AT A GLANCE 2017-18
The FWCD Admission Office looks forward to working with you. The best way to fully understand what an FWCD education could mean to your child and family is to visit our campus. Join us at one of the events below to discover the close-knit community that lies just inside the gates of Fort Worth Country Day ‌ a family of educators, coaches, support staff and students who are committed to the credo of
Engage | Challenge | Connect. Kindergarten Prospective Parent Coffees Tuesday, October 3, 2017 | 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 | 6 p.m. FWCD Family Carnival – Grades K-4 Friday, October 20, 2017 | 5 p.m. Kindergarten and Lower School Family Open House Wednesday, November 1, 2017 | 5:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School Open House Tuesday, November 14, 2017 | 5:30 p.m. Come Be a Kindergarten Falcon Superhero! Tuesday, December 5, 2017 | 4:30 p.m. K-12 Admission Family Open House Sunday, January 28, 2018 | 2 p.m. Fort Worth Country Day has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, FWCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin in admission the administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletics and other School-administered programs.
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Mission
The mission of Fort Worth Country Day is to foster the intellectual, physical, emotional and ethical development of capable students through an academically rigorous collegepreparatory program that integrates the arts and athletics.
Purpose
The purpose of Fort Worth Country Day is to inspire the passion to learn, the courage to lead and the commitment to serve.
Philosophy
Fort Worth Country Day offers an advanced curriculum, comprehensive in its emphasis of the humanities, sciences, arts and athletics. The School values diversity in its community and encourages openness of thought and freedom of inquiry. Through its program, the School seeks to develop enthusiastic, thinking, well-rounded and responsible citizens equipped for success in college and life. The School sees education as both a personal journey requiring guidance and a systematic process built upon knowledge, experience and hard work. Collectively, these components promote understanding, imagination and reason. The purpose, mission and core values of Fort Worth Country Day unify the School community and guide everyday decisions and institutional policies. The School has high expectations for student achievement, parent support and teacher performance. Success requires the community to work together with trust and confidence.
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Core Values
The core values of Fort Worth Country Day set forth a standard of conduct that is the foundation of a productive life. These values provide an ethical compass and give purpose to education. Integrity ... Consistency in thought and adherence in action to principles of truth, honesty, trustworthiness and sincerity Kindness ... Acting with consideration, compassion and empathy for others Courage ... Internal strength enabling one to act, venture, or persevere in the face of difficulty Respect ... Acting with fairness, courtesy and sensitivity to others and the community Responsibility ... Acting in accordance with what is right in the absence of authority and being accountable for one’s behavior to one’s self and others Scholarship ... Establishing a foundation of knowledge and skills that enables higher cognitive processes All members of the Fort Worth Country Day community—students, faculty, parents and staff—are expected to uphold these core values in all of their actions and deeds.
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Admission
The purpose of the admission process is to attract and retain students from diverse backgrounds who possess strong academic potential and personal characteristics as exemplified by Fort Worth Country Day’s mission, purpose, philosophy and core values. Students also must have the desire and enthusiasm for full participation in the School’s program, which includes academics, arts, athletics and community service. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a $100 ($25 if applying for financial aid) nonrefundable application fee for K-12, previous school records and teacher recommendations. Testing for admission to FWCD is scheduled January through March and other times by appointment. For the online application and a complete listing of important dates and deadlines, visit fwcd.org and click on Admission.
Affording FWCD Tuition
Tuition rates are determined each January by the Board of Trustees for the upcoming school year. Tuition for the 2017-18 school year is: Kindergarten Lower School (K-4) Middle School (5-8) Upper School (9-12)
Tuition $20,430 $21,050 $22,230 $23,100
Meal Plan $650 $725 $850 $900
Activity Fee $450 $450 $450 None
There are additional charges for books, uniforms and other School expenses that vary by grade level and activity. Optional charges depend on the degree to which the student is involved in the many sports, arts and academic activities offered at Fort Worth Country Day. There are also transportation services available from West Fort Worth, as well as an after-school program for grades K-6. For more information, visit fwcd.org, click on Admission and then Tuition & Affordability.
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Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid enhances the student body of Fort Worth Country Day. The School attracts and retains deserving and talented children whose families qualify for such assistance. The admission decision is based solely on each student’s academic and personal qualities—independent of the family’s ability to meet the cost of an FWCD education. Thus, admission to FWCD and the awarding of financial aid are two separate decisions. Financial aid is awarded annually and granted on the basis of demonstrated financial need (determined by submitting a Parents’ Financial Statement, current IRS tax return and W2 forms), satisfactory performance and the School’s availability of funds. For the 2017-18 academic year, more than $2.8 million was awarded in financial aid. This translates to one in every five students. Financial aid funds are made available from several sources, including income from financial aid endowment funds and gifts from individuals and organizations designated specifically for financial aid. In addition FWCD has seven Named Scholars Programs (subject to availability): • Malone Scholars Program (for grades 7-9) • Vicki and Edward P. Bass Scholarship (for new students in grades 9-12) • Reilly Family Foundation/Breakthrough Fort Worth Scholarship (for students sourced through Breakthrough Fort Worth and entering grades 8 or 9) • Jillian Chandler Thompson Memorial Scholarship (for returning African-American students in grades 4-12) • Betty Reese Memorial Scholarship • Joey Pollard Memorial Scholarship • Gayle G. and Evan D. Peterson Scholarship
FWCD At A Glance 2017-18 Enrollment
1,070 students Lower School (K-4): 326 students Middle School (5-8): 354 students Upper School (9-12) 390 students
Student/Faculty Ratio Kindergarten Lower School Middle School Upper School
7:1 17:1 12:1 10:1
Faculty
146 full-time faculty members 56 percent of full-time faculty in grades K-12 hold advanced degrees.
Class Schedule
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K-4: 8:10 a.m.-3:10 p.m. 5-6: 8:05 a.m.-3:20 p.m. 7-8: 8:05 a.m.-3:45 p.m. 9-12: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
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Lower School
Fort Worth Country Day cultivates the joy of learning in a safe and structured environment that ignites the power of imagination and creates a foundation for the love of learning. Lower School distinctions include: • Full-time Learning Specialist and Health and Wellness Counselor • Character education, core values program (PRIDE) • Direct instruction on mindfulness techniques • Differentiated instruction in reading, writing, spelling and math (Everyday Math 4) • iPads and interactive technology in all homeroom classes used as resources • French/Spanish language instruction • Falcon Collaboratory—a space where all students communicate and collaborate while engaging in learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics • Leveled reading library with more than 7,000 books • Science labs • Studio art instruction • First Steps in Music, Conversational Solfege and World Music Drumming • Dynamic Physical Education 30 minutes each day • Lower School Families program • After-school enrichment classes
Middle School
The Middle School provides a positive environment for students’ social and emotional growth into adolescence, while creating individualized learning strategies to foster their unique talents and gifts. Middle School distinctions include: • Full-time Learning Specialist and Health and Wellness Counselor • Core values incorporated into daily life • Integrated one-to-one iPad program with full-time iPad Coordinator • Specialists for all subjects, fine arts electives (band, strings, drumline, choir, ballet, theatre and studio art) and enrichment clubs • French, Spanish and Latin language instruction • Advisory program to assist students with academic and social growth development • Awesomeness Initiative program that allows students to take non-graded elective courses intended to help them fuel their passions. (Courses complement the FWCD core curriculum with added exposure to the skills the 21st-century requires of its workforce.) • Curriculum-based overnight trips by grade-level • Age-appropriate community service experiences • Grades 5-6 sports integration; grades 7-8 competitive sports
Upper School
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Upper School is a pivotal time for students as they prepare for the challenges of college and beyond. During these years, leaders are born, career paths become clear and students develop a grander vision for their future. Upper School distinctions include: • Full-time Learning Specialist and Health and Wellness Counselor • Core values incorporated into daily life • Bring-your-own laptop program • Extended period schedule with four 75-minute classes daily • More than 100 course offerings, including 22 Advanced Placement courses • Malone Schools Online Network
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• Elective course in Engineering, dual credit offered through The University of Texas • Full program of visual and performing arts, including music and art history, band, orchestra, drumline, choir, ballet, theatre, musical theatre, technical theatre, painting and drawing, photography, and ceramics; culminating in the ISAS Arts Festival each spring • Falcons Afield internship opportunities that allow students to consolidate and apply the learning from their coursework into meaningful relevant job-shadowing experiences • TEAM Service, student-led community service group • Link Crew, peer mentor program for freshmen • College Counseling Office, twice monthly college counseling classes for juniors and individual appointments for seniors • PSAT Skills Development course is offered • Sophomore Washington, D.C. trip; culminating project for history course • Cum Laude Society • 23 varsity sports
Advanced Placement
Fort Worth Country Day currently offers 22 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In 2017, 188 students took 591 exams.
Standardized Testing Class of 2017 (107 students) New SAT (71 testers) (Middle 50%) 1190-1380 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 600-700 Math: 570-690
ACT (97 testers) (Middle 50%) 27-32
Graduation Stats for FWCD Classes 2014-17 The classes of 2014-17 are attending the colleges and universities below:
100%
121
of graduates admitted to four-year colleges and universities
Average annual number of colleges and universities where our graduates were admitted
62
52%
Number of graduates recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, National Merit Commended Students, National Achievement Semifinalists and/or National Hispanic Scholars
Average percentage of graduates attended out-of-state colleges and universities
ACT SCORES (2014-17) 371students tested SAT & NEW SAT SCORES (2014-17) SAT (prior to March 2016) 276 students tested FWCD Section Averages –– Critical Reading: 627, Math: 619, Writing Skills: 621
National Section Averages (2016 data) -- Critical Reading: 494, Math: 508, Writing Skills: 482
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NEW SAT (after March 2016) students tested FWCD Section Averages -- Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 643, Math: 625 National Section Averages (2016 data) -- Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 510, Math: 510
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100%
48%
of graduates took AP English Language and Composition
Average percentage of graduates attended Texas colleges and universities
FWCD Average Composite: 28 National Composite: 21
$
38,397,198
Total amount awarded to our graduates in merit-based scholarships and awards with an average annual amount of approximately $9.6 million.
879
Total number of merit-based scholarships and awards received
16 graduates participating in collegiate athletics
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nominations for Betty Buckley Awards
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Class of 2017 One hundred seniors submitted 641 applications and were admitted to 114 colleges and universities. They attend 46 different institutions throughout the U.S. and internationally. Twelve students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and National Hispanic Recognition Program. The class was awarded more than $10.5 million in merit-based scholarships and awards. Forty-nine percent of the members of the Class of 2017 attend colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and internationally. Fifty-one percent of the class attend Texas colleges and universities.
College Matriculation 2014-17
The classes of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 matriculated at the following colleges and universities (numbers in parentheses indicate schools where more than one student enrolled): Hawaii Pacific University American University Hendrix College (2) Auburn University (2) Indiana University at Bloomington Austin College (2) James Madison University Bates College Lafayette College Baylor University (10) Louisiana State University (2) Belmont University (3) Loyola Marymount University (2) Biola University Loyola University Maryland Blinn College (2) Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston University (4) Missouri University of Science and Brown University Technology California Polytechnic State University, San New York University (2) Luis Obispo (2) North Carolina State University Carnegie Mellon University Northeastern University (7) Case Western Reserve University (2) Northwestern University (2) Chapman University (3) Ohio University Colorado State University Oklahoma State University (3) Dartmouth College (2) Olin College of Engineering Davidson College Parsons School of Design Delgado Community College Pepperdine University DePaul University Purdue University (3) Duke University (4) Rhodes College Elon University (3) Rice University (2) Emory University (3) Sam Houston State University Florida State University Samford University (2) Furman University San Diego State University George Washington University (2) Santa Clara University Georgetown University Savannah College of Art and Design Hardin-Simmons University Sewanee: The University of the South (3) Harvard University (2)
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Southern Methodist University (12) St. Edward's University (2) Stanford University (2) Stephen F. Austin State University Tarrant County College Texas A&M University (44) Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi Texas Christian University (37) Texas State University (2) Texas Tech University (10) Texas Wesleyan University Trinity University (5) Tufts University (2) Tulane University (2) University of Alabama (3) University of Arizona University of Arkansas (3) University of California, Los Angeles University of Colorado at Boulder (3) University of Dallas University of Denver (3) University of Georgia (5) University of Houston University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Michigan University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Mississippi (5) University of Missouri-Columbia (2) University of New Mexico University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2) University of North Texas (3) University of Notre Dame (6) University of Oklahoma (28) University of Oregon (2) University of Pittsburgh University of South Carolina (2) University of Southern California (7) University of Texas at Arlington (7) University of Texas at Austin (41) University of Texas at San Antonio University of Tulsa (3) University of Vermont University of Virginia (6) Vanderbilt University (7) Washington and Lee University (5) Washington University in St. Louis (2) Willamette University Williams College INTERNATIONAL University of St Andrews (6)
Athletics
FWCD’s athletic tradition is renowned. Dynamic Physical Education, which includes lessons focused on fitness development, coordination, body management and gameplaying, starts immediately in kindergarten. In Middle School, students pursue a sampling of athletic endeavors in a physical education developmental program that introduces them to the sports offered in the FWCD athletic program, and competitive, interscholastic sports begin in seventh grade. Upper School students may choose from 23 varsity sports. Athletics not only promotes healthy bodies, it teaches perseverance, sacrifice, discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork—valuable tools to take into adulthood. FWCD varsity sports include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling, divided into three sports seasons: fall, winter and spring. Fourthgrade, Middle School and Upper School students may also participate in ballet to fulfill their athletics requirement. Varsity teams compete in the Southwest Preparatory Conference, which comprises 16 schools, 15 from Texas and one from Oklahoma.
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Fine and Performing Arts
FWCD offers the finest of the fine arts. Visual arts classes are offered at every grade level. Students experience hands-on learning through drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, print and digital media, and more. Children begin their musical journeys in kindergarten with First Steps. Band and string orchestra are available to Middle and Upper School students. FWCD is the only independent school in Fort Worth to offer a comprehensive band and K-4 Lower School Strings program. The School has a Middle School and an Upper School band/drumline that perform at football games, festivals and concerts. Middle School and Upper School choral programs present challenging vocal literature for concerts and competitions and provide ensemble and solo opportunities. Theatre classes begin in fifth grade, and older students explore performing, technical theatre and playwriting. Plays and musicals are presented in Fort Worth Country Day’s own Scott Theater. The School’s celebrated ballet program begins in fourth-grade. Students in grades 4-12 may take ballet as an athletic credit.
Enrichment/Summer Camps
Fort Worth Country Day offers a variety of enrichment programs throughout the academic year, as well as a diverse range of classes during the summer months through Falcon Fun in the Sun. School-year enrichment programs are geared toward Lower School students to provide specialized instruction and further exploration into and beyond the curriculum. Summer camps include performing arts, sciences, languages, sports, visual arts, and STEM and STEAM sessions, as well as academic classes for credit for older students and academic refresher courses for younger students.
Library
Students enjoy university-quality library services at FWCD from a team of three professional librarians and one library assistant. There are two libraries on campus with a combined collection of nearly 33,000 volumes. Downloadable fiction ebooks and
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audiobooks are available for checkout on most devices. Online research databases, which contain books, encyclopedias and periodicals, are available for all ages and can be accessed anywhere. The Lower School and Moncrief libraries support multiple literacies, including digital, visual, textual and technological, in order to prepare students in the 21st century.
Technology
FWCD’s technology is fully integrated into the curriculum at FWCD. Students utilize modern tools to enhance the academic program. A dedicated group of technology professionals provide support and services to the entire Fort Worth Country Day community. In Lower School, iPads and interactive whiteboard technology have been placed in every teacher’s classroom. There is also a full iPad lab, and the library features laptops for student use. Lower School teachers use technology to enhance the educational experiences of students, integrating technical tools into their lessons in appropriate and meaningful ways. In Middle School, all students purchase an iPad as a school supply and bring it to school every day. The iPad Coordinator supports teachers and students, guiding and facilitating the use of the iPads, which allows students to grow and experiment using technology in the classroom. There is also a dedicated computer lab in the Middle School, and all teachers have interactive whiteboard technology in their classrooms. In Upper School, students bring their own laptop to school each day. Laptop computers are used as an extension of the academic program. Research, writing, design, collaboration and communication are hallmarks of the Fort Worth Country Day technology programs. FWCD supports a fully wireless campus with broad, public Wi-Fi access across all buildings and fields. Internet connectivity is supplied through a 1GB circuit and supports more than 700 desktop and laptop computers. Teachers have access to many educational software titles, as well as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and many more. A Faculty Initiative in Technology program allows teachers to continually develop new teaching strategies involving technology integration. A distance-learning lab allows students and teachers to engage in selected courses offered by the Malone Schools Online Network and to collaborate with worldwide peers. The School’s website, fwcd.org, serves as a public viewbook. There is also a private login section of the website that serves as a portal for all FWCD communication. Parents, students, alumni and faculty/staff can access teacher and athletic web pages, report cards, assignments, schedules, and directory and calendar information—all online. Electronic newsletters, as well as social media feeds, provide additional ways to keep up-to-date on all campus activities. An auto-dialer, Connect 5, notifies all families of emergencies on campus.
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Parent Involvement
FWCD parents are offered a number of ways to become involved in the life of the School. Organizations such as the Parent Faculty Association (PFA), Falcon Club and Supporting CAST (Creative Arts Students and Teachers) allow parents and grandparents the opportunity to give their time and talents in efforts to help fulfill the purpose of the School.
Alumni Association
At more than 3,500 members strong, the FWCD Alumni Association is a vital part of the School. Members often give back to their alma mater by serving in leadership roles, giving to The FWCD Fund (the School’s annual fund), and volunteering on campus and beyond. FWCD alumni remain engaged through gatherings such as Alumni Weekend, Falcons on the Road and various alumni sporting events, and they stay connected through Alumni Relations communications, social media, The Falconer magazine and campus visits.
Annual Giving
The FWCD Fund, the School's annual fund, provides the School with the flexibility to respond to immediate opportunities to keep FWCD growing and thriving. The tradition of giving at FWCD has always been important and demonstrates the loyalty, commitment and spirit of the Fort Worth Country Day community. Parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty/staff and friends are asked to contribute to this fund, which exceeds $1.3 million in income to FWCD each year. This support allows the School to effectively manage the rate of annual tuition increases; design new opportunities and initiatives; and retain and attract remarkable students, distinguished faculty and hard-working staff.
Breakthrough Fort Worth
A nationally affiliated program, Breakthrough at FWCD extends the Falcon spirit of service to high-potential underserved students throughout the city of Fort Worth. The program provides them a tuition-free series of summer and Saturday classes/workshops that foster the students’ progression to college—a six-year process that empowers them to build academic confidence, leadership skills and knowledge for the admission process. Also, the program’s unique students-teaching-students format promotes mentoring and inspires high school and college youth toward careers in education. Breakthrough is hosted on campus in the “off” hours, and many FWCD Upper School students volunteer in the program each year.
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Duke TIP
FWCD is the North Texas site for the Duke University Talent Identification (TIP) Academic Adventures and Scholar Weekend programs. Students are accepted into the Duke TIP program by scoring in the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, aptitude test, mental ability test, approved state criterion referenced test or at 125 or above on an IQ test. In the case of both Duke TIP programs, engaging courses are taught by FWCD faculty in classrooms across campus. This year mark’s FWCD’s seventh year as a host site for Duke TIP programming. Academic Adventures courses, hosted once in the fall and once in the spring, are challenging one-day explorations of engaging concepts and curriculum for students in grade 4-6. The Duke TIP Jim Aldridge Scholar Weekend, named for a beloved faculty member who was an integral part of Duke TIP programming at FWCD, brings students in grades 8-11 to campus over a Saturday and Sunday in the spring for intensive academic enrichment programming. Both programs sharpen skills, offer students an opportunity to meet similarly motivated peers and help students get excited about learning. Courses emphasize experiential learning and introduce topics that may not be available in students’ local schools.
Malone Schools Online Network Fort Worth Country Day is a founding member of the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON), which provides Upper School students with distance-learning instruction through virtual online classes that enhance FWCD’s curriculum. These courses promote the values of the Malone Family Foundation and are taught by teachers from Malone Schools in the network. The teaching professionals are experts in their fields; many have experience with independent education and share a commitment to excellence, small class sizes and personal relationships.
FWCD students in grades 11 and 12 may apply to take MSON courses, which serve as a high school enrichment elective course and meet twice a week during the regular school day. Each course takes a blended approach, combining synchronous instruction, realtime video conferencing seminars, with asynchronous instruction, recorded lectures and exercises that students complete outside of class. The result lies somewhere between a “flipped classroom” and a “virtual Harkness table.” Each course has a minimum of six students and a maximum of 16, allowing for a virtual discussion seminar that is delivered in high-definition classroom set ups. In the 2017-18 academic year, 20 FWCD students are enrolled in 13 of the 29 courses offered. There are 22 schools currently participating in the MSON program.
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Map of Fort Worth Country Day
Security Station Main Entrance Softball Varsity Baseball
Fischer Dining Pavilion
Visitor Parking Lot G Middle School Drop Off
Field 1
Field 3
Butler Kindergarten
Varsity Softball
Irrigation Pond
Parking Lot E
North Gymnasium
Mason Middle School
Plant Operations
(Square Gym)
Ryan Annex
Sid Richardson Gymnasium (Round Gym)
Mason Middle School
Field 2
Campus Store Scott Theater
Middle School Science
Field 4
Bryant Irvin
Bass Upper School
One Way
Tech Office
Rosacker Field
Head of School’s Office
Anne R. Bass Lower School
Lou & Nick Martin Campus Center
Sanford Arts Wing
Business Office
a az Pl es te s u Upper Tr School Science Center
Moncrief Library
Schwartz Administration Building
Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center
Visitor Parking Lot C
Visitor Parking Lot D
Patton Field House Parking Lot A
Bry
an
Hen
ders
Security Station
on
Parking Lot B
Co
un
try
Da yL
an e
Tennis Courts
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Parking Lot B South
Fort Worth Country Day
FWCD Inclusivity Statement Enhancing diversity has been a consistently identified theme by members of the FWCD community. During the 2016-17 academic year, the Board of Trustees’ goals included being more proactive in promoting diversity/inclusivity. More specifically, the Board decided to set a tone, consistent with the School’s defining statements and core values, through the creation of an affirmative diversity statement. FWCD’s Inclusivity Statement was approved by the Board in January 2017. The statement is as follows: At Fort Worth Country Day, we believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment. We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.
4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109-4299 817.302.3209 fwcd.org