I AM Modern Magazine for Moms

Headmaster: Dr. Randall Hollister has been Headmaster for Loudoun Country Day School for 15 years and has been with the school since 1988. Until two years ago he also continued to teach English to the eighth grade classes. His credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Buffalo; Ed.M. from the University of Buffalo; M.Ed. from Plymouth State College; and a B.S. from St. Bonaventure University.

Mission Statement: Loudoun Country Day School, an accredited, independent, coeducational school, educates students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. They cultivate the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child. “We pride ourselves on our rigorous core curriculum, nurturing environment, and extensive programs in foreign languages, arts, computers, and athletics. LCDS inspires excellence and builds character, preparing each child for the challenges ahead.”
Teacher/Student information: LCDS currently has 267 students, with one teacher per 8 students. They have full-time assistants through second grade in each classroom, and have one assistant per two classes through 5th grade. “Our teacher turnover is very small and each employee is so valued that we are like a family,” says Amy Warner, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the school. One of their coaches, Chip Ross, has been with the school for 27 years – he is teaching children of the children he originally taught! The upper school director, Marty Hope, has been there 25 years. There are at least six teachers who have been here beyond 15 years. “If someone moves away, they often return to work here when they come back! We are a happy group,” adds Ms. Warner.

Teacher certification: According to Ms. Warner, “We do not require teacher certification; however, almost all of our teachers are certified. Our librarian has her doctorate, and several teachers have Masters Degrees. Although we have several teachers who we have hired right out of school, mostly we look for teachers with a record of effective, successful experience. Most of our teachers who are hired have a minimum of five years of experience.”

Testing: LCDS does not administer SOL’s, the Virginia Standars of Learning tests required in public schools. However, in grades 2-8, teachers administer the ERB’s (Educational Records Bureau); these tests give an assessment tool to help measure student progress.

Enrichment: “At Loudoun Country Day School,” explains Ms. Warner, “we offer an orchestra program, beginning in 4th grade, as well as a show choir in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. We have a math team, and our kids participate in the National MathCounts program and usually place. Our art teacher participates in the National Art Honors Association; we participate in the Geography Bee; our civics teacher does a segment on debate, which culminates in an event in our auditorium open to families; our science teacher has a LabRats program after school. Our kids have gone to Costa Rica and Key Largo to experience Marine biology and environmental studies with their science teacher. We have extensive field trips, some overnight (to Williamsburg for 8th graders) – even our prekindergarten goes to the National Art Gallery each spring after studying artists all year (Picasso, Matisse, etc.). We also have a very engaged parents association that holds fundraisers to enrich our teacher programs and provide materials, such a computers, to enrich our students’ lives. In fact, we have had teachers go to the Galapagos Islands and to Russia to study about other cultures and subjects, etc., just to name a few instances of teacher enrichment. This type of program is open to all teachers here. Also, our kids go on to do very well in secondary programs, whether in public or private school. We are proud of them, whichever avenue they pursue. A press release went out from Episcopal High School recently about how many of their students from Loudoun County received the high honors list last term. Almost every single student was an alumnus from our school!”

Tuition and other costs: For the current 2007-2008 school year – prekindergarten (half day): $9,000; junior kindergarten - $12,500; kindergarten through fifth grade - $14,100; sixth through eighth grade: $14,500. These costs will likely go up a few hundred dollars for next year. Their tuition includes most field trips and all books.

Regional Makeup of Student body: Most students come from the Leesburg/Ashburn area, although they do have a few from Great Falls and South Riding, as well as western Loudoun (Middleburg, Round Hill, etc.)

What makes LCDS unique? “Sometimes it’s hard to put this concept into words completely!” says Ms. Warner. “Many families say the moment they come through the door they feel a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are very family-oriented and there is a creativity allowed here, both in the classroom and overall – you will see art everywhere – hanging from ceilings, on the walls, on tables – that is created both in the art class and in the classroom. We cherish a broad-based curriculum, with an ability to provide both a challenging academic experience as well as a highly nurturing environment that fosters creativity. Our headmaster, Dr. Randy Hollister, fosters an academic and creative approach. He received the Washington Post’s Distinguished Leadership Award in 2002. Our librarian, Dr. Eleanor Fall, received a county-wide award last year for Distinguished Women. You have to come here yourself to see in person what makes us unique! In 2009 we will move to a new 70-acre campus 5 miles away and we are very busy with that project right now. We also value community service; our teachers have ongoing projects with Birthday Blessings and Project Linus, and every year several girls donate their hair for Locks of Love. “
 

Featured Schools
The Boyd School – Toddlers through age 9
Christian Faith and Fellowship School - Preschool – 12th Grade
The Hill School - Kindergarten - 8th grade
Loudoun Country Day School –Pre-K through 8th grade
The Nysmith School – School for Gifted Children, Pre-K -8th Grade
Our Lady of Hope Catholic School
St. Joseph Catholic School - Kindergarten -8th grade
Willow Montessori School - Pre-K through Kindergarten

Other schools of note
Chesterbrook Academy - K-8th Grade
Open Arms Christian Child Development Center
St. Theresa School – Kindergarten – 8th Grade

High Schools
Ideal Schools - Grades 9 and 10 in September 2008
Foxcroft School - Grades 9-12 – All Girls School – Boarding and Day Students
Notre Dame Academy - Grades 9-12

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