Fort Wayne Community Schools About Us

Fort Wayne Community Schools has been a vital part of our city for more than 160 years and has a long track record of success. With 52 schools, 4,000 staff members and nearly 30,000 students, we’ve grown along with our community. We have a nearly 90% graduation rate, and many of our alumni go on to become business owners, teachers, engineers, doctors, carpenters, politicians, artists, lawyers, electricians and much more. We take pride in our diversity - both in our student body and in the programs we are able to offer. There is something at FWCS for everyone, including world-class academics, championship-winning athletic teams, successful arts programs, real world work experience with local businesses and countless clubs and activities. Enroll Today.

2021-22 Facts at a Glance

29,290
STUDENTS
52
SCHOOLS
7
MAGNET
SCHOOLS

2
MONTESSORI
SCHOOLS

1
VIRTUAL ACADEMY
K-12
5
SCHOOLS FOCUSED ON
MATH & SCIENCE,
FINE ARTS AND
COMMUNICATIONS
2021-22 ENROLLMENT
14,126 Students in Pre-K-5th
6,585 Students in Middle School
8,579 Students in High School
2
EARLY LEARNING
CENTER (Pre K-K)
30
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS (K-5)
1
INTERMEDIATE
SCHOOLS (1-8)
10
MIDDLE
SCHOOLS (6-8)
5
HIGH
SCHOOLS (9-12)
1
ALTERNATIVE
SCHOOL (6-12)
1
CAREER & TECHNICAL          
SCHOOL (11-12)                       


GRADUATION RATE
88.6%
FWCS exceeds national graduation rates

* Does not account for 5th year seniors.


TRANSPORTATION
15,503
students riding the bus 
 
3.2 million miles traveled by bus in a year.


NUTRITION
38,412
meals served daily
Breakfast & Lunch
* All FWCS students are offered free meals. 67% eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.


EMPLOYMENT
3,956
employees
 
1,826 Teachers
873 Full-time Employees
1,245 Part-time Employees

Eligible for free/reduced-priced meals

67%

as of March 1, 2021

Languages spoken

70+

 

 

2021 Operating Budget

$309,336,656

Finances

Dollars to the Classroom

61.6%

2019-20 FWCS

57.3%

2019-20 State

State Annual Performance Report

Mission, Vision & Goals

Mission: Fort Wayne Community Schools educates all students to high standards enabling them to become productive, responsible citizens.

Vision: Fort Wayne Community Schools will be the school system of choice and a source of community pride.

Goals:

  • Achieve and Maintain Academic Excellence
  • Engage Students, Families and the Community
  • Operate Effectively with Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility
  • Attract, Develop, Reward, and Retain High-performing Staff

Schools

  • FWCS offers specialized Programs of Study at each of its five high schools, including the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program at South Side, the New Tech Academy and Early College at Wayne, Project Lead the Way-Engineering at Northrop, Project Lead the Way-Biomedical Sciences at Snider and Early College as well as Global Studies/World Languages at North Side.
  • FWCS was the first public school in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Montessori Society. Bunche Early Childhood Center was re-accredited in 2018.

History

  • FWCS was founded in 1857 and has touched virtually every segment of the Fort Wayne community for more than 160 years. Its heritage is closely interwoven with the growth and development of the entire region.
  • FWCS is proud of its school-choice policy that allows students to attend any school in the District, based on space availability.

Additional Programs

Homeless Assistance Program

FWCS supports homeless students and their families primarily by allowing students to maintain a normal school routine, as well as by assisting in connecting with community services. FWCS also provides clothing and other necessities to students in need through the FWCS Clothing Bank

Study Connection

FWCS’ Study Connection program is an award-winning community mentoring program serving about 500 students each year. Students work one-on-one with a mentor one hour per week at a local business, church or community organization. The program provides positive adult role models with a focus on academic success.

Dr. Mark Daniel, 2020-present

Mark Daniel

2020-present

Wendy Y. Robinson, 2003-2020

Wendy Y. Robinson

2003-2020

Thomas Fowler-Finn 1994-2003

Thomas Fowler-Finn

1994-2003

William Coats, 1990-1994

William Coats

1990-1994

Bill C. Anthis, 1980-1990

Bill C. Anthis

1980-1990

Lester L. Grile, 1961-1980

Lester L. Grile

1961-1980

Aaron T. Lindley, 1952-1961

Aaron T. Lindley

1952-1961

Merle J. Abbett, 1932-1952

Merle J. Abbett

1932-1952

L.C. Ward, 1920-1932

L.C. Ward

1920-1932

R.M. Himelick

1917-1920

Justin N. Study, 1896-1917

Justin N. Study

1896-1917

John S. Irwin

1875-1896

James H. Smart

1865-1875

E.S. Green

1863-1865

George A. Irwin

1856-1863