Senior year marks the culmination of a student's journey at Founders Classical Academy of Flower Mound. Throughout the year, our seniors participate in traditions that celebrate their accomplishments, strengthen the bonds of their class, and prepare them for the next chapter of life. From watching the first sunrise of the school year together to walking across the graduation stage, these experiences have become cherished FCAFM traditions.
Senior Sunrise
The school year begins with one of our most beloved traditions. Before the first day of classes, the senior class gathers on the football field to watch the sunrise together, symbolizing the beginning of their final year at Founders.
Where: The Upper School Football Field
When: Plan to arrive around 6:30 AM on August 11th as the sun is expected to rise at approximately 6:45 AM.
Who: Only Seniors
What to Bring: You may bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
What to Wear: We encourage you to wear your new Senior shirts.
Food: We will be treating our Seniors to a Chick-fil-A breakfast and donuts.
*Photography: We will have yearbook staff/photographers available to capture the event. You are encouraged to bring your own cameras and phones as well.
Senior Portraits
Immediately following Senior Sunrise, all seniors participate in the school's official senior photography session. Each student will have both a formal portrait and a cap-and-gown portrait taken for the yearbook and graduation publications. These are school portraits and are separate from any private senior photo session families may choose to schedule independently.
Where: The Gym Lobby
When: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM on August 11th
Who: All Seniors - Required
What to Wear: The photography company provides the formal attire and cap-and-gown. Locker rooms will be available for students wishing to prepare hair, makeup, or change clothes after Senior Sunrise.
Senior Parking Spots
Driving seniors may purchase a campus parking permit and reserve an assigned parking space for the school year. Many seniors also choose to participate in another favorite tradition—painting their own parking space! Students submit a design for approval before painting and spend the afternoon creating personalized spaces that reflect their personalities and interests.
Parking Permit: $20
Senior Painted Parking Spot: Additional $40
Students should bring all painting supplies, water, chairs, shade canopies (if desired), and clothing appropriate for painting in the Texas heat. Working together to share supplies is highly encouraged to save money and avoid waste.
Where: The Upper School Parking Lot
When: On August 11th as soon as your photography is done until 5:00 PM
Who: All Seniors who want to paint a parking spot; Feel free to bring others to help! Consider inviting friends and family to come out and help paint.
*All designs must be submitted in advance. Otherwise, all forms and money can be brought the day of.
Yearbook Recognition Ads
Celebrate your senior year with a personalized ad in our school’s yearbook!
Pricing for senior ads is as follows:
$15 for 1/4 of a page
$30 for 1/2 of a page
$50 for 1 page
Senior Ad Purchase Deadline: September 7, 2026 (Confirmation that a senior will be purchasing an ad is required early on in the year so that our Yearbook team is able to set the number of pages in the yearbook, which then sets its price.)
Senior Ad Design Submission Deadline: March 1, 2027
Senior Thesis
As the culmination of our classical liberal arts curriculum, every senior publicly presents and defends his or her Senior Thesis.
This evening showcases months of research, writing, and thoughtful analysis as students present original arguments before faculty, families, and members of the Founders community. Senior Thesis Night serves as both an academic milestone and a celebration of intellectual achievement.
All FCA FM families are welcome to attend.
The 2027 Senior Thesis Night will be held on Thursday, March 25th.
Adopt a Senior
This is a new tradition beginning with the Class of 2027 and is sure to become one of the most meaningful traditions of senior year.
Throughout the year, seniors build relationships with elementary school students by reading together, participating in classroom activities, attending special events, and serving as role models. The relationships formed are sure to become one of the most memorable experiences of senior year and beautifully illustrate our school's commitment to cultivating a unified K–12 community.
Senior Trips
Senior Trip to Italy & Greece:
One of the highlights of the Founders experience is the senior international trip. Students conclude their classical education by traveling to Italy and Greece, walking the very places they have spent years studying in history, literature, philosophy, and art. From the ruins of ancient Athens to the streets of Rome, the journey brings the classical tradition to life in unforgettable ways.
*More information regarding the senior trip can be found within the Travel section of the Student Life page.
Senior Field Trip:
While many high school field trips include students from multiple grade levels, the Senior Field Trip is reserved exclusively for the graduating class. Each year seniors travel together to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, providing a meaningful capstone experience connected to the study of American history, government, and economics. This trip has become one of Founders Classical Academy of Flower Mound's unique senior traditions.
Senior T-Shirts
Each graduating class is welcome to design a commemorative senior class shirt that students wear throughout the year during senior traditions and special events, including Spirit Days!
All designs must be approved by either Mr. Holloway or Mrs. Thomas before being printed.
Senior Gift
Each graduating class leaves a lasting legacy through a Senior Class Gift to the school. These gifts commemorate the graduating class while contributing something meaningful for future students to enjoy. Some past Senior Class Gifts include: classroom supplies to teachers, a campus tree, and favorite books to aid in growing our upper and lower school Book Nooks!
Senior Skip Day
Each spring, the senior class enjoys a Senior Skip Day. This provides students an opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the friendships built over the past four years before graduation festivities begin.
Early Release
As Seniors complete graduation requirements, Founders Classical Academy of Flower Mound offers an optional Early Release program during senior year.
Students who have satisfied all graduation requirements and are on track to graduate on time, may request an early release period at the end of the school day. This privilege provides seniors with additional flexibility to pursue internships, employment, or other meaningful experiences as they prepare for life after graduation.
Senior Early Release is considered a privilege. To be eligible students must be on-track to graduate on time, in good academic standing, and have a car. Students must remain in good academic standing, maintain satisfactory attendance, uphold the expectations outlined in the Student Handbook, and receive administrative approval.
Our goal is to provide graduating seniors with an appropriate level of independence while continuing to support a successful transition to college, career, military service, or other post-secondary pursuits.
National Signing Day
Each spring, seniors committing to colleges, universities, military service, or other post-secondary opportunities are recognized during National Signing Day. Students are invited to decorate tables celebrating their future plans while friends, families, and the school community gather to honor this exciting milestone.
National Signing Day will be celebrated on Friday, April 30, 2027.
Senior Sunset
Perhaps the most cherished Founders tradition is Senior Sunset. Approximately one week before final exams, seniors complete their academic coursework early and gather with their families for an evening celebrating the close of their high school journey.
The evening begins with a dinner hosted by the school, followed by scholarship announcements, reflections from faculty and students, and a slideshow of memories from the graduating class. As the evening concludes, everyone moves outdoors to watch the setting sun together, a fitting symbol of one chapter ending as another begins.
For the Class of 2027, Senior Sunset will be held on Thursday, May 13th with the final day for seniors on campus expected to be May 14th.
Senior Walk
The morning following Senior Sunset, the graduating class participates in the Senior Walk.
Led by Headmaster Mr. Holloway, seniors process in their regalia through the Upper and Lower schools while the entire student body lines the halls to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well. Afterward, seniors enjoy lunch together before returning for the campus-wide Awards Ceremony.
Graduation
Graduation is the final celebration of a student's Founders journey and marks the beginning of a new chapter. Graduation rehearsal is held the day before commencement and is required for all graduates.
For the Class of 2027:
Graduation Rehearsal: Tuesday, May 26 at 1:00 PM
Graduation Ceremony: Wednesday, May 27 at 1:00 PM
Graduation announcements, invitations, class rings, and graduation regalia may all be ordered through Jostens during the beginning of senior year.
The school provides honor cords to eligible recipients. National Honor Society stoles are coordinated through the NHS sponsor and may be rented or purchased separately.
Senior year at Founders is intentionally designed to celebrate not only academic achievement but also the friendships, traditions, and formation that have shaped our students over thirteen years. These experiences remind our graduates that while commencement marks the end of one journey, it is also the beginning of a life dedicated to pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty.