History
Seacrest Country Day School, located in Collier County, Florida is an independent, fully-accredited school with a student enrollment of almost 600 preschool through twelfth grade students. This dynamic school was founded on the premise that within every human being there is a potential for learning that is virtually unlimited. Seacrest's philosophy, curriculum and program empower students to free themselves from self-imposed limitations and tap their own resources. (The Seacrest Courtesies exemplify this.) Thus, Seacrest School acclaims an educational system where "Learning to be everything you can be in a rapidly changing world," is a central theme.
Within the framework of this rapidly changing world, and despite the myriad challenges facing schools today, Seacrest has flourished. Since its inception in 1983, Seacrest has been seriously concerned with the problems facing educators and at the same time believes that it has resolved many of these issues. The school has dedicated itself to providing a safe and secure environment that supports and nurtures its students. This philosophy is reflected in the words of the Seacrest Song which is sung by the student body each Friday morning during Flag Ceremony. The results speak for themselves:
One of Seacrest's first students went on to be the valedictorian in her public high school, was accepted early decision at Harvard, excelled in her studies there and graduated in 2002. This young woman credits Seacrest with instilling in her not only a love of leaning, but also with the necessary learning tools.
Or consider this young woman who came to Seacrest as a three-year old and graduated having received a full four-year scholarship. This young woman's brilliance and talent is immediately evident - as are her courage and confidence. She survived the rigors of the local Ropes Course and snorkeled with her class in the Florida Keys - that she is legally blind has only made her determination to succeed greater.
At Seacrest's presentation of the "Teaching Excellence Awards", the following speech was given: " I am honored to recognize the outstanding teachers of Seacrest. Their dedication, inspiration, and creativity has taught us to strive to be the best that we can be. In and out of the classroom, these special people exemplify exceptional qualities such as compassion, integrity, courage, kindness, and the two most important qualities: being cool role models and having a sense of humor... These educators deserve our appreciation for all their accomplishments from designing web pages, teaching through engaging environments, providing challenging activities, coaching sports, directing musicals and dramas, and just being there to listen...." Admirable sentiments in an environment where schools nationwide are plagued by dissatisfaction and unrest. Even more profound is that these words were written and presented by a 14-year-old Seacrest student to 500 students, faculty, parents, and special guests.
- One of the most respected evaluators of programs and systems for business, industry and academia in this country has studied Seacrest to assess the effectiveness of the School's technology center and its curriculum on the overall education of the students at Seacrest. Over the course of four years, he conducted analytical surveys, interviews, and discussion groups; watched from behind the scenes, read journals and extensively sampled student work. His final report is testament to the success of Seacrest but his cover letter expresses it best, "Thank you for the opportunity to work on this project. In my 20 years of market research, it has been, by far the most gratifying." Furthermore, he stated that he wishes his children had had the opportunity to attend Seacrest.
