Action Day Schools: Nurturing the Whole Child from Preschool to Middle School
Action Day Schools, established in 1968, offers a comprehensive educational program for children from infancy through middle school. With eleven campuses and twenty-one programs, Action Day Schools is committed to providing a holistic education that extends beyond traditional academics. The schools focus on fostering creativity, innovation, and leadership in each student, preparing them not only for high school but for life.
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Action Day Schools began as a single preschool, driven by a passion for engaging with the world of children. Over the years, it has grown into an award-winning private education program, enrolling over 3,200 children across its various locations. The elementary and middle schools consistently achieve high scores on national standardized academic tests, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence.
In July 1979, the Amber campus opened its doors to elementary school-age children. Today, the Amber location serves preschoolers (ages 2 to 4.5 years) through fourth graders, providing an educational setting staffed with caring adults who emphasize the excitement and importance of learning.
Holistic Education: Beyond Academics
Action Day Schools' philosophy centers on delivering a holistic education that goes beyond conventional academics, thus promoting personal growth as much as academic excellence. The school provides a robust, accredited, and standards-based academic program that empowers students to excel in their studies. The program provides an atmosphere to enrich children’s learning as well as to help them explore new, exciting learning experiences. Action Day Schools believes that they have an opportunity to influence much of what will happen to the children as they go through elementary school, middle school, and then on to adult life.
All of Action Day Schools' programs promote emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development so children feel happy and supported as they learn to rise to their potential. The goal is to allow children the opportunity to expand their knowledge, to learn about their capabilities, and to develop positive ways to express themselves.
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The Arts: An Integral Component
Action Day Schools views the performing and visual arts as integral components of a well-rounded education. Their signature, high-quality performing arts programs foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for culture. Students enjoy the freedom to think, dream, and create.
Real-World Education: Hands-On Learning
Action Day Schools are committed to real-world education, including hands-on learning, which is at the core of their curriculum, ensuring students are well-equipped to tackle practical challenges.
Recently, middle schoolers participated in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch event where they presented original business ideas to a panel of parent judges. From product design and budgeting to persuasive communication, these students showcased real-world skills in action. Programs like these reflect the belief that middle school is a powerful time to nurture innovation and initiative.
Recent projects have included musical instruments made from recycled materials and a recycled fashion show where students modeled outfits created from repurposed items. Staff play a vital role in this work-integrating environmental awareness into daily learning and helping students understand the value of reducing waste, reusing materials, and making thoughtful choices. Their guidance helps instill habits and mindsets that can make a lasting impact.
Fostering Innovation and Curiosity
Action Day Schools design hands-on, interactive learning experiences to nurture creativity and confidence. Self-discovery happens naturally as students explore their interests in a range of enrichment programs and extracurriculars. The teachers establish a learning environment that allows children to experience the maximum amount of success possible.
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Spanish Immersion Program
Action Day Schools celebrated the launch of its first dedicated Spanish Immersion Preschool campus. This program goes beyond learning a second language. From joyful greetings of “¡Buenos días!” to songs, play, and discovery-all en Español-students are immersed in language and culture every day.
Cathy Jelic (President) and Katrin Kelbert (Executive Director of Operations) discuss the core of Action Day Schools’ educational philosophy-one that emphasizes supporting the whole child through curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Community and Support
Action Day Schools are committed to community, extending beyond the classrooms. The Action Day Schools blog was created to share helpful resources, and a glimpse into the everyday magic happening at the schools.
Addressing Separation Anxiety
Action Day Schools recognize that separation anxiety is a natural part of early development, especially in infants and toddlers. And while it can be tough, it’s also a powerful opportunity to build emotional resilience, secure attachments, and lasting confidence.
Enrollment and Assessment
Action Day Schools accepts students throughout the academic year, subject to program availability and grade-level readiness. All students in kindergarten and above undergo assessments to confirm their readiness for the selected grade.
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Age Cutoffs for the 2025-26 School Year:
- Transitional Kindergarten: Birthdate between September 2nd, 2020 and September 1st, 2021.
- Kindergarten: Students that turn 5 years old by September 1st, 2025.
Current report cards, testing scores, and/or accommodation information are required at the time of application. New families are notified within two weeks of their application of their child’s acceptance status. Upon successful completion of the assessment, students are offered admission based on program availability. If the desired program is full, students are placed on a waitlist in order of application date.
Enrichment Programs and Extracurricular Activities
The Amber location’s Preschool program provides education for kids ages 2 to 4.5 years. The Action Day Elementary program includes both academic day classes and extended day, after-school care. Physical education and computer classes are part of the everyday elementary curriculum.
A wide variety of enrichment programs complete the outstanding student offerings. Students can enroll in dance, karate, music, art, computer, tennis, swimming, golf, and a wide range of sports activities. There are team sports available in soccer, basketball, baseball, and street hockey for both girls and boys.
Joining the Action Day Schools Family
When you enroll in Action Day Schools, you are joining more than a school or organization-you join the Action Day Schools family. Every day, the staff bring the mission to life-making a meaningful impact on each child’s development and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Choosing the best school for your child is tough, which is why Action Day Schools offer all parents a personalized consultation service.
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