Strong Start to the Academic Year

On September 1 The Country School opened its doors to 202 students, including 48 new children, one a remote learner from North Carolina and one a student from Germany. “Because of COVID-19 we didn't know what to expect this year. Last spring was such a time of upheaval and change, but it also seems to have spurred families to rethink, reconsider, and know their options. Personalized Zoom tours and virtual Open Houses allowed families to inquire about Country School at their convenience and from their own homes,” said Director of Admission Pam Glasser.

As a result of the increased enrollment, Country School welcomes four new teachers: Maggie Tancrel Torrison with over a dozen years of experience will teach Kindergarten; Dan Kollmer will share his passion for math and hands-on science with the 5th Grade; Kolton Harris will teach Equity and Inclusion Through the Arts and Writing, and Jumoke McDuffie-Thurmond and Liz Lightfoot, alumna and Director of Alumni Relations and Community Outreach, will be teaching 8th Grade U.S. History, with the Witness Stones Project continuing to serve as a centerpiece of that curriculum.

Thanks to enhanced distance learning tools and an upgraded campus network infrastructure, teachers and students are able to engage in lessons both on campus and from home, depending on what the year brings. Additionally, multiple tents and sunshades have been erected on the school’s 23-acre campus, allowing for even safer outdoor experiences for every classroom. Through the help of generous donors and many volunteers, The Country School is in the business of finding solutions instead of citing problems in the face of COVID.

In anticipation of the first day of school, Head of School John Fixx shared a thankful welcome video with The Country School community, remarking on students’ resilience, looking for the positives amid all the changes, and underscoring the importance of sticking together while staying a bit apart as we live history in this year to remember. Sarah Prior, parent of an 8th Grader, returned Fixx’s thanks with her own. “As a parent I am always happy to hear, ‘I think this will be a good year.’ But to hear those words from our daughter Molly, I was taken aback because the statement has more gravity to it this year. Her statement shows a sense of hope, comfort, and excitement during a time when many of us are searching for even the smallest glimpse of any of those. Thank you for creating this for our children!”

Founded in 1955, The Country School serves students in PreSchool-Grade 8 on (and off) its 23-acre campus in Madison. The Country School is committed to honors our students’ creativity, sense of wonder, and intellectual curiosity. Learn more about The Country School at www.thecountryschool.org.