Fairfield Country Day School Viewbook

Where Boys Excel

Boys E Laboribus Iudicamur —“We are judged by our deeds”

Our Mission

Fairfield Country Day School provides an educational community dedicated to the personal growth and intellectual development of boys. Our balanced and challenging program is designed to help each student expand his desire and ability to acquire knowledge, stimulate his curiosity and creativity, and enhance his self-esteem and respect for others. Each boy’s individual development is encouraged in an environment which anticipates the future while appreciating the past.

“Our boys strive for academic excellence and realize impressive athletic and artistic accomplishments. Just as important is the critical role the school plays in supporting parents as they raise boys with sound ethical values. Service to others and civility are cornerstones both here in school and out in the world.”

—FCDS Headmaster

“You might think of an all boys school as being ‘rough and tough’ but boys are very sensitive, despite their outward appearance. They need to know there are people out there besides their parents who care about them – people who are very much interested in their success and well-being.”

—FCDS Director of Admissions

Fairfield Country Day School educates the whole student— intellectual, emotional, social, physical and moral. Inside the classroom, out on the playing field, or in the dining room, faculty use all aspects of the day as learning opportunities. The extraordinary sense of community and individual attention to each student provide an environment that fosters intellectual and personal growth throughout each day. Teachers recognize each student’s accomplishments and encourage resiliency through the challenges that they may confront.

To instill strong ethics and morals, all members of the community are expected to live by the school honor code.

The core principles of integrity and respect are evident throughout daily life at Country Day.

FCDS Honor Code Laboribus Iudicamur (“We are judged by our deeds”) We, the community of Fairfield Country Day School, will uphold the principles upon which our school has been founded: integrity, scholarship, and respect for ourselves and others.

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A Complete Education

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At Fairfield Country Day School, we know boys. Based on the school’s founding principles established by Lawrence Gregory in 1936, Country Day provides “superior instruction… with the utmost attention paid to the scholastic and extra curricular needs of each boy.” Country Day faculty teach in an environment that recognizes the natural developmental growth of boys and their particular learning styles, and holds them to high intellectual standards.

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A Community Dedicated to the Intellectual and Personal Development of Boys

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Why FCDS Boys Excel

Acade Where Boys Exceed Expectations

Public Speaking

Clear, effective personal communication is considered an essential component of a Country Day education.

Every FCDS student participates in the public speaking program. Younger boys recite poems. Upper School boys debate current issues in all school assemblies. Students in eighth and ninth grade write and deliver their own speeches to the school body. Every voice is heard.

Every voice is strengthened.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed for the mastery of core subjects while providing a range of broader offerings. Country Day prepares students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers while identifying their personal passions and academic interests.

Small Classes for Individual Attention

Small class sizes allow Country Day teachers to gain in-depth understanding of each boy’s learning style. That knowledge enables teachers to tailor instruction to foster the enjoyment of learning and achieve academic success. The number of students in a class can range from 8 in some courses to never more than 16.

Exemplary Teachers

“Students often arrive here as early as 7:00 a.m. just to sit and chat with a teacher.”

— FCDS Fifth Grade Teacher

With 275 boys at Country Day, there are 275 paths to academic and personal achievement.

The excellent caliber of teachers at Country Day is evident not only in their skills and qualifications, but also in their dedication to their profession and to the school. Each day they combine their professional expertise with their personal commitment to enhancing the intellectual and personal growth of their students.

Outside the classroom, teachers serve as coaches, advisors, activity leaders and more. Teachers observe and interact with each boy at play and at work, cultivating the sense of community between student and teacher.

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– FCDS Dean of Students

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to be the best at something.”

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every boy has the opportunity

Academic excellence is the cornerstone of Fairfield Country Day School.

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“Because of our small size,

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Excellence In Academics

Arts

Where Boys Build Character

Country Day students gain broad exposure to the performing and visual arts at all grade levels.

Music and art courses encourage personal expression, promote creativity and provide new perspectives.

Country Day’s fine arts program encourages personal exploration through a multitude of mediums. The spacious, well equipped art studio, including a kiln and pottery wheels, provides generous space to explore artistic interests. The range of art classes include painting, drawing, sculpture, printing, weaving, batik, etching, pottery and computer-generated art.

FCDS Field Trips

Classroom lessons are enhanced with experiential learning through field trips. Located in the New York metropolitan area, Fairfield Country Day School takes advantage of the many cultural resources available such as: New York Historical Society Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum of Natural History Mashantucket Pequot Museum

Eli Whitney Museum Bronx Zoo Lincoln Center

In addition to local field trips, Upper School students are given opportunities to travel with faculty to discover new educational venues and strengthen the bonds within the student/faculty community. Recent trips have included: Seventh Grade – New Hampshire Eighth Grade – Boston, MA Ninth Grade – Miami and the Everglades

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Fine Arts

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The performing arts at Country Day offer numerous opportunities for boys to explore and achieve success on stage. Starting in kindergarten, music becomes an integral part of a Country Day education.

Throughout the Lower School years, vocal and instrumental musical expression and appreciation is taught. Upper School students continue their music and performing arts education with expanded course offerings. Concert Choir, a cappella singing, Hand Bell Choir, string quartet and theater are actively pursued by many students. The Upper School Concert Choir has performed throughout Italy, including a performance at the Vatican. The annual musical production involves most students in seventh through ninth grades. Drawing upon the boys’ interests and talents, they can be performing on stage, building sets behind the scenes or managing the lighting and sound.

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Performing Arts

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The Arts

Athlet

Where Boys Are Complete: Scholars, Athletes, Artists,

“At Country Day,

competitiveness, wanting to win,

working hard at practice, and being committed to the team—were huge priorities. That intensity carried over off the field and into the classroom.”

—FCDS Alumnus, Class of 1994 Fairfield College Preparatory School United States Military Academy West Point

Five playing fields Gym with two basketball courts Outdoor ice hockey rink

FCDS Sports

Cross-Country Football Soccer Basketball Ice Hockey Baseball Lacrosse

“Boys feel safe here. An athlete feels safe performing in the bell choir or singing in the chorus. It’s cool to take risks here.”

A comprehensive athletics program teaches fair play, doing one’s best and teamwork.

Beginning in fourth grade, boys choose seasonal sports and compete on teams.

– FCDS Athletic Director

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Outstanding Athletic Facilities on 25 Acres

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On the playing field, the students learn teamwork, self-discipline, patience, commitment, sportsmanship and self-confidence.

Athletics extend and deepen student/teacher bonds, adding to the culture of comradeship, care and support.

In kindergarten through third grade, the boys participate in sports as a regular part of their academic day. They focus on drills and games that develop body awareness, and large and small muscle coordination. Everyone is exposed to a variety of sports in the Lower School which then serve as a foundation for the sports they want to pursue in the higher grades. Soccer, basketball, and skating on the school’s outdoor hockey rink are perennial favorites. In fourth through ninth grades, every student participates in team sports at a more advanced level.

Intramural teams engage the boys in fourth and fifth grade. Starting in sixth grade, junior varsity and varsity teams represent Fairfield Country Day School in the Fairchester League Athletic Association.

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Athletics

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Leaders And Citizens

Lower Where Boys Shine

Lower School:

“Our classes are so small, we reach every child. It’s a safe environment that encourages the boys to take learning risks and to feel part of the community. And it’s fun. We make it as hands-on as learning can be.”

— FCDS Kindergarten Teacher

The Kindergarten Experience Art Computers Language Arts Library Mathematics

Music Science Social Studies Spanish Sports

“For parents, there are no surprises. We call parents all the time about their son’s accomplishments, their challenges, and the great things they do.”

—FCDS Lower School Head

Boys in first through fourth grade gain a firm foundation in traditional subjects. They build their ability to think creatively, problem solve and express ideas. By discovering each boy’s learning style, Country Day teaches lessons in the way that will most effectively strengthen individual intellectual development.

Enrichment

To fortify the core subject areas, FCDS provides a full-time math enrichment specialist and a language arts specialist in the Lower School. These teachers work with students individually and in small groups on an as needed basis to strengthen lesson comprehension.

The Lower School curriculum is taught in an environment that instills a love of learning while mastering academic skills.

Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, the boys prepare for the departmentalization of the Upper School. Teachers place heavy emphasis on organizational skills to assist the boys in managing the increase in academic content and schedule. It is a year of many firsts for the boys: participating in team sports, wearing a jacket and tie everyday, later dismissal each day and having opportunities for leadership roles such as serving as waiters at lunch.

Technology in the Lower School

In the computer lab, Lower School students receive instruction on basic computer and keyboarding skills. The boys apply their computer skills in class. Every classroom features a computer for teacher and student to work together on special educational software programs. The software includes interactive math and reading “games” that correlate to classroom lessons. The Lower School technology instruction prepares the boys for a seamless transition to the laptop in the sixth grade.

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Thinking, Solving, and Expressing

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Arrival All School Assembly Academics Recess Music Lunch Science Spanish Sports Social Studies Dismissal Optional After School Activities

At Fairfield Country Day School, the kindergarten experience kindles a child’s natural intellectual curiosity. Our program encourages daily creativity while respecting each boy’s individuality.

It is a year brimming with success, excitement and fun.

Kindergarten students build reading readiness skills, creatively explore language arts, discover basic math concepts and learn how to use their time well. We emphasize stories, poetry, music, kinetic activities and dramatic play.

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8:15 8:30 9:00 11:00 11:15 11:55 12:30 1:15 1:35 2:00 3:10 3:00–4:30

Kindergarten

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An Example of A Third Grader’s Daily Schedule

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School A

A Strong Academic Foundation

Upper Where Boys Become Leaders

Upper School: New

“We structure the work around the needs and interests of boys. For

example, in fifth grade we have the students read literature that appeals to boys—literature about living forever, adventure stories, scientific topics and how things are made.”

—FCDS Fifth Grade Teacher

Seventh Grade Course Selections Algebra 1 Pre-Algebra Honors Algebra Art Bell Choir Chimes Computer Concert Choir

English Ethics French History Latin Music Pottery Robotics

Science Spanish String Orchestra Video Editing Problem Solving Study Skills

Advisor Groups

In sixth through ninth grades, a faculty advisor mentors and advocates for each boy. The advisor also serves as a facilitator between the student’s family and the school. To help build strong relationships, no advisor has more than nine advisees. Advisor groups meet every week to check progress, lend encouragement and answer questions.

Advanced Technology on a Wireless Campus

Values and Ethics

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Ninth Grade Leadership

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As a pioneer laptop school, FCDS integrates the academic curriculum with wireless and mobile technologies as learning tools.

Students in sixth through ninth grade each have a tablet PC or a laptop which is used throughout the course of studies. Students expand their technology skills through electives in video editing, podcasting, Lego robotics programming and graphic design.

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The challenging Upper School curriculum prepares students for success at some of the most competitive independent and public high schools.

Boys are challenged in their academic classes to think independently, develop analytical and problem solving skills, and become highly adept in their written and verbal communications. This strong curriculum provides a classical liberal arts education that challenges the intellect and lays the foundation for future college preparatory work.

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Intellectual Growth

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Heights & Depths of Learning

All Upper School boys take “Inside/Out,” a values and ethics discussion course that builds self-esteem, personal values and respect for others.

Boys confront challenging life issues—ethical dilemmas, moral choices, cultural temptations—in a classroom discussion setting with the facts, staff expertise and positive role models to facilitate and provide guidance.

At FCDS, ninth grade is a particularly meaningful year. Boys have many leadership responsibilities. They edit the school’s newspaper, serve as student government officers, captain varsity athletic teams and support the younger boys as mentors and role models. There are also unique ninth grade privileges that are long standing traditions at FCDS. For example, only ninth grade boys can use the front blue door.

Succes

Where boys have a Compassion for the Community, “As my career at FCDS comes to a close, I can’t help but

imagine who I would be today without FCDS in its entirety.

The impressive facilities and programs granted me life lessons and experiences I’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

My faithful friends stuck with me steadfastly throughout the years. And my inspiring teachers and mentors provided a world of opportunity for me and my peers…”

—FCDS Alumnus, Class of 2006 St. Paul’s School

Distinctively FCDS

EBlotter – Student written daily e-newsletter Family style lunch with teachers and mixed grades Woodshop Advisor Group Spring Whiffle Ball Tournament

Recent FCDS graduates have enrolled in the following schools: Andover Avon Old Farms School Berkshire School Blair Academy Brunswick School Choate Rosemary Hall Deerfield Academy Fairfield Prep School Fairfield Ludlowe High School Fairfield Warde High School Greens Farms Academy Groton School Hopkins School Hotchkiss School Joel Barlow High School

Kent School Loomis Chaffee School Middlesex School Millbrook School Phillips Exeter Academy Pomfret School St. George’s School St. Paul’s School Salisbury School Staples High School Suffield Academy Tabor Academy The Taft School Westminster School

“I have more friends from Country Day than from high school or college or medical school. My best friend in kindergarten is still my best friend. The closeness you develop at a small school like Fairfield Country Day School is invaluable. I have more vivid memories of Country Day than of college or anywhere else.”

— FCDS Alumnus, Class of 1975 Philips Exeter Academy Vanderbilt University New York University School of Medicine Surgical Oncologist, Bridgeport Hospital

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Finding the right secondary school is usually a two year process. The Upper School Head and Headmaster meet with every parent multiple times to discuss the best secondary school matches for their son. Together, the family and the school explore all the options among day, boarding, public and independent schools. Every graduate leaves FCDS well equipped to be successful in secondary school.

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Secondary School Process

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Fairfield Country Day School prepares boys well for future success in their academic and personal lives. They leave FCDS with an excellent academic foundation and a solid understanding of their personal strengths and talents.

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Success After FCDS

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Passion for Learning

Invitat

2970 Bronson Road • Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone: 203.259.2723 • Fax: 203.259.3249 Website: www.fairfieldcountryday.org E-mail: admissions@fcdsmail.org

FCDS Facts

History: Founded in 1936 by Lawrence Gregory Location: 2970 Bronson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut Twenty-five acre campus in the Greenfield Hill section of Fairfield

Accreditation: Connecticut Association of Independent Schools Grades: K-9 Students Enrolled: 275 Students of Color: 14% Average Class Size: 14 Faculty-student ratio: 1:6 Faculty with graduate degrees: 55% Average Years Experience of Faculty: 12 Technology Infrastructure: Wireless Laptop Program: Grades 6-9 Public Speaking Program: Grades K-9 Intramural Sports: Grades 4 and 5 Interscholastic Sports: Grades 6-9 School Hours Grades K-3: 8:30a.m.-3:10p.m.

School Hours Grades 4-9: 8:30a.m.-4:15p.m.

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lunch, attend a special event and talk with current students.

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you. You may be able to visit classes, meet teachers, enjoy

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to visit. Please call ahead so we can schedule time with

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The best way to evaluate Fairfield Country Day School is

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ion

Your Invitation to Visit

Directions to Fairfield Country Day School 58

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Traveling North 1. Take the Center Street exit, exit 19, toward Southport 2. Turn left onto Center Street 3. Turn left onto US 1/Post Road 4. Turn right onto Hulls Hwy 5. Turn right onto Hulls Farm Road 6. Turn left onto Bronson Road School will be on your right.

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Traveling South 1. Take Exit 21 Mill Plain Rd. 2. Go straight off exit bearing right onto Sturges Rd. 3. Turn right to stay on Sturges Rd. 4. Turn right onto Bronson Rd. Go approximately 2 miles and school will be on your right.

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Traveling North 1. Take Exit 44 toward CT-58/Fairfield/Redding.

2. Turn right onto Congress St. 3. Turn left onto Hillside Rd. 4. Turn slight right onto Bronson Rd. 5. Turn slight right onto Old Academy Rd. 6. Turn left onto Bronson Rd. School will be on your left.

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Traveling South 1. Take Exit 44 toward CT-58/Fairfield/Redding.

2. Turn left onto Congress St. 3. Turn left onto CT-58/Black Rock Tpke.

4. Turn right onto Congress St. 5. Turn left onto Hillside Rd. 6. Turn slight right onto Bronson Rd. 7. Turn slight right onto Old Academy Rd. 8. Turn left onto Bronson Rd. School will be on your left.

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Photography: Sven Martson Contributing copywriter: Chris Amorsino, Amorosino Writing, LLC Design: Good Design LLC Printing: Lebon Press Galerie Art is made with up to 30% recycled fiber and with chlorine free (TCF/ECF) pulp using timber from managed forests.

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2970 Bronson Road • Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone: 203.259.2723 • Fax: 203.259.3249 www.fairfieldcountryday.org