FCDS Forges Innovative Partnership to Transform Classrooms

Forsyth Country Day School recently brokered a unique partnership with Storr, Smith System, and Steelcase that will allow the school to innovate classrooms for what’s ahead at a substantial discount.

FCDS knew that Smith System, a manufacturer of innovative K-12 furniture, had a pilot program in which schools could purchase furniture at a discount to test in their classrooms. “We reached out to them and shared more about Forsyth Country Day School and how we were approaching the transition of our campus,” said Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning Dr. Michelle Klosterman. “We didn’t want to do pilot classrooms; we actually wanted to do concept classrooms where we could test different ideas and concepts with furniture in parallel with testing some instructional practices and see how the two influence one another.”

FCDS’s intentional process offered a unique advantage to Smith System. “They advocate intentionality in your design, intentionality in your choices, and intentionality in your feedback process,” Dr. Klosterman said. “They were excited that we would be able to complete the feedback loop for them.”

Thomas Cook, president of Smith System, agreed. “At Smith System, we’re always looking to partner with schools that are willing to push the boundaries of what learning environments can be,” Mr. Cook said. “Forsyth Country Day School stood out because of their intentional, research-driven approach to designing classrooms that truly support both teaching and learning. This partnership gives us a valuable opportunity to learn alongside a forward-thinking school—and most importantly, to help create better spaces for students and educators to thrive.”

The school now has a formal partnership that includes a significant multi-year discount on furniture, free design support, access to educational resources, access to Smith System staff to lead FCDS professional development, and funding for FCDS personnel to travel and present at conferences.

“In return, the school will collaborate with them to share what our processes look like and go with them to other schools to share the process with them,” Dr. Klosterman said. “It’s a win-win for everyone - especially our students and teachers.” 

If you’d like to learn more about this innovative partnership and how you can support classrooms for what’s ahead, please contact Andy Clifton, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, at andyclifton@fcds.org.