Head of School's Welcome
Dear Families,
Welcome, and welcome back to the 2026 - 2027 school year. In my four years as the Head of Upper School, I’ve come to know the students and families who walk through our gates each day. As Acting Head of School, I love starting my day by shaking each student’s hand. Starting the day with a handshake is a classic Country School tradition, one that frames the day and conveys a sense of purpose. I look forward to welcoming you to The Country School as a prospective family, a returning student, or a member of the community.
On the first day of school, the bell tower will peal joyfully as it’s rung by the 8th graders to start the school year. It’s a Kodak moment- with tissues on hand for the parents! The Country School is, and always will be, a school grounded in rigorous, foundational academics; our Portrait of A Graduate reflects the diverse competencies our students strive towards.
As a Country School parent myself, the warmth, joy, and personal relationships make our school special. Our intentionally small community allows every student to know and be known, to be supported and challenged, and to be deeply appreciated for who they are. In short, our community is amazing and forms the heart of our school.
We believe in living our values every day, and pursuing each opportunity with an enduring sense of honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, generosity, commitment, cooperation, fairness and moral courage. Walking through the halls, these values come alive in the collaborative, hands-on learning environment in our classrooms; through co-curricular activities such as athletics, robotics, or the annual school musical; and in the social minutes at lunch and recesses.
The Country School is healthy and strong as we enter our 92nd year, rooted in tradition and growing towards tomorrow. The true strength of The Country School lies in its people. It is the relationships we build, the community we foster, and the values we live each day that define who we are. Stepping into the role of acting head is an honor, and I am energized to continue working with the talented team at The Country School.
I invite you to be a part of our community, enriching the lives of students who “start right here” and begin their educational journey at The Country School.
Sincerely,
Emily Beck, Acting Head of School
"Shaking hands is one of the most beautiful forms of communication. It allows you to let another person know that they matter to you, without a doubt...The Country School is the best school in our vicinity because the staff members ensure that every student feels important and valued. Students with a sense of belonging are more engaged and set up for long-term success both academically and emotionally."-Claudia Murillo (mom to Madison '31)
