Class of 60
Country Day School celebrates a landmark
By Jessica Laskey
Photos Courtesy of Sacramento Country Day School
May 2025
In September 1964, a handful of teachers, 12 students and a secretary held the first classes of what would become Sacramento Country Day School.
In March 1986, a baby was born at Sutter Memorial Hospital who would eventually attend Country Day for 13 years, making her a “lifer” of the independent PK-12 school. That baby was me.
The school’s educational philosophy said its students were to be “grounded in the academic disciplines, proficient in reading, speaking, writing, listening, and mathematics, and with a development of perceptual awareness and creative talent through music, art, and writing.”
As Country Day celebrates its 60th year, a lot has changed. But I can confirm the original philosophy still rings true.
First, the changes. The school moved from a trailer in the parking lot of the Unitarian Church on Sierra Boulevard to a 13-acre campus on Latham Drive.
Country Day’s student body grew from 12 to just under 600, “The highest enrollment in the school’s history,” says Lee Thomsen, Country Day’s leader.
The mission statement was revised in 2017. It now states, “Country Day inspires intellectual discovery and engages a diverse community to think critically, live creatively and act compassionately.”
One thing hasn’t changed. The school remains dedicated to education.
“The fundamental truth of Country Day is it’s a group of dedicated teachers who are working to encourage independent, critical thinking in their students,” says Amy Nelson Wells, a 1998 graduate who works as the school’s associate director of advancement.
“The individual names and faces may change, but for the past 60 years, this place has consistently attracted teachers and families who care about independent education.”
Ask many alumni what they remember most about Country Day, and they mention teachers by name. And they recall how Country Day felt like a community.
“It sounds cliché, but what makes Country Day truly special is that it’s more than just a school—it’s a family,” says high school senior Saheb Gulati. “From the day I arrived as a shy third grader, I felt welcomed into a community that celebrates individuality while fostering a sense of belonging.”
MYN-0525-sac-country-day-school-5th-grade-science_4x4
MYN-0525-sac-country-day-school-1965-Mr-Matthews-at-cars
MYN-0525-sac-country-day-school-drawing_4x4
MYN-0525-sac-country-day-school-maker-space-middle-school_4x4
First, the changes. The school moved from a trailer in the parking lot of the Unitarian Church on Sierra Boulevard to a 13-acre campus on Latham Drive.
Country Day’s student body grew from 12 to just under 600, “The highest enrollment in the school’s history,” says Lee Thomsen, Country Day’s leader.
The mission statement was revised in 2017. It now states, “Country Day inspires intellectual discovery and engages a diverse community to think critically, live creatively and act compassionately.”
One thing hasn’t changed. The school remains dedicated to education.
“The fundamental truth of Country Day is it’s a group of dedicated teachers who are working to encourage independent, critical thinking in their students,” says Amy Nelson Wells, a 1998 graduate who works as the school’s associate director of advancement.
“The individual names and faces may change, but for the past 60 years, this place has consistently attracted teachers and families who care about independent education.”
Ask many alumni what they remember most about Country Day, and they mention teachers by name. And they recall how Country Day felt like a community.
“It sounds cliché, but what makes Country Day truly special is that it’s more than just a school—it’s a family,” says high school senior Saheb Gulati. “From the day I arrived as a shy third grader, I felt welcomed into a community that celebrates individuality while fostering a sense of belonging.”
