Baker Day School Offered New School Candidacy by the Florida Council of Independent Schools
January 22, 2026
The Naples Players proudly announces that its full-time educational program, The Baker Day School, has been formally invited to apply for New School Candidacy with the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). This invitation marks a significant milestone in the school’s development and represents the first formal step toward full FCIS accreditation.
New School Candidacy is offered to select schools in their early years of operation that demonstrate strong leadership, sound governance, and a clear commitment to meeting FCIS’s rigorous accreditation standards. Through candidacy, Baker Day School will participate in FCIS professional development, peer collaboration, and the structured accreditation process while continuing to strengthen its academic, operational, and governance practices.
“We are honored to be invited into the FCIS New School Candidacy process,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO and Executive Artistic Director of The Naples Players. “This recognition affirms the seriousness of Baker Day School’s academic vision and the strength of the foundation being built. Our goal is to pursue full FCIS accreditation as soon as we are eligible, and we believe Baker Day School has the potential to be the first new school to ever achieve that distinction.”
Steven Caruso, Head of School for Baker Day School, emphasized the importance of the candidacy process. “FCIS sets a high bar for excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement,” said Steven Caruso. “Entering New School Candidacy allows us to benchmark our practices against leading independent schools across Florida while continuing to refine every aspect of our program in preparation for full accreditation.”
The Florida Council of Independent Schools is one of the most respected accrediting bodies for independent schools in the state. Its standards address curriculum, faculty, governance, finance, ethics, and student outcomes. Schools that earn full FCIS accreditation are recognized for meeting high standards of educational quality and institutional integrity.
About Baker Day School
Baker Day School is a full-time, arts-integrated academic program rooted in The Naples Players’ mission to build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. The school combines rigorous academics with immersive performing arts education, offering students a distinctive educational pathway that values creativity, discipline, and collaboration. Learn more at: naplesplayers.org/school
About The Naples Players
The Naples Players (TNP) is a nationally recognized community theatre dedicated to building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. Located in the heart of downtown Naples, TNP engages more than 850 volunteers annually, reaching over 70,000 audience members and students through high-quality productions, inclusive education programs, and innovative community partnerships. TNP is home to The Baker Day School of the Academy of Dramatic Arts, the only full-time performing arts school in Southwest Florida. With a newly renovated, LEED-certified facility, TNP continues to serve as a cultural hub and leader in how theatres can impact their communities. Learn more at: naplesplayers.org
