Strategic Plan 2030

Dear FWCD Community, 

As we embark on Fort Worth Country Day’s next 60 years, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the vision outlined by the School’s founding Board Chair, Perry Bass H’99. In 1963, he shared with the recently hired founding Head of School, Peter Schwartz H’99: “Mr. Schwartz, we want the finest day school in America.” This directive ignited a legacy of excellence that has driven us to uphold the School’s purpose: “to inspire the passion to learn, the courage to lead, and the commitment to serve.” It has been both a tremendous privilege and responsibility for FWCD to steward the young minds and hearts that have walked our halls in our first 60 years. 

Continuing our commitment to constant improvement, in the 2023-24 academic year, FWCD embarked on, from our position of strength, a community-wide effort to refresh its Strategic Plan for the first time since 2018. As we look ahead in a rapidly evolving world to the next five years, we initiated a process to provide a guiding compass for anticipating change and positioning the School to continue innovating, adapting and improving. In doing so, our commitment to FWCD’s core values, mission, purpose, and inclusivity statement remains steadfast and continues to guide us. 

FWCD’s mission to foster the intellectual, physical, emotional and ethical development of capable students through an academically rigorous college-preparatory program that integrates the arts and athletics remains firmly entrenched as the School’s beacon. Similarly, FWCD’s ethical compass and standard of conduct follow our unwavering commitment to the core values of integrity, kindness, courage, respect, responsibility and scholarship. 

The overarching purpose of updating the Strategic Plan is to offer a clear vision and direction for the next five years, backed by strategic priorities and rationale. These priorities inform the Board of Trustees and Head of School’s annual goals, transforming strategic thoughts into tangible outcomes by ensuring accountability and action. The Strategic Plan is not a rigid checklist but a flexible guide that allows FWCD to anticipate and adapt to future changes, ensuring we continue to provide a preeminent environment for learning and growth. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the 22-member Strategic Planning Committee, a team that included Trustees, teachers, administrators, students, parents and grandparents, for their leadership through this year-long process. We also thank the hundreds of contributors from the broader FWCD community who actively participated in the planning process. Our community members’ insights were invaluable to this collaborative effort. Additionally, we acknowledge the Board of Trustees for evaluating and approving the final Strategic Plan and initiating this refresh nearly two years ago, seeking to align the FWCD community around a shared vision for the future. The plan is the culmination of the Strategic Planning Committee’s comprehensive process, which included hundreds of hours of interviews, multiple community think-tank sessions, a six-hour, open-invitation Community Design Day, and countless hours spent gathering and synthesizing primary research data. 

A Vision Rooted in Excellence

Our Strategic Plan envisions a school that stands as a paragon of educational excellence, fostering a deep sense of belonging and passionate engagement in every individual. We remain wholeheartedly committed to our rich tradition as a rigorous college-preparatory institution while also broadening our role to prepare students for successful and fulfilling lives beyond academia. 

As FWCD focuses on this vision for the next five years, we are dedicated to aligning our efforts toward four key Strategic Pillars: 

1. Delivering Excellence and Enduring Value Throughout the 3A’s (Academics, Arts, and Athletics): We will continue to foster a rigorous academic environment while nurturing well-rounded individuals through exceptional arts and athletics programs. 
2. Preparing Students for College and Beyond: We are deeply committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to thrive in college and beyond. 
3. Cultivating a Thriving Culture and Engaged Community: We aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment where students, faculty, staff and families feel valued, connected and inspired to contribute to the FWCD community. 
4. Fostering Student, Faculty, and Staff Health and Well-Being: We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of all. The well-being of our entire school community is paramount.

We are incredibly grateful for the community’s engagement and support in this important initiative for the future of our school, and we are excited to embark together on the journey this plan envisions. In implementing Strategic Plan 2030, we invite and encourage you to stay connected and engaged as we share updates. Together, we will ensure that FWCD continues to be a beacon of excellence. 

With gratitude and enthusiasm, 

Brian Crumley ’92
President, Board of Trustees

Randy Eisenman ’93
Chair, Strategic Planning Committee

Eric Lombardi
Head of School 

Strategic Objective 

FWCD actively upholds its strong foundation of excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. We continually enhance our offerings, ensuring curricular relevance and innovation. This refinement addresses vital skills needed for successful and fulfilling lives while providing opportunities for students to enrich their educational journey based on unique interests and talents as they progress in age and grade level.

Strategic Rationale 

By actively maintaining a strong foundation of excellence across academics, athletics and the arts, the School ensures a well-rounded education that nurtures diverse talents and interests. Continuously enhancing our offerings guarantees that the curriculum remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving demands of the modern world, equipping students with the essential skills necessary for their future endeavors. By allowing Middle School and Upper School students to personalize elements of their educational experiences according to their individual passions and talents, FWCD fosters a sense of ownership over one’s academic journey, ultimately empowering students to thrive on their chosen paths. 

Strategic Objective

FWCD will expand its impact as an exceptional college-preparatory school to a premier comprehensive college and beyond-college preparatory institution by designing and implementing a purpose-aligned curriculum from junior kindergarten to 12th grade. This innovative approach will integrate academic curriculum with critical life skills, experiential learning, introspection, community service, and individual and group projects. FWCD graduates will possess the essential tools for success and fulfillment in college and beyond. 

Strategic Rationale 

Academic excellence is essential, and FWCD’s well-rounded education integrates critical life skills and experiences that prepare students for life beyond college. FWCD’s holistic approach ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop the necessary tools and mindset to thrive in various aspects of life, including in their careers, relationships, and personal well-being. By focusing on comprehensive development, FWCD will empower students to navigate challenges, pursue passions, and lead purposeful lives, contributing positively to both the FWCD community and society at-large. 

Strategic Objective 

FWCD upholds a commitment to its core values and inclusivity statement while nurturing a kind, welcoming and engaging environment where every individual feels a profound sense of belonging. Through deliberate initiatives, we foster a culture where each person’s uniqueness is valued and embraced. By prioritizing open communication, empathy and inclusion, we cultivate a community where diverse perspectives are honored and respected. This commitment ignites a passion for active participation in our community, empowering meaningful contributions to our collective purpose, mission and vision. 

Strategic Rationale 

By embodying our core values and inclusivity statement and prioritizing open communication, empathy and inclusion, FWCD fosters essential skills and perspectives for navigating an interconnected world. This approach enables students to thrive in a globalized society and pursue successful careers. FWCD cultivates a culture of belonging and empowerment, inspiring students to actively engage in the School and in the community. 

Strategic Objective 

Recognizing the intrinsic link between the well-being of our students, faculty and staff, we embark on a transformative journey to enhance overall health and well-being within the School community. Through a comprehensive JK through 12th grade well-being curriculum, we prioritize the physical, mental, emotional and social health of FWCD students, faculty and staff. While maintaining our dedication to academic excellence, we will refine our approach to student, faculty and staff workload to ensure a healthy balance between academic rigor and personal well-being. By reaffirming our commitment to being a great place to work, we ensure our faculty and staff feel valued and supported while exploring avenues to catalyze their professional development and enhance their overall satisfaction. Together, we cultivate a thriving community where every member flourishes, resulting in happy, healthy, and fulfilled students, faculty and staff. 

Strategic Rationale 

Prioritizing the overall health and well-being of students, faculty and staff is essential for creating an environment conducive to academic excellence, personal growth and lifelong success. By recognizing the interconnectedness between the well-being of our educators and learners, we lay the foundation for a community where everyone can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. When faculty members are supported in their physical, mental and emotional health, they are better equipped to provide high-quality education and support to students. Similarly, when students’ well-being is prioritized, they can more effectively engage in learning, develop crucial life skills, and achieve their full potential.