (5th grade & 8th grade) they struggled hard with the academics and immense course workload. The school's approach to education seems rigid and unresponsive to children's needs, often blaming students and their families instead of engaging students with an interactive curriculum. We spent thousands of extra dollars on tutors to help our daughters catch up on their daily missing schoolwork and it still wasn't enough. There were hours of homework each day and LOTS of tears. Our daughters are very smart and brilliant and this left them feeling defeated and "stupid".Supportively, Country Day is extremely dedicated to misunderstanding the needs of our children and how to properly teach them. If your child doesn't fit into the perfect mold of what a perfect academic student is, I would run (don't walk) away from the school. I wish we ran! My daughter gets easily bored and puts her head down or wants to fidget. She is also sensitive to loud noises and needs accommodations of quietly listening to musing on her earbuds. Most teachers who have an understanding of kids like this will gladly collaborate with the parents to come up with a plan to help your child. Not Country Day. What could have been nice collaborative chats were instead hysterics and emergencies. They loved to call 7am emergency meetings with all teachers present to express how "Extremely concerned" they are about what most would consider typical teenager behavior. We were required on several occasions to take our daughter to the doctors and not return until she is seen. This was extremely alarming to us and caused a lot of unnecessary stressors. She was always given a clean bill of mental and physical health. Run, don't wa
Submitted by student on April 25, 2024

as a Student of CDWS. I think this school elementary, is probably the best. the middle school needs a bit of work, but I would recomend this school if you want to get your kids a good education
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2024

We have attended the most expensive private school in the area and spent years trying to “fit” in to their mold. Our son is high energy, bright, strong willed and funny. But he’s not a sit at the desk and be quiet kind of kid. CDS has provided him structure and just enough freedom. The faculty accept him for who he is. They understand that kids are kids. They’re going to mess up. But learning from those mistakes is what matters. If you’re looking for a middle school that accepts your child as they are and encourages them to be their authentic self, welcome to Country Day School!
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2023

This school is the most racist of schools I've ever witnessed. They are not there for the betterment or enrichment of the children, but rather for obtaining status and preferably that of the Caucasian racial status. Do not send your children to this school, your child will be bullied, profiled and exiled!!
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2023

The owners care more about profit than educating the kids. It may look and sound nice, but don't believe their hype. I would highly recommend you look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2021

We enrolled our first grader in fall 2020 and she’s been thriving ever since. Her love of reading and writing is 100% attributed to her learning experience in school. She didn’t enjoy either and struggled before CDS. The animals are also such a great part of their curriculum.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2018

My daughter has been going to Country Day for the last 7 years and we have found it to be the most caring, supportive and nurturing place. The teachers are amazing and genuinely care. We have seen no sign of bullying or special treatment from the leadership, as a previous post stated. If there are any students that "act out", it is dealt with professionally, sensitively, and away from the other children to resolve not only the act, but also the cause. They're amazing and I can't be more proud that our daughter has the pleasure of attending this school!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2017

This is the best school ever. No school compares to it! The teachers are excellent! The atmosphere is incredible! My son is so happy there. I wouldn't send him anywhere else!
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2017

This is the 3rd year my grandson has attended Country Day and i only wish we had enrolled him sooner. He has evolved in so many positive ways that it is truly amazing. The staff is excellent with their approach to each child individually and the environment is second to none. It is hard to believe that a facility like this can exist when the local system is so negative. Kudos to all the staff and faculty at Country Day.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2017

A tour of this school sells itself. We were sold on the first tour. Where else would you see a 5 year old kid dividing a 4 digit number when you walk in on a class? Our daughter went here in the first year they had a Toddler 1 class. She is now in Pre-K and our son is in Toddler 1. Our daughter speaks in long complicated sentences and can have an intelligent discussion with you on varying topics at 3.5 years old, all thanks to the great teachers at this school. I wouldn't send my toddlers to any other school in Pinellas County.
Submitted by other on June 23, 2016

I essentially grew up at Country Day School. I attended from preschool through 8th grade. Now as a senior in college, I can attribute my success to that five star early childhood education. Pinellas public schools lack the small class sizes that private school education offers. Yet, other Tampa Bay private schools lack the technology and opportunities that Country Day offers. CDS really does belong in its own category!.When I attended years ago, I traveled with my middle school class to eight different European countries (Italy, Greece, England, France, Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland). From what I hear, the emphasis on world travel and education has only become more important at CDS. They now have kids graduating 8th grade who speak Spanish AND Chinese! My Spanish education from preschool through 8th grade was excellent, and served me well through my higher level International Baccalaureate Spanish in high school, Spanish degree in college, and work abroad in Seville, Spain. Parents: do not skimp on your child's early education. An education at Country Day School really does make a life-long difference.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016

Country Day is a great school filled with caring teachers and families. My son is in first grade and excelling. The Montessori Method allows each child to learn at their own pace. Whether your child is ahead or behind they are able to be where they need to be without feeling pressured. My son has an individualized work plan and he is excited to go to school each day. Parents have direct interaction with teachers daily at drop off and pick up and they give you feedback about how your child is doing, what they are working on etc. They have amazing special programs like PE daily, music, art, spanish, chinese and more. My daughter is in the primary (3-5 year) classroom and it is also a wonderful environment. She is 4 and able to learn at her own pace as well. They have sign language, spanish, music and are able to go to the country day barn and learn about the animals. The school encourage kids to love exploring and learning. when I walk the campus all the kids preschool through 8th grade are happy.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2015

Love it. I have two daughters attending. They are getting a challenging education and have a very supportive environment. I help my 6th grade daughter with her homework when needed so I am very aware of the work she is doing. I used to be a high school math teacher and am very impressed with the level of work she is doing in 6th grade. They both like their teachers and have good friends at school. The farm animals are a big bonus to them as it makes their school a bit different and interesting. Teachers all care about the kids and maintain a good class atmosphere. Drama program is great. Science capabilities at upper school are outstanding. Classrooms are a bit small in the lower school, but that is the only negative I can come up with.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2015

Communication has been very good through my child's first two years of attendance. Teaches are easy to access. They have followed my child's dietary restrictions well, encouraged courtesy, self-control, responsibility, and self-discipline. Prices is reasonable compared to other non-religious private schools. I love the liberal, artistic, and confident attitudes I've experienced thus far.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2014

CDS caters to the students and families who have the most resources to donate to the school. Learning opportunities are limited for students with families who are unable to donate money or volunteer routinely at the school. The teachers (P3) eat most of the snacks that are donated and intended for the students. The 3-5 year old classes are overcrowded, with as many as 35 students in a small classroom. The aftercare services are unruly, chaotic, and down right dangerous. My child learned a lot while a student there, but only because my child is a driven self-learner and the Montessori method was ideal for my child.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2011

I asked my son the other day, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" His reply was memorable, he said he would give all the money to Country Day so we would never leave! Being a single mom has it challenges, but this is one investment that is truly priceless! Come see for yourself, you won't want to leave. Thank You Country Day!
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2010

Country Day is a unique gem. My 1st grade son reads at almost a 4th grade level and can perform minor multiplication problems. My pre-k daughter thinks she is playing, but she is really learning the fundamentals of algebra. The school provides a structured program different from other programs. The major difference is that the classroom is set up to teach to your child's level - low or high. The Montessori concept is so different that parent's often have trouble the first year 'getting it', but after 5 years at the school I can easily say it is one of the best decisions I have made for my children.