Supporting students as they explore
and make sense of their world.

Established, Effective Education

South Orange Country Day School is celebrating over 50 years of educating young children in a progressive, child-centric environment. Our community of families reflects the diversity of our neighborhoods, which allows children to experience different cultures and learn that we are more alike than different.

SOCDS’s goals for every student:

  • Ability to clearly communicate their needs and to resolve conflict by articulating the facts

  • Foster a respect for our environment and the choices that we make everyday

  • Encourage interaction with and respect for all people

  • Instill a desire to explore new learning environments, and to have the skills to be self-directed learners in any setting

Thank you for your interest in our school. South Orange Country Day School has been educating students since 1964. We have been working to create an environment that encourages learning, fosters independence, and demands personal responsibility.

At South Orange Country Day School communication is of the utmost importance for us. We know that everyone has busy lives and sometimes questions arise after hours. This form will go directly to Ms. Annemarie Maini, the school’s director, and will remain confidential. Ms. Annemarie will personally get in touch with you regarding your query. Thank you for your continued support.

Ask the Director

SOCDS Parent

"I'm writing to let you know how much we miss your school, the teachers, and the culture you fostered.”

SOCDS Parent

"I also meant to send a note earlier because (our son) had his birthday party this weekend (at an art studio), and it was the most civilized 5yo bday party you've ever seen. The kids were calm and so kind to each other - I saw more than one instance of a kid who looked like he wasn't quite sure about how to join a group and the kids in that group asking him if he wanted to come join them and making room for him - they shared supplies with each other easily and helped their friends when they saw them looking for something or struggling with something. Every adult that popped in and witnessed this was kind of baffled. Anyway most of the kids were from SOCDS so I feel like we should be giving you guys credit - whatever you're doing, you're doing something right :-)

SOCDS Parent

"The Director's sensitivity and acceptance of all the unique and beautiful families, traditions, and the use of teaching practices that elaborate that love and kindness is uniform regardless of creed,color, or race is one of the reasons we love SOCDS so much."

SOCDS Parent

"Thank you for inspiring our children, providing a safe and loving environment, thank you for all the days I have spent, since my son joined SOCDS, with utmost peace of mind knowing he is happy and thriving where he was, thank you for cultivating a sense of community, bringing families together, and making us a part of it."

SOCDS Parent

Our children, particularly our son, was not really good with change. As we expected, the first couple of days he was uncooperative. In response, the folks at SOCDS were very patient...they worked with him...they found things that he wanted to do...slowly they built his level of engagement. At the two month mark, we sat down with Ms. Annemarie and his teacher and to our surprise, not only had he adjusted, his real potential had started to surface."