Country Day Schools sought to recreate the educational rigor, atmosphere, camaraderie and character-building aspects of the best college-prep boarding schools,[citation needed] while allowing students to return to their families at the end of the day.
To avoid the crime, pollution and health problems of the industrial cities of the early 20th century, the schools were sited in the 'country', where wealthy families owned large homes in areas that would later be known as suburbs.
School buildings and campus landscaping were designed with the goal of creating an inspirational atmosphere that would foster learning and culture.
In keeping with this holistic view of the student learning environment, various "after-school" programs promoted student development, including athletic programs, choir and religious studies, and monitored study time.
A leader in the movement, Tower Hill School, was founded by the du Pont family in Wilmington, Delaware, and headed by Burton Fowler, a devout follower of John Dewey and president of the Progressive Education Association.