Academics
Academically Rigorous
Combing a strong curriculum with practical hands-on learning.
Academic Rigor Looks Different at Seacrest
Students are challenged to dive deeper into learning
Curriculum sets the standards of what needs to be learned. Academic Rigor helps students reach those standards by offering them a variety of ways to learn material. This approach to learning was established by Dr. Jane Kern when she opened the school in 1983
Seacrest students and teachers may use a textbook, a novel, an exploratory project, and finally a presentation to learn concepts. In that way a student is taught, is involved, and then uses a presentation to teach others.
Our a 12:1 student/teacher ratio provides the optimal dynamic for learning.
Seacrest believes that our teachers are integral to providing students with a premier education. Teachers create classroom experiences that challenge and engage each student using exciting and creative teaching methods. Our classrooms are not a place for complacency, but active environments where our students love to learn. We retain and recruit dynamic educators who embrace our mission to fuel intellectual engagement.
Seacrest curriculum follows national standards in order to be on track with what students in the United States are expected to know at each level. But Seacrest teachers do not teach to a test. Lessons go far beyond what might be found in the teachers manual. This deep-dive into learning sets Seacrest far apart from other schools. Instead of simply memorizing facts or excerpts in order to take a test, Seacrest students are challenged to push further. In this way students are given tools on how to learn and evolve into deeper thinkers.
100%
Percentage of seniors accepted to a four-year college or university
12:1
Average teacher-to-student ratio
430
Total students in Preschool to Grade 12
40
Acre campus nestled in a tropical preserve
Seacrest's academic program develops in students the key skills they need to be successful in tomorrow's world. Students master concepts in mathematics, English and language arts, literature, foreign language and science through a creative and innovative curriculum in which they are asked to collaborate with one another, research, and solve problems. Many subjects are taught with integration in mind. Literature students don't just read The Iliad, they also explore the Trojan War and the history of Ancient Greece. Biology students don't just learn anatomy, they work with the art department to creatively and accurately draw human organs. Lower School students learn Spanish vocabulary while studying sustainability and environmental science in their garden.
As a true learning community, our expert faculty inspire students to love what they are learning. Intellectual engagement is the driving force behind the mission of the school. When students engage, rather than memorize, they will commit to and "own" their educational experience.
Students are not only prepared for the next level academically, but also socially and emotionally. Students are recognized as individual learners and people and are challenged to reach outside their comfort zones, further strengthening leadership skills and finding growth through successes and failures.
Seacrest taught and encouraged me to think critically about my actions, my thoughts, reasons for my beliefs, and the importance of everyday life. I had no idea what kind of job I would end up with, but the skill to think on my feet and adapt to my surroundings has been necessary for me to successfully navigate my life so far. Seacrest taught, encouraged, and created an environment for me to think and live, and those skills are what I value most.
— Ann Murphy '12
Our graduates leave Seacrest ready for college with the ability not just to sit in a lecture hall and pass a test, but also knowing how to engage with professors and become a leader on campus.
An Extraordinary School
Providing a Unique Educational Experience for 40 Years
Since 1983, Seacrest Country Day School has provided students with an extraordinary education through an innovative, student-focused curriculum taught by passionate educators in a culture of excellence. Seacrest believes that within every student is the unlimited potential to learn, and that by cultivating each student’s distinctive interests, ideas, and passions students become lifelong learners prepared and inspired to boldly lead in their exponentially evolving world.
Authentic/Project-Based Learning
Where rote memorization fails to support meaningful long-term academic growth, authentic and project-based learning create deep and expansive neural pathways that students can build on for future growth and success.
Seacrest students recognize that they are impacting the world in a positive way while also learning algebra, biology, statistics, literature or writing, and that makes all the difference for them in their commitment and engagement. Our students experience the joy of learning.
Intellectual Engagement
Seacrest challenges and supports each student to take intellectual risks, explore creative alternatives, and achieve their full academic potential every day.
Collaboration and Integrative Thinking
At Seacrest, students and teachers come together to learn, explore, discuss, and wrestle with essential questions. Students gain a deeper understanding by applying concepts to real-world experiences across disciplines.
Building Character & Leadership Through Community
Areas of Distinction
Character education is woven into the curriculum at every level from interpersonal relationships and right versus wrong in the Lower School to more complex topics tackled in Middle School Advisory and Upper School Seminar.
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Through our mentoring program, Upper School students regularly meet with Lower and Middle School students fostering relationships that have a profound effect on our community.
The Right Fit College
Success in college and beyond is only possible when planning focuses on each student’s goals and personality. We know our students, and our students know themselves. Seacrest takes students on college visits beginning in the ninth grade. Students own the college process and our expert counselors and faculty members help them find the perfect fit.
Community Partnerships, Outreach & Internships
Seacrest develops and stewards relationships with many businesses, research, educational and conservation institutions in Collier County and around the country. These partnerships offer unique experiences for our students. Whether regularly meeting with senior citizens at a local retirement home, helping local elementary students learn to read, or tagging sharks as part of a research program, our students learn the value of empathy for others and stewardship of our environment. Through these partnerships and community connections, we help secure juniors and seniors with internships. Our partnership program continually evolves as we look for intriguing, mission-appropriate experiences for our students in the world outside Seacrest.
Innovation & Problem Solving
Problem solving through innovation has been an essential component of learning at Seacrest since its founding and is woven throughout our curriculum. For example, students explore robotics, create prototypes in the Inspiration Lab, and build solar cookers. We provide students with the skills they must have to be successful in the classroom, in college, and in life.
Environmental Science & Sustainability
At Seacrest we take advantage of our unique biodiverse location in the world. Starting with our own preserve on campus, we explore our natural world and diligently work to monitor and improve our environment.
Lower School students gain an appreciation for nature and agriculture. Middle School students venture to MarineLab in the Florida Keys and participate in a water quality study of our ponds through Project Zero at Harvard University. Upper School students maintain their organic garden, manage the composting program and team-teach a sustainability elective with Seacrest faculty.