Preschool through Eighth Grade Education: Where Childhood Thrives and Confidence Takes Root
Special from Boulder Country Day School
At Boulder Country Day, a commitment to helping each student discover their unique excellence underlies our entire approach—beginning with our firm belief in the benefits of a preschool-through-eighth-grade community. While a student body ranging from age 2 ½ to age 14 is certainly a diverse group, we have observed first-hand, year after year, the positive impact of an educational environment that promotes growth and maturity, while also encouraging children to remain connected to the wonder of childhood for as long as possible.
Balancing intellectual maturation with social-emotional growth.
Age-appropriate academic excellence is the bedrock of our school. From world language instruction starting in preschool, to project-based learning and science lab in elementary school, and an IB-authorized program in middle school, our curriculum invites bold, cross-disciplinary academic exploration at every grade level. This expansive approach allows students to take supported risks and discover new interests in a safe, nurturing setting. By keeping class sizes small, we foster close student-teacher relationships and ensure abundant individual attention tailored to student needs.
Building on our academic foundation, our unique preschool-through-eighth-grade size and structure allow us to bring equal focus to cultivating character and kindness at every stage of childhood. Our robust social-emotional learning (SEL) program spans preschool through eighth grade, threading the principles of self-awareness, respect, responsibility and inclusivity through every facet of the BCD experience.
Promoting experimentation and self-discovery.
By the time they reach eighth grade, many students have identified academic and extra-curricular passions that have an enormous influence on their high school—and even college—careers. But often, these special talents and interests can only be discovered through safe risk-taking, encouragement, and exposure to a diverse curriculum. That’s why we believe so strongly in the importance of exploration and play during the formative elementary and middle school years.
Engaged academics, experiential learning through science, world language, and the visual and performing arts feature prominently in every grade level at BCD. We encouraged students of all ages to share their artistic and performing talents with the entire school on a regular basis, and every BCD student has the chance to play sports for their school beginning in 5th grade. Our well-rounded programming embraces both established pedagogical best practices and innovative methods within each discipline, allowing students to truly discover themselves as learners, artists, and athletes before making choices about where to attend high school and beyond.
Growing confidence through community.
Our preschool, elementary, and middle school programs share common values that set the BCD experience apart—and community lies at the core. True to our motto, “Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility for Your Actions,” we strive to nurture a deep sense of belonging in every “BCD Bulldog.”
As students grow from grade to grade, this powerful sense of community opens the door to natural leadership opportunities. Both fifth and eighth grade are complex developmental periods when students may feel caught between the familiar patterns of childhood and the mysteries of the next stage. We provide structure and motivation during these transitional years by inviting fifth and eighth graders to serve as leaders and role models for younger students in their respective school groups.
Our community values extend to the parents and caregivers who play a critical role in shaping the culture and spirit of our school. We welcome parent feedback and engagement at every turn, and enthusiastically encourage parent participation in many of our school activities.
A space for growth, a foundation for success.
Children change dramatically in the elementary and middle school years. At BCD, we celebrate the dynamic nature of childhood and view these years as a precious and fleeting window for exploration and discovery. We encourage parents to consider this perspective when weighing school choices for young learners.
By choosing a preschool-through-eighth-grade program, parents can hold space for their children to develop genuine self-knowledge in elementary and middle school, free from unnecessary pressures or expectations of what comes next. By the time they reach eighth grade, BCD students—along with their parents and teachers—deeply understand the strengths, learning style and interests that make them who they are. We believe there is no better foundation for success in high school—and indeed, in life.
Learn more online on the Boulder Country Day School website.
