History

Crane Country Day School was founded in 1928 to provide an enriched education to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Since its founding, Crane has provided a thorough foundation in the five major subject areas of English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language. Design and engineering, visual and performing arts, service learning, and athletics have also been an integral part of the school program.

Philosophy

The purpose of our program is to reach the whole child in a personal and consistent manner. Through innovative approaches to a traditional curriculum, the school provides a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of English, engineering and design, mathematics, science, social studies, and Spanish. We deem art, drama, music, technology, service learning, and athletics to be essential parts of our curriculum. Library media and technological resources provide integral support for the program.

The school is divided into two divisions, Lower School (kindergarten - grade 5) and Upper School (grades 6 - 8). In all grades, we encourage students to be eager learners and take responsibility for their education. A student mindful of being kind, concentrating in class, and completing assigned work will develop self-discipline and a sound approach to learning. Parents serve as important partners to the school in helping their children embrace these responsibilities. We believe in the importance of values in the curriculum, and we strive to build a moral community. We foster ethical, personal, and social values by emphasizing kindness, honesty, cooperation, self-reliance, compassion, and community service. We believe that helping build moral character in an ethical community will lead to the growth of inner sturdiness in every student.

Crane has a tradition of excellent teaching and seeks to attract and retain talented faculty and staff who, by inspiration and example, serve as role models to accomplish the school’s mission. For over ninety years, Crane graduates have enrolled in some of the finest secondary schools and universities in the country.

Crane is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

When the founders started this school in 1928, part of their collective dream was to have a school that stimulated children’s minds and spirits through dance, music, and rigorous academics. This theme has been maintained for more than 80 years.

~Dan McCaslin, Former History Teacher