Ask Easton Country Day School

Question 1

What is Easton Country Day School?

Accepted Answer

Easton Country Day School (ECDS) is a co-ed, independent day school in Easton, Connecticut, serving children from daycare and preschool through grade 12. Founded in 1993, it individualizes learning so each child is known and supported, a philosophy it calls "nurtured learning."

Question 2

What grades does ECDS serve?

Accepted Answer

ECDS serves one continuous journey from daycare (from infancy) and preschool (ages 2 and up) through the Lower School and all the way to grade 12.

Question 3

When was ECDS founded?

Accepted Answer

Easton Country Day School was founded in 1993, by educators who wanted the best academic and social foundation for their own children. It was formerly known as Phoenix Academy, which is why a rainbow phoenix appears in its seal.

Question 4

Where is Easton Country Day School located?

Accepted Answer

ECDS is at 660 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT 06612, on a ten-acre wooded campus in central Easton, Connecticut. Phone: (203) 268-5530.

Question 5

Is ECDS accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Easton Country Day School is accredited and a member of NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), CAISCT (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) and NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).

Question 6

How big is ECDS?

Accepted Answer

ECDS is an intentionally small school, set on ten wooded acres, with a roughly 5:1 student-teacher ratio and small classes so every child is known.

Question 7

What makes ECDS different?

Accepted Answer

ECDS tailors learning to each child through vertically integrated classes (students advance by readiness, not age), small classes with a ~5:1 ratio, specialized programs for gifted, twice-exceptional and different learners, and a warm, inclusive community guided by its PRAXIS values.

Question 8

What is vertical integration?

Accepted Answer

Vertical integration is ECDS's signature approach: classes introduce new material based on each student's academic readiness rather than age, so children are challenged where they're ready and supported where they need it.

Question 9

What is ECDS's teaching philosophy?

Accepted Answer

ECDS believes learning should be as unique as each student. It individualizes instruction to each child's needs, abilities and potential, and focuses on teaching children how to learn, with an emphasis on the fine arts.

Question 10

What is ECDS's mission?

Accepted Answer

ECDS's mission is to create a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child is known and supported, laying a foundation for academic success, integrity and a compassionate life.

Question 11

What are the PRAXIS values?

Accepted Answer

ECDS is guided by the values on its seal: Praxis, Community, Responsibility and Integrity. The school develops competent, caring and responsible citizens in a multicultural, respectful community.

Question 12

Is ECDS religious?

Accepted Answer

ECDS is non-sectarian and multicultural, welcoming of all backgrounds while fostering mutual respect and loving-kindness.

Question 13

What programs does ECDS offer?

Accepted Answer

ECDS offers Daycare & Preschool, Lower School and High School, plus specialized programs: Praesto Preparatory School (twice-exceptional/gifted), the Arrowsmith Program, a Gifted Program, Enrichment Courses, a Research & Invention program, International Student support, June School, After School, Physical Education & Sports, and Field Trips. Use the "Find the right program" section on this page to match one to your child.

Question 14

Tell me about Daycare and Preschool.

Accepted Answer

ECDS's Daycare & Preschool gives the youngest children, from infancy through the preschool years (ages 2 and up), a safe, caring environment that blends play and early learning. Contact admissions for current ages and schedules.

Question 15

Tell me about the Lower School.

Accepted Answer

The Lower School uses ECDS's vertically integrated approach in small classes, so elementary students advance by readiness rather than age and get individualized attention.

Question 16

Do you have programs for gifted students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS offers a Gifted Program and Praesto Preparatory School for advanced and twice-exceptional learners, with accelerated, small-group and individualized instruction. Ask admissions about placement and fees.

Question 17

What is Praesto Preparatory School?

Accepted Answer

Praesto Prep is ECDS's program for gifted and twice-exceptional students, combining small-group and individual instruction with an accelerated, individualized curriculum.

Question 18

What is the Arrowsmith Program?

Accepted Answer

The Arrowsmith Program is a cognitive program offered at ECDS that works to strengthen the underlying learning capacities behind specific learning difficulties, as part of the school's individualized approach.

Question 19

What is the Research and Invention program?

Accepted Answer

ECDS's Research & Invention program, launched by Dr. Adriana Andrade (Ph.D. in neurobiology), engages students in real inquiry and invention. One student, Ensley, became a finalist at the 2026 National Invention Convention.

Question 20

Do you support international students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS welcomes international students into its multicultural community and provides support, including for English-language learners. TOEFL is part of admissions for international applicants.

Question 21

What is June School?

Accepted Answer

June School is one of ECDS's programs offered beyond the regular school year. Contact the school for this year's June School dates and details.

Question 22

Are there sports, field trips and after-school activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS offers Physical Education & Sports, monthly field trips, After School care and programs, and Enrichment Courses, so learning extends beyond the classroom.

Question 23

Tell me about the high school.

Accepted Answer

ECDS High School is an individualized four-year, college-preparatory program where students chart their own course, with English, Social Studies and Math sequences, Advanced Placement, college-credit courses, internships, clubs and monthly field trips, preparing them for competitive universities.

Question 24

Do you offer AP or college-credit courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS offers Advanced Placement (including math through AP Calculus and beyond) and college-credit courses, along with internships, as part of its individualized high-school program.

Question 25

Where do ECDS graduates go to college?

Accepted Answer

ECDS prepares students for competitive universities, and graduates have gone on to schools such as Brown, Cornell, Boston University, Brandeis, Clark, Clemson, CalArts, Auburn, Baylor, Belmont, Beloit and Champlain.

Question 26

What are the high school's course requirements?

Accepted Answer

ECDS High School includes four years of English (communication and critical thinking), three years of Social Studies (global awareness and civic engagement) and four years of Math (Algebra through AP Calculus and beyond), within an individualized plan.

Question 27

Are there notable student achievements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS student Ensley invented "W.E.T. Gardens," a hydroponic system to cut agricultural water waste, won a Climate Innovation Award and was a finalist for the 2026 National Invention Convention; student Henry Davis was published in TIME for Kids.

Question 28

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

ECDS has rolling admissions. Typically you inquire or schedule a visit, submit an application (with a $75 application fee), complete an interview, and international applicants provide a TOEFL score. Start at the Admissions page or contact the school.

Question 29

Does ECDS have rolling admissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to availability.

Question 30

Is an interview required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An interview is part of the ECDS admissions process, so the school and family can make sure it's a good fit.

Question 31

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

Tuition at ECDS varies by division and program (daycare and preschool, Lower School, High School, and specialized programs such as Praesto Prep, Arrowsmith, the Gifted Program and International have different rates). For current tuition and any added program fees, please contact the Admissions office.

Question 32

Is there an application fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a $75 application fee. Contact admissions for the current fee and what's included.

Question 33

What is the campus like?

Accepted Answer

ECDS sits on ten wooded acres in central Easton, Connecticut, with a playground, athletic fields and a large, well-appointed building, a warm, nature-rich setting for its small community.

Question 34

How are weather closings announced?

Accepted Answer

Weather and emergency closings are announced by direct email and on TV channels 3, 8 and 12, radio WICC 660 AM, WEBE 108 FM and STAR 99.9 FM, and at CTWeather.com.

Question 35

Does ECDS have a nondiscrimination policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECDS admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin, and does not discriminate on those bases in its policies, programs or athletics.

Question 36

How do I schedule a visit?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule a visit through the ECDS website's "Schedule a Visit" page, or call (203) 268-5530. You can also leave your details here and the school will follow up.

Question 37

How do I contact Easton Country Day School?

Accepted Answer

Call ECDS at (203) 268-5530 (fax (203) 268-5863), or reach the school through eastoncountryday.org. The campus is at 660 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT 06612. You can also leave your details here and they'll follow up.

Question 38

Where can I follow ECDS online?

Accepted Answer

Easton Country Day School is on Facebook (facebook.com/EastonCountryDaySchoolCT), Instagram (@eastoncountrydayschool) and YouTube. Links are on the website.

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