Dr. Burton with a student

Highlights in Our History December 1955 The first Christmas Breakfast, now called the Holiday Breakfast, is held. The school hosts the event, and a full meal is served to the entire CCDS community.

A New Concept in Education

In 1941, Country Day's founding headmaster, Dr. Thomas Burton, brought a new concept in education to Charlotte. Considered an original and progressive educator by his peers, Dr. Burton believed passionately in the value of independent day schools, and quickly rallied some of Charlotte's most prominent leaders around his vision. In addition to running the newly organized school and promoting increased enrollment, Dr. Burton also taught math and English.

During the first year, Dr. Burton and his Board of Trustees faced several challenges, including lower-than-anticipated enrollment and logistical problems in finding suitable facilities for the fledgling school. Country Day survived the setbacks that often derail a start-up school due in large part to Dr. Burton's hard work and determination.

Dr. Burton set into motion a tradition of academic excellence before he left the school in 1945 to pursue other educational interests. His vision of developing a school that emphasizes individualized learning, diverse experiences, and a close parent-school relationship was realized, and his early influence is still felt today—more than 60 years later.

Our Founders

When Dr. Thomas Burton and a group of Charlotte leaders first proposed establishing Charlotte Country Day School in 1941, they had faith that the school would attract teachers who would give shape to a dynamic school community. They had faith that many area families would recognize the far-reaching potential of an independent day school committed to excellence. They had faith that the school would prove successful enough to sustain itself—and its students—for generations to come.