Education

Blackland Praire Conservatory & Atelier, a nonprofit, private mixed-age kindergarten, opens next fall on McCree near Audelia. Dr. Tiffany Lipsett is the Lake Highlands mom behind the institution. She has worked more than 10 years as an educational consultant creating what she calls “art-based and science programs” for a variety of schools.

Shelly Biggerstaff of Richardson is Blackland Praire’s co-founder. The ladies would like to see the school expand all the way up to the 12th grade, but that’s a very long-term goal. Right now, they’re gauging interest in a mixed-age first- through third-grade class for 7-to-9 year olds.

On UIL realignment day, Lake Highlands High School moved from 10-6A to 9-6A, sticking with Richardson schools but pairing with Coppell and former foes W.T. White, Skyline and Jesuit. Highland Park moved down to 5A. LHHS remains in Region 2. The new match ups affect high school athletics, but also other UIL competitions, including band and speech contests.

Speaking of the Wildcats, 13 student football players recently earned Academic All-State honors for the 2015-16 school year. William Armer, Peyton Brown, T.J. Churchill, Blake Cronin, Tripp Enlow, Brendyn Gettens, Hunter Ghoreshi, Sam Haster, Natiyan Khan, Alan Selzer, Sam Sprayberry, Brandon VonSternberg and Travis West were recognized by the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas High School Coaches Association for their ability to juggle sports and academics.

People

Austin Roth made a name for himself in the late 2000s as a runner at Lake Highlands High School and University of Texas at Austin. After some time off, he recently raced his first-ever marathon in Houston and finished in 2:21, just a few minutes off Olympic Trials qualifying standards.

Lake Highlands resident John Threadgill has been appointed to the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) board of directors. Before retiring in 2013, he worked for DCAD as manager of the commercial division for 23 years. Threadgill is active in the Lake Highlands Exchange Club. He and his wife, Kay, a former English teacher at Lake Highlands High School, have three daughters.

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Dallas Academy

950 Tiffany Way, Dallas 75218 / 214.324.1481 / dallas-academy.com Founded in 1965, Dallas Academy’s mission is to restore the promise of full academic enrichment to students with learning differences in grades 1-12.

A meaningful connection with each student is established to overcome barriers to success. Dallas Academy offers students an effective program and strategies to meet the special educational needs of bright students with learning differences, while including the activities of a larger, more traditional school. Classes are small, with a student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 where students are encouraged, praised, and guided toward achieving their goals. Diagnostic testing is available to students throughout the community.

Highlander School

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com Founded in 1966, Highlander offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. By limiting class size, teachers are able to build a strong educational foundation to ensure confidence in academics, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. Highlander offers a “classic” education which cannot be equaled. Monthly tours offered; call for a reservation.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep.org

Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

Spanish House

Four East Dallas Locations / 214.826.4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com Spanish Immersion Program in East Dallas! Nursery, Preschool, Elementary and Adult Programs available. Our new K-5 Dual-Language Elementary School will be opening in August 2016 at 7159 E. Grand Avenue. Please visit our website (DallasSpanishHouse.com) or call 214.826.4410 for a tour.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

Ut Dallas Chess Camp

800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75080 / (972) 883-4899 / utdallas.edu/chess ) 2016 Summer Chess Camp Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids…they think chess is fun! Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (1-4pm) sessions are available June 13-17, June 20-24, July 18-22, July 25-29 and extended playing classes. Camp includes t-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. Instructors are from among UT Dallas Chess Team Pan-Am Intercollegiate Champions for 2010-2012!

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.