Going Beyond
College Prep

Today’s students must be prepared to take on a world that is continually changing. At Keith, we recognize that tomorrow’s knowledge leaders need to be effective communicators, critical thinkers and strong problem-solvers. Our students will also need entrepreneurial attitudes and to be capable of working independently or in teams.

Announcing Intersessions

Keith Country Day School is proud to introduce a continuous learning model that not only prepares students for success in college, but also lives of meaning and purpose—making us the only school in the region to develop our students Beyond College Prep. Teaching them to indulge their curiosities, solve problems, draw conclusions and share ideas develops the skills they’ll need to be successful wherever life takes them.

Beginning with the 2019/2020 school year, we enhanced our already highly successful academic approach by extending the school year with two 1-week intersessions. We augment established classroom time with additional days of learning outside the traditional classroom. Intersessions offer programmed activities and opportunities appropriate for students at each grade level.

Each intersession meets Keith School’s high standards for student experience and learning and must be educationally, psychologically, emotionally and socially appropriate for the various grade level needs.

Community Involvement

We are fortunate to have a plethora of highly qualified and well-vetted business and partner organizations who are interested in creating valuable experiences for our students. Among the partners (not the full list) are:

• Burpee Museum of Natural History
• City of Rockford
• Collins Aerospace
• CoyleKiley Insurance
• Danfoss
• MercyHealth
• OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
• Rockford Bank & Trust
• Rockford Dance Company
• Rockford Park District
• Rockford University
• Rock Valley College
• SwedishAmerican
• UIC College of Medicine
• Woodward

These are real hands-on experiential learning opportunities designed to:

• Immerse students in the region’s many cultural treasures
• Connect students with community businesses, government agencies and non-profits
• Explore career options and help students discover their strengths and passions
• Develop an appreciation for lifelong learning
• Offer a bigger picture view of the world and their role in it

Intersession Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is Keith introducing intersessions?

    As the premier private school in the region, Keith is consistently bringing innovative ideas and energy to our educational approach to best prepare students for the continually changing world. Through intersessions, our students will have the opportunity to extend their learning through real-life, hands-on, experiential opportunities appropriate to their grade levels and interests.

  • How will intersessions help my student?

    Just as the expectations for future leaders are different today than 50 years ago, so too must be our student’s educational experience. To prepare our students for lives of meaning and purpose, Keith is extending learning beyond the traditional classroom to hands-on, real-life, immersive experiences that bring theory to life and learning to practice. All of our intersessions will ensure our students are inspired, their curiosity encouraged, and that they continue to explore a world of possibilities.

  • What if we want to take a vacation during an intersession timeframe?

    Intersessions are a valuable part of the Keith academic experience, so should be treated like any other school day. As with any time during the year, vacation time is approved by the students’ primary teacher.

  • How much will intersessions cost?

    While intersession costs may vary depending on variables like supplies, transportation, and accommodations, most intersessions are being developed with a total cost of participation for less than $200 for the entire week.

  • Is food (lunch/snacks) included in the intersession?

    To maintain a cost effective pricing structure for intersessions, food will not be included. We are asking that students bring a lunch/snacks each day.

  • Will I need to take my student somewhere other than the school to attend an intersession?

    Drop-off and pick-up will vary based on the program or host site for your child’s intersession. Please refer to the Intersessions Registration Form for transportation details and information.

  • Will Keith faculty and/or administration be involved and onsite during all intersessions, whether on Keith’s campus or another site?

    Yes, there will always be Keith faculty and leadership at every intersession.

  • Who are the partners Keith is working with for intersessions?

    We are fortunate to have a plethora of highly qualified and well-vetted businesses and partner organizations who meet our high standards of student care and curriculum needs. Examples of partners already interested in creating valuable experiences for our students include local hospitals, colleges, engineering firms, professional services organizations and regional museums and agencies. At the launch, we have more than 20 qualified partners.

  • How are intersessions different at the Lower, Middle and Upper School?

    All Keith intersessions meet our high standards for student experience and learning and must be educationally, psychologically, emotionally and socially appropriate for the various grade levels. As an example Lower School students may be exploring the natural world around them, Middle School students may be learning how local businesses protect natural resources and Upper School students may be job-shadowing careers in the environmental sciences.

  • What if I/my spouse or my company has an interest in offering an intersession through our business?

    We welcome all new opportunities and ideas to further enhance experiential learning for our students. If you have an interest in exploring an intersession or a topic to share, we ask you to forward them to Chris Doherty at chris.doherty@keithschool.net.