Our Philosophy

At Carlsbad Country Day School, we believe that a strong academic base developed through play and practice will build a foundation for future academic success. While we believe that play is the primary vehicle for children's learning and development in the early years, teacher directed learning develops the child as a whole and is therefore an essential aspect of your child's first school experience. Carlsbad Country Day School is committed to provide your child with a strong academic foundation in a warm, nurturing, secure environment. The preschool program provides a print rich environment, integration of all disciplines, hands on learning, and discovery of social and educational core concepts. The youngest children in our Infant and Toddler Program are given the opportunity to grow and develop while enjoying a happy stimulating school environment. Our curriculum is based on children learning through planned, purposeful, play-based activities. These activities allow children to become confident learners, exploring and investigating through valuable first hand experiences. At Carlsbad Country Day School we believe that the end depends on the beginning and we plan on creating a strong foundation.

We believe to develop Physically a child needs to exercise all parts of their bodies and get plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and healthy food in a clean and safe environment.

We believe to develop Socially a child needs to interact with other children and adults. This provides a moral base, including independence and self-discipline. Further, they need to be provided open-ended opportunities to express themselves creatively through music, drama, dance and art.

We believe to develop Emotionally a child needs to learn to express their feelings, to love, be loved, to feel good about themselves and to empathize with others. We believe that continuity of care, i.e., the same caregiver for all of the years at our school, facilitates emotional development.

We believe to develop Intellectually a child needs to be encouraged to discover new things, solve problems, build an understanding of numbers, verbally express their feelings and ideas, and to develop early literacy through books, songs, rhymes, and routine games.

Carlsbad Country Day School believes that excellent child care replicates many aspects of a quality home environment, where caring adults nurture children to grow and learn. We believe each child's cultural background is also relevant in the design of a curriculum that is age-appropriate for all children and individually appropriate for each child. Carlsbad Country Day School welcomes the participation of parents in our program and extend an open invitation to parents to become involved. We believe that ongoing communication with parents enhances the development of the children in our care.