The CDS Experience – Open House

As Charleston area schools celebrate the beginning of Open House season, Charleston Day School is creating a fresh take on Open Houses — ​The CDS Experience​. The first CDS Open House was Friday, September 27, allowing families a peek into a normal day at CDS. The next one is Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 9 a.m. (Register) 

The Commons came alive with excitement as parents visited our campus, and students and faculty welcomed them warmly to our first Open House of the season. Head of School Judith Foley Arnstein addressed the group with thoughts on the sense of community found at CDS, current parents eagerly walked the groups around the halls and classrooms to share the learning that takes place each day, and a student panel spoke about the importance of teacher and friend relationships through their years at CDS as well as favorite traditions such as our Bigs and Lils Program.

One fifth grader said, “When they pass you in the hall and know your name, you can always say hi. You’re an older friend who has experienced more throughout the years, so you can tell them about it.”

Another student described the fun he has with his Lil. “He’s really fun. He likes to play around and laugh, and our relationship is really strong because we do a lot of projects together. Today we made a boat out of tin foil and saw how many pennies we could get into it without sinking. We got 36.”

A fresh take on school Open Houses

At Charleston Day’s Open House,​ ​families can come experience the energy, excitement and sense of community that define a CDS education. Visitors will hear from the Head of School as well as a student panel, stroll around campus for classroom visits, engage with our caring teachers and experience the innovation and tradition that abounds on our historic campus. We are excited to show you how Charleston Day School’s K-8 program will provide your child with the foundational skills for success in high school and beyond.

The CDS Experience, Open House 

●  Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 9 a.m. (Register) 

“We are delighted to host families on our historic campus. The feeling of energy and community is palpable from the moment you enter the building. From the morning handshake with me each day to the relationships that are formed within our community, each student is known and valued. Our location allows us to utilize Charleston as an extension of our campus, and we can’t wait to share how CDS combines tradition and innovation to provide a foundational educational experience grounded by our values of respect, responsibility, scholarship and integrity,” says Judith Foley Arnstein, Head of School at Charleston Day School.

While you embark on your Open House season, here are some questions we recommend you add to your list:

●  What is the mission of your school?

●  How is character education taught?

●  What is the average class size?

●  What extracurricular activities are offered to your students?

●  How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school?

●  What professional development opportunities do teachers have?

●  In which ways do teachers collaborate?

●  What does your matriculate process look like?

Families are encouraged to submit an application for Kindergarten through Grade 8 by mid-January. Set up a time to tour Charleston Day School’s campus anytime by emailing Catherine Skeen.

View the September 25, 2019 CDS Open House press release in Lowcountry Biz SC.