With the public schools now officially open, the city’s largest independent school prepares for the new school year.

Fort Dale Academy’s students will attend their first full day of school on Aug. 19, with registration taking place on Aug. 18.

Approximately 60 students have already been enrolled in the kindergarten program, and school officials expect a total enrollment of approximately 535 students (K-12) for the new school year.

One of the primary changes students will see at FDA is a stricter dress code policy for 2004-2005.

&uot;While we do not have a school uniform, we are putting into effect a new dress code which is a bit more strict than in past years,&uot; said FDA Headmaster David Brantley.

According to the headmaster, the major change under the new code will require all male and female students in grades 7-12 to wear collared shirts. No T-shirts or other types of tops lacking collars will be allowed.

In terms of the school curriculum, Brantley says the same &uot;basic course offering&uot; will be in place at FDA this year. &uot;Of course, we are always looking for ways to improve what we have and can offer to our students,&uot; he added.

Brantley said while he sees FDA as being in a maintenance phase currently, he anticipates its enrollment numbers gaining in the future.

&uot;We do anticipate growth at our school in the near future with the coming of new industries, as I think all other area schools do. Last year we had an total enrollment of 540 students, so I certainly think we will be in the same ballpark again this year,&uot; Brantley said.