Lower School

Early childhood is a time to explore, play, and learn. Our students thrive with individual and intentional care that nurtures their curiosity.
At FCDS, we nurture each learner’s curiosity and discovery. Every day our experienced teachers engage students in lessons and hands-on activities that encourage problem-solving and exploration in and out of the classroom.
 
Our Lower School offers individualized learning through a carefully constructed intentional curriculum—all in a nurturing and joyous atmosphere. Students engage in whole group and small group instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science, and Spanish. Music, art, and physical education round out the educational experience. The curriculum is intentionally designed for each grade level.
 
Above all, we prepare students intellectually, socially, and emotionally for Middle and Upper School. Our highly qualified teachers help develop concept mastery while encouraging intellectual curiosity, forming the foundation of life-long learning.
 
If your child could benefit from an educational experience focused on excellence and exploration, we invite you to tour our Lower School and see our happy learners, caring teachers, and exceptional facilities for yourself.

What Makes Our Lower School Special

List of 6 items.

  • Learning Opportunities

    In addition to a wide range of hands-on activities here on campus, students take advantage of learning opportunities off campus well including:

    • All-a-Flutter Butterfly Farm in High Point
    • Greensboro Science Center
    • N.C. Zoo
    • Old Salem Museum & Gardens
    • North Carolina Transportation Museum
    • Reed Gold Mine
    • Raleigh museums
    • Carolina Raptor Center

  • Partnership with Parents

    Parents play a vital role in their children’s education and FCDS enjoys a supportive and interactive partnership with parents. Through the formal Parents' Association, parents may take part in school-wide activities, or may volunteer in specific areas, such as the library, or in individual classrooms. Parents support the instructional program in a wide variety of ways.

    Throughout the year, the school hosts informative parent nights to help keep parents informed about curriculum changes or program developments. In addition, teachers provide quarterly feedback regarding individual student progress. Twice yearly, the school hosts formal conferences. Each teacher maintains informative web pages.

  • Our Learning Environment

    Students in Lower School enjoy large classrooms, each equipped with TruTouch Boards and extensive learning materials that support our dynamic curriculum.

    Dedicated spaces for science, world languages, music, and art enhance the program. Lower School students enjoy a full-size gymnasium in addition to extensive outdoor play equipment and spacious open, grassy areas as well as the natural playground and the push and pedal playground. The separate Jeanette M. Smith Lower School Library and Lower School computer lab serve the needs of our students. Finally, Lower School students dine in their own cafeteria, the Brown Lower School Dining Hall, which features tables, chairs, and serving stations designed for young people.

  • Before & After School Program

    The Before School Program is available to assist families who need care for their children before school starts. The program begins at 7:15 a.m. and there is a nominal cost for students in grades 1 through 4. Preschool through kindergarten students may attend and the cost is included in their tuition.

    The After School Program consists of age-appropriate planned programs that include outside activities, art projects, and study time. Nutritious snacks are provided in a warm, relaxing environment. This program is an opportunity for children to develop social skills, try out new ideas and friendships, and gain independence and self-confidence.

    The After School Program for the Preschool begins at 2:30 p.m. and is included in tuition. It is also available to kindergarten students starting at 3:15 p.m. and is included in tuition. Students in grades 1 through 5 can attend the After School Program for a nominal cost beginning at 3:15 p.m. The After School Program ends at 5:45 p.m. For further information, please contact the Lower School office.

  • After School & Arts Enrichment

    FCDS Enrichment provides opportunities to explore interests, hone skills, and gain confidence throughout the school day and beyond.
     
    After School Enrichment offers sports and visual art activities to Preschool through eighth grade students.  

    Arts Enrichment offers a wide variety of private lessons on piano, voice, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, as well as private dance lessons in tap, jazz, and ballet. All of our instructors are highly qualified and have a variety of schedules to meet a family’s needs.
     
    In the summer, students may take part in Summer Enrichment, which offers a wide variety of personal and academic enrichment activities for students. Along with courses for academic improvement, our offerings include visual arts, science and technology, and athletic classes for students of all ages.

  • Nutrition & Wellness Policy

What Our Parents Say

“We have had an amazing experience at FCDS with our oldest over the last two years and cannot wait for our rising Kindergarten to start next year as well. Our now first grader has had such a strong experience especially during his first year in the peak of covid. His current teacher is the type that you write college essays about - she has instilled in him a love for reading and really fostered his creativity and passion for writing and it’s been a joy to see him bloom!” - FCDS Parent

“A very well run school. Amazing communication from everyone involved. Could not be happier with the teachers.” - New Lower School parent
“We chose FCDS for the organic approach to learning. I love that it’s not ‘one size fits all’.” - New Lower School parent

“I have been continually impressed at the level of encouragement my children have received at Forsyth. They have been given the opportunity to try new things and learn in ways that are best for them! I wish we had started here sooner.” - FCDS Parent

Meet Our Team

List of 3 items.

  • Ann Parke Muller

    Director
    336-945-3151 ext. 627
    Email

  • Alie Brinegar

    Lower School Assistant Director
    336- 945- 3151 ext. 511
    Email

  • Leslie Faraci

    Administrative Assistant
    336-945-3151 ext. 214
    Email

Did You Know?

  • All of our Lower School teachers are trained in and implement researched-based methodologies.
  • FCDS is the #3 Best Private Elementary School in the U.S. on TheBestSchools.org.
  • FCDS is the #1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Forsyth Country on Niche.com.

Our Curriculum

List of 5 items.

  • Language Arts

    Lower School uses the Structured Literacy Framework to teach Language Arts. Structured Literacy encompasses evidence-based research to explicitly teach systematic word identification, decoding strategies, content-specific vocabulary, and knowledge. Structured Literacy instruction includes: oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling, vocabulary and morphology, fluency, syntax, text comprehension, and written expression. Students will be combining reading, auditory, and oral language skills focusing specifically on phonological awareness, high-frequency words, speaking and listening skills, academic vocabulary, text-based content building, grammar, and spelling. Through the use of a variety of reading activities, students experience a deep level of reading comprehension while the vocabulary and grammar curriculum build essential skills in reading and writing. Throughout the curriculum, students are assessed and provided support at their individual instructional level. Instruction is provided in whole group as well as in small groups in which students read books and work on skills designed for their specific needs. Students will also independently read and then write about their reading, building on the foundation each year of the previous grade. Students participate in a comprehensive writing program that teaches the skills of personal narrative, opinion (K-2)/ persuasive (3-4) writing, informational nonfiction writing, and creative writing through authentic experiences.

  • Math

    Students focus on mathematical problem solving and on building an understanding of math concepts through a progression of concrete, pictorial, and abstract learning.  Differentiated learning activities offer opportunities for each student to solidify his/her understanding of material while also extending learning through more challenging material. This differentiation ensures that students’ progress through the curriculum at an appropriate and individualized instructional pace. Throughout their Lower School math experience, students build their mastery of foundational math skills. Skills that are covered include: number sense and operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, data analysis, and Geometry. In addition, students participate in daily “Number Talks” to build their number sense, solve problems in different ways, and practice their mathematical reasoning and communication skills.

  • Social Studies

    Students in the Lower School receive instruction in the social sciences and humanities introducing curriculum intentionally designed for each grade level. Kindergarteners explore important aspects of being a part of a classroom community, various facets of a community, and the community in which they live. First graders expand their boundaries as they learn about different cultures across our globe and how these different cultures impact our society. They complete a self study and learn to value each of their unique qualities. Second graders develop an understanding of rules and rights of citizens, the different types of communities, and how innovators from around the world have impacted America. Third graders explore states and regions of the United States with a focus on the history, economics, and landmarks of each region. Fourth graders study North Carolina through an integrated study of the state’s geography, history, economics, and other key social studies disciplines.

  • Science

    Lower School students in kindergarten through second grade receive daily science instruction utilizing a student-centered curriculum. Third and fourth grade students enjoy extended sessions of science every other day. Using an integrated approach, students explore units in chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science at increasingly greater depth and complexity.

  • Spanish

    Lower School Students learn Spanish through the Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPR-S) method, which allows Spanish vocabulary to be internalized via meaningful and engaging learning opportunities. Using this method, students learn new vocabulary structures through translation, gestures, and personalized questions, utilize these structures in a class story, and solidify these structures through class readings. Students in kindergarten through second grade receive Spanish instruction daily while third and fourth graders enjoy extended sessions of Spanish every other day. Through cultural and interdisciplinary projects, as well as hands-on activities, diverse modes of learning are utilized in the Spanish language learning classroom.
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.
5501 Shallowford Road
Lewisville, NC 27023
Phone: 336-945-3151