 At City and Country, everything we do is rooted in relationships–and that includes how we welcome prospective families to our community.
Just as our students learn best through meaningful connections and hands-on exploration, we believe families choose best when they truly know us—and when we truly know them. That's why Elise and Tara bring the same curiosity, personal care, and expertise to the admissions process that our teachers bring to the classroom every day.
Meet Elise
Hello! I’m Elise Bauer, Director of Admissions. I’ve been at C&C since 1992 and in a few different roles: a second-grade teacher, Director of the Lower School, and now Admissions Director. I’ve witnessed the school’s astounding growth and positive change, all the while remaining true to Caroline Pratt’s revolutionary guiding principles. C&C is one of the most historically significant schools in the world, and I’m proud to be one of its long-time contributors.
A little about me. I used to live right down the block from C&C. In fact, I held a master key to the building in the event of a middle-of-the-night emergency. (I never had to use it.) I now live in Brooklyn and hope for a seat each morning on the F train. I’ve got two children, one a C&C graduate. I’ve seen City and Country from every possible angle, and I like the view.
In addition to my work at C&C, I teach a course at Bank Street College (where I hold my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education). My decades-long experience at C&C enables me to share my block-building expertise with other educators seeking their graduate degrees. It feels great to spread the power of Pratt’s invention far and wide through this course.
Why I love my job. C&C has been a formative place for me. It has shaped my way of viewing the world and has inspired me to take risks, express myself, and question almost everything. The School attracts smart and interesting people—faculty, staff, families, visitors, you name it. And to participate in shaping that community through Admissions is rewarding and fun.
My favorite place on campus. I have many favorites and, as the school has grown, they’ve changed over the years. When I began at C&C in 1992, we had just three brownstones on 13th Street. Now we have seven back-to-back on 12th and 13th Streets, with beautiful courtyards in between.
I love the timeless Library, of course, and the light-filled, high-ceilinged Art Room that inspires “oohs and ahhs” when people get their first glimpse. My favorite spot, though, is my office. It’s my quintessential home-away-from-home where I meet with families. We share a bit of ourselves with each other and begin the many-years’ connections that are at the heart of the C&C experience. It also helps that the 13th Street-facing windows are 12 feet high and there’s a lovely marble fireplace facade, a vestige from when the building was a residence in the 19th Century.
I truly hope you enjoy getting to know C&C as I have, and I look forward to helping you along the way.
Meet Tara
Hi! I’m Tara DiGerlando, Associate Director of Admissions. I have been working at City and Country since 2009. Before joining the Admissions Team, I taught first grade for many years. C&C is like no other school and I look forward to walking through the front door every day.
A little about me. I have two children and have lived in NYC for 18 years. I love spending whole days in the park with family and friends, running, studying outsider art, reading, and eating chocolate. Cape Cod is my happy place. Thanks to my son, I’m learning all about the English Premier League and am now an avid Yankee and Knicks fan! I have a dual Master’s in literacy and general education from Bank Street College. Before I entered the world of education, I worked in film and television.
Why I love my job. I love being a part of a community that cares so deeply about the life experiences, moral compasses, and the empowerment of children. I have been at C&C long enough to watch how the intentional and nuanced program layers in such a way that enables children to interact with the world with confidence.
My favorite place on campus. When I first started working at C&C, I couldn’t get over that such a special place was tucked away behind the facade of brownstones. It really felt like an oasis in the West Village. Since day one, my favorite space on campus has been the Art Room. It’s spacious with huge windows that frame the Empire State Building. It’s serene and inspiring. The amount of natural light floods the room so much that the overhead fluorescents are rarely used; that’s exceptional in NYC.
I’d welcome the opportunity to share C&C with you and hope that you’ll appreciate its beautiful campus and special qualities just as I have.
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