Harbor Country Day School Names John Cissel Head of School

St. James, New York -- Harbor Country Day School, a leading independent day school for children in preschool through 8th grade located in the Village of Head of the Harbor in Saint James, is pleased to announce its new Head of School, John Cissel.

A seasoned administrator with more than 35 years of experience in independent schools throughout Long Island and Connecticut, Cissel has served as Harbor Country Day School’s Assistant Head of School since 2013 and as Dean of Academic Affairs since joining the school in 2011.

“John has been integral to Harbor Country Day School’s growth for the past three years. Under his direction, our academic programs have thrived. We’ve added Mandarin Chinese, science enrichment, math enrichment, and robotics to our curriculum and we’ve seen a 20% growth in admissions,” said Adrienne Owen, Chair of Harbor Country Day School’s Board of Trustees. “Looking forward, we are thrilled to have John at the helm as we continue to build on these successes.”

“It’s an understatement to say that Harbor Country Day School is a very special place,” said Cissel. “From the moment you set foot on our campus, you see and hear evidence of Harbor’s mission to inspire children, instill in them a love for learning, and unleash their intrinsic sense of wonder -- from the students’ work on display throughout the building to the smiles and laughter that fill the classrooms and hallways. I am looking forward to helping Harbor’s outstanding faculty and staff cultivate that atmosphere as we continue to look for new and innovative ways to educate our children. It’s a very exciting time for Harbor Country Day School”

About Harbor Country Day School

Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational school for children from Preschool through Grade Eight located in the Village of Head of the Harbor in St. James. The school’s mission, “Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder and inspires confident learners and leaders,” is at the center of the school’s program and culture, underscoring every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School. Emphasizing a whole-child approach to education, Harbor offers a rigorous curriculum enhanced by strong offerings in technology, visual and performing arts, advisory, and athletics, as well as an emphasis on character development. Graduates of Harbor Country Day School are fearless learners and reflective leaders who negotiate effectively and possess the moral and ethical foundation that prepares them to exhibit compassion and tolerance in a global community. Harbor Country Day School is also home to a leading Long Island summer program, Camp Harbor, which includes educational workshops designed to inspire curiosity, in addition to more traditional camp offerings.

Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by, and a member of, the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.