Boyds Country Day School is centered on establishing independence, self-esteem, and confidence while fostering learning at a child's own pace.

This self-paced education is accomplished by changing the role of adults in the classroom from teachers of a whole class into that of "guides," as they are often called, for the students as individuals.

Creative play is the most important means of learning in our classroom, with a heavy dose of teamwork and togetherness. When a child attends school for many years, he or she will remain with the same teacher from infant through preschool years! The result is a deep, close relationship, one in which your child's needs are better understood from year to year.

In our preschool, children learn concentration, interest, and a love of learning through cooking, dress-up, singing, art projects, storytime, and other activities. Our classrooms are filled with technology.

Our emphasis is on individual and small-group exploration, the room itself is kept bright, warm, and inviting. It contains many learning centers that allow a child to focus on what they are most interested in, while being shown through gentle encouragement that they should not be afraid of trying new things either. These centers are filled with objects that cater to what preschoolers are most responsive to — highly tactile, very hands-on learning materials that teach through manipulation.

The sense that they are in charge of this environment also fosters feelings of responsibility and accountability in the children.

Older children are encouraged to help the younger children in their explorations, teaching compassion and instilling the lesson that there is no shame in needing help in life all at once.