Countryside School was founded in 1992 by a group of local families who felt that Champaign-Urbana needed an independent, not-for-profit, non-sectarian elementary and middle school with an enriched, projects-based curriculum strong in math and science.
After renting classrooms during its early years, Countryside purchased 14 acres of land in west Champaign, constructed its main building in 1996, and expanded its classroom wing in 2005. Its facilities currently house a capacity of 148 students.