GAP @FCDS Downtown
Take a year. Change your life.
Who are you? What do you want from life? If you don’t know but want to learn to define yourself and acquire skills and experience to move into the future with purpose, GAP @FCDS Downtown can change your life in three short trimesters. Here’s how:
- Learn how to communicate and develop essential skills
- Gain real-life experience and mentorship
- Discover your personal values and strengths
- Increase your Emotional Intelligence
- Identify your interests to find your “best fit” major and career options
- Go to college with confidence and purpose
Located in the heart of Winston-Salem’s vibrant and expanding downtown, FCDS Downtown at 500 West Fifth Street is the perfect place to prepare for the next phase in your education and life. Winston Starts, an incubator for new businesses, Flywheel, a coworking space, and Wake Forest University’s Center for Private Business are located in the modern, innovative environment with plenty of space for learning, meeting, and networking.
High school graduates and current college students ready to take a break from being a traditional student will gain valuable skills and connections in this year-long program. Don’t worry: this is not High School 2.0. GAP @FCDS Downtown is designed like a college schedule with time for learning, meeting, service, and working - a balanced program that allows time for reflection and personal growth.
Advisory Board
Karl Haigler, former FCDS philosophy and history teacher, long-time educational consultant, and co-author of The Gap Year Advantage.
Rae Nelson, a gap year author, researcher, parent, and member of the Board of Directors of the Gap Year Association. Rae has served at The White House as Associate Director for Education Policy and as Vice President/Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Preparation, a not-for-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Lorna Hogan, Co-Director of FCDS College Counseling
Gabby Miles, Associate Director of FCDS College Counseling
John Stubblefield, Director of the Gap Year Program and Director of Leadership
Questions? Contact John Stubblefield at 336-946-1695 or JohnStubblefield@fcds.org.
“The time period from 18 to 24 is an informative one. It’s called the emerging adult. Taking a break from formal education at this time can give kids a lot better understanding of themselves and put them in charge of their own lives. The net result is you get to know yourself better and understand what you might be able to contribute to others.” - Karl Haigler, Gap year expert
Program Details
Program starts August 19, 2020.
Calendar:
Calendar:
Fall: Aug. 19-Oct. 20 (Fall Break: Oct. 14-18)
Winter: Nov. 1-Feb. 19 (Winter Break: Nov. 25-Jan. 5)
Spring: Feb. 22-April 30 (Spring Break: March 19-28)
Cost: $7,200
Learn About Gap Years
How a Gap Year Prepares Students for College - article, US News
Gap Year as a Back Door to your Top College Choice - article, UMC
Mind the Gap: An Analysis of Gap Years - article, Harvard Political Review
The Pros and Cons of a Gap Year - radio interview
Gap Year as a Back Door to your Top College Choice - article, UMC
Mind the Gap: An Analysis of Gap Years - article, Harvard Political Review
The Pros and Cons of a Gap Year - radio interview
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.
