A recent NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) blog post included a piece written by an independent school parent, Kristen Edlund Gallagher, whose children just graduated from a small independent school in a suburban Chicago district where her family had “access to a very large, nationally recognized public high school.” When asked why she would send her children to a “small, expensive school that offers fewer options than… glassblowing, dozens of clubs, and state championship teams for free,” she cited brain and social development as keys. She said that her children benefited enormously from gaining a sense of themselves, finding purpose, and mattering. Her children, each with a very different personality, thrived in an atmosphere of small classes, true focus on developing critical thinking and writing skills, and the opportunity to actually play on teams and participate in activities. She wrote that their small school allowed their children high engagement; close connections to their teachers who responded with flexibility and care; the chance to develop leadership skills, perseverance, and confidence; and less stress socially and academically.
Gallagher cited research which “suggests that beyond about 400 students, there is a hard-to-quantify cost: Teachers feel less connected, students feel less safe, academic performance is less consistent, and opportunities become less equitably distributed… Smaller schools can make learning, participation, and relationships more accessible” and more connected.
Primary Day students also greatly benefit from our small school environment. Here they are met by teachers who deeply care about them and get to know them. They have the gift of small classes and often even smaller instructional groups, a culture that clearly models the kind of behavioral and kindness expectations that are our norm, and an environment that keeps them highly engaged, curious, and intellectually nourished at a developmentally appropriate level. What’s more, our entire enterprise is personal. We want you to reach out when you have an idea or concern, and we will be responsive.
By enrolling your child at Primary Day for 2026-27, you have made what I believe is one of the most important decisions you will ever make about your child’s education. Your child will thrive and develop here in astounding ways, and we are eager to work with you, get to know you, and have you as part of our extraordinary, connected community. Welcome to the 2026-27 school year!