About
Why PS - 8th
The Importance of the Foundational Years
The years from preschool through 8th grade are truly formative. This is when children develop their fundamental understanding of the world, build crucial social and emotional skills, and establish their learning habits.
Unlike schools that span K-12, our PS-8 focus means we tailor our entire educational philosophy and environment to these foundational stages. We specialize in what young children and adolescents need most– offering distinct advantages during the most critical years of a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional development without the pressures faced by high school students.
Being a PS-8th allows us to:
- Balance intellectual maturation and social-emotional growth in an environment that is both nurturing and academically challenging. We understand that academic rigor is most effective when paired with strong emotional intelligence and social skills.
- Know each student’s gifts and challenges and recognize individual development patterns. Our focused age range allows our faculty to truly understand each child, fostering personalized learning journeys.
- Offer age-appropriate activities that make it possible for children to stay younger a little longer. We protect the innocence of childhood, allowing students to explore and learn without the premature pressures of high school.
- Provide real leadership opportunities for young adolescents. At a time when they are typically feeling caught in the middle between childhood and high school, students in both our 5th and 8th grades are school leaders and role models for younger students, building confidence and responsibility.
- Mentor and model appropriate risk-taking in a nurturing and supportive child-centered environment. We encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, knowing they have a strong support system.
- Develop a strong sense of community among our students and parents and allow for parent participation in many school activities. This fosters a collaborative educational partnership between home and school.
- Help students to discover themselves as learners, artists, and athletes before they make informed decisions about high school. This self-discovery process ensures they choose a high school that truly aligns with their emerging identities and aspirations.
Children change dramatically in the elementary and middle school years. A high school that seemed ideal when the child was five or six may be entirely inappropriate in light of a student’s interests and abilities at age 13 or 14. By eighth grade, our students – along with their parents and teachers – understand their strengths, learning style, and interests, and are well equipped to make the right decision about the “best match” high school.
Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children and young adolescents feel safe taking risks, developing leadership skills, exploring new activities, and challenging themselves to go further than they ever thought possible. At BCD, we celebrate children and childhood, making it a wonderful place to grow up.
An Elementary Perspective
A Middle School Perspective
A Leadership Story
Celebrating excellence. First Grade Teacher, Holly Lerner, noticed her students struggling at recess with the process of forming teams and playing fair. Instead of lecturing them, she sought a creative solution. With the help of Tricia Pezdek, Head of Middle School, 8th grade students were recruited to visit at recess and share their wisdom. What a great collaboration! Everyone wins. First graders are led by older students whom they admire and the older students are fulfilled through showing leadership. We are grateful to our amazing teachers, Ms. Lerner and Ms. Pezdek, for seeking out the creative solution that supports students first. We are grateful for their commitment to excellence.
Boulder Country Day School 4820 Nautilus Court North • Boulder, Colorado 80301 • Phone - 303.527.4931 • info@bouldercountryday.org
Boulder Country Day School is a leading private school serving students 2 ½ years old - 8th grade. In partnership with our outstanding faculty and committed families, we uphold the highest standard for our balanced educational experience. Through small class sizes and innovative engagement in a supportive environment, students at BCD learn to explore their strengths and apply them to the world. Guided by our values, we believe the empowered minds that graduate from BCD will be the ones to ignite global change.
