Kalamazoo Country Day

I have two girls at KCDS; each have vastly different needs, talents, personalities and attitudes. KCDS truly plans and teaches for each child, catering to what they individually need, not what is easy for the classroom group. From ADHD, Dyslexia, and more they never made their accommodations feel like a burden, and just that it is a step. I cannot say enough good things about the school, educators, Principal, and other staff.

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Kalamazoo Country Day School. Both of our children attended preschool at KCDS and it was an incredible start to their educational journey. From the caring teachers to the supportive staff, everyone goes above and beyond to create a positive, engaging environment where children can learn and thrive. The communication with families is excellent and it’s clear that the school genuinely cares about each student. We are so thankful for the wonderful experiences our family has had and would highly recommend Kalamazoo Country Day School to anyone looking for an outstanding educational experience.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Our twin daughters started at KCDS in the fall of 2025 after moving to the area and they instantly loved it! They were placed in the youngest classroom (only 2.5 yrs old at the time) with Mrs. Randol and Ms. Miranda who we quickly realized are absolutely amazing (along with all of the other teachers/staff we have encountered). The structure of the program has already skyrocketed our girls abilities even after just 7 months (speech, identifying and writing letters and numbers, social skills, etc.). We love that the school is on the smaller side because we feel it allows for more genuine connections with staff, other students and parents. Would recommend this school over and over again!

We have had a great experience thus far at KCDS! The faculty has been great to work with and really supports our son as we work through the transition from a home daycare to Pre-K and now Jr. Kindergarten. The ability to customize the care and curriculum is great and allows the students to build on and grow new skills as they are ready. The student body is small which allows everyone, student and staff, to get to know each other and respect each other. It’s nice to be confident in their structure and safety at the school! Overall, I recommend!

For families looking for a private elementary school in kalamamzoo, this school is a hidden gem! I believe that as of 2024 it is the best option in kalamazoo for most students in early elementary. It is remarkably inexpensive for everything offered. During 2022-2024, My wife, children and I toured or attended a day or more at the big private schools in town including The Montessori School, Kazoo school, Gagie school. Also Comstock Stem with is a selective private school. We have not visited the Catholic or Christian or public schools but i wish we had. Each of these schools have advantages for certain students. I believe Kalamazoo Country Day is the best option for the early elementary grades. My son has attended 3rd grade for a half year and he has not complained. He does not celebrate school, but he does consider it a privilege. I have also volunteered at the school and spoken with several teachers and the head of school as well as alumni and other parents. All these private schools cost about $1000 to $1200 per month to attend. They do offer limited financial support. So if your family has the funds, here is a quick breakdown to help guide you to a school that matches your children. (Remember you also have a growing homeschool community around kalamazoo.) If you think your child would learn better outdoors, and you are ok with a politically progressive atmosphere, consider kazoo school. Something to consider: when will your child leave kazoo to indoor school and how will they adjust? If your child wants a more classical education, that is structured—essentially a “super” public school, consider gagie. If your child does well directing their own learning, consider the Montessori school. An added bonus is that it has a great environmental education program. If you need tests and grades and textbooks to feel comfortable with school, this is not your place. If your child is motivated to learn and ok with structured academic learning, consider comstock stem. Your child will need to complete and essay and score well to attend. If your child would benefit from small classes and a pragmatic approach to academic learning and personal development, consider kalamazoo country day school. Whereas Montessori promotes Community, I’d say KCDS promotes Growing Leaders. My son in 3rd grade has some classes mixed with 4th graders. He has a dedicated math teacher, English arts teacher. He has Spanish. He has art. I like the PE classes. The students have played hand ball, cricket, badminton. The school community is the most diverse of any elementary private school I’ve ever seen. You have country folk in their trucks, office workers in their Teslas and hard working folks in their work vehicles all mingling. The cultural and thought diversity is also amazing. The head of school is incredibly open to new ideas. He takes AI seriously and is trying to figure out how to best educate students in the modern world. I asked him if he would consider installing a nature playground at the school. He said yes! I alter learned he had to study what that meant and has been working with me ever since to get it done. He has a great can-do attitude. The school is I their 2nd or 3rd year of using a program called leader in me which is essentially Steven coveys 7 habits of highly effective people. It might sound a little odd, but they do it well. It’s kind of like secular religion that says everyone can learn, get better, find their gifts and be a leader—and these are the secrets on how to do it. The kids seem to roll with it. I like it. If you are curious, I recommend you meet with the head of school. If you want, he might offer your child a day at the school to learn more.