Though it’s been an atypical year due to the impact of this global pandemic, the DCD Class of 2020 is ready to fly! Back in March as we departed for what we all thought would be a two-week spring break, our 8th graders left campus armed with a host of secondary school acceptances and some big decisions to make for the next stop on their educational journeys. 

 

With school revisit days going 100% virtual, students had an even bigger challenge ahead of them this year. Going back to visit schools in person as an accepted student has always been a part of the process and has proven quite impactful in helping students make their decisions. Clearly, this year was different in that regard but no different in that each member of the class of 2020 has certainly found a new and fitting landing spot for next year.
Finding the best fit is the hallmark of DCD’s secondary school program which begins in the spring of 7th grade. Students and parents meet with their assigned secondary school advisors to talk about interests, passions, and academic goals as they begin to build a list of schools to explore. In the fall, Smooth Talk begins, which is DCD’s signature class designed for 8th graders. With writing prompts and public speaking exercises, students begin tackling the process of introspection and by the end, they have a clear sense of who they are, what their strengths and challenges are, what they are passionate about, and what they are looking for in their next school community. This goes a long way as students engage in their secondary school interviews, application writing, and ultimately when they choose their next school.
While the Class of 2020 has had anything but a normal last part of their 8th-grade experience as we all transitioned to distance learning, they are very much following in the footsteps of the graduating DCD classes that have come before them; all ready and prepared to make their mark at a host of wonderful day and boarding secondary schools in New England. In the fall, members of DCD’s Class of 2020 will be heading to the following schools:
Beaver Country Day
Buckingham Browne and Nichols
Milton Academy
The Rivers School
Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Catholic Memorial
New Hampton School
Roxbury Latin
Brimmer and May
Dexter Southfield
Noble and Greenough
Thayer Academy
Brooks School
Middlesex School
Notre Dame Academy
On Friday, June 5th, our community will gather in a very non-traditional way to virtually celebrate each student in the class of 2020 and mark their special passage to becoming graduates of Dedham Country Day.  Like the red-tailed hawks that soar above our campus on Sandy Valley Road, we know they will work hard, have fun, and explore, but will always find their way back to this special nest! Congratulations DCD Class of 2020.