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Welcome to Harbor

Meet the Head of School

A message from the Head of School
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to explore Harbor Country Day School!
There are many reasons families choose independent schools for their children. Whether you are seeking a change or simply considering a best-fit option, there are certain qualities you are likely prioritizing.
During my first visit to HCDS, I was struck by the authenticity of its mission and the qualities that distinguish the school—qualities I have since learned are deeply embedded in its culture.
Harbor cherishes childhood, cultivates wonder, and inspires confident learners and leaders. This is our mission, and it reflects what makes Harbor such a caring community. These words guide us and provide the vision and framework for everything we do—and every decision we make—at Harbor Country Day School.
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Consider the Following

Safe, Connected, and Challenged

The most valuable learning takes place when a child feels safe, connected, and challenged. There must be a dynamic rapport between teachers and students that provides each child with regular opportunities to feel stretched and to push themselves just beyond their comfort zone.

Known, Joyful, and Confident

Great schools help children establish a pattern of self-reflection that illuminates their evolving self-confidence. This happens in a school where students feel deeply known, a joyful spirit exists, and the learning process is thoughtfully cultivated.

At Harbor Country Day School, we take great pride in the genuine connections our faculty and staff create with students each day.

Strong Academic Foundations

Students need comprehensive foundational experiences in reading, writing, and mathematics while continuing to expand their critical-thinking and abstract-reasoning skills.

Social-Emotional Growth

Children thrive when they discover how to navigate and manage relationships. Harbor students develop their social-emotional toolkit and discover their independence by learning meaningful ways to express their best selves through service learning, social-emotional learning activities, public speaking, and interactive play.

Creativity and Innovation

Harbor inspires creativity and innovation. We are thrilled to be expanding our facilities to include a STEAM center, allowing us to engage students further in the dynamic process of problem-solving.

Our approach begins with empathy while encouraging students to prototype, ideate, and create solutions. By empowering children as engineers and artists, we are preparing them to carve their own paths while strengthening their confidence and willingness to take thoughtful risks.

I hope I have sparked your interest! We are delighted that you have discovered HCDS and invite you to spend time exploring our website.

More importantly, we hope you will experience Harbor in person by scheduling a campus visit. We look forward to getting to know your family!

About Andy Sperling

Biography

Andy has been an independent school educator and leader for more than 20 years at Lake Forest Country Day School on the North Shore of Chicago. Throughout his tenure, he has remained dedicated to teaching mathematics and fostering confident, critical thinkers.

Andy served as Division Head for the Grades 5–8 Upper School at LFCDS beginning in 2012. His accomplishments include developing a school-wide STEAM program, a social-emotional learning curriculum, FIRST LEGO League Robotics, and faculty diversity and inclusion training.

Andy is a passionate educator and storyteller. He and his wife, Hilary, who is from Baltimore, have three children between them. Andy’s son, Tim, is an architect working at a firm in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hilary’s daughter, Avery, is a marketing executive in New York, while her son, Ethan, works in information sciences in Virginia.

Andy is a recreational cyclist, NFL enthusiast, and contemporary jazz aficionado. He and Hilary enjoy traveling, exercising, and taking cooking lessons together.

Education

  • M.A. in Educational Administration
    Northern Illinois University
    DeKalb, Illinois

  • Certification in Nonprofit Management and School Leadership
    Northwestern University
    Evanston, Illinois

  • B.S. in PK–8 Education, Mathematics Specialization
    Illinois State University
    Normal, Illinois

Meet the Associate Head of School

A Message from the Associate Head of School and Principal of the Upper and Lower School

Welcome to Harbor Country Day School.

It is a privilege to serve as Associate Head of School and as Principal of both our Lower and Upper Schools. Whether you are joining our community for the first time or have been part of the Harbor family for many years, I am grateful you are here.

Fifteen years ago, I joined Harbor as a history teacher. From my very first day in the classroom, I recognized that Harbor was more than a school. It was a community where students are known, challenged, and inspired to become their very best. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to teach, mentor, and lead alongside extraordinary faculty members who are deeply committed to helping every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

As both an educator and a former Harbor parent, I have firsthand experience with the lasting impact of a Harbor education. Our mission comes to life each day as we nurture curiosity, foster character, and inspire students to become confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens.

Guided by our motto, Sine Labore Nihil, meaning "Without Work, Nothing," we encourage students to embrace challenges, persevere through obstacles, and discover the rewards that come from dedication and effort.

One of the greatest joys of my time at Harbor is seeing our alumni return to campus. They visit former teachers, share stories of their successes, and reflect on the friendships and values that continue to shape their lives. They are living examples of our mission in action: thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate individuals who leave Harbor prepared not only for high school but also for lives of purpose and meaningful contribution.

Today, Harbor stands at an exciting moment in its history. As our campus continues to evolve with the addition of our new academic wing and enhanced learning spaces, we remain steadfast in the values that have defined our school for generations. These investments reflect our commitment to providing innovative learning environments while preserving the close-knit community and personalized education that make Harbor so special.

Thank you for being part of the Harbor Country Day School community. I look forward to partnering with you as we continue to inspire a lifelong love of learning, celebrate each child's unique journey, and prepare our students for bright and meaningful futures.

Warmly,

Nicole Fotis
Associate Head of School Upper and Lower School Principal

Fotis