Become a Spartan at Miami Country Day School

Discover a PK3–12 learning community where every student is known, included, challenged, and supported as they learn with vigor, explore with purpose, and grow as global citizens.

At Miami Country Day School, we support our students to discover their own paths. We take time to get to know each family, understand each student’s strengths and interests, and help you explore whether MCDS is the right fit for your child’s educational journey.

Through a robust academic program rooted in place-based, project-based, and experiential learning, students develop the intellectual, social, and emotional foundations needed to thrive from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Learning at MCDS is filled with wonder, inquiry, and discovery, encouraging students to ask thoughtful questions, make meaningful connections, and explore the deeper “why” behind ideas, systems, and experiences. Guided by a deep respect for childhood, we believe learning should be joyful, purposeful, and attuned to each stage of growth, creating a warm and welcoming community of thinkers, doers, and innovators grounded in care, curiosity, and possibility.

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MCDS Early Childhood student working with a teacher in the classroom

Young MCDS students with the Spartan mascot

MCDS Enrollment staff member Abra with a parent

MCDS Enrollment staff member Abra on a video call with a family

MCDS families gathered together on the Enrollment page

MCDS Enrollment staff member Maria with a student

Family meeting with enrolment staff at a glass table

Staff member handing a branded gift bag to a visitor

Father and son with the MCDS Spartan mascot

A Welcome Message from Ingrid Palmisano,
Chief Enrollment Officer

Being a member of Miami Country Day School enables me to actively contribute to our community by fostering meaningful connections. I take pleasure in meeting prospective students and families and witnessing their development and success within our school. Through opportunities for parental involvement, alumni networking, and a diverse range of rigorous academic, STEM, arts, and athletic programs, we provide each student with daily opportunities to flourish and discover their passions. Miami Country Day is more than just an educational institution; it’s a place where lifelong friendships are forged, and transformative experiences are cultivated. As a mother of two Miami Country Day alumni, I understand firsthand that our community plays a crucial role in shaping who you become.

Ingrid Palmisano
Chief Enrollment Officer

Building your child’s future together

Contact Enrollment Team

MCDS Lower School students walking together in uniform

Who Thrives at Miami Country Day School

Curious

students who ask questions, think deeply, and engage fully with the world around them

Purpose-driven

students who want learning to feel meaningful, relevant, and connected to real life

Courageous

students who embrace challenge, creativity, feedback, and growth

Compassionate

collaborators who value relationships, belonging, and community

Self-directed

learners who are eager to explore their passions and shape their own path

A Personal Admissions Experience

Choosing a school is an important decision. Our Enrollment team is here to guide your family through each step, answer questions, and help you understand the MCDS experience.
The process is personal by design. Through the application, conversation, recommendations, school records, and age- or grade-level admission activities, we learn about each student’s readiness, interests, character, and potential to thrive at Miami Country Day.

Quicklinks

How to Apply Tuition & fees Tuition Assistance Tour

2027–28 Applications

Applications for the 2027–28 school year are now open.

Applications for the 2027–28 school year are now open. Spartans Around, MCDS’s online program for students in Grade 6 and above, is still accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year.

Start an Inquiry Ready To Apply

MCDS students reading together in the library

why families choose mcds

Miami Country Day offers a holistic education that prepares students for lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social, emotional, and spiritual potential while discovering their interests across a wide range of programs and experiences.

Families find:

A PK3–12 experience on one Miami campus
Small class sizes and dedicated teachers
A strong home-school partnership
Rigorous academic, STEM, arts, and athletic opportunities
A community grounded in shared values
Experiences that help students explore purpose, leadership, service, and global citizenship

MCDS family member speaking with prospective families during an enrollment event

What We Look For

MCDS takes a holistic approach to enrollment.

The Office of Enrollment considers each student’s academic readiness, social and emotional development, curiosity, communication skills, interests, and alignment with the school’s mission and core values.
Across grade levels, we look for students who are ready to participate in a community built on purpose, honor, respect, compassion, and wisdom.

MCDS orchestra performing on stage, in a concert hall

GRADES pre-k – SK5

Early Childhood

Students should show readiness for a full-day program, age-appropriate developmental skills, curiosity, and the ability to engage with others in a classroom community.

GRADES 1 – 5

Lower School

Students should demonstrate grade-level readiness, positive interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and with others.

grades 6 – 12

Middle and Upper School

Students should show academic readiness, strong social skills, emotional maturity, and interests or passions that can contribute to the MCDS community.

grades 6 – 12

Online School

Our innovative online program combines the academic excellence of Miami Country Day School with unparalleled flexibility, empowering students to learn from virtually anywhere in the world.

APPLICATION PROCESS

HOW TO APPLY

Your MCDS admissions journey begins with the Inquiry Form. Once you submit the form, you’ll be added to our mailing list and our Enrollment team will use the information you share to learn more about your family, your child’s interests, and where you are in the school search process. You’ll also receive updates about upcoming admission events and opportunities to connect with Miami Country Day School.

View Full Application Process

Submit an Application

Complete the online application through the MCDS application portal.

Connect With Admissions

Families participate in a virtual interview or conversation with the Enrollment team. Depending on grade level, student interviews may also be part of the process.

Complete Grade-Level Requirements

Requirements may include teacher recommendations, school records, testing, admission assessments, or on-campus activity days depending on the student’s entering grade.

Receive an Admission Decision

MCDS offers Early Decision and Regular Decision timelines for eligible grades and applicants.

visit mcds

The best way to understand MCDS is to experience the community. Families may schedule a small-group campus tour and meet with an Enrollment Officer to ask questions and learn more about the school. To schedule a tour complete an inquiry form.

For families unable to visit in person, the Enrollment team can also meet remotely.

Inquire

Prospective family visiting MCDS during an Enrollment tour

Ready to Take the Next
Step?

Your family’s MCDS journey begins with a conversation. Connect with our Enrollment team to ask a question, schedule a visit, or begin your application.

Apply Now Inquire

Contact us

Office of Enrollment

frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions About MCDS, Answered

Families often have important questions when exploring private schools in Miami. Here’s what to know about Miami Country Day School, our programs, and what makes our approach different.

Get In Touch

How do I get started?

You can start by completing the online inquiry and your enrollment officer will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

Ready to apply? You can go ahead and complete the online application.

📞 305-779-7230

📨 enrollment@miamicountryday.org

Do you offer an open house?

We believe in a personalized approach to the admission process. Our school offers weekly small group tours. During your visit you will also meet with an Admission Officer who will answer any questions you may have and share what makes our community special.

Your admission officer is also able to meet with your family remotely via Zoom to provide a virtual tour and answer any questions you may have if you are unable to attend in person.

Is Financial Aid available?

Every year we award over $6,000,000 in Tuition Assistance. Tuition Assistance is a need-based program available to students entering 6th grade and above. We prioritize students entering High School and the remaining funds are allocated to students in Middle School.

At MCDS, we take pride in our independent school status and the opportunities it allows us to provide a truly exceptional education. While we don’t participate in Step Up For Students or Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), we do offer a robust tuition assistance program, that helps support and enrich the lives of many families within our community.

Will my child have an opportunity to spend the day?

Due to the large number of applicants who are interested in our school every year, only accepted students to Middle School and Upper School, will have an opportunity to “Be A Spartan” for a day.

What kind of admission test does my child need to take?

The ISEE or SSAT is required for students applying to grades 6th and above. An on-campus activity day will be scheduled for students entering PK3 through 5th. Additionally, we require the Primary ISEE (Independent School Entry Exam) for 2nd through 4th grade applicants and the Lower Level ISEE for applicants to 5th grade. Please contact our office to learn more at 305-779-7230 or admissions@miamicountryday.org.

Do you have a wait pool?

Yes. Every year we have more applications than spaces available. If an applicant is accepted, but there are no available space, the applicant will be placed in the waitpool of qualified applicants and should a space become available, we will reach out.

If my child is not offered admission, do I need to re-apply for the following academic year?

Yes, each admission season requires a new application, however, your admission officer will discuss with you possibly streamlining some steps of the second or third year of applying.

What is the admission committee looking for when evaluating a candidate?

The admission committee takes great care and consideration while reviewing applicants. They are guided by the school mission and the core values of honor, respect, wisdom and compassion to build a diverse and vibrant community. The approach to admissions is holistic and the intent is to determine that a student will be successful at Miami Country Day School. We look for students who possess the social, emotional and intellectual abilities to thrive, be happy, become a lifelong learner, and contributing members of our society.

How diverse is your school?

Our community represents the diverse make-up of the Magic City. We have students from 26 countries who speak 19 languages.