School Overview

A Brief Overview

Gainesville Country Day School is an independent, coeducational, integrated, nonsectarian school providing a unique blend of educational programs for children of preschool age through fifth grade. The school consists of two campuses in a heavily wooded suburban setting: one houses the elementary school and our half-day preschool; the other campus houses the extended day preschool. The student body consists of 128 elementary students and 130 preschoolers. The faculty consists of 45 full and part time teachers. If you would like more information, or to schedule a visit, please use our contact page.

School Philosophy

We are committed to accepting children as they are, with their own backgrounds, experiences, interests, natures, and abilities. Our teachers are dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and find success in coming to school. The curriculum emphasizes active rather than passive learning and activities are designed to encourage independence and creativity. Attention is given to utilizing the basic skills and applying them in increasingly complex projects and activities. Our curriculum consists of integrated subject matter areas and flexible curricular experiences designed to meet the needs of children of different levels of ability and experience. Our low pupil-teacher ratio makes it possible to provide a varied and stimulating range of learning experiences for each child.

One of the Oldest Preschools in Gainesville

Gainesville Country Day School was originally known as Three Bears House, one of the oldest preschools in Gainesville, which Mrs. Estelle Harlan opened in 1951. In 1981, the school was moved from its original location, now the site of the Ronald McDonald House. The owner of Three Bears House, Elise Webb, joined with Nancye Childers in 1981 to open an early childhood center at what is now our Tower Road location. At that time, the name was changed to Gainesville Country Day School. That first fall, Gainesville Country Day School opened with 30 preschoolers and 11 kindergartners. In 1984, the 24th Avenue land was acquired and the current elementary school and half day preschool facility became a reality. The Tower Road school became an extended day preschool. Three Bears House (DBA Gainesville Country Day School) has been in continuous operation as a preschool for 59 years and as an elementary school for 29 years.