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Capital Day School Lowers Tuition

Special to Capital Living

In the midst of an uncertain economy, Capital Day School in Frankfort made a bold decision. It will reduce tuition for next year by more than six percent from this year’s levels.

Faye McDonough, Head of School, says, “Our Board of Trustees carefully examined our finances. We know our families make sacrifices to provide their children with the best possible education. Lowering tuition will help our current families. It also will make the outstanding education offered by Capital Day School accessible to more families. We made this move with optimism that our families will re-enroll for next year and that they will help us recruit new families to our school community.”

With the decrease in tuition costs, CapitalDay School hopes and expects to increase enrollment. Lindsay Barnes, the school’s Admissions Director, says, “We welcome inquiries from families who care about the quality of their children’s education, which, as far as I know, means all families!” When asked about differences between Capital Day School and the church-based private schools in the community, Barnes responded, “While we also maintain high standards of behavior and character, we welcome children of diverse faiths. Religious instruction is left to our families and their churches.” She adds, “Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to become critical thinkers through inquiry and analysis. Our programs are lively and interesting. Students are motivated to learn.”

The fifty-five-year-old school extends to students through Eighth Grade. Instruction begins in Preschool. Jennifer Estill, Preschool Director, explains, “Preschool is the foundation for learning. Through consistent routines and developmentally appropriate activities, children grow socially and academically. By encouraging independence and responsibility, children experience success and gain confidence.”

In the Lower School (Kindergarten through Fourth Grade) the Superkids Reading Program for Kindergarten through Second Grade “incorporates reading, spelling, phonics, grammar, expositive writing, and handwriting seamlessly in one curriculum,” reports Jennifer Jackson, Second Grade teacher.

Capital Day School was a pilot school for this reading curriculum, produced by the Rowland Reading Foundation. At the end of First Grade, CDS students are shown to be reading significantly above grade level.

Capital Day School students historically have performed very well in academic competition such as Governors Cup - the CDS Middle Grades Quick Recall team has advanced to state competition eight of the last ten years - even though the number of students the school draws upon is small compared to other schools with whom the school competes.

“We are understandably proud of all of our students and their accomplishments,” says McDonough. “Our students have the opportunity to reach their potential by being held to high expectations. Children develop a work ethic. Students who have found out what they are capable of are empowered by that knowledge.”

As Capital Day School sets high standards for its students, it likewise is held to rigorous standards. Capital Day School is a member of and receives its accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), the same association that accredits such schools as Sayre and the Lexington School in Lexington and Kentucky Country Day, Louisville Collegiate, and Saint Francis School in the Louisville area. Capital Day School also belongs to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Kentucky Association of Independent Schools (KAIS).

  McDonough says, “I came to CDS after 23 years at St. Francis School. I am confident that our program compares favorably with the independent schools in the nearby metropolitan areas.”

Besides children from Frankfort and Franklin County, Capital Day School serves a significant number of students from surrounding counties. Part of the reason for this is the influx of state workers who commute daily to Frankfort. Janie Butler of Shelbyville reports, “Our commute together gives me additional time with my daughter. I like knowing that she is nearby while I am at work. I have served on the CDS Board, and I know what a great opportunity CDS offers state workers to provide their students with an outstanding value in education.”

  Tuition for Capital Day School next year will be $5,950 for Kindergarten through Eighth Grade; $3,675 for Half-day Preschool; and $5,502 for Full-day Preschool. Extended care for all students is available from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Various payment plans and discounts are offered. Financial Aid is administered confidentially through an independent agency, School and Student Services (SSS). Merit scholarships paying one-quarter of the tuition are available for well-qualified Middle School students. Inquiries about Capital Day School may be directed to Lindsay Barnes, Admissions Director at Lindsay.Barnes@capitaldayschool.net or by calling 227.7121.