Celebrating 60 Years

Join us as we celebrate our past, present, and future.

Our Founder

Dorothy Bragdon McCormick (1922-2018) was a distinguished early childhood education visionary, founder of the Country Day School of McLean, and a respected community leader. Born into an Army family, she traveled the world before settling in Washington D.C. After serving in the U.S. Navy WAVEs during WWII and later joining the OSS, she married and began volunteering, notably as a docent at the Smithsonian.

Dorothy combined her passion for early childhood development and entrepreneurial spirit to transform a playgroup into the Country Play School in 1964. Her dedication to education led her to earn a master's degree from Wheelock College. The school eventually became the Country Day School, serving generations as a pre-eminent early childhood education center in the Washington D.C. area.

Dorothy's contributions earned her the McLean Business and Professional Club Woman of Achievement award in 1970 and the Certificate of Achievement from the American Association of University Women in 1998. She dedicated her retirement to preserving school history and spending time with family. Mrs. McCormick's legacy endures as an inspiration to all those she touched and loved.

Save The Date! Our 60th Anniversary Gala & Auction will take place on February 22, 2025, at the Westwood Country Club