When your child enrolls at Forsyth Country Day School, it is the beginning of a rich and varied journey. One that will see joy, inspiration, victories, and challenges. These elements all combine, every moment of every day, to lay the groundwork for a rewarding future. And it starts with the kind of education that truly defines Forsyth. It is education beyond learning, a vibrant fusion of many different experiences that embrace all the formative elements of a young life.
 
I welcome you, your child, and your family to discover the true advantage of the Forsyth experience. You will see that we are truly preparing our students for what’s ahead as we immerse them in an education that extends far beyond the limits of traditional academic learning.

Sincerely,

Gardner Barrier
Head of School
Forsyth Country Day School
    • Head of School Gardner Barrier

      Gardner Barrier '97 with his daughters Livy '26 and Maya '28

About Mr. Barrier

A native of Winston-Salem, Gardner Barrier is a member of the Forsyth Country Day School Class of 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, his MBA from Wake Forest University, and his master’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Gardner returned to FCDS as Head of School in July 2016 after 15 years of teaching and leadership positions at independent schools. He served as Assistant Head of School at Westchester Country Day School, a pre-K-twelfth grade independent school in High Point. Prior to coming to FCDS, he served as Upper School Director and Assistant Head of School at Summit School. Gardner has also served as an adjunct professor in the School of Business at Wake Forest from 2008-2016.
 
Gardner has taught various math and social studies courses over the years, welcomes the opportunity to play chess with students, has started and led several clubs and club programs, has coached various sports, and simply loves working with young people. In his words, “The Chinese proverb nails it – if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life! I love spending my days the way that I do!”
 
Forsyth Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, college preparatory, independent school for preschool through high school located in Lewisville, NC, just outside of Winston-Salem. Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.