Academics

Upper School

List of 1 items.

  • The freedom to fail.

    The cool to own up to it. 
The Upper School is a vibrant and supportive place that builds on the foundation set in the Middle and Lower Schools at FCDS.
The Upper School 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, Harkness-style classroom settings, and hands-on learning. In addition to experiments in physics 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 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 core 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 7-9. 

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Jonathan Lord

    Jonathan "Jon" Lord 

    Head of Upper School, History Teacher
    203-259-2723 x328

List of 1 items.

  • Upper School Sample Schedule

    A typical week includes the following classes:
    • advisor meetings
    • history
    • science
    • world language of choice
    • algebra
    • English
    • music
    • study hall
    • electives
    • tech
    • bell or concert choir
    • art
    • executive functioning class

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Fairfield Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, all-boys day school in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Founded in 1936 by Laurence W. Gregory, the school has admitted only boys since its inception. As per our mission: Fairfield Country Day School provides an educational community dedicated to the development of impactful young leaders of character and purpose; ready to face the everyday challenges and pivotal turning points of their lifetime with confidence, courage and compassion. Its balanced and challenging program is designed to help each student expand his desire and ability to acquire knowledge, capture his imagination, stimulate his curiosity and creativity, and enhance his self-esteem and respect for others. Each boy’s individual growth is encouraged in an environment that anticipates the future while appreciating the past.

FCDS admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

FCDS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.