Culture & Houses

The Heart of Evergreen Country Day

At Evergreen Country Day, we believe that culture is the secret sauce of educational excellence. While dynamic teaching and learning are essential, it’s the school’s culture—its atmosphere, relationships, and shared values—that transforms an education into an extraordinary experience. Culture is powerful. When cultivated with care, it becomes the foundation for curiosity, kindness, inclusivity, and resilience.

We ask ourselves: Is it cool to be curious? Is it cool to be kind? Is it okay to be a little different—or a lot different? Is it safe to take risks and make mistakes? As a community—faculty, staff, students, and families—we strive for a resounding yes to all of these questions every moment of every day.

Culture is Community

Culture at ECDS is created by the connections we nurture and the traditions we celebrate together. From weekly Town Meetings to cherished events like our back-to-school BBQ, Holiday Fest, WISH, and talent show, we create joyful opportunities to come together as a school.

At the heart of this culture is our House System, which fosters school spirit and cross-grade friendships. Every student and staff member belongs to a House, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose across the entire ECDS community. Through friendly competitions, collaborative projects, and leadership opportunities, the House System builds relationships, inspires teamwork, and empowers students to take pride in their role within the larger school family.

At Evergreen Country Day, culture is more than what we do—it’s who we are.

House System

Belonging, Leadership, and Spirit

At Evergreen Country Day, our House System creates a vibrant and connected community where students experience a deep sense of belonging, develop leadership skills, and celebrate school spirit. Inspired by the renowned Ron Clark Academy model, our House System brings joy and energy to campus life while fostering meaningful relationships across all grade levels.

House Assignments and Structure

From the moment students join our school in Pre-Kindergarten, they are ceremoniously sorted into one of our Houses, a moment filled with excitement and tradition. Students remain in their House throughout their time at ECDS, building bonds that span ages and grade levels. Each House has its own unique identity, complete with colors, chants, and values that reflect its spirit and history.

Leadership and Development

As students grow, so do their opportunities for leadership. Older students take on roles such as House Presidents, organizing events, leading House meetings, and mentoring younger members.

These leadership roles, combined with participation in national conferences on student leadership, empower our students to develop critical skills in organization, communication, and teamwork. By stepping into these roles, they not only strengthen their Houses but also gain invaluable experience that prepares them for future challenges.

Culture and Community

The House System is also about fun and connection. Regular House meetings, spirited chants and cheers, and friendly inter-House competitions create a lively atmosphere of camaraderie and school pride. Whether it’s working together to win a competition, supporting a House member’s success, or simply cheering each other on, the Houses foster a culture of mutual support and shared achievement.

Benefits of the House System

At its core, the House System encourages every student to prioritize the team over individual goals, nurturing a community where collaboration and kindness come first. By participating in this dynamic program, Evergreen students experience the joy of belonging, the power of leadership, and the lasting bonds of a school that truly feels like family.

Town Meetings

two young kids sitting with arms over each others shoulders

Celebrating Community Every Week

For an authentic glimpse into the heart of Evergreen Country Day, join us every Friday morning from 8:30–9:00 for Town Meeting. This intentionally imperfect gathering brings together our entire learning community—students, faculty, staff, parents, and guests—for a joyful celebration of who we are and what we value as a school.

Town Meeting is a cherished tradition where we connect, reflect, and celebrate. Each gathering includes:

A moment of mindfulness to center and inspire.
8th Grade TED Talks, showcasing the passions and voices of our oldest students.
Heartwarming examples shared from our Kindness Tree, highlighting the ways our community lifts each other up.
A lively happy birthday song, where every celebration crescendos with smiles and applause.

This treasured time together reminds us of the power of connection, reflection, and community. Whether you’re a long-time Evergreen family or a first-time visitor, we invite you to experience the magic of Town Meeting for yourself.

Mindset & Character

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

At Evergreen Country Day, we wholeheartedly embrace the belief that success in life stems not just from academic intelligence (IQ) but from emotional intelligence (EQ) as well. As our THRIVE belief statements affirm:
“We believe that EQ + IQ = a person who learns well, loves well, leads well, laughs well, and ultimately, lives well.”

Our approach is deeply inspired by Carol Dweck’s Mindset research, which shows that brains are not fixed in their capacities but capable of extraordinary growth. We encourage students to adopt a growth mindset, pairing this with a focus on emotional intelligence to help them thrive both personally and professionally.

We cultivate EQ through experiences like:

Dynamic Group Work: Learning both to lead and follow while collaborating effectively with peers.
Celebrating Kindness: Highlighting above-and-beyond acts of compassion at Town Meetings to inspire and reinforce positive behavior.
Positive Discipline: A supportive approach that focuses on molding character rather than scolding behavior, emphasizing reflection, empathy, and growth.

The result is graduates who are not only academically prepared but also compassionate, collaborative, and resilient. They emerge with an authentic sense of personal peace and purpose, ready to work wonderfully with others and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Vertical Friendships

older girl reading a book to a younger girl

Building Bonds Across Grades

At Evergreen Country Day, Vertical Friendships are a cornerstone of our vibrant and connected community. By intentionally cultivating friendships and mentorships across all grade levels, we create opportunities for students to learn from and support one another, fostering a deep sense of teamwork, leadership, and belonging.

From toddlers to 8th graders, students collaborate in ways that enrich their social and academic experiences:

Older students serve as mentors, modeling responsibility, kindness, and leadership while deepening their own understanding by teaching younger peers.
Younger students benefit from mentorship, engaging in higher-level learning tasks and finding inspiration in positive peer role models.

Across campus, you’ll find:

Nest students partnering with older campus buddies for activities like reading together, solving math problems, or working on hands-on projects.
Elementary students bridging the gap between Nest and Middle School, as kindergartners teach pre-k students or 4th graders prepare for more independence with the guidance of older mentors.
Middle school students stepping into leadership roles by helping younger Eagles navigate challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and foster a spirit of collaboration.

These connections extend beyond the classroom. At recess, children of all ages play together with genuine support and affection. In the hallways, a quick high-five or a friendly smile reminds us all of the strength of our community. During Town Meeting, shared celebrations like singing “Happy Birthday” or applauding acts of kindness reinforce the bonds that tie us together.

Through Vertical Friendships, students learn to prioritize the team and community over personal goals, experiencing the joy and growth that come from helping others succeed. At Evergreen, these relationships create a culture of mutual respect, shared purpose, and authentic investment in each other’s learning and growth.

Search-container

trigger-search