The FWCD Office of Admission 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 for one or more 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, students and families who are committed to taking our students “From Here, Anywhere …”
Family Carnival – Grades K-5
Friday, October 3, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.
Kindergarten Prospective Parent Programs
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 9 a.m.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Family Flight Night – Grades JK-4
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 5 p.m.
Zoom with the Falcons – Grades 5-12
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 9 a.m.
Kindergarten Superhero Event
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
Awesomeness Initiative Family Preview – Grades 5-8
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 5:15 p.m.
Family Flight Night – Grades 5-12
Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Coffee at Country Day – Grades 5-12
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 9 a.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 Schooladministered programs.
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.
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. FWCD community members are expected to uphold these Core Values, in actions and deeds.
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
Community Engagement and Inclusion
Promoting inclusion and belonging has been a consistently identified theme by members of the FWCD community. During the 2016-17 academic year, the Board of Trustees set a tone consistent with the School’s mission, purpose, and Core Values through the creation of an Inclusivity Statement, which was unanimously approved 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.
Community Engagement and Inclusion at FWCD focuses on building authentic relationships within the School community; honoring the many cultures and people in the community; and ensuring that every member of the School community feels seen, heard and valued. Intentional programming and ongoing dialogue create a safe and welcoming environment where all feel a sense of belonging and can thrive. For more information, contact Nicole Masole-Rose, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion, at nicole.masole-rose@fwcd.com.
Affording FWCD Tuition
Tuition rates are determined each January by the Board of Trustees for the upcoming school year. Tuition for the 2025-26 school year is:
Junior Kindergarten (full day)
Lower School (K-4)
Middle School (5-8)
Upper School (9-12)
$17,390 $780 $500
$27,440 $1,130 $500
$29,400 $1,290 $500
$30,620
$1,390 See estimated expenses
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 athletic, arts and academic activities offered at Fort Worth Country Day. Transportation service is available from West Fort Worth, as well as an after-school program for students in junior kindergarten through grade 4. For more information, visit fwcd.org, click on Admission and then Tuition and Financial Assistance.
Tuition Assistance
Fort Worth Country Day attracts and retains deserving and talented children whose families qualify for need-based financial 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 assistance are two separate decisions.
Financial assistance is awarded annually and granted based on 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. Financial assistance funds are made available from several sources, including income from financial aid endowment funds and gifts from individuals and organizations designated specifically for financial assistance. For the 2025-26 academic year, $4 million in financial aid was awarded. This translates to 1 in 4 students. The average award for kindergarten was $12,279.
History
Founded in 1963
2025-26 Enrollment
Total Enrollment: 1,118
Lower School (JK-4): 413
Middle School (5-8): 337
Upper School (9-12): 368
Students of Color
Total Students of Color: 26%
Lower School: 21%
Middle School: 25%
Upper School: 33%
Student/Faculty Ratio
Junior Kindergarten: 8:1
Kindergarten: 9:1
Lower School: 16:1
Middle School: 9:1
Upper School: 10:1
Faculty
146: full-time faculty
55%: full-time faculty holding advanced degrees
21: average number of service years for teachers (12 at FWCD)
20: number of full-time faculty and staff who are alumni
25%: faculty/staff of color
Tuition Assistance
1 in 4 students receive need-based financial assistance
$4 million awarded for the 2025-26 school year
4,931 Alumni
FWCD 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.
Lower School
The habits and values developed in early years become foundational successes for students, giving them the confidence to know that anything is possible. Lower School distinctions include:
● Morning Movement
● Differentiated Instruction (reading, writing, word study and phonics, and mathematics)
● French/Spanish Language
● Falcon Collaboratory (students communicate and engage in integrated learning experiences)
● Science Labs
● Studio Art Instruction
● First Steps in Music, Conversational Solfege, and World Music Drumming
● Dynamic Physical Education
● Age-Appropriate Technology Resources in Every Classroom
● Age-Appropriate Community Service and Service Learning
● SOAR Extended Care and After-School Enrichment Programs
● Two Full-Time Academic Support Coordinators
● Full-Time Health and Wellness Counselor and Character Development Programming
● Core Values Program
Middle School
The middle school years are a transitional time filled with challenges and exponential potential. FWCD emphasizes the “SIX Cs”: creativity, character, critical thinking, communication, cosmopolitanism/cross-culturalism and collaboration. FWCD Middle School distinctions include:
● Specialized Experts for All Academic Subjects
● French, Spanish and Latin Language Instruction
● Visual and Performing Arts Experiences and Performances (art, band, orchestra, percussion, choir, show choir, ballet, theatre, musical theatre)
● Grades 5-6 Sports Integration; Grades 7-8 Competitive Sports
● Academic Advisory Program
● Integrated One-to-One iPad Program with an iPad Coordinator
● Grade-Level Curriculum-Based Overnight Trips
● Age-Appropriate Community Service and Service Learning
● Weekly Visits to the Como Community Center to Provide Student Support and Assistance
● Awesomeness Initiative Program (nongraded elective courses intended to fuel passions)
● Trip Opportunities for Grades 7-8 through the Center for International Studies
● Grades 6-8 Outdoor Experiential Learning Days
● Full-Time Academic Support Coordinator
● Grade 7 Expedition Day Program in Partnership with the Texas Wildlife Association
● Full-Time Health and Wellness Counselor and Related Programming
● Core Values Program
Upper School
Preparing for the challenges of college and beyond, students continue to cultivate and enhance their skills and knowledge. During these years, values are cemented, standards are elevated, and leaders are born. Upper School distinctions include:
● Four 75-Minute Classes Daily
● 100+ Course Offerings (21 Advanced Placement Courses)
● College Counseling Office and Related Programming for All Grades
● Malone Schools Online Network Course Offerings
● Grade-Level Deans and Advisory Program
● Senior Capstone Project (interdisciplinary independent study elective with a faculty supervisor and mentor in chosen field)
● Full Visual and Performing Arts Program (music and art history, band, orchestra, ballet, acting, musical theatre, technical theatre, painting and drawing, photography, and ceramics)
● Typically 30+ JV and Varsity Athletic Teams
● TEAM Service (student-led service learning group)
● Link Crew (peer mentor program for freshmen)
● Sophomore Washington, D.C. Trip (culminating project for government course)
● Cum Laude Society
● Trip Opportunities through the Center for International Studies
● Bring-Your-Own Laptop Program
● Full-Time Academic Support Coordinator
● Full-Time Health and Wellness Counselor and Related Programming
● Emphasis on Core Values
Advanced Placement
Fort Worth Country Day offered 19 Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the 2024-25 academic year. In May 2025, 164 students took a total of 474 exams.
Standardized Testing
Class of 2025 (89 students)
ACT (43 testers)
(Middle 50%) 23-30
SAT (75 testers)
(Middle 50%) 1190-1330
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 590-690
Math: 570-660
Class of 2025
Eighty-nine students submitted 758 applications and were admitted to 201 colleges and universities.
They attend 39 different institutions throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Eighteen students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or the College Board National Recognition Programs.
The class was awarded more than $11.3 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.
Forty-nine percent of the members of the Class of 2025 attend colleges and universities located across the nation and internationally. Fifty-one percent of the class attend Texas colleges and universities.
College Matriculation 2022-25
The Classes of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 matriculated at the following colleges and universities (numbers in parentheses indicate schools where more than one student is enrolled):
Alabama A&M University
American University (2)
Arizona State University
Auburn University (7)
Austin Community College (9)
Baylor University (3)
Belmont University
Berklee College of Music
Berry College
Blinn College (4)
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University (2)
Case Western Reserve University
Clemson University (3)
College of Charleston
Colorado School of Mines (4)
Colorado State University (2)
Cornell University (2)
Dartmouth College (3)
Davidson College (2)
Dordt University
Duke University
El Camino Community College
The George Washington University (3)
Harvard University (2)
Hendrix College
Hobart and William Smith
Howard University
Indiana University-Bloomington
Lawrence University
Lewis & Clark College
Louisiana State University
Marymount Manhattan College
Mississippi State University
New York University
Northwestern University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Oklahoma State University (3)
Pace University (2)
Pomona College
Purdue University (4)
Rhodes College
Rice University (4)
Rutgers University-New Brunswick (2)
Rutgers University-Newark
Savannah College of Art and Design (2)
Seattle University
Sewanee - The University of the South (4)
Southern Methodist University (11)
Southwestern College
Southwestern University (3)
Stanford University (2)
Stephen F. Austin State University
Tarleton State University (3)
Texas A&M University (33)
Texas A&M University-Galveston (2)
Texas Christian University (35)
Texas Tech University (3)
Trinity University (4)
Tulane University (4)
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas (7)
University of California, Los Angeles (2)
University of Colorado Boulder (5)
University of Denver
University of Georgia (4)
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi (13)
University of Missouri-Columbia (2)
University of New Hampshire
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Texas (4)
University of Oklahoma (21)
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina (15)
University of Southern California (2)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2)
University of Texas at Arlington (7)
University of Texas at Austin (40)
University of Tulsa
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Virginia (4)
University of Washington-Seattle (2)
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University (3)
Washington and Lee University (3)
Washington University in St. Louis (2)
Weatherford College
William & Mary (2)
Yale University
International King’s College London
University of St Andrews York University
Physical Education/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 junior kindergarten and Lower School. 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. Competitive, interscholastic sports begin in seventh grade. Students may choose from among 50 Middle School and Upper School teams. Athletics promotes healthy bodies and teaches perseverance, sacrifice, discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork—valuable tools to take into adulthood.
FWCD varsity sports include baseball, basketball (boys/girls), cheerleading, cross country (boys/girls), field hockey, football, golf (boys/girls), lacrosse (boys only), soccer (boys/girls), softball, swimming (boys/girls), tennis (boys/girls), track & field (boys/girls), volleyball (boys/girls) and wrestling (boys/girls). There are three sports seasons: fall, winter and spring. Fourth-grade, Middle School and Upper School students may also participate in ballet in place of PE/athletics.
Varsity teams compete in the Southwest Preparatory Conference. For more information on SPC, visit spcsports.org.
Visual and Performing Arts
FWCD takes pride in its fine arts program, an integral part of the 3A’s at the School. Students participate in both visual and performing arts experiences beginning in Lower School that build in depth and breadth through senior year.
In the visual arts, students create a variety of works, including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and print and digital media. Students showcase their artwork in professional displays throughout campus, as well as in art shows and competitions in the community. Students are exposed to a wide range of media, with additional options for journalism, newspaper, video, and yearbook production in the Upper School. The Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center is a contemporary space that houses art rooms, a digital lab, a darkroom, and a state-of-the-art ceramics studio.
Lower School students begin their musical journey by building foundational skills through vocal and rhythmic development, creative expression and movement, instrumental ensemble work, and performances to foster a love of music to last a lifetime. Falcon Flyers, the Lower School choir, offers students opportunities to further expand their musicianship and performance skills. Students may also opt to participate in The Music Conservatory at Fort Worth Country Day program after school.
Middle School offers a show choir option, which adds the element of dance. Students may continue to pursue choir, including solo and ensemble opportunities, through Upper School. Band, drumline and orchestra are available to students in grades 6-12, where students perform an exciting and challenging repertoire at various events, including football games, pep rallies, concerts and festivals.
Theatre classes begin in fifth grade. Students explore movement and vocal technique, as well as play creative dramatic games throughout Middle School. In eighth grade, students participate in a production. Upper School students can choose courses in Acting, Musical Theatre or Playwriting. Students interested in working backstage or learning lighting and sound can enroll in Technical Theatre. Students with a passion for the performing arts have many opportunities to shine. In Upper School, they can take part in a fall play and
a spring musical, while those in Middle School may participate in a dedicated musical production.
The School’s celebrated ballet program, which counts as an athletic credit in place of PE or organized athletics, begins in fourth grade, culminating in senior year. Dance students learn classical ballet and jazz techniques and have the opportunity to perform in fulllength ballets and contribute student choreography. Students may also opt to participate in The Ballet Conservatory at Fort Worth Country Day program after school.
Invited Upper School students in visual and performing arts participate each year in the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Arts Festival, a three-day festival with 50 other peer schools, presenting students with opportunities to showcase their work, attend workshops, and receive critique from professionals in their field.
Each student is required to take a one-semester course of Art History, Music History or AP Music Theory as a graduation requirement.
SOAR Extended Care and Enrichment
SOAR (Scholastic Opportunities, Arts and Recreation) Extended Care at Fort Worth Country Day offers students a series of engaging and unique programs outside of the traditional school-day schedule. On school days from 3:10 to 6 p.m., students in SOAR have the opportunity to spark new interests, build upon their existing passions, and develop new peer relationships, all without having to leave the FWCD campus. Available to students in JK-4, SOAR Extended Care is led by a team of FWCD faculty and staff, accomplished educators, and experienced childcare professionals.
SOAR After-School Enrichment, for grades JK-6, provides students with after-school opportunities to engage in supervised study, as well as recreational and arts and crafts activities. SOAR Enrichment Programs provide students with specialized instruction and further exploration into and beyond the curriculum. Programs are updated each semester and include performing arts, sciences, languages, sports, visual arts, and STEM and STEAM sessions.
Summer Camps at FWCD
Fort Worth Country Day hosts a variety of summer camp programs each year that serve as catalysts for generating new skills, friendships and memories. Fort Wonder Summer Camps provide participants with exciting, theme-based learning opportunities and activities in an unforgettable environment. Falcon Sports Camps allow students to explore new athletic endeavors or further develop their skill sets in their favorite sports. Learn more at fortwondercamps.org and falconsportscamps.org.
Library
The goal of the FWCD Library Program is to foster lifelong reading while preparing students for college-level research. The library team comprises four individuals: one professional Librarian with an advanced degree in library science serves in each division, and a full-
time Library Assistant supports both the Carolyn W. Fierer Library (in the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School) and Moncrief Library. Their backgrounds in JK-12 education and library services provide students with a rich resource. FWCD’s two libraries offer more than 30,000 print books, as well as a collection of ebooks, audiobooks and research databases suitable for all ages.
Technology
Technology is fully integrated into the curriculum at Fort Worth Country Day. Students utilize modern tools to enhance the academic program. A dedicated group of technology professionals provides support and services to the entire FWCD community.
In Lower School, iPads and interactive flat panel technology are a part of every teacher’s classroom. Lower School teachers use technology to enhance the educational experiences of students, integrating technology 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 technician in the Middle School to assist students, and all teachers have interactive whiteboard technology in their classrooms.
In Upper School, students bring their own laptops to school each day. Laptop computers are used as an extension of the academic program. Research, writing, design, collaboration and communication are hallmarks of FWCD’s 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 2GB circuit and supports over 700 desktop and laptop computers. Teachers have access to many educational software titles, as well as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and more.
A Faculty Initiative in Technology program allows teachers to continually develop new teaching strategies involving technology integration. A distance-learning program, the Malone Schools Online Network (see page 14), enables students and teachers to engage in selected courses and collaborate with worldwide peers.
The TEAM Room (Technology Engineering Art Maker) is a dedicated makerspace available to teachers in every grade for classroom activities and projects.
The School’s website, fwcd.org, serves as a public viewbook. The Community Hub (fwcd.org/hub) is a common-interest resource with quick links and important information for the FWCD community, including a link to protected content stored in the MyFWCD Portal, which requires a private login. Parents, students, alumni, and faculty/staff can access teacher and athletic webpages, report cards, assignments, schedules, and
directory and calendar information—all online. Electronic newsletters, as well as social media feeds, provide additional ways to stay informed about all campus activities. An auto-dialer, BrightArrow Technologies, notifies all families of emergencies or closings on campus.
Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
The PFA was established to include all parents, guardians and faculty at FWCD and has no dues or meeting requirements. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of FWCD parents and guardians and is in place to support and promote FWCD and provide opportunities for family members to take active roles in the life of the School. The PFA hosts many community-building events to foster parent, guardian, student, and faculty relationships and raise funds to support the School. Some examples of these events include Carnival, Bingo, Pumpkin Patch, and the FWCD Parent Party. The PFA also coordinates with each division to designate Room Representatives for each class.
Alumni Association
With more than 4,900 members, the FWCD Alumni Association is a vital part of Fort Worth Country Day. 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 Homecoming/Reunion Weekend, Falcons on the Road, the Alumni Fall Play and Spring Musical Sneak Peeks, and various alumni sporting events. FWCD alumni stay connected through FWCD Connect, Alumni Relations communications, social media, the Falconer magazine, and campus tours and events.
Annual Giving
The FWCD Fund, the School’s annual fund, provides Fort Worth Country Day with the flexibility to respond to immediate opportunities to keep the School growing and thriving. The tradition of giving at FWCD has always been important and demonstrates the loyalty, commitment and spirit of the FWCD community. Parents, guardians, grandparents, alumni, faculty/staff and friends are asked to contribute to this fund, which exceeded $1.3 million in unrestricted support to FWCD in the 2025-26 academic year. This support allows the School to design new opportunities and initiatives and retain and attract remarkable students, distinguished faculty and hard-working staff.
Center for International Studies (CIS)
Launched in April 2018, the Center for International Studies (fwcd.org/cis) houses FWCD’s international initiatives, including overseas summer expeditions, exchange and hosting opportunities, cultural programs, and global competency professional development. The goal of the CIS is to develop in all students the skills, confidence and mindset to be successful in today’s (and tomorrow’s) world. The center strives to create authentic experiences that foster global competence, fulfill the School’s mission, and create greater global awareness. Through Fort Worth Sister Cities International, students may apply to
participate in organized youth exchanges to nine of Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. In 2019, FWCD was honored with the Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. FWCD is the first independent school to earn the honor, which has been awarded since 2001.
Through the CIS, FWCD is also partnering with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder (shouldertoshoulder.com) to provide ethical leadership development through experiential courses. These courses offer students unique opportunities to work alongside local non-governmental organizations in various locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, as they seek to improve conditions in their communities.
FWCD families also have opportunities to host international students or teachers. Limited financial assistance is available to support students who need help with travel opportunities.
Malone Schools Online Network (MSON)
The Malone Schools Online Network provides Upper School students with distancelearning instruction through virtual online classes that enhance the FWCD 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 high school enrichment elective courses and meet twice a week during the regular school day. Each course takes a blended approach, combining synchronous instruction and realtime video conferencing seminars with asynchronous instruction, recorded lectures, and exercises students complete outside 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 delivered in high-definition classroom setups.
Fort Worth Country Day is a founding MSON school and the only location in Texas to provide MSON courses. In the 2025-26 academic year, 15 FWCD students are enrolled in nine of the 17 MSON courses offered.
