How to Get Into Seattle Country Day School: Tips From The Experts

Why Choose SCDS? Unique Benefits for Gifted Learners

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) is a private, independent K-8 school located in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to serving gifted children through an inquiry-based educational approach. Founded in 1964, SCDS began with six classrooms in a church basement in Burien, Washington. The school’s first director, Lucile G. Beckman, led the institution for over two decades, guiding its development and relocation. In 1975, SCDS moved to its current campus on the north side of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. 

SCDS’s mission is to inspire gifted children to reach their potential through inquiry, curiosity, and wonder. The school emphasizes an inquiry-based curriculum, encouraging students to explore ideas, ask questions, and engage deeply with subjects. This approach fosters critical thinking and a passion for learning. 

SCDS serves approximately 428 students, with an average class size of 18. The faculty comprises dedicated educators, many holding advanced degrees, who focus on both intellectual and character development, attending to the social, emotional, and ethical needs of their students.

Seattle Country Day School continues to uphold its commitment to nurturing the abilities of gifted children, fostering a love for learning, and encouraging students to explore their curiosities within a supportive community.

How hard is it to get into Seattle Country Day School?

Gaining admission to Seattle Country Day School is competitive. The school maintains an average class size of about 18 students, resulting in a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 7:1. The admission process involves several steps, including submitting an application form, paying an application fee, providing supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and obtaining teacher recommendations and transcripts for applicable grade levels.

Seattle Country Day School primarily admits new students in kindergarten and first grade, with additional openings in sixth grade. While these are the primary grades for new admissions, the school also considers applications for other grades based on available space. 

Seattle Country Day School applicants must take an intelligence test, specifically the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), depending on age. Qualified applicants typically score near the 97th percentile in either the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) or General Abilities Index (GAI). 

If a family chooses to submit scores from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), these will be included in the application file. Scores can be sent directly to Seattle Country Day School.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Seattle Country Day School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

The Seattle Country Day School Admissions Process

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the Seattle Country Day School application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from Seattle Country Day School, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub
2. Submit an Inquiry Form
3. Attend Admissions Events (Optional but Recommended)
4. Submit Required Documents and Complete the Application
5. Schedule and Complete an Interview
6. Submit Supplemental Materials
7. Enrollment Confirmation

For more details and to begin your application, visit Seattle Country Day School Admissions.

SCDS Application Requirements: What You Need to Apply

SCDS Parent Statement: Sharing Insights About Your Child

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. This section allows families to share insights about their child’s personality, strengths, achievements, and other relevant personal details.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Parent Statement for SCDS

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Seattle Country Day School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

SCDS Teacher Recommendations: Importance & Guidelines

Applicants must submit recommendations from their current math and English teachers, as well as an administrator (principal or counselor) recommendation. These forms are available on Ravenna and must be submitted online through the platform.

Securing Strong Teacher Recommendations for SCDS

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

SCDS Transcript Requirements: What You Need to Submit

Applicants must submit transcripts from the previous academic year and the first semester of the current year. These documents should be uploaded directly through Ravenna, and the admissions office will coordinate the process with the applicant’s current school.

How to improve grades for SCDS Admission

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Seattle Country Day School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Crafting a Meaningful Personal Statement for SCDS

There are questions on Ravenna that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Drew School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Seattle Country Day School. 

Expert Advice for Your SCDS Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Seattle Country Day School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

SCDS Intelligence Testing: WPPSI/WISC Requirements

Seattle Country Day School does not require SSAT or ISEE scores for admission. Instead, all applicants must take an intelligence test administered by a licensed psychologist:

• Kindergarten – 4th Grade: Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV)
• 5th – 8th Grade: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)

Qualified applicants typically score near the 97th percentile on the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) or General Abilities Index (GAI). Test results must be sent directly from the psychologist to Seattle Country Day School.

Preparing for Optional SSAT/ISEE for SCDS Admission

While not required, applicants to grades 5-8 may submit SSAT or ISEE scores as supplemental materials. However, these test scores are not the primary factor in admissions decisions. Families choosing to submit these standardized test scores can have them sent directly to SCDS using the following school codes:

• SSAT Code: 7242​
• ISEE Code: 481686​

How to prepare for standardized tests

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to Seattle Country Day School. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

Ace Your SCDS Admissions Interview: Preparation Tips

At Seattle Country Day School (SCDS), the admissions process includes opportunities for the school to learn more about applicants and their families:

1. SCDS Family Meeting (Virtual)

• Kindergarten and First-Grade Applicants: After submitting the online application and qualifying IQ test results, families are invited to a 20-minute virtual family meeting. This session allows the admissions team to understand the child’s background, interests, and potential fit within the SCDS community.

2. Student Visit Day at SCDS

• All Applicants: Once the application is complete, the admissions office schedules a student visit day. This on-campus experience enables applicants to participate in classroom activities, allowing teachers and staff to observe their interactions and engagement.

These interactions are integral to the holistic admissions approach at SCDS, ensuring a mutual understanding between the school and prospective families.

How to prepare for admissions interviews at SCDS

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Seattle Country Day School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

SCDS Campus Tours, Open Houses, and Virtual Information Sessions

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) offers several opportunities for prospective families to explore the campus and learn about its programs:

1. SCDS Campus Tours

• Lower School (Grades K–3) In-Person Tours: Held from 8:50–11:30 a.m. on select dates, including October 17, November 5, November 7, December 3, December 10, December 12, December 17, January 9, January 14, and January 23.
• Intermediate and Middle School (Grades 4–8) In-Person Tours: Scheduled from 9:00–11:30 a.m. on November 13, December 11, and January 22.
• Virtual K–8 Tours: Available from 7:00–8:15 p.m. on November 20, December 18, and January 15.

2. SCDS Open House

The SCDS Open House provides parents the opportunity to speak with school administrators, teachers, current parents, and students. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via Ravenna. Students applying to fourth grade and above are welcome to attend. 

3. SCDS Virtual Information Sessions

While specific virtual information sessions are not detailed, SCDS offers virtual K–8 tours as mentioned above. These sessions provide an opportunity to explore the campus remotely and engage with the admissions team.

For the most current information and to register for any of these events, please visit the SCDS admissions process page.

How to Register for SCDS Admission

To register for Seattle Country Day School’s campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions, please follow these steps:

1. Create a Ravenna Account: Visit Ravenna and create an account if you don’t already have one.
2. Search for Seattle Country Day School: Within Ravenna, locate Seattle Country Day School to access their event listings.
3. Select Desired Events: Choose the specific tour, open house, or virtual session you’d like to attend.
4. Complete Registration: Follow the prompts to register for each selected event.

For detailed information on event dates and times, please refer to the school’s Tours and Open House pages.

What is Student Life Like at Seattle Country Day School?

SCDS Curriculum: Inquiry-Based Learning for Gifted Students

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) offers an inquiry-based curriculum tailored to gifted students from kindergarten through eighth grade. This approach emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning across various disciplines.

SCDS Lower School: Inquiry-Based Learning & Development

In the Lower School, SCDS focuses on developing divergent critical-thinking abilities and personal problem-solving strategies. The curriculum encourages children to learn creatively through real-world applications and hands-on exploration with manipulatives. Social and emotional learning is integrated to support an interconnected school community. Field trips and outside experiences are integral, allowing students to engage with the wider community and apply their learning in diverse contexts.

SCDS Intermediate School: Deepening Inquiry & Exploration

Students in the Intermediate School delve deeper into subjects, enhancing their inquiry-based learning. The curriculum includes:

• Humanities: Exploration of story structure, language usage, character and plot development, and descriptive writing.
• Language Arts: Study of English fundamentals, including spelling based on Latin and Greek roots, etymology, and grammar.
• Social Studies/Geography: Cultural studies of countries like Canada and Mexico, independent research on U.S. presidents, and persuasive presentations.
• Science: Physical science topics such as surface-to-volume ratio, variables in experiments, and properties of materials.

SCDS Middle School: Preparing for Higher Education

The Middle School curriculum builds upon earlier foundations, preparing students for higher education and life beyond. While specific details are not provided in the available sources, SCDS emphasizes an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to ask questions, explore ideas, and engage deeply with subjects.

Social-Emotional Learning at SCDS: Fostering Well-being

SCDS integrates social and emotional learning components into the core curriculum and advisory blocks, fostering a holistic educational experience that attends to students’ intellectual and character growth.

Overall, SCDS’s curriculum is designed to inspire gifted children to reach their potential through inquiry, curiosity, and wonder, providing a dynamic learning environment that nurtures both academic and personal development.

Athletics at SCDS: Sports Programs for Elementary & Middle School

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) offers a diverse athletics program that emphasizes team collaboration, personal growth, and enjoyment. The sports offerings vary by grade level and season, providing students with multiple opportunities to engage in physical activities throughout the academic year.

Fall Season (September–November):

• SCDS Soccer: Available for students in grades K–5, focusing on skill development and teamwork.
• SCDS Cross Country: Open to students in grades 6–8, promoting endurance and personal goal-setting.
• SCDS Tennis: Offered to middle school students (grades 6–8), enhancing individual skills and competitive play.

Winter Season (December–February):

• SCDS Basketball: Teams are formed for students in grades 6–8, emphasizing strategy and coordination.
• SCDS Winterim Program: A longstanding tradition where all students participate in activities such as Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, or ice skating over six consecutive Fridays in January and February.

Spring Season (March–May):

• SCDS Volleyball: Available for middle school girls (grades 6–8), focusing on skill development and team dynamics.
• SCDS Track and Field: Open to students in grades 6–8, offering various events that cater to different athletic strengths.
• SCDS Ultimate Frisbee: A popular co-ed sport for students in grades 6–8, promoting sportsmanship and strategic play.

For younger students in grades K–5, the focus is on introducing sports fundamentals and fostering a love for physical activity. These programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all interested students have the opportunity to participate.

SCDS’s athletic philosophy prioritizes team success over individual accolades, encouraging collaboration and mutual support among students. This approach aligns with the school’s commitment to holistic education, nurturing both the minds and bodies of its students.

For more detailed information on specific sports, schedules, and participation requirements, please visit the SCDS Athletics page.

Arts & Music at SCDS: Fostering Creativity in Gifted Children

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) offers comprehensive arts and music programs designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deep appreciation for the arts among students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

SCDS Visual Arts Program

The visual arts curriculum at SCDS emphasizes the creative process, encouraging students to experiment, take risks, and develop a unique artistic voice. Students work with various media, including ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, collaborative installations, collage, and printmaking. The program aims to cultivate artistic habits, problem-solving skills, persistence, self-reflection, and confidence in sharing ideas and work. Additionally, the arts curriculum integrates connections to other content areas, incorporates class trips, and introduces students to renowned artists to deepen their understanding of themselves and others.

SCDS Music Program

SCDS’s music program is integral to the Lower School curriculum, with classes taught by specialists in music for students in grades K–3. The goal is to develop a love for music and enhance music literacy in each student. The curriculum exposes students to four key elements: singing, reading and writing music, playing class instruments, listening to music literature, and learning about renowned composers. The program also includes the production of annual Lower School musicals and the operation of a school choir, fostering performance skills and collaborative creativity among students. 

SCDS Performing Arts and Electives

In Middle School, SCDS expands its performing arts offerings through a variety of electives that allow students to explore diverse artistic interests. These electives include:

• Band: Students learn to play instruments and perform in ensembles, developing musical skills and teamwork.
• Concert Band: An advanced band setting for students to engage in more complex musical pieces and performances.
• Theatre Management: Students gain insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater production, including stage management and technical support.
• Guitar: Instruction in guitar playing, covering various styles and techniques.
• Musical Composition: Students explore the fundamentals of creating original music.
• Podcasting: An elective focusing on audio storytelling, recording, and editing skills.
• Rock Band: Opportunities for students to form bands and perform contemporary music.
• Vocal Coaching: Individual or group sessions aimed at improving singing techniques and performance.

These electives provide Middle School students with avenues to pursue their passions in the performing arts, enhance their skills, and collaborate with peers.

Overall, SCDS’s commitment to integrating arts and music into its curriculum ensures that students receive a holistic education, nurturing both their intellectual and creative development.

Extracurricular Clubs & Activities at SCDS: Explore Interests

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) offers a variety of clubs and organizations designed to enrich students’ educational experiences and foster a sense of community. These extracurricular activities cater to diverse interests and provide opportunities for personal growth beyond the classroom.

SCDS Extended Day Program

SCDS’s Extended Day program provides structured after-school classes that allow students to explore new interests and develop skills. Offerings may include:

• Drama
• Computer Programming
• Sewing
• Carpentry
• Chess
• Cooking
• Robotics

These classes are available for a separate fee, and financial aid packages apply.

SCDS Community Events

SCDS, in collaboration with the Parent & Guardian Council, hosts various events throughout the year to engage families and strengthen community bonds. Some of these events include:

• First-Day Coffee and Parent Volunteer Fair
• Fall Parent Coffees
• Back-to-School Night and Curriculum Nights
• Annual Fund Giving Day
• Halloween Parade
• Engineering Events
• Winter Gear Swap
• Book Swap
• Cultural Night
• SCDS Auction

These events provide platforms for students and families to connect, celebrate, and participate in the school’s vibrant community life.

SCDS Affinity Groups

To support diversity, equity, and inclusion, SCDS has established affinity groups that bring together individuals around shared identities or interests. These groups offer members opportunities for identity development, community support, and discussions on shared interests. Both family-led and school-led student groups are available, fostering a supportive environment for all community members.

SCDS Athletics

SCDS offers various athletic outlets for students with varying interests and comfort levels. Teams include:

• Soccer
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Cross-Country
• Track and Field
• Tennis

These programs emphasize collaboration, cooperation, and personal growth, aligning with the school’s educational philosophy. 

Overall, SCDS’s clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities are integral to the school’s mission of inspiring gifted children to reach their potential through inquiry, curiosity, and wonder. These programs provide students with opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and build lasting relationships within a supportive community.

Notable Alumni of Seattle Country Day School: Success Stories

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) has a notable list of alumni who have excelled in various fields:

• Sally Jewell (’66): Served as the 51st United States Secretary of the Interior.
• Alexis Denisof (’79): Recognized actor known for roles in television and film.
• Ben Collins (’83): Professional triathlete with a distinguished career in sports.
• Rudy Gadre (’83): Venture capitalist and early legal executive at Amazon.com and Facebook.
• Ethan Sandler (’86): Producer, actor, and writer with contributions to various entertainment projects.
• K. Thor Jensen (’90): Artist, writer, and cartoonist known for his creative works.
• Lauren Selig (’90): Film producer and entrepreneur with notable projects in the film industry.
• Lindsay Meyer (’03): Olympic rower who represented the United States in international competitions.
• Ben Kadie (’09): Filmmaker recognized for his contributions to cinema.
• Nathan Cummings (’10): Honored as a National Student Poet, showcasing excellence in poetry.
• Corbin Carroll (’15): Major League Baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

For more stories and updates on SCDS alumni, you can visit the school’s alumni blog, “A Circuitous Path,” which features the adventures and accomplishments of its graduates. 

Additionally, the Seattle Country Day School Alumni Association maintains a Facebook group where alumni can reconnect and stay informed about events and news related to the SCDS community.

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