Harbor Country Day School

Harbor Country Day School
Harbor Country Day School, a prominent educational institution located in Saint James, NY, is distinguished by its rich history and commitment to excellence. Established in 1958, the school stands as a beacon of learning on the North Shore of Long Island, New York, near the charming hamlets of Nesconset, Setauket, and Smithtown. Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), Harbor Country Day School offers co-educational programs catering to students in PK2 through Grade 8. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Head of the Harbor, the school boasts a stunning 11-acre campus, providing a nurturing environment for academic growth.
With an average enrollment of 160 students, the school ensures personalized attention and a close-knit community. The average class size for PreK and kindergarten is kept at an intimate 9, fostering an ideal environment for early education. These foundational elements are the cornerstones of Harbor Country Day School's philosophy, driving both their mission and enthusiasm. The school's commitment is measured against a clear vision of academic and social development that is nurtured in every student.
These aspirations mirror the values of the Harbor Country Day School’s founders and are echoed in the dedication of its leadership, faculty, and board of trustees. Anchored in these principles, the school's mission drives decision-making and forms the benchmark for evaluating curriculum standards. Moreover, these guiding principles serve as a touchstone to assess the need for future growth and adaptation.

Programs in Harbor Country Day School
Harbor Country Day School's educational ethos, encapsulated in the motto "Sine labore nihil" ("Without work nothing"), constitutes the bedrock of its academic framework. This guiding principle is seamlessly integrated throughout the curriculum, shaping various subjects such as mathematics, English, history, social studies, sciences (life, physical, and earth), technology, visual and performing arts, and physical education. Additionally, Harbor Country Day School is renowned for its distinctive academic programs, each detailed below.
Underpinning the academic structure is the STEAM philosophy, an interdisciplinary approach that blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This method fosters student-centered, inquiry-based projects culminating in real-world skill development. By embracing this collaborative and immersive strategy, students cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that equip them comprehensively for their post-Harbor journey.
Harbor Country Day School's commitment to excellence extends to its implementation of the esteemed Singapore Math program. This program emphasizes mastery through dynamic problem-solving and effective communication. The focus on long-term skill mastery and profound comprehension, as opposed to rote memorization, instills lasting understanding and perseverance. Students gain confidence in their ability to tackle complex problems using a range of tools and strategies.
The Teachers' College Reading & Writing Project, an approach rooted in Columbia University's methodology, transforms literacy education. Departing from mere skill instruction, this approach employs the workshop model to cultivate children as engaged "readers" and "writers." The model involves mini-lessons, work times, and teaching share sessions, all fostering collaboration and student-driven learning.
Harbor Country Day School's upper school introduces an Advisory Program that hones character, leadership, responsibility, and respect. Each upper school student of Harbor Country Day School partners with a faculty advocate and a small group of peers. This structure enhances communication between the school and home, enabling advisors to monitor students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Morning meetings and weekly advisory periods provide a platform to cover mindfulness, character development, leadership skills, educational strategies, and embracing diversity.
Harbor Country Day School also embraces global language programs in Mandarin and Spanish, which encompass listening, speaking, reading, and writing, alongside an exploration of the associated cultures. An annual multicultural celebration showcases world cultures through song, public speaking, art, and music. Through hands-on projects and formal studies, students graduate from Harbor with a robust foundation to excel in high school-level languages.
Harbor Country Day School extends a Service Learning Program, affording students genuine opportunities to cultivate practical abilities while contributing beyond the school's confines. Leveraging personal interests, students research community-service organizations and engage directly or indirectly. They can heighten awareness within the school community or forge connections externally to champion various causes. Past initiatives encompass:

• Collaborating with hurricane victims in Texas, orchestrating a gift card drive for clothing, food, and home repair assistance.
• Partnering with a local wildlife rehabilitation center, culminating in an assembly.
• Investigating affordable water filtration solutions for Madagascan villages and spearheading a fundraiser supporting on-ground scientific endeavors.
• Collaborating with Smithtown Food Pantry, spotlighting local hunger issues.

Harbor Country Day School also introduces a distinct Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum tailored for Upper School students, priming them for the emotional demands of high school and beyond. Anchored in the aspiration of an emotionally mature "Portrait of a Graduate," SEL nurtures emotionally astute individuals who make prudent decisions, foster positive relationships, advocate for themselves, and exhibit empathy. The aim is to equip students with the capacity to set both short-term and long-term goals, cultivating a trajectory toward success in life.
Harbor Country Day School Athletic Program, while academically driven, extends a robust athletic offering comparable to its academic endeavors. Harbor Country Day School's Upper School Athletics program accentuates teamwork and leadership experiences, providing students an encompassing insight into diverse sports. Mastery of game rules is emphasized, alongside a commitment to personal growth, sportsmanship, and the development of interpersonal skills pivotal for success both on the field and in life.
Finally, if Harbor Country Day School encounters any obstacles preventing in-person classes for the 2020-2021 academic year, remote instruction will be implemented. Further details concerning student learning during this period will be provided on this platform. Students and families are encouraged to revisit these pages consistently for the latest updates and relevant information.

Accommodation in Harbor Country Day School
Harbor Country Day School, nestled in the charming town of Saint James, New York, prides itself on providing a comprehensive educational experience for its students. However, it's important to note that the school does not offer accommodations on its campus. International students seeking lodging in Saint James have several avenues to explore.
Homestay arrangements stand as a favored choice among global students. This arrangement offers a unique opportunity to reside with a local host family, enabling cultural immersion and language practice. Homestays create a supportive atmosphere where students can focus on their studies while engaging in daily life within the Saint James community. Typically, monthly homestay costs range between $800 USD and $1,200 USD, encompassing both lodging and meals.
For those desiring more autonomy, off-campus apartments or shared housing options present themselves as appealing alternatives. Leasing an apartment or sharing a residence with peers provides greater freedom and flexibility. The price spectrum for off-campus housing hinges on variables like location, size, and amenities. On average, securing a one-bedroom apartment may entail monthly expenses of $1,200 USD to $1,800 USD.
Moreover, Saint James enjoys convenient proximity to neighboring towns and cities, broadening the range of housing possibilities. The option of commuting from nearby areas opens doors to a wider array of accommodations, while still affording the advantage of attending Harbor Country Day School.

Future Prospects after Study in Harbor Country Day School
As Harbor Country Day School graduates step into the horizon of post-educational prospects, a realm of boundless opportunities awaits them. Their years of cultivation within the school's nurturing environment have cultivated a sturdy foundation, equipping them to embrace the exciting chapters that lie ahead.
Upon achieving the milestone of post-secondary education, such as a university or college degree, graduates are ushered into the realm of post-graduation work permits. These include sought-after programs like the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), enabling graduates to translate their academic acumen into practical experience. Notably, these avenues are exclusively accessible to those who have completed higher education, underscoring the significance of academic accomplishment.
Beyond the scope of work permits, the path to attaining permanent resident status in the United States beckons. This journey permits graduates to establish deeper connections within the American fabric, contributing their unique talents and perspectives to the nation's diverse mosaic. It's an avenue that aligns harmoniously with the country's historical ethos of embracing immigrants and fostering a tapestry of inclusivity.
For those who resonate with the quintessential American dream, the aspiration for American citizenship holds a distinct appeal. The United States, renowned for its prosperity and dynamic opportunities, extends an array of avenues for personal and professional advancement. Citizenship not only grants access to these avenues but also empowers individuals to actively partake in shaping the nation's trajectory through democratic involvement and civic engagement. The mantle of Harbor Country Day School's values, infused with integrity, tenacity, and scholastic excellence, accompanies its alumni as they stand on the cusp of their post-graduation voyage. Armed with a reservoir of knowledge, skills, and character honed during their academic journey, these graduates are primed to explore the myriad pathways that await. Whether through the gateway of work permits, the pursuit of permanent resident status, or the journey toward American citizenship, Harbor's graduates possess the tools to navigate a world of unfettered potential and to contribute meaningfully to the tapestry of their adopted homeland.

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