Country Day Montessori in Saint Petersburg, Florida

“Country Day School is an exceptional educational environment. Our two daughters have been there for 7 and 4 years respectively, and we plan to keep them there through 8th grade. Our children are happy there, and so are we! What makes Country Day so wonderful? A faculty and staff that love the children, who believe in challenging them to their highest potential, and an interesting, goal-oriented curriculum. But that's not all. In addition to the academic curriculum, Country Day also pays attention to the health of the children (physical education), music, art, and especially foreign languages. Our 8th grade children will graduate speaking Spanish, Chinese, and American Sign Language. How many other schools can boast of so much? We love Country Day and can't even imagine our children anywhere else. Rick Pettey”
This review was posted by a parent.

“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.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our child has been at Country Day School since he was 2 1/2 years old; he is now in 4th grade. Twice in 6 years we have toured all the schools in the area to make sure CDS was still the best choice for us. After touring public, private, Catholic and fundamental schools we have found CDS to be the best in terms of curriculum, student/teacher ratio and environment. The Montessori environment from toddler to 3rd grade is excellent. That environment, followed by the best of school/preparatory environment that begins in 4th grade, has historically produced 8th graduates who go on to EXCEL in high school and college. My husband and I are extremely involved in CDS and have been for 8 years. No concern of ours has ever gone unheard or unaddressed to our satisfaction. CDS is not just a school, it's a family.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our child has attended CDS since 2002 and is now in 4th grade. We've toured every public and private school in our area and are satisfied none is as academically strong and well-rounded as CDS. Our child was nurtured and encouraged to learn independently in a traditional montessori environment (toddler to 3rd grade) which focuses on teaching the 'whole' child. He has adjusted to the more structured environment which begins in 4th grade and is a challenging, best of school/preparatory curriculum. He has learned about community service, religious and ethnic diversity and is performing at an advanced level in many of his subjects which include two foreign languages. There is no ceiling placed on what any child can learn. Parent involvement at CDS is outstanding. CDS teachers are unique and wonderful educators. The administration and staff knows everyone by name. There is no better place for a child than CDS.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Country Day Montessori is like finding a treasure chest that has all the tools that your child will ever need to become who they want to be. My daughter is at this school because due to the small environment she has been able to practice all sports, participate in all clubs and learned in an environment conducive to educational growth. At Country Day Montessori the sky is the limit to what your child can learn. If your child is on 3rd grade and can read at an eighth grade level that s where he/she will be challenged at. The same applies to Math. Languages are a very important part of my daughter s education. Country Day has an excellent Spanish and Chinese program that all students participate. She loves animals. She is able to go the Barn located on property and be exposed to take care of animals such as cows, goats, chickens, etc. She is also able to ride Horses which are also on property. Parents are 100% involved. Teachers are committed to education and your child s overall development. You couldn t ask for more! Give yourself the opportunity to experience what we have experienced for the last 7 years.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm very dissatisfied with CDS. It is so very chaotic with no structure. I feel it has been a waste of m y money, glad I found out now!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have been very disappointed with CDS. The class sizes are out of hand and the teachers are under way to much stress. The school maintance is deplorable the bathrooms are dirty and there is a general unkempt look.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There is no entrance exam; it is a business. This is a very unorganized environment. There is so much turn over that no one knows who is on first. It is a shame that they cannot get the program together, it has a great potential but without a capital investment they will never even reach average.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is great through kindergarten then there is no organized curriculum. Students are well behind their peers or siblings at other schools. The school is not administered by trained educators. Students are not well monitored or guided. If it was a true Montessori program it would work but few teachers in grades 1-8 are Montessori trade for the grade they teach. Ask to see credentials. They promise much that they do not deliver”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is just completing 3rd grade at Country Day and we couldn't be happier with the results of her education so far (been there since pre-k). She is reading at the eighth grade level and doing math that is typically taught in late fourth or early fifth grade. We love the small, family-friendly nature of the school, the other supportive parents we've met, and we can't argue with the results we've seen with our daughter. We have no intention of taking her out of Country Day until high school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is extremely chaotic and the children do nothing all day. Children need structure and they do not get it at Country Day. When you walk it, you are very impressed with all the material and opportunities that are offered but the kids do only a very small part of it, they spend their day doing crafts instead of the real essential of life. Very disappointing school, would not recommend at all.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Both my daughters, now ages 7 and 4, have attended Country Day since they were 2. They both love going to school and have from day 1. They perform well above their age group and are learning both Chinese and Spanish as part of the regular curriculum. We would consider any other school after our experience at CDS.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has been attending Country Day School since 1999 he is now in the fifth grade and we have no intention of him leaving until he completes the eighth grade curriculum. What a marvelous learning environment! The faculty and administrative staff knows each child by name from the youngest to the oldest. There is active parent involvement at all grade levels. My son is learning on a sixth and seventh grade level in his core subjects, participates daily in conversational Spanish and has been introduced to Chinese this academic year. Over the years I have seen nothing but growth at Country Day, from additional exceptional quality teaching faculty, the continued growth of the extra after school programs (your child should experience their Equestrian/Barnyard Programs) to over seven acres of beautiful grounds. I could go on and on about the gifts this school has given our family. Come see CDS!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has attended Country Day School for the past 4 years, since she was 2 and now as a kindergarterner, she has taken (since her first year) Spanish, and is beginning Chinese. She has an amazing vocabulary and has a true love of learning. This school has been a gift.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Country Day Largo is a wonderful, nuturing environment. I would highly recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our daughter has attended Country Day since she was 3 years old. The curriculum is amazing. By starting the children in a Montessori setting, they are given the chance to explore and open their minds to the wonder of learnng. They really develop an excellent base for the rest of their educational careers. One of the most wonderful things about Country Day is the atmosphere. There is a real close-knit 'family' feel - all of the teachers and staff know the children and are on a first name basis with them and their families. Another unexpected and very refreshing aspect of the school is their continued expansion of the stables and various farm animals. The children are exposed to and given the opportunity to interact with the animals as part of their learning experience at Country Day.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am extremely satisfied with all areas of this school. Country Day Academy is an excellent learning environment as well as a nurturing environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.