York Country Day School Campuses

York Country Day School offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum designed to foster academic excellence, critical thinking, and personal growth. The program emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong focus on core subjects across all divisions.

• In the Lower School (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 4), students engage in foundational courses such as Language Arts, where they develop reading comprehension, writing skills, and phonics through interactive storytelling and literature circles. Mathematics introduces basic arithmetic, geometry, and problem-solving via hands-on manipulatives and games. Science explores life sciences, earth sciences, and physical sciences through experiments and nature studies. Social Studies covers community, geography, and history with projects on local Pennsylvania heritage.
• Additionally, Lower School includes Spanish language immersion starting in Pre-K, art classes emphasizing drawing, painting, and crafts, music with instrumental basics and choral singing, and physical education focusing on motor skills and team sports.

The Middle School (Grades 5-8) builds on these foundations with more rigorous coursework. English Language Arts delves into literature analysis, grammar, and creative writing, including essay composition and poetry. Mathematics progresses to pre-algebra, algebra, and introductory geometry, with emphasis on logical reasoning. Science includes biology, chemistry basics, and physics concepts through lab work and scientific method application. Social Studies examines U.S. history, world civilizations, and civics, incorporating debates and research projects.

• Foreign languages expand with Spanish and introductory French or Latin options. Arts curriculum features visual arts, theater, and music theory. Technology integration teaches coding basics and digital literacy. Health and physical education cover wellness, nutrition, and competitive sports.

In the Upper School (Grades 9-12), students pursue advanced studies preparing for college. English offers AP Literature, rhetoric, and advanced composition. Mathematics includes algebra II, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics, with AP options. Sciences feature AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science, supported by advanced labs. History and Social Sciences include AP U.S. History, European History, Government, and Economics.

• World Languages provide advanced Spanish, French, and Latin with conversation and culture focus. Fine Arts encompass AP Studio Art, music performance, and drama production. Electives like Computer Science, Psychology, and Robotics encourage specialization. Physical Education includes fitness training and varsity athletics.

Throughout all levels, the school integrates interdisciplinary projects, service learning, and STEM initiatives. Extracurriculars complement academics with clubs in debate, robotics, and environmental action. The curriculum promotes ethical development, global awareness, and leadership, ensuring graduates are well-rounded scholars ready for higher education and beyond. This holistic approach, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty, cultivates lifelong learners passionate about discovery and contribution to society.