Fort Worth Country Day School

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Tours

  1. Admission Tour

    Stops

    1. Butler Kindergarten

      The Butler Kindergarten Building, built in 1991, houses our junior kindergarten classroom and four self-contained kindergarten classrooms. Both junior kindergarten and kindergarten classes have a lead teacher as well as an assistant teacher, allowing for individual instruction, differentiation and focused, small group work. Throughout the hallways you will find the Kindergarten thematic units and student work on display. You will also find our three forgein language classrooms.  Two dedicated to Spanish and one to French.  Our Kindergarten through Second Grade students attend their Visual Art classes in this building as well. 

    2. Kindergarten Playground

      Our next stop is the kindergarten playground. The backyard of the Kindergarten building is full of age appropriate playground equipment as well as a vast green space which allows for a variety of activities ranging from imaginative play to soccer. 

      Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students start their morning with morning movement on the playground. This movement allows children to improve attention, sharpen social skills and learn more effectively once they begin their work in our classrooms.

       

    3. Fischer Dining Pavilion

      The Fischer Dining Pavilion, built in 2008, allows JK-12 students, faculty and staff the opportunity to enjoy meals while building relationships with our community. Catered by SAGE Dining Services, the FDP offers four hot lunch lines that operate on an 8 week rotating lunch menu. In addition, our salad bar, full deli, soup stations and panini presses provide fresh options and something for every palate. Allergy aware, we offer a gluten-free hot lunch station for students with dietary restrictions. On the far left corner of the FDP, the Falcon Feeder has daily breakfast and snacks available for our Upper School students purchase throughout the day. 

      • Color coated green, yellow and red to help students create a balanced meal for themselves

      • Sage catering

    4. Band Hall

      Band is an elective available for Middle and Upper School students. Students have the opportunity to learn traditional band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, percussion, and tuba), plus several nontraditional instruments like the guitar, bass guitar, and piano. Drumline is offered to students in 7th-12th grade. Band allows students to develop music literacy, skill and musicality through performances. Repertoire includes classical and pop literature and features a variety of musical styles, periods, languages and cultures. Students may participate in TMEA, TPSMEA. ISAS and the FWCD spring musical.

    5. TEAM Room

      The TEAM Room is a hands‐on learning environment in which students use tools and technology to solve problems. Students take ideas from concept to completion, learning the design‐build‐communicate-manage process. Students will utilize project management techniques to design and construct authentic projects in areas such as architecture, inventions, wearable technology, robotics, engineering, CAD, micro‐electronics, woodshop or any of a dozen other fields of interest. Students demonstrate safe and proper use of technology, equipment, and tools. Students learn to lead, follow instructions, cooperate with others, and work effectively as individuals, and in a team to accomplish authentic design tasks.


      Projects Based Design activities are implemented in all three divisions. This type of instruction uses the maker mindset as a vehicle that exposes our students to constructivist education. Constructivism allows students to be creative, innovative, independent, and technologically literate; not an “alternative” way to learn, but as a unique form of modern learning. The TEAM Room provides a student centered, inquiry mode of instruction where projects become the actual vehicle and purpose of the learning.


      Technology, design, art, engineering, math and project management and construction skills will lead students to start conversations, discover problems, find answers, change minds, take action and drive change.


    6. North Gymnasium

      The North Gymnasium, built in 1982, referred to as the square gym is where some of our indoor athletic competitions are held. The square gym is also used as a practice space for our volleyball and basketball teams. FWCD is a proud member of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) which allows our teams to travel as far North as Oklahoma and as far South as San Antonio for competition. Our square gym also has a climbing wall with a secure belay system that allows our students to climb high and “FlyHigher”!

    7. Sid W. Richardson Gymnasium

      Built in 1967, the round gym is one of the oldest buildings on campus.  It holds everything from athletic games and physical education classes to pep rallies, assemblies and all-school gatherings. Each Fall, we have our Convocation, a celebration of the “New Year” that includes all of our k-12 students and each member of our faculty and staff. Additionally, we celebrate Founders Day every March. This celebration also includes our campus in its entirety and honors FWCD founders. In the hall that connects the round to the square gym you will find the Ballet Studio, Nurse’s Office and the Wrestling Room. Along the perimeter of the gym, find the Middle School Orchestra Classroom and two Lower School Music Rooms. If you are looking to pick up some FWCD gear stop by the Campus Store or Forever Plaid (Used Uniform Store). .

    8. Bass Lower School

      Our Lower School, built in 1964, is home to our 1st-4th grade classrooms. Each grade has 4 sections and a dedicated hallway in order for students and teachers to work collaboratively. 

      In Lower School, PRIDE (Politeness, Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Excellence) rings through the hallways and serves as 1st-4th’s own set of core values. Oftentimes you will hear a student referencing a friend “showing respect” or giving an example of how one can really “be excellent.” An emphasis on character development is evident throughout each grade and is enhanced by our Lower School Counselor during monthly counselor lessons. 


    9. Lower School Science

      Like many of our special classes, we have a 1st & 2nd grade science class and a 3rd & 4th grade science class, allowing our teachers to specialize on the content for each age group. Our teachers provide hands-on experiments to promote the understanding of the biological and physical world. The goal of the program is to develop excitement and interest in science, to promote basic awareness of scientific facts, and to enable students to observe, hypothesize, investigate, and form conclusions. 


    10. Lower School Atrium

      In the heart of one side of the Lower School, the Atrium allows all JK-4 students to gather together to participate in weekly, student-centered meetings about a variety of topics. While one assembly will include the 4th graders presenting about kindness week, another will be a guest performance by the Fort Worth Children's Opera. Not only does this allow students to practice public speaking, singing and performing in front of their peers, but these assemblies also promote a feeling of community throughout the entire lower school.

    11. Collaboratory and Library

      Not your typical “computer lab.” The “Collaboratory” is a space that focuses on the importance of developing critical thinking and problem solving skills. The classroom is home to 21 ipads, allowing each student to individually participate in lessons, learn fundamental technology skills and even begin coding as early as Kindergarten. While technology is a large part of this classroom, many days are devoted to collaborating with your table team to complete building challenges, making marble runs on the lego wall and completing projects that are expansions of units learned in another class. 


      K-4 students visit the library once during the 6-day rotation, but also have access before and after school. Students may enjoy a read aloud from one of our librarians or get a surprise visit from a guest author. A library day may be devoted to finding books for a research project or to simply enjoying a book of your choice perched inside one of the cozy tents. It is no accident that it is at the center of the LS Building.

    12. Habitat Garden

      The Habitat Garden welcomes children into the building when they hop out of their cars in the morning. It is a place where our children can find a rock to read on or a butterfly to watch. The National Wildlife Federation recognized Fort Worth Country Day School for establishing and maintaining a Schoolyard Habitat site in 2005.

    13. Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center

      Our Visual Arts Center reimagined in 2009 was one of the three original buildings, known as “Building C.”  It is home to 3rd and 4th grade, Middle School and Upper School classes. At FWCD, starting in Kindergarten, students are exposed to the fundamentals of painting and drawing, ceramics and photography. The knowledge acquired through Lower and Middle School helps students make an informed decision when it comes to choosing their required arts credits in Upper School.

      As you walk through the hallways you will often see student artwork showcased, hear the buzz of the high fire kiln working in our very own kiln yard and you may even catch a photography student emerging from the dark room. As you peer into each classroom, natural light beams through the floor to ceiling windows, creating a space for students to let their creativity flow. As you round the corner to the ceramics room, don’t let the faint sound of Led Zeppelin fool you. When you reach the classroom you will find students hand sculpting original creations, throwing pots on the wheel and mixing their own glazes. 


    14. Peter A. Schwartz Administration Building

      The Administration building is home to the  Admission and the Advancement Offices. Admission personnel are always happy to help you learn about The School. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child and your family. The Advancement Office is dedicated to supporting Fort Worth Country Day’s mission by nurturing lifelong relationships with our alumni and families, securing financial resources through the FWCD Fund, the School’s annual fund, and promoting the School in the local and national community.

    15. Moncrief Library

      Built with an open concept design in 1994, The William A. and Elizabeth B. Moncrief Library contains 12,450 square feet of flexible space. Floor to ceiling windows line the south wall of the library encouraging students to enjoy natural lighting during study and collaboration.  Mac and desktop computers, printers, and a copier are available for use by all members of the FWCD community. In addition, the Moncrief Library houses three US classrooms, as well as a library classroom, two dedicated study rooms and an outdoor reading patio that offers students space to enjoy reading and reflection. The Moncrief Library is also the home of Center of International Studies (CIS) which provides many opportunities for our students. CIS initiatives include overseas summer expeditions, exchange opportunities and cultural programs meant to ensure that all FWCD graduates gain an understanding of different global competencies.


    16. Ropes Course

      The FWCD Ropes Course was established in 1990 as an outdoor experience for our students from 7th grade through 12th grade. The Ropes Course offers an opportunity for students to step outside of their comfort zones and to move into their stretch zones. The Ropes Course provides a safe and supportive environment for students to be challenged as individuals and teams as they tackle problem solving, experience teamwork, and overcome personal challenges. After a challenge, students process the experience as a group, with their teacher facilitator. During processing, students discuss the ways in which they were successful and the places where they could improve. The group then discusses how the challenge relates to real life and the successes and opportunities for growth that we all experience throughout life. The Ropes Course aims to provide a space where students can grow as individuals and as a team, while soaking up the sun and fresh air and enjoying time with their teachers outside of the classroom. Come on up, the view is amazing and the cheers of support and excitement for each other are loud!

    17. Sanford Arts Wing

      In the Sanford’s Arts Wing see the Middle School Choir Room, Ballet Studio, Actors Studio and Wardrobe behind the stage. 

    18. Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center

      The Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center (MCC), built in 2010, is in the middle of our academic campus. Inside, find a multipurpose space used for events, luncheons, class meetings and professional development opportunities. The MCC also houses the Scott Theater, home of performing arts, which seats an audience of 350 people.

    19. Mason Middle School

      The Mason Middle School, built in 1995 and expanded in 2012, serves as a transition from the nurturing world of the Lower School to the heightened expectations of the Upper School. Our Head of Middle School, John Stephens, believes in “the Blessing of the scraped knee” and encourages teachers in the Middle School to challenge students and welcome mistakes, in order for children to learn grit and responsibility. The first floor includes 5th and 6th grade classrooms, along with an outdoor play area. As you head upstairs, you will find 7th and 8th grade classrooms. The Middle School also has 2 mini computer labs, one on each floor, where students have quick access to a printer and a quiet study place. Part of the 2012 expansion, the Carter Commons serves as a common space for our Middle School students. Upon entering the Carter Commons, you may find a Middle School assembly taking place, students doing homework during study hall or possibly stumble upon one of our unique “AI” classes. AI (Awesomeness Initiative) comprises 21 unique course offerings taught by our Middle School teachers. AI courses include bee keeping, a continental culinary class and a STEM crew, to name a few. AI allows our students and teachers to further strengthen their bond by allowing them to connect over interests beyond the Middle School curriculum. Middle School students also enjoy unforgettable annual class field trips: 5th graders take a Science related trip to the Perot Museum in Dallas, 6th graders take a History related trip to Austin, 7th graders take a History related trip to Vicksberg and 8th graders take a week-long Science field trip to Big Bend.

    20. Bass Upper School

      You know you are in the Bass Upper School when you see Fort Worth Country Day’s Core Values hanging proudly from the ceiling, hear the bustle of our 9th-12th graders transitioning from class to class or see a group of seniors taking a study break at the ping pong table on a Friday. The Upper School is home to a large common area, where the entire US student body meets weekly for announcements, and a wide variety of academic classrooms. In the Upper School, our students commit themselves to a demanding workload that comprises a balanced, well-rounded course of study. At FWCD, we value the totality of a liberal arts education that gives students a diverse range, a foundation for learning and a context for understanding. This well-rounded education is practiced further with our school-wide belief in the 3 A’s; Academics, Arts and Athletics, and creating a perfect balance of the 3 within our students’ lives.

      Ninth-graders begin with a core curriculum in History and English with options for Honors courses in science, math and language. As students progress, they have opportunities for deeper learning through Advanced Placement classes, department electives and courses from the Malone Schools Online Network, which are networked through Stanford University Online High School. In the process, students are prepared for college beyond mastering content, they develop the tools to truly learn, discern ideas and communicate clearly. 


      The lower lever of the Bass Upper school houses our College Counseling office. Students are paired with 1 of our 3 college counselors and are required to take a twice-monthly college counseling course to help prepare them for college. The college counselors also meet occasionally with freshmen and sophomores throughout the school year and host approximately 30 college counseling events. Traditionally, 100 percent of FWCD graduates attend four-year colleges and universities across the U.S. and internationally.

    21. Upper School Science

      The Upper School Science building houses our Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Publications and the Malone Schools Online (MSON) classrooms. Fort Worth Country Day is the only school in Texas, and one of only 22 schools in the nation capitalizing on the virtual classroom to enhance its rigorous college-preparatory education. Offered to juniors and seniors, MSON courses take place in our virtual classroom two times per week.

    22. Patton Field House

      Opened in 2017, the Patton Field House includes expansive film rooms, an all inclusive fitness center, locker rooms and a state of the art Athletic Training room. Our Training Room is operated by two full-time experienced Athletic Trainers whose office overlooks a majority of our campus’ athletic fields which allows for early action and response when tending to student-athletes. Our trainers are equipped with 8 wrapping and rehab stations, a hot/cold tub, and a doctors office for our team doctors to utilize during appointments with our student athletes.

    23. Weight Room

      The Moritz Fitness Center (MFC) opened in 2017, as part of the Patton Field House, to serve all FWCD students and student-athletes. It includes 5,500 square feet of training area and is equipped with 12 power racks, 12 platforms, free weights, weight machines, and cardio equipment. The MFC also includes two TV's that allow integration of technology in order to make training sessions more efficient. FWCD students have access to one of the best high school level weight rooms in the country.  They are able to use it to enhance their athletic career or to learn healthy training habits, so that they may be able to effectively and safely train on their own once they graduate. A certified Strength & Conditioning coach prescribes all performance training for students in Middle School and Upper School Physical Education, as well as Athletics. All FWCD sports teams utilize the MFC during their season, and are encouraged to come and train during the off-season as much as possible.


    24. Tennis Center

      FWCD broke ground on the FWCD Tennis Center on August 28, 2015. The tennis center features 10 courts, four of which are lighted, making it possible for the School to host competitions on campus instead of leasing courts at outlying venues. In addition to FWCD Athletic Team practices and competitions, the courts are utilized by MS Physical Education classes and Falcon Sports Camps. The courts officially opened for play for the start of the tennis season on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. This facility is a cornerstone of the School’s Then, Now, Forever. funding initiative. Seven of the 10 courts are named: 


      ● Luskey Ace Court: Named in memory of Former Trustee Henry Luskey given by Jeanie Luskey, Steven Luskey ’92 and Valrie Luskey Eberstein ’96

      ● Todora Ace Court: Given by the Michael and Helen Todora Family, Robert ’17, Harrison ’20, Vivian ’23 and John ’29

      ● Park Championship Court: Given by Judy and Major Park; Martha and Rob Park, Katie ’16, Megan ’18 and Robert ’18

      ● Stansbery Court: Given by alumni and friends of Coach Will Stansbery H’08, FWCD Coach 1970-99

      ● Manning Court: Given by the Krista and Ralph Manning Family, Mary Kate ’25 and Millison ’25

      ● Beadles Court: Given by Allison and John Beadles ’88

      ● Petsche Court: Given by the Bonnie and Alan Petsche Family, Kate ’11, Alec ’13, Eric ’16 and Julia ’20

    25. Athletic Fields

      The Athletic Fields are easy to spot and are the center of much activity on a daily basis at FWCD. The large grassy area has remained a constant and undisturbed space despite new additions to the campus over the years. The open area is divided into four fields and is utilized daily for Upper and Middle School athletic practices and games,  and is also used for Lower and Middle School PE and recess. Other activities on the fields include the Lower School Red Ribbon Run, Founder's Day events, Back to School Picnic and a host of other JK-12 events.

    26. Pete's Pond

      Pete's Pond is named after FWCD's first Head of School, Peter A. Schwartz. Occasionally, Middle School science classes use the pond for water monitoring activities. In 2000, a dock was added which is now widely used as a fishing dock for the "Think Like a Fish" Awesomeness Initiative (AI) class, taught by the Head of Middle School, John Stephens. Think Like a Fish teaches our students about the physiology of fish, the art of tying knots, choice of equipment, how to cast, followed by several days of fishing with a group of ten 7th or 8th graders. The pond is filled with sunfish, several catfish, carp and largemouth bass.

    27. FWCD 4-H

      FWCD 4-H is the largest 4-H club in Tarrant County and the 2nd largest is Texas!  Falcon 4-H members can raise chickens and work in the garden right here on the Country Day campus.  Our poultry club won 15 blue ribbons and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo last year.  We also sell our eggs in the carpool line in the Spring. Visitors are welcome to say hello to our flock at the Coop down by the pond or swing by the garden and help pick some weeds. We are one of the very few organizations on campus that have members from JK-12!