Upper School

The academic program balances a traditional curriculum with creative instruction designed specifically for boys of this age. Throughout the day, our boys benefit from strong relationships with their teachers, discussion based classroom settings, and hands-on learning. In addition to experiments in the biology lab, presenting original speeches, and competing in the international Math Olympiad Competition, Upper School boys participate in art, music, and technology. Our athletes are also musicians and our artists are robotic engineers.

 

The advisor program continues to serve as the foundation of relational learning at FCDS.  Advisor groups consist of students from Grades 6-9 and are led by a group of dedicated and trained faculty who understand the importance of building relationships and establishing clear expectations and lines of communication.

 

The common denominator that permeates every aspect of FCDS is character development. The three pillars of our honor code—scholarship, integrity, and respect for others and ourselves—provide the framework for how we function   as a community. In recent years, we have broadened that framework to include mission aligned competencies such as digital citizenship, collaboration, and stewardship. Our teachers understand that developing young men of character takes commitment, energy, and an understanding that mistakes can also serve as valuable learning opportunities. 

 

Our greatest testimonials come from our graduates who return year after year and credit FCDS with providing them the launch pad they needed to thrive in secondary school, prep school and beyond. They leave FCDS understanding that teachers are allies, self-advocacy is essential, opportunities should be seized, and that we learn more from our failures than our successes. That mindset makes all the difference. Come see what FCDS has to offer for boys in Grades 6-9.