Athletics
The physical education and athletics program promotes the enjoyment of physical exercise and strives to instill in students a lifelong commitment to fitness. Through physical education classes and team sports, students develop their athletic skills and learn the importance of sportsmanship and working together toward a common goal. Athletics brings students and teachers who serve as coaches together in a context outside the classroom and encourages responsibility to self and others. It is also a significant source of school spirit, as students, teachers, and parents take pride in the accomplishments of Country Day teams.
In the Lower School, physical education classes begin in nursery and focus on building hand-eye coordination and technical skills through inclusive games and exercises aimed at encouraging a love of physical activity. Students are introduced to team sports in grade 3. Exposure to a wide range of sports and team activities continues in the Middle School, with interscholastic competition beginning in grade 6.
The athletics program in the Upper School offers competitive teams in twelve different sports. Students are required to participate in a sport all three seasons. Many teachers serve as coaches in the Middle and Upper School programs, reinforcing the connection between learning in the classroom and learning on the playing fields. Country Day teams have a long tradition of strong season records, competing in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) junior division, often finishing first in the league in such sports as football and field hockey. At the same time, the athletics program stresses allowing every student to play and creates an atmosphere that encourages students to try new sports. Equal playing time is the policy on Country Day teams until the Upper School varsity level. Country Day is proud of its record of graduating experienced athletes who go on to compete in their secondary schools and colleges, many taking leading roles and competing at high levels.
Sports Offerings
Fall: Football; Cross Country; Field Hockey; Soccer; Tennis
Winter: Ice Hockey; Basketball; Cross Training; Swimming; Wrestling (B)
Spring: Lacrosse; Baseball (B); Softball (G); Cross Country;
Tennis; Golf.
Outstanding Facilities
Country Day offers first-rate athletic facilities, from fully-equipped gymnasiums and an age-appropriate playground for the youngest students to an array of athletic fields and fitness facilities for older students. Our spacious campus, on 80 acres in the heart of Greenwich, provides an ideal setting for team practice and interscholastic competition. The athletic facilities include four gymnasiums, eight athletic fields, four tennis courts, a fitness center and weight training room, a wrestling/dance studio, and a skating rink. Country Day makes use of the new pool at the Greenwich YMCA for our swimming program.
Skating Program
The Greenwich Skating Club, located contiguous to the GCDS campus, makes skating time available for the school, allowing us to offer a unique program that gives all students experience on the rink. Beginning in first grade, students and their teachers spend an hour a week skating during the winter. Focused skating lessons with a skating instructor are provided for novices as well as advanced skaters. The program continues in the Middle School and leads to the interscholastic hockey program in the Upper School.
Athletics, a significant feature of daily life at Country Day, is central to both the learning process and to the shared sense of community that define our school. Beginning with physical education in the early grades and continuing with a strong program of competitive sports in the Upper School, students learn to work together and to meet challenges that build self-awareness and confidence. Our goal is to teach a wide range of sports skills and to give students experience in a variety of team and individual sports. We strive to cultivate in students a commitment to physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle that will stay with them throughout their lives. As students progress through the grades and become involved in team sports, the program stresses participation, giving playing time to every member of the team. At the highest levels on varsity teams, the program offers serious competition and preparation for high school and college sports.
