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Why Day-McKellar Prep? 

  • Ideal 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio

  • Individualized education for every child
  • Constructivist, or experience-based, learning for all grades, K - 12

  • Emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning skills

  • Classrooms designed to suit each subject and its optimal teaching and learning experience

  • Teachers who teach all grade levels, K – 12, in their areas of passion and expertise

  • Highest standards and best practices for reading instruction which continues through every grade, K - 12 

  • Expert writing instruction led by teachers who are real authors with advanced degrees in composition

  • Comprehensive writing instruction in every genre at each grade level, K - 12, creating confidence and mastery for the even the most blocked writer

  • Harvard Math Standards taught and implemented from kindergarten and consistently taught through each grade level

  • Science taught for all grades in a science lab where students become scientists who master not only the scientific process, but hone the innate curiosity of all great scientists

  • Social studies explorations that involve geocaching, Pacing the World, model representations in addition to professional publication of individual social studies books written by each student beginning at grade 4

  • Preparation for the SAT College Entrance Exam built into lessons and exams from kindergarten through grade 12

  • Close relationship between Head of School, faculty, parents and students

  • Protection and cultivation of the innate curiosity and innocence of children, pre-teens and teens

  • Daily physical education and frequent outdoor fitness excursions that promote mental acuity, physical health and happiness

  • Daily fine arts instruction and creativity incorporated into all curricula

  • Development of soft skills including eye contact, basic manners, and social confidence

  • Students who produce exceptional outcomes, having learned to gather, process, and synthesize information and experiences

  • A community of empowered parents who are supported and nurtured as such

  • Credentialed teachers with advanced degrees and experience, who are intent on helping our students become lights in our world

  • An Honor Code in which students are assumed honest and rise to the high standards that are expected of them

  • A state-of-the-art athletic center, inspirational classes, fitness excursions and a like-minded community, all fostering a match between spirit and physical form for students, faculty and families

  • Students who become skilled at self-assessment and write their own 18-page report cards

  • A focus on a balanced life, and the healthy pursuit of nutrition, exercise and sleep for everyone at the school

  • Monthly excursions for all students, K - 12, based on interest, rather than grade level

  • Fun and humor that endear children to the school, including improvisation, comedy, air band performances, a weekly all-school sing and an inspirational variety showcase

  • A school that is a second home for children and their families, filled with respect and affection

  • A commitment to raising the consciousness of our students and incorporating selfless service into their everyday lives

  • A school without bureaucratic or governmental constraints, that can freely respond to the desires and dreams of its students and their families

  • A faculty who honors children for who they are, their desires, talents and needs so they can discover their own personal legends

What our families say about Day-McKellar Prep...

(excerpts from November 2009 customer satisfaction surveys)

  • "The spirits of our children are honored, their emotional safety is a priority, and they are taught how to construct their own knowledge."
  • "The school fosters a love of learning that has empowered and inspired my children to be confident in themselves as people. My child is engaged and energized."
  • "The teachers are interesting, not just what they teach, but they themselves are interesting. They are strict, but loving and kind. The kids know the work they are doing is hard, but then they feel supported and good about themselves when they accomplish things that at first seemed hard."
  • "My girls receive so much attention. The ratio is so low, they know they can ask questions and they know their needs matter to someone. They get to make choices in their learning and it is hands-on."
  • "I love the sincere interest and caring for our child and the other students. I love the open-door policy and the ratio of teachers to students. They teach to the highest, but know the unique needs of each individual."
  • "The teachers perform at a very high level because the expectations of our founder are very high. They don't have tenure. THEY are their tenure and we love them all."
  • "This school is a family network of love."
  • "I love that each child is made to feel special no matter where they are developmentally. The school is full of love."
  • "The school values honest, hard work. They don't let my son get away with doing less than his best. But, always they do it with a positive approach. The quality of teaching and one-on-one attention are the first things I tell my friends about."
  • "The teachers teaching to their expertise at every grade level and the kids learning in each environment is very unique and I think it improves the quality of education drastically."
  • "We love that at Day-McKellar Prep our children are personally known and valued by every adult at the school. Each morning they are greeted personally and warmly, which starts their day off right. We love that our children are looked at as individuals and that each teacher supports my child exactly where he is. This happens easily, with very little effort on my part as a parent. The academic program is designed to be as individual as possible. We love that family values, love, and a healthy lifestyle are built into the entire foundation of the school. This philosophy mirrors our home, which then supports and validates what we do on a daily basis. Our children are encouraged to be nice, loving, positive people that make the world a better place. We also know all the teachers in the school because of how it is structured, so there is a very intimate learning environment and strong bond."
  • "I love that the founder cares about our kids having manners. The teachers are always talking about basic manners."
  • "The teachers love my children and take the time to know them."
  • "The things I care about the most are the love everyone at school has for my children, the engaging education, the Happy Kids curriculum, individualized attention and interest in each child and the outpouring of love everywhere."
  • "If you want your children to have the best education you have to travel to Day-McKellar Prep in Alpine."
  • "The things I care about the most are the focused attention on each student, the parent involvement, and the quality of the projects and academics."
  • "My child is so EXCITED when he talks about different projects and lessons at school."
  • "It's the loving care all children get from Cara, Marc, and the staff. It's the hands-on curriculum, excursions, and learning experiences that empower the children with decisions and choices. I have seen so many changes in my children and my family since they started at Day-McKellar Prep."
  • "The things I care about the most are the love shown to and lavished upon our kids, the small class sizes, and the beautiful, warm surroundings for them to learn in. It's great."

Thank you, families, for your feedback and suggestions.

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You can create a beautiful family culture.