History of CCDS

Our Rich History

Community Country Day School was founded by the Rev. and Mrs. Charles Kennedy in September 1968 because they wanted to provide a place where students could learn in a happy and warm setting. Dr. Kennedy was working as a substitute teacher in the Erie School District when she became concerned about the children who spent their days sitting in the hall, instead of learning. She spent 1967 trying to get people to fix this problem. Everybody agreed it was a problem. Dr. Kennedy acted on her concern to help solve the problem.

Mr Don Mountjoy donated his services as a general contractor to construct the main building. It took over a year with mainly volunteer labor.

Over the years the school received increasing support from the community and other concerned leaders and business owners

Reverend Kennedy and Dr. Kennedy, Co-founders, served the school since its beginnings.  They served in various roles.  They lived their life in service to God and others and truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of many.  Their passion was to help those that society might not otherwise have invested in.  They did this in numerous ways:

  • Established Community of Caring (Homeless shelters and food pantry in Erie, PA)
  • International ministry with several schools, orphanages and food distribution centers (Africa, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti)

Reverend Charles Kennedy, Jr. – Served as Headmaster from 1978-1984 and also Interim Executive Director from 1999- 2001.  He continued to support the philosophy and mission of the school until his passing in November 2009.

Rev. and Mrs Charles Kennedy

Rev. Charles Kennedy, Jr

Aaron Collins

Aaron Collins – Served as Executive Director from 2002-2013. He has a passion for inner city youth and carried the vision into the new millennium. He left a promising career in professional football to carry on the vision of the school for a new generation. During his term as Director he raised needed funds to build the Kennedy Peace Center in honor of the Founders.