RCDS Returns to Full-Day, On-Campus Learning

The Rumson Country Day School opened its 94^th year of truly great, N-8 education by welcoming 320 students to the first day of school on September 8. The School began the new academic year with full-day, in-person learning, five days a week with a comprehensive strategy, RCDS Ready, developed in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH).

The plan was in action at morning drop off. RCDS’s new Head of School Carson Smith welcomed students with a wave among a sea of green and white balloons, an improvisation on the School’s traditional handshake. The majority of RCDS families opted for in-person learning, and an asynchronous school option was made available to Upper and Lower School families who requested it. Forty-three new families joined the RCDS community this year.

“We’re thrilled to see our returning families and so many new families,” said Director of Admission Tracey Wetmore, who managed an exponential increase in inquiries and applications to RCDS from late spring up until the start of the school. “We saw a surge in interest after the success of our virtual learning program last spring,” she explained.

While most schools were offering little in the way of synchronous learning, RCDS provided live, online classes, five days a week, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. which kept routines consistent, and engagement high in core academic subjects.

“Families really recognize the value in joining a learning community that is truly student-centered,” said Wetmore. “RCDS’s holistic approach to education and the ability to differentiate based on each student’s needs resonates with families. Additionally, our small class sizes and expansive facilities offer the flexibility to design a robust academic program where students can socially distance comfortably.”

To accommodate in-person learning for fall, RCDS capped its class sizes at 12 students, which created a waitlist for certain grades as demand grew. Wetmore continues to meet with interested families and encourages parents to connect, even if there is a waitlist for their child’s current grade.

“The RCDS COVID Task Force is monitoring and evaluating the latest information daily, as we hope to be able to expand classes for the 2021-22 school year,” she stated. “If circumstances change, we may have the flexibility to accommodate more students and families. Plus, it’s always a good idea to explore all your school options and see what’s out there. We make ourselves available to any family who wants to do that.”

Interested families are invited to submit an online inquiry to learn more about admissions for the current school year and/or the application process for 2021-22.