Will I fit in at FWCDS? Will my child fit in?

The FWCDS community works especially hard to ensure that students of all backgrounds, experiences and personalities will feel 'at home' in the largest K-12 independent school in Tarrant County. Opportunities abound for students to take part in community service projects, as well as numerous extracurricular activities in athletics, the arts and academics. Everyone will find something he or she can enjoy and share with like-minded students and families. Whether you are unique because of a special talent or cultural background, FWCDS will welcome you to its already diverse student body and Parent Faculty Association. Of course, different schools have different personalities, so we encourage you to look at a number of independent schools to find one that best matches the needs and desires of your child.

How can I be involved as a parent at my child's school?

Even before your child attends the first day of classes, the Parent Faculty Association will offer you a multitude of ways to become an active part of the FWCDS community. Moms and Dads volunteer as room representatives, working for the Falcon Feeder, at athletic events and in special events such as the School Carnival and Bingo Night. We even encourage you to come have lunch with your Lower School student and volunteer for the many service opportunities on campus (e.g., Book Fair, Falcon Feeder, Bingo Night, etc.). Every day you will see parents engaged in making this school a vibrant and exciting place for children to learn.

I appreciate the value of a FWCDS education. How can I afford to send my child there?

As with any independent school, all families have made a significant investment of time and money to be a part of an excellent educational community. Still, some parents need help in managing the cost of an independent school. For information on need-based financial aid, payment options and loan programs, visit the section "Affording FWCDS".

Does FWCDS have a "wait-list"?

FWCDS has a selective admission process, but there is no 'list' for parents to get on months or even years in advance in order to apply for admission. Families interested in sending their children to FWCDS should contact the Admissions Office at (817) 302-3209 to receive an information packet.

In general, there are always more qualified applicants than there are spaces available. This is especially true for grades 1-8, which are non-entry points. Each spring, qualified candidates for whom spaces are not available will be offered “waitlist” decisions. The grade level “wailist” is not ranked. If a space should become available during the late spring or summer, the most qualified candidate will be notified and offered enrollment. If a place does not become available, the candidate is encouraged to re-apply for the following year. The $75 application fee is waived, but the applicant must submit a new application, transcript, teacher recommendation(s) and student supplements for grades 5-12. All re-applying candidates must re-test the following spring.

What testing is required for admissions?

Candidates for admission to FWCDS in grades 1-12 take a grade appropriate evaluation that helps the admission committees determine if FWCDS is the appropriate academic match for the student. Though the results of this evaluation are an important part of the admission decision, the committees consider many things including previous school records, teacher recommendations, interview, half-day visit, etc. Therefore, we strongly discourage intense 'prepping' for these tests, particularly by candidates for the lower grades. Kindergarten applicants take part in two evaluations — individual and group. After receiving your application, the Admissions Office will call to schedule a time for a one-on-one session with a trained evaluator. We will also schedule your Kindergarten child to take part in a classroom visitation. Students applying for grades 1-4 will take a standardized test on March 25, 2006, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The Admissions Office will handle registration for this test. Candidates for grades 5-12 must register for the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) in addition to applying for admission. This may be done by mail or online at http://www.iseetest.org. There is a registration fee of $73 that is due to the ISEE registration office. Late registrations will incur an additional $30 fee. Visit the Educational Records Bureau for more information or contact the Admissions Office. FWCDS is one of four leading independent schools in Fort Worth which participates in a joint admissions calendar. This allows families making applications to multiple schools to test at one location and have the results reported to the other participating institutions. In addition to FWCDS, Fort Worth Academy, All Saints' Episcopal School and Trinity Valley School take part in this joint calendar.

What is Kindergarten "Early Decision"?

This option is available to applicants who are siblings of current FWCDS students, children of a FWCDS graduate alumni, and children of faculty. Early Decision is a binding admission decision that allows families to apply to their first choice school and receive an admission decision before the rest of the applicant pool. Families may apply for Early Decision to FWCDS and must agree that, if admitted, they will enroll at FWCDS by the stated deadline. If you have another question that is not answered here, please send it to info@fwcds.org or call the Admissions Office (817) 302-3209.