Miami Country Day School

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AtomicMind Staff

August 15, 2025

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What Sets MCDS Apart—and How It Prepares Students for College

Established in 1938 as an all-boys boarding school and evolving into the thriving co‑educational institution it is today, Miami Country Day School (MCDS) serves nearly 1,380 students from Pre‑K3 through Grade 12 in the Miami Shores area. With a passionate mission to engage the whole child, MCDS blends academic rigor with character development, cultivating global citizens who learn with vigor, explore with purpose, and serve with honor, respect, and compassion. 

Campus & Community

Set on approximately 21–21 acres, MCDS features expansive facilities including an aquatic center, athletic fields, a gym with synthetic turf, and the Center for the Arts—home to the John Davies Theater and media production studios.

Key Facts & Figures:

  • Enrollment: 1,269 students Pre‑K3–12 
  • Student–Teacher Ratio: Ranges between 9:1 to 10:1, with about 134–141 faculty members 
  • Diversity & Internationalism: Nearly 47% of students are born abroad (and over 75% of parents are), reflecting a deeply international community 

The community emphasizes that “every student is known and included,” reinforcing MCDS’s commitment to inclusivity and personal belonging.

Academics & Curriculum

MCDS’s academic mission centers on cultivating critical thinkers and confidently curious learners. The Lower School fosters inquiry, empathy, and environmental stewardship through programs like the Abess Center for Environmental Studies (ACES).

In Middle School, students develop real-world connections, independence, and values through a robust advisory system, service learning, and an arts-led curriculum.

The Upper School provides college-preparatory experiences complemented by individualized strength-based support, including a well-regarded Learning Resources Program for students with learning differences. This program emphasizes executive-function skills, multi-sensory instruction, and self-advocacy in classes that parallel main-track core content.

Across all divisions, MCDS’s college counseling team uses tools like SCOIR to help students navigate options, reflect on strengths, and match with well-suited colleges.

Extracurriculars & Service

MCDS students bring their passions to life through 36 athletic teams, theater productions, creative arts, clubs, and entrepreneurial opportunities. MCDS proudly logs over 1.3 million service hours, including 52,000 hours in the past 4 years, and emphasizes one-on-one student-led initiatives.

Tuition & Financial Aid (2025–26)

According to the MCDS website, here is the latest tuition data:

  • Tuition: Approximately $52,900 per year for upper grades 
  • Financial Aid: About 18% of students receive aid, with average awards around $30,873 

To apply for need-based tuition assistance, families complete a Clarity application; priority is given to Upper School applicants.

Experiential Learning & College Counseling

Rather than a single remote campus, MCDS weaves experiential learning into daily school life—through environmental studies, student-led service, arts residencies, and advisory cohorts. The Garner Center of Innovation sticks out as a focal point of the experience at MCDS. The college and academic counseling approach is hands-on and personalized, guiding students through assessment of strengths and school fit.

Key Takeaways for Parents & Students
  • Whole‑child preparation: MCDS educates not just for academic success but for integrity, compassion, and global citizenship.
  • Academic breadth with support: Students access rigorous coursework complemented by strength-based differentiation like the Learning Resources Program.
  • Personalized community: A 9:1 to 10:1 ratio ensures visibility and belonging within a truly international student body.
  • Sustainable financial access: High-impact tuition assistance for roughly 1 in 5 students enables broader access and inclusion.
Is Miami Country Day a Good Fit?

Miami Country Day School is an excellent choice for families seeking a global-minded, balanced, and academically strong environment. It’s especially well-suited to students who want nurturing, challenge, and breadth—from arts and athletics to environmental discovery and service—in a community that values character as much as intellect.

At AtomicMind, we help families align with schools like MCDS by guiding school list creation, admissions strategy, and application storytelling that speaks to both fit and authenticity. When you’re ready, we’ll help you present your child’s strengths with confidence and clarity.

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