Studies, Play, Character

The mission of Greenwich Country Day School is to enable all children in our care to discover and to develop what is finest in themselves—to achieve the highest standards in their studies, in their play, and in their character. 


These words keep showing up. 

Study, Play, and Character were foundational long before GCDS began our most recent chapter, adding three grade levels and becoming a nursery through twelfth grade school. 

Do they still fit? 

It’s easy to endorse the enduring value of rigorous study and high character as our graduates now head to college rather than finishing schools. 

But, does play still resonate? 

Yes. Play may be more important than ever. Play is where we are unique as a school, and as people. Play is where study and character find life. Play creates room for innovation. Play exposes our choices. 

Play is where the magic happens. 

We know play is how young children explore and make sense of their world. This holds largely true as our learners grow older. The ability to be nimble, playful, in our study of complex and challenging concepts is a powerful advantage. To be able to connect and extend disparate ideas is a playful and vital skill. It is through adhering to the principles of play that scholarship gains depth and texture. 

Play is curious in its soul, and it is through enduring curiosity that we peel back the layers of history, science, and mathematics. When curiosity becomes insatiable, it is inspiring and the fuel of revelation. Play is like a curiosity incubator. 

Play is also a proving ground for developing and refining character. Play provides the dynamic, cooperational, and, yes, joyful situations that call us to make choices. These choices are made in consultation with our moral compass, our conscience, and our curiosity. These choices also shape our character. The principles of play allow us to make choices in challenging situations throughout our lives, because we have learned to do so and practiced, on stages, and playing fields, and jungle gyms.

GCDS students learn and grow through play every day, in every setting, and at every age. Play extends our scholarship and strengthens our character. Play is where study and character meet and catch fire—in a good way.

Upon reflection, I am happy to report that each tenet of our oft-repeated trio of study, play, and character is alive and well in 2021—perhaps more so than ever before.