Relational Learning Model

Publishes a biannual newsletter sharing student and staff news, school events, and fundraising progress.

Offers a cross-disciplinary STEAM curriculum, Regents-level mathematics and science courses, Singapore Math, global language instruction in Mandarin and Spanish, fine and performing arts, inter-league athletics (soccer and basketball), public speaking, community service, leadership retreats, and social-emotional learning. Also supports programs such as FLL Robotics and cross-divisional mentoring.

Hosts events such as spring Open House for prospective families and provides digital calendar subscriptions for school and community events to support enrollment and community engagement.

Advanced construction of a new academic wing on campus, including demolition of the 1980s-era wing in early 2025, foundation and elevator shaft work, and preparation for steel framing by spring 2026, to support long-term programmatic growth.

Provides a comprehensive educational program for 167 students from preschool 2 through grade 8, emphasizing academic excellence, critical thinking, leadership development, and ethical modeling. The school maintains small class sizes, with average student-teacher ratios ranging from 1:4 in PK2 to 1:14 in grades K–8.

Conducts long-range planning, approves annual budgets, sets policy, employs and evaluates the head of school, and ensures the long-term financial, physical, and programmatic sustainability of Harbor Country Day School.

Supports ongoing professional growth for faculty and staff through funding for graduate studies, conference attendance, collaborative meetings, and training initiatives, including in diversity and inclusion.

Maintains and publishes a public Google Calendar and downloadable PDF calendars outlining school openings and closings, holidays, parent-teacher conferences, breaks, grade-level events, and community programming for multiple academic years.

Offers after-school programs including a homework room or quiet reading period, gymnastics for K–1, hands-on STEM activities using LittleBits and DIY materials for grades 2–5, a screen-free maker space for K–1, strategy games for K–4, and a middle school soccer team with scheduled practices and games.

Facilitates collaborative partnerships between parents, teachers, and staff to support student flourishing within the K–8 day school environment.

Integrates community service projects and trips into classroom learning to instill a sense of communal responsibility and ethical engagement among students.

Operates a mixed-grade buddy program pairing kindergarten students with fourth-grade buddies to foster cross-age relationships through shared events and activities.

Organizes grade-specific experiential learning trips, including a one-day exploration of New York City for fifth grade, a four-day environmental retreat in Connecticut for sixth grade, a three-day trip to Washington D.C. for seventh grade, and a two-week trip to Israel for eighth grade focused on Jewish identity, history, and language.

Hosts interactive family events including JFam! Celebrations, Family Shabbat Series, holiday gatherings, and community-wide events such as Yom Ha'atzmaut and the End-of-Year Picnic to engage families in Jewish traditions and school life.

Offers a Hebrew language program using the Proficiency Approach, integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing through Israeli stories, songs, games, and celebrations, with language immersion woven into daily school life and special programs.

Hosts Israeli emissaries (shinshinim) for a full academic year to enrich student learning through direct cultural exchange and immersive programming.

Offers a weekly Sunday morning program for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, featuring play-based activities with Jewish cultural components, rotating guest partners, a PJ Library book nook, and a kids' clothing and book swap.

Operates an inclusive Jewish day school for K–8 students, integrating Jewish texts, Hebrew language, STEM, literature, history, and art through a joyful, inquiry-based curriculum. The school reflects the diversity of Jewish life and maintains open admissions and hiring practices grounded in the value of Elu v’Elu (Openness).