Founded in 1998, the school opened its doors in leased space in The Mansion at Bayley-Ellard, Madison, New Jersey with 44 students in preschool through grade one. The school’s academically ambitious and individualized program allowed for its development to flourish as evident by enrollment exceeding 100 students within the first three years.

In 2001, the school moved to the classroom wing behind St. Raphael’s Church in Livingston, New Jersey. Also in 2001, Pamela Canada Fiander, Ed.D., began what would become an inspirational fourteen-year tenure as Head of School. Under her leadership, additional grades were added each year with the first
eighth grade class graduated in 2008. Due to the rapid growth of the school and the generous support of its dedicated Board of Trustees, parent body, and friends of the school, CDS purchased its permanent home in Chatham Township in 2005, when a private estate turned office complex was thoughtfully redesigned to welcome students. This beautiful tree-lined property has two main buildings used today for student instruction, as well as abundant outdoor spaces for learning and recreation. The school has been fortunate to have completed two comprehensive building projects in the past five years, thereby expanding the campus and positioning the school to accommodate its extensive programs and increased student body. In 2012, the construction of the Dr. Robert R. and Sonja H. Rickert Field House was completed and is a pivotal space for community gatherings, physical education classes, and sporting events.

The School planned and began the Phase II capital project in the fall of 2016. This two-story addition to the main classroom building transformed the campus into a 21st Century learning environment which added 10,000+ sq. ft. of much needed space including a performing arts suite, dining hall, I3 lab, visual arts classroom, and a designated middle school wing.