Forsyth Country Day School

FCDS: elitist mentality abounds through out the school. Pervasive at first, but within one year of being in this community it is evident in children, administration, faculty, and families. Nepotism, and favoritism is everywhere. Faculty, and administration with the same names is not coincidence, neither is favoritism of certain children... same names as board members, or large donors. Politics at every turn. Now to be a volunteer parent you are voted on, or not. This helps to keep the wagons circled so there is no real voice for the majority. "Academic rigor" is the favorite phrase at this time. Does this explain why so few children are capable of AP, and honors classes especially in math and science? Fact: the majority of families are paying for the few students that are in these very, very small classes. Admin says all classes are taught at honors level, but there is no credit for student. If you want AP, and honors for your child, and also for them to have a life beyond hours, and hours of homework, I would recommend public school. You will have a child that is more well rounded.

This was once a very good school. Now, the academics at this school are well below any other school in the area. There is very little discipline and there is a tremendous level of bullying. If the parents of a bully make a large enough donation to the school, then the child will be able to behave any way they please. There are a few good teachers left, but most are average at best. I would only recommend this school if you are a parent that needs to hear your child is very smart and talented regardless of their academic ability and if your child is has behavioral problems that you would prefer to ignore.
—Submitted by a parent

Forsyth Country Day has provided my children an environment where they are flourishing. The class sizes of under 15, combined with the approach whereby teachers teach to each student's needs and skill level are incredible. The talented faculty, college preparatory curriculum, supportive environment, and range of resources available to my child are superior to anything else available in town. We could not be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Homework is important because it does give them practice for reinforcing skills. Therefore, as parents, we do want to see the homework that is meaningful but not 3-4 hours.

I am a previous student at FCDS, I am in ninth grade and now enrolled at Mount Tabor High School. While for the most part these reviews concentrate on academics, I will provide some information on the social system. I came to the school after being in public school all of my life. For some, a small environment is what allows them to shine, I am not this way and parents should consult their children to learn what fits them the best. If you are reading this as a student in public school, I suggest you do not attend this school if you cannot stand a high percentage of elitist mentality. While the academic situation at the school is very good, you will find that many people do not live in reality at the school, and proportionally to a public school many more people are ignorant and snobby.
—Submitted by a student

I am an 8th grader at Forsyth Country Day School, and this is my perspective on it. First: positive things about the school. We have great and caring teachers, small class sizes, and a parent-satisfaction philosophy. Athletics, the Arts, and Academics are emphasized masterfully. It's a wonderful school. Negatives: Tuition is a tad pricey, to say the least. Small student numbers make social life quite... unique. And, the administration is all about customer-satisfaction, AKA keep the parents happy so we keep the money coming in. They'll do back-flips to keep you and your dollar. In any case, FCDS is a great, but not perfect, school. I would reccomend the school for students rising into middle/high school who seek a close-knit and unique educational experience with both their teachers and classmates. Hope to see you next year, students. -LMG
—Submitted by a student

High School at FCDS was preparatory both educationally and socially. The athletics focus on team experience and involvement (not everyone can be a star basket ball player, how about managing the team instead?). My class went on to excellent State and out of state schools and have successful professional careers. The quality of the faculty is exception as one might expect, (Dead Poet Society-esq readings from Homer did happen), but it was the quality of the administration and staff - from maintenance and librarians, to counselors who made the most surprising contributions to the educational atmosphere.
—Submitted by a student

I had the best 3 years there. The teachers are great and they help you with anything. All children are friendly and nice. This is the best pk-12 grade school is the USA.
—Submitted by a student

This school has the best programs for students with learning differences in the state! My son has dyslexia and is ADD; the MAP program has saved him!
—Submitted by a parent

FCDS is a family school with something to offer everyone. My 2 children are eager to come to school each and every morning. They learn amazing things in Lower School through art, science, technology, music, physical education, foreign language, and the library, in addition to the wonderful curriculum in the classroom. Small class size gives them individualized attention. It's great to be a FCDS family!
—Submitted by a parent

FCDS has been a wonderful school for my 2 children. The link between the upper grades and the lower grades has been wonderful. My children are in awe of our older students and our older students do a wonderful job of being role models. The teachers are talented, experienced and involved with the student body. We came from the best public school in Winston-Salem and the difference is incredible! We feel lucky to have our children at FCDS.
—Submitted by a parent

FCDS is a wonderful school. Great leadership and caring nurturing teachers
—Submitted by a parent

FCDS is an outstanding school that my two children attended for several years before we moved to Durham, ND and they now attend Durham Academy, one of the top 30 schools in the country according to the Wall Street Journal. I would rate FCDS as just as good as DA, and much better in terms of the quality of interaction between parents and administrators. Outstanding teachers, great facilities, and inspired leadership. We are so grateful for the time our kids spent there.
—Submitted by a parent

Forsyth Country Day School is by far the best private school in the area. With Hank Battle at the helm the school has exploded over the past 4-5 years. Our daughter was not the most open in her preschool years. In fact, she was downright shy. I believe she would've been overshadowed in the large class size in public schools. At FCDS she has been in class sizes of 14, 15 and now 13 in second grade. We couldn't have asked for more. She is now a bright, open young girl. The teachers all enjoy what they do and love coming to school every day, unlike so many in the public schools nowadays who have to put up with so many problems. You'll be happy to choose FCDS.
—Submitted by a parent

FCDS brings in wonderful experienced teachers who love to inspire students. There are new facilities that foster academic as well as artistic outlets. Students are encouraged to balance academics with sports and extra-curricular activities. They are prepared for college and life. There's a mutual respect between teachers and students that creates a positive environment. It's growing rapidly!
—Submitted by a former student