Celebrating 100 Years of Virtue in Action
Honoring 100 years of nurturing learners, inspiring leaders, and coming together as a community grounded in responsibility, respect, integrity, courage, and compassion. Since 1926, Cincinnati Country Day School has empowered students to discover their unique abilities, kindle the potential of others, and better a dynamic world. Join us as we commemorate our past, honor our present, and look ahead to the next century of excellence.
Save the Date for the CCDShowcase: A Centennial Celebration
Save the Date for our Centennial Celebration Gala
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Join us as we celebrate a century of excellence at Cincinnati Country Day School. Together, we will honor our rich history, cherish the memories that unite us, and look with pride and purpose toward the next hundred years of innovation, leadership, and virtue in action. Additional details about our centennial celebrations will be shared soon.
What kind of curriculum do you follow?
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Do you have a special designated playground?
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Will my child be playing with bigger kids?
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What happens if my child gets sick or hurt?
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What are your afternoon pick up procedures?
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Save the Date for Centennial Homecoming
Friday, September 18, 2026
Open to all alumni, this event will be an enhanced version of our usual Homecoming Alumni Reception. It is free and an opportunity for alums to get together on campus, enjoy drinks and light bites, and swap stories in a relaxed atmosphere, ahead of the more formal Centennial Gala Celebration the following evening. This year, the alumni reception, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m., will be preceded by a gathering of former faculty and staff, who will go on to attend the alumni reception enabling our alums to reconnect with their former teachers, coaches, and mentors. It will be a fun evening, culminating in the Homecoming football game at 7 p.m.
Save the Date for the CCDShowcase: A Centennial Celebration
All are welcome to join us on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as we launch a year of centennial celebrations with a vibrant all-community arts festival! Enjoy a full day of performances and exhibits from students across every division – plus a few special surprises you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on this unforgettable kick-off event.
Save the Date for our Centennial Celebration Gala
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Join us as we celebrate a century of excellence at Cincinnati Country Day School. Together, we will honor our rich history, cherish the memories that unite us, and look with pride and purpose toward the next hundred years of innovation, leadership, and virtue in action. Additional details about our centennial celebrations will be shared soon.
Save the Date for Centennial Homecoming
Friday, September 18, 2026
Open to all alumni, this event will be an enhanced version of our usual Homecoming Alumni Reception. It is free and an opportunity for alums to get together on campus, enjoy drinks and light bites, and swap stories in a relaxed atmosphere, ahead of the more formal Centennial Gala Celebration the following evening. This year, the alumni reception, which kicks off at 5:30 p.m., will be preceded by a gathering of former faculty and staff, who will go on to attend the alumni reception enabling our alums to reconnect with their former teachers, coaches, and mentors. It will be a fun evening, culminating in the Homecoming football game at 7 p.m.
Our Stories
The First Class
The Cincinnati Country Day School was officially born when articles of incorporation were taken out, and the school opened in September 1926 with five faculty members and a total enrollment of 55 boys, ranging from “primary grades through senior high.”
Ms. Glover's 1955-56 class with girls
John Hassan `61
I remember Lee Pattison's history class. Not only was he a great teacher of history, but he had us read and discuss Time Magazine every week. It gave us a better understanding of current events and how many are tied to past history. I subscribed to Time for 45 years. I also remember our state finals baseball team. We lost a 1 to 0 no hitter to Dean Chance who went on to a long Major League career with the California Angels. Don't believe we hit a ball out of the infield. On a more positive note, I also remember our undefeated football team in 1960 where we beat mostly larger schools. But most of all I remember the great education and friends, which helped shape my life and the lives of my two children.
1967 picnic
Tell us your favorite story or memory of Cincinnati Country Day School. You can share how CCDS has impacted your life…a special memory of a friend, faculty member, or coach…a major sports victory or a standing ovation you can still remember…or maybe pulling off the ultimate prank. What story you tell is your choice entirely. We can’t wait to hear it.
Our Stories
The first class
The Cincinnati Country Day School was officially born when articles of incorporation were taken out, and the school opened in September 1926 with five faculty members and a total enrollment of 55 boys, ranging from “primary grades through senior high.”
Ms. Glover's 1955-56 class with girls
Inspiration in the classroom and the field
I remember Lee Pattison's history class. Not only was he a great teacher of history, but he had us read and discuss Time Magazine every week. It gave us a better understanding of current events and how many are tied to past history. I subscribed to Time for 45 years. I also remember our state finals baseball team. We lost a 1 to 0 no hitter to Dean Chance who went on to a long Major League career with the California Angels. Don't believe we hit a ball out of the infield. On a more positive note, I also remember our undefeated football team in 1960 where we beat mostly larger schools. But most of all I remember the great education and friends, which helped shape my life and the lives of my two children. — Submitted by John Hassan `61
1967 picnic
Life after high school is waiting
In the spring of 1981, the senior class felt a shift in the air—a taste of freedom, a brush with adulthood. It wasn’t prom night or graduation that carried that type of feeling; it was a field trip, something ordinary on the surface but extraordinary in what it meant. The destination was Playhouse in the Park, where the seniors would watch Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. After the performance, we did not need to return back to school immediately. Instead, the seniors were given something rare and thrilling: freedom to choose their own lunch in nearby Clifton. It was a neighborhood alive with music spilling from record stores, the smell of pizza ovens, and the hum of college students from UC lingering in cafés. Splitting into small groups, friends wandered sidewalks, ducked into diners, and claimed tables as if they truly belonged there. For that single midday stretch, they weren’t just high school students under supervision; they were young adults, soon-to-be college freshmen, tasting independence. Looking back, it wasn’t only about a play or a lunch. It was part of a moment: The seniors of 1981 realizing that life after high school was waiting, full of choices, stories, and independence all their own. – Submitted by Chris Griffith `81, Athletic Hall of Fame inductee
Blazing a trail
I can point to my time at Country Day as one of the most formative periods in my life. As one of just a handful of girls admitted into the Upper School in 1973 (I had attended through 6th grade), it was a little scary, but also exciting to be blazing that trail. History class with Mr. Pat motivated me to pursue a degree in history at Smith College. Theater with Charlie Goetz gave me the confidence that enabled me to pursue a professional career that made me at ease with public speaking, and our first girls soccer team still makes me laugh at how much fun we had, even though our record was far from exceptional. Country Day was truly one of the most influential and remarkable periods in my life. Thank you. – Submitted by Robin (Martin) Smith `77
Learning about the world...and exploring it
An international assignment in 4th grade by Miss Ann Deem had a lasting impact on my life. She wanted the class to expand our horizons by having us explore other cultures. So, we were asked to make presentations on two foreign countries from different continents. This assignment required us to write letters to their governments to gain further information about them. I chose Ecuador and Sudan, and I was pleasantly surprised when, about a month after sending my letters, I received information from both governments about their tourism, industries and cultures. After this assignment, I remained interested in learning about other countries and hoped one day to travel internationally. As it turns out, after an academic career of 35 years, I ended up working in 26 countries. – Submitted by Stephen Havlovic `73
Reflecting on friendship and leadership opportunities
When I was in 8th grade, I suffered a knee injury for which I had a full leg cast for eight weeks. The timing of this injury and cast overlapped with our 8th grade trip to Space Camp. Because of the sense of community and the friends around me I was able to navigate school in a wheelchair and crunches as my friends and classmates wheeled me around, carried my backpack and other acts of kindness to help me through my injury. I was also able to join my classmates for our Space Camp trip with all the help of my friends and classmates…And when I was in high school, a group of African American parents and the school created a partnership between the Country Day multicultural group and a collaboration with a handful of other independent schools called R.A.I.S.E. – Raising African American Awareness in the Social Environment. Through this collaboration I was given exposure to leadership opportunities within Country Day and within the independent school network. We were also exposed to programming that supported minority kids throughout our communities. This partnership and sponsorship from the parents and the school gave me added exposure and confidence as I navigated high school, college [Northwestern] and early adulthood. – Submitted by Kimberly (Harper) Newton `96
The Centennial Experience
Our centennial celebration is just beginning and the journey ahead is filled with excitement. From signature events to lasting legacies, this moment belongs to our community. Below you’ll find a preview of what’s to come. We look forward to sharing updates, progress, and announcements as we honor a century of excellence and look ahead to the next hundred years.
As part of our centennial celebration, Cincinnati Country Day School is creating a commemorative book that captures 100 years of history, tradition, and community. From our founding in 1926 to the achievements of today, this keepsake will tell the story of our school through words, images, and memories shared across generations. Stay tuned for details on how you can be part of this once-in-a-century publication.
In honor of our 100th anniversary, we are introducing a limited collection of spirit wear that celebrates Cincinnati Country Day School’s rich history and enduring spirit. Designed to blend tradition with timeless style, these special pieces will offer our community a meaningful way to commemorate this extraordinary milestone for years to come.
Timeline
As we approach our centennial in 2026, we reflect on a century of academic excellence, innovation, and community. This timeline – coming soon! – explores our history and the people, events, and ideas that continue to inspire us today.