Chico Country Day School

It’s hard to write a review for a place that I feel just “so so” about, but I will say that I have nothing to compare it to. Overall, the staff is amazing. The custodians, the office staff, the teachers are all committed 100% to the children & I know they love my children & only want the best for them. It’s been very disappointing how many wonderful staff members have left the last few years, and I need to note that it’s not Covid related—they didn’t retire early, they didn’t go on to another career because of burn out, they left because they were unhappy with how they were being treated & the direction the school was heading. I am a liberal, and even I believe that the leftist approach that the school is taking is too much; they say it’s on account of being an inclusive school. Don’t we all want inclusivity? Instead of taking away, why can’t the school teach more about other cultures and traditions and celebrate them all? I am not a religious person, but I would love for my children to learn about the different types of holidays and cultural activities others celebrate.Maybe it’s the sign of our times (or maybe it’s just this school), but bullying is not taken seriously—it’s discussion after discussion with all parties involved with no clear path. Maybe they’re afraid of getting sued…but the few times my child has been a victim of bullying, I was told “well, no one saw it”. That’s an astonishing approach.As for education, the school gives very limited homework, and their education model is project-based learning. When I’ve questioned how kids are prepared for high school or college, the principal has gotten defensive that they are still accountable to their peers, therefore they MAY do some work at home. My children have never done homework unless they’ve been ill. As for learning time management for a project & how that related to work being done outside the school, I have first hand knowledge that it’s taken months for high school freshmen for learn these traits. And as for family engagement…yes! It USED to be that way. Families still become friends & are with one another outside of school, but more & more family-oriented activities on campus have been taken away because it’s “disruptive” to the children on campus. And believe me, we had to fight to help in the classroom recently. You’d think a school would appreciate free help.For years, I said that as long as my children are happy, I am happy, but it’s not how I feel any longer.

All three of our kids went to CCDS. It WAS a phenomenal school community, a place we felt safe and proud to be a part of. It used to be a school where the kids, staff and parents worked together for the greater good of the students. Not anymore. Thank goodness our kids are older and no longer attend what has become a hostile environment, starting with the administration and how that role has been taken out of context. There is no longer a genuine relationship between administration and parents, which was solid prior to this administration taking over. What is happening there is out of control. Its turned into a dictatorship where if you don’t align with the “leader” you are out! Period. So many unethical practices are going on it’s worrisome that this can even be happening. They have taken away just about everything that made the school unique and special. It’s the things what used to draw hundreds of families to it that are no longer allowed. Longtime staff has fled over the past several years. Families have left in droves and there is no longer huge waiting lists for enrollment like there once was.People have asked me if they should go there, knowing our kids had. I have to be honest and tell them no I don’t recommend that school anymore because it is unrecognizable as to what it’s become and where it’s headed is even scarier. It’s a shell of what once was a remarkable school.

As a parent of a student at Chico Country Day School, I can honestly say that it is the best school in the area. My child has thrived at CCDS, both academically and socially. The teachers at CCDS are highly qualified and experienced, and they are passionate about teaching. They challenge students to think critically and creatively, and they provide them with the support they need to succeed. CCDS also has a strong sense of community. Parents, teachers, and staff all work together to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. My child feels loved and supported at CCDS, and I know that they are getting the best possible education. I highly recommend Chico Country Day School to any parent who is looking for a school that will provide their child with a rigorous academic program, a supportive community, and a variety of opportunities to grow and succeed. Here are some specific examples of how CCDS has benefited my child: My child has developed a strong love of learning. They are always excited to go to school and learn new things. My child has made great progress academically. They are challenging themselves in the classroom and are achieving at a high level. My child has made close friends at CCDS. They feel like they belong to a community of supportive and caring people.My child is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities at CCDS. This has helped them to develop new skills and interests.I am so grateful that my child has the opportunity to attend Chico Country Day School. I know that they are getting the best possible education and that they are well-prepared for success in the future. Chico Country Day School has an amazing administration. They are highly qualified, experienced, and passionate about their jobs. The principal, vice principal, and other administrators are all visible and involved in the school community, and they are always supportive and encouraging. They are also proactive and innovative, constantly looking for ways to improve the school.I highly recommend Chico Country Day School to any parents looking for a school with an excellent administration.

Terrible experience with the principal. The school has gone down hill.

The teachers are great. They’re loving and welcoming and want to teach our children. The administration has gotten out of control with their manipulation and lies. I’m so saddened by how they’ve made us parents feel if we question anything they do. We just want the best for our kids and we want to be involved. But the lack of communication, the secrets and lies they’ve told makes us feel like we have no say or participation with our kids education and happiness at school. I am an active helper with the PTP and our principal has chosen to dismantle our group. We have organized countless events that bring community, fun and happiness to the kids and families during school hours and after. We’ve raised funds that go directly to the classrooms for supplies and experiences (field trips). Now our PTP has been taken away so who knows where those funds will go. And most importantly, we now don’t have a group of dedicated parents to organize special, fun events for our children.