Guest Column: Monroe Country Day School – Monroe’s little gem

Monroe Country Day School: Photo Credit Sharon Swanepoel

Ten years ago, a bold idea took root in Monroe: to create a small, independent school that would give children a vibrant, well-rounded education right here in the city limits, in the heart of our community.

Today, that idea is thriving. As Monroe Country Day School celebrates its 10th birthday, it stands as one of Monroe’s greatest success stories—a fully accredited, nonprofit institution that has grown steadily in both diversity and distinction, and is being recognized locally, statewide, and nationally.

Operating under a volunteer Board of Directors and guided by strict bylaws, the school follows the country day model of learning—an approach that values both intellectual rigor and realworld connection: balancing strong academics with creativity, outdoor exploration, and community engagement. The MCDS staff and students reflect the diversity and spirit of Monroe itself. The focus is not on competition or prestige, but on cultivat- ing curiosity, kindness, and confidence.

The school leases the charming historic 100-year-old Monroe School building from the City of Monroe, paying monthly rent, utilities, and insurance, as well as regular maintenance on the historic facility.

Without the lease, that beautiful building might sit vacant—an aging liability rather than a lively landmark. The hum of student voices and the glow of classroom lights have transformed it into a point of pride for the neighborhood and the city. The classrooms buzz with energy, turning a piece of the city’s past into a daily investment in its future.

The school is a non-profit; its finances are overseen by its board and bound by accountability and transparency. As a past Board Chair recently put it, “Our students reap the benefits, getting richer every day— in creativity, in knowledge, and in the problem-solving skills that will serve them for life.”

In many ways, this little school embodies the spirit of a small-town favorite: cornhole. The game is simple—two boards, a few beanbags, and a shared sense of fun. It’s about connection, aim, and community.

You toss, you miss, you try again – together, a team. Success comes not from wealth or flashiness or even always winning; it comes from teamwork, steady hands, trust, and laughter among friends. It’s the same mix of humility, perseverance, and joy that defines our school and the families who support it.

That’s why the MCDS Cornhole Tournament and Fundraiser is more than just a game — it’s a celebration of community, perseverance, and the joy of succeeding. It’s a chance for neighbors and supporters to laugh, play, and witness what hometown education looks like when done with heart. Plus, it is one of many ways to help raise funds for our school mission.

Our school is more than a campus — it’s a cornerstone. In an era when education can feel distant and standardized and even unsafe, Monroe’s little country-day gem reminds us what learning looks like when it’s personal, passionate, and rooted in purpose.

Here at Monroe Country Day School, we don’t just aim for test scores. We aim true — for character, curiosity, and community. And every day, thanks to this small but mighty school, we’re hitting the mark where it matters most: the minds of our students and the heart of our hometown.

Pam Arnold is the assistant director and upper
grades instructor at Monroe Country Day School