DFWChild January 2021

THE 2021

J A N U A R Y 2021

MOM NEXT DOOR PRISCILA DILLEY GET ALIGNED WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

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2021

15 DEPARTMENTS NOTED 11 Working Together

The parent-teacher relationship is vital— but how can you build a genuine bond when so much is virtual?

REAL MOMS 15 Mom Next Door / Priscila Dilley

Fort Worth mom and educator Priscila Dilley talks about coming to the United States, connecting with families during COVID-19 and fostering a love of learning

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Our Mom Next Door shares her favorites, from what made her laugh to a gift that will make you cry

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How this Frisco mom manages working from home and taking care of her boys (from tot to tween!)

Briefs / Class in Session

Routines / Allison Jernigan

INFLUENCER 51 HOPE for Boys in Need

HOPE Farm works with at-risk boys to create a new generation of leaders

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ABOVE // Priscila Dilley learned English after emigrating from Brazil—and had to quickly learn another language years later as a new teacher.

SPECIAL SECTION 26 The Private School List

FEATURE ON THE COVER

22 Class Struggle

DILLEY FAMILY: NICK PRENDERGAST; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: LESLEY BUSBY/ SOURCES: HOPE FARM & ©ISTOCK; ©I MOTHER & SON: KIM BAKER/OKLAHOMA TOURISM ILLUSTRATION: MARY DUNN

Going the private route? Here are options across DFW

Academic difficulties? Emotional challenges? How to help a child who isn’t thriving at school words Alexis Patterson

51 COLUMNS

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Cover Kid: Alexander, 7 Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Hair/Makeup: Lana Adams / Kim Dawson Agency Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

6 Hello / Choosing Hope Approaching 2021 with optimism and new widsom words Heather Vance Devers 8 dfwchild.com / Off the Pages

Get your preschool questions answered and much more

54 Confessions / Mom Truths

Communion gone wrong and other adventures in parenting dfwchild.com / january 2021

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hello / E D I T O R ’ S

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S WE TURN THE PAGE on the wild, daunting year that was 2020, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for 2021. Call me Pollyanna, but I’m going into the new year with optimism and hope.

I think it’s a choice we can all make, no matter how dark and disappointing the last several months have been.

Yes, we can decide to worry about some potential obstacle in the race to end COVID-19 outbreaks, or a possible future crisis. But the way I look at it, with every day that passes, we’re getting closer to being released from pandemic life. We know that a vaccine for COVID-19 is on the way, which should slowly ease the isolation, sickness and detachment so many of us have experienced.

Our kids will be able to give their grandparents that big bear hug they have been desperately missing. Moms, we will finally be able to have girls dinners, where we laugh until our faces hurt. And the travel! Oh, the places we’ll go when we’re able to explore the world again. I personally cannot wait to watch my 3-year-old son experience the beach for the first time. I can already see the smile spread across his face when he sees the massive ocean and feels the sand between his toes.

Of course, it’s going to be the proverbial “new normal,” not life as we knew it before March 2020. Just because we will have a vaccine, that doesn’t mean that the virus is gone. I think more frequent handwashing, and wearing a mask when traveling or when we’re in large groups, will be standard. We will be much more aware of where we’re going and who we’re seeing. With what we now know about the transmission of viruses, how could we not?

What we thought would be a few weeks of sheltering in place ultimately turned into a defining year for our world. Through trials and lots of error, we gained insight that I don’t want us to ever forget. We learned that teachers and health care workers are the unsung heroes of our society. We learned to never take a hug from a loved one for granted, and that hopping on a plane for a grand adventure is a privilege—one that can be quickly revoked.

Through all of this, I hope you learned what really makes you tick and keeps your heart happy. Those are the things that I hope fill 2021, because I think we all deserve a little joy.

Be well,

Heather Vance Devers

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ABOVE // Heather Vance Devers in her home with her daughter, Betty, and son, Jude.

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OFF THE PAGES

what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR! While the holidays are behind us, we still have a lot to look forward to— and our website can help you make the most of the days and weeks ahead. Are you looking for something cozy for cold evenings? Check out our favorite things (for your home and your closet) to keep you warm. Is your little at preschool age? Head to dfwchild.com and register for this month’s virtual Project Preschool, which will equip you to find the perfect school for your kiddo. And while you’re online, sign up for our daily emails—with parenting hacks and more useful info to make this a great year. Cheers!

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Thinking about sending your little one to preschool soon? Sign up for our free, virtual Project Preschool on Jan. 15. Brought to you

by Children’s Health, this event will allow you to explore the benefits of preschool, get questions answered and meet respected local preschool and childcare centers. Drop in online for a few minutes, or stay the whole day. Register at dfwchild.com/projectpreschool.

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It’s been nearly a year of uncertainty, relative isolation and hardships. And even if you are holding up OK, someone close to you could be struggling. Here’s what to watch for—and how you can help.

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COME FOR THE PAST, STAY FOR THE FUTURE

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WORKING TOGETHER

building the parent-teacher bond in a tough year WORDS

ELISE MCVEIGH

M

ARCH 2020. Seems like years ago, right? The pandemic was just getting underway, and we were getting our first taste of crisis homeschooling. There was so much uncertainty about when or if school would return to normal.

Some 10 months later, the “crisis” aspect of our kids’ schooling is past, but things are far from normal. Perhaps your child is learning virtually, or a mask has become a regular school supply. Still, life rolls on. This year counts, even if 2020 was one big dumpster fire. So it’s imperative that we support our children’s education as best we can—and that includes cultivating the parent-teacher relationship, despite the challenges.

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION How well do you know your kiddo’s teacher? Probably not as well as you did last year or the year dfwchild.com / january 2021

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TOGETHER

before. Even if your child is back on campus right now, visits are limited to morning dropoff and afternoon pick-up, or the occasional dash into the office. Interactions with your child’s teacher are happening primarily online, creating a distance that’s not usually there.

Even working parents who are occupied during school hours generally get some level of face time with their kiddo’s teacher.

If the lack of in-person interaction is tough for you, rest assured that it’s not easy for teachers, either. Every educator we chatted with confirmed that it’s harder to build rapport with families from afar, but teachers are doing what they can. Jennifer Stover, who teaches kindergarten at Incarnation Academy in Dallas, has taken extra time since the pandemic began to make sure the parents of her students feel involved—sending weekly e-newsletters that include classroom photos. “Technology has become a better friend to all of us during the pandemic,” she says of the power of virtual connection.

But virtual learning can clearly pose challenges, particularly with little ones.

If you’re busy all day with work, it’s virtually impossible to sit in front of the computer with your child for any extended period and guide them through lessons. Priscila Dilley, senior officer of the Leadership Academy Network—a partnership between Texas Wesleyan University and Fort Worth ISD—says her team recognized that constraint, and turned to more basic technological tools to ensure kids could navigate their lessons without needing a lot of parental assistance.

“For us, we just said all the learning has to be on a PowerPoint from start to finish, where kids can just click on it, and they know where to click, where you can just make it super easy,” explains Dilley (who is also this month’s Mom Next Door, page 15).

If your child is struggling through complex platforms, Dilley recommends that you

consult the teacher on how you can support your child being able to do the work on their own. “Parents need to advocate for something where what’s expected from the child is very clear,” she says. “I would say to really connect with the school and make sure you have a good understanding of what the teacher is wanting and how the teacher is wanting it.

Develop a relationship where you can say, ‘Hey, this is not working for me. Help me.’

Keep asking for help. This is new for everybody. Extend yourself some grace.”

Jamie St. Peter has three children at Fort Worth’s Trinity Valley School. She also sees grace as the key to parents and teachers co-existing in an unusual year.

“Of course there have been challenges not meeting with my kids’ teachers in person, but I think we all have to adapt,” St. Peter points out. “And the teachers have been working harder than ever, and have been nothing short of amazing. Anytime I have needed to connect, I found teachers extremely open and willing to do so.”

Stacy Mullikin, the mother of twins who attend elementary school in Highland Park ISD, agrees. “I have been shocked at how good the virtual experience has been,” she says. “The times that we have had to be virtual due to COVID-19 exposure in the classroom, I am overhearing school throughout the day—and I feel more connected with the teacher than I have in the past.”

Mullikin’s brief trips to campus have also enhanced the parent-teacher relationship.

“The teachers are more attentive than ever,” she notes. “And [because of masks,] they’re making even more of an effort to have great eye contact with the parents.”

It’s a simple technique that has real benefits. And the best way to support the efforts of your kids’ teachers is also simple: “If you have to pick anything [to work on with your children during this unusual year], I would say reading, reading, reading,” Dilley advises. “If

“DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WHERE YOU CAN SAY, ‘HEY, THIS IS NOT WORKING FOR ME. HELP ME.’ KEEP ASKING FOR HELP. THIS IS NEW FOR EVERYBODY.”

they master anything else, that’s just icing on the cake. Read to your kids, read with your kids. Make sure they’re reading themselves. Foster that love of reading, because that’s the foundation for everything.”

SHOW OF SUPPORT For many moms and dads, volunteering has traditionally provided an avenue to both get to know their child’s teacher and convey their support. At Armstrong Elementary, the Highland Park ISD campus Mullikin’s daughters attend, parents are allowed to volunteer only in the cafeteria. And for many schools, even the cafeteria is a no-go.

Some schools, including Armstrong, are offering virtual volunteer opportunities (reading to the class or one-on-one tutoring, for example) as well as livestreaming class parties and events to keep parents feeling connected.

“The kids love this and so do the parents,” shares Vanessa Ayoub, president of Armstrong Elementary’s PTA. “Overall, the school year has gone exceptionally well considering this new norm.”

In addition to reaching out about any virtual volunteer opportunities and participating in virtual events, you can enhance your bond with your child’s teacher by making sure they know how appreciated they are.

Ayoub sends little goodies to her four children’s teachers every month, but expressing your appreciation could be as simple as a handwritten note sent to school in your child’s folder. “These small things have ensured a better relationship and established a friendship and trust between our teachers and our family,” Ayoub explains. “I subscribe to the model of kindness and genuine interest. Teachers are always responsive when you care about them and show respect.”

A Counselor’s Tips Lana Raley, a Highland Park ISD counselor, shares more suggestions to build the relationship.

Know you’re not alone in this situation. “This is definitely a challenge that everyone is experiencing,” Raley says. And not just parents—know that teachers are feeling the pressure too. “Right now, many teachers are stressed and overwhelmed.”

Don’t be afraid to reach out. Yes, teachers may be stressed and overworked. But your child is the reason they do what they do. So if there are any concerns or you just want to touch base, “parents should be comfortable requesting a virtual conference at any time,” Raley explains.

Get creative in your involvement. “Everyone is having to reimagine how to do things we have done [in person] in the past,” Raley notes. “Think outside the box for ways to be involved.” If you can come up with a way to be an asset to your child’s teacher while socially distancing, let them know.

dfwchild.com / january 2021

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real moms.

RÉSUMÉ

AGE 42 HAILS FROM Brazil; moved

Priscila Dilley says her experiences as a mom have made her a better educator.

to Crowley when she was 11 ALMA MATER Dallas Baptist University CURRENT CAREER Senior Officer for the Leadership Academy Network PREVIOUS ROLES Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Executive Director in Fort Worth ISD PARTNER Mike Dilley CHILDREN Son, Ryder, 12, and daughter Valentina, 9 DREAM JOB AS A CHILD Teacher

LEADERSHIP: NOUN PROJECT

mom next door /

PRISCILA DILLEY building paths to success WORDS

HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

PHOTOGRAPHY

NICK PRENDERGAST

W

HEN PRISCILA DILLEY CAME TO THE UNITED STATES at age 11, she had only her family, a suitcase and a love of learning. She went on to become a respected educator; Dilley is now the senior officer for the Leadership Academy Network, a partnership between Texas Wesleyan University and Fort Worth ISD, designed to accelerate academic performance at four elementary schools and one middle school campus.

During the pandemic, Dilley has embraced the opportunity to find new ways to connect with families. “We set up registration at apartment complexes. It was really neat for them to come out and see our team—‘Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?’” Between Dilley’s gift for making the most of a challenging situation and her above-and-beyond commitment to the people around her, she’s put countless kids on a path to success. dfwchild.com / january 2021

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real moms

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/ MOM NEXT DOOR

Why did your family leave Brazil? My dad has always been a pastor. He and Mom wanted to come and do seminary here and learn English.

And then we ended up staying. It was a better opportunity in life for us as a family.

What do you remember about those early days?

When we moved, I was going into the fifth grade.

I spoke Portuguese. My first day of school, I was so nervous and worried about fitting in. My first friend also didn’t speak English; she was from Korea. She and I couldn’t communicate. But somehow, we did. We learned together and had that experience together. I mean, it wasn’t easy.

Everybody around us spoke English.

Fifth grade is not necessarily a forgiving age group. I can’t imagine a lot of kids readily accepted new students who didn’t speak English. Right. I remember thinking, I’ve got to get acclimated. I need to do this quick.

I need to learn the language. You might say, “Oh, that’s good that you had that drive in you.” But I think now that when you’re going through that, you are also quick to want to dismiss another part of you. I went through a lot of wanting to hide it. I didn’t want people to come over to my house because my parents might be cooking something different. Lunches at school—everybody had a PB&J or a turkey sandwich, and I was bringing rice and beans. There were many times I would be embarrassed and put my food in my lunch box and not eat it. In working with students now, I have the lens of, “Hey, it is a gift that you are bilingual,” or “You have these other cultural experiences. You can learn so much from it, and you should be proud.”

With students who speak English as a second language, I think there’s empathy on my end but also a no-excuses mentality—because I’m like, “I’ve lived it. I understand it. And these are the things needed for our kids to be successful.” I have a drive to ensure all kids have opportunity.

Is that what drove you to become a teacher?

Actually, my first year out of college I started working for a mortgage company. I didn’t go into teaching right away. I knew that’s what I wanted to do, but I didn’t start on that path. I was working for a foreclosure department, which is so on the opposite end of what I do [now]. I just hated it. I would come home and cry every night.

One day, during my lunch break, I went to a

job fair at Irving ISD. I walked up and told the principal, “I’ve never taught. I’ve never even substitute taught. I just know that I love kids, and I want to make a difference. I want to be somebody that advocates for families and kids. I want to do this.” And he hired me on the spot. It was crazy.

The funny thing, too, is that he hired me to teach bilingual education, which is instruction in Spanish. I told him, “Look, I know Portuguese. I don’t really know Spanish.” He said, “Well, that’s close enough, in my head. So I’m going to hire you.” And I was like, “OK.” I had to learn Spanish the summer before. The languages are similar enough to be able to learn pretty quickly, but I had to immerse myself.

Wow, what a way to start your career. How did that year go? It was the most amazing experience.

The kids were at this age when their light bulbs were just going off.

Then, making those connections with families—I just loved it so much.

Fast forward years later, when I became a mom, my son has some extreme needs of his own. It made me even more empathetic to parents who have their kids at the mercy of others for learning and growing.

I love being able to be an advocate for families who need that.

Do you mind sharing what learning differences your son has? ADHD, but also social pragmatic [communication disorder]. It’s a lot of language-type issues and processing and things like that. But he’s done so well, because he’s had parents who are advocates for him. He’s had interventions from the start; when he was 3, we were already intervening and helping.

Everything that I’ve experienced in my life that you would think of [as a] bump in the road, I look at it as a positive. “Nope, we’re going to take this and learn from it, and it’s going to make us better.” And my walk with my son, even now that he’s in seventh grade, has made me a better educator. Now I’m able to say, “Here are all the things that are working with him. We can apply it here.”

Or, “Mom, I can sit down and have a conversation with you because I completely know your struggle.” So it’s been really good. I feel like God has really allowed me to be a part of all these different experiences so that I can help others.

Tell us about the Leadership Academy Network.

It’s a program based off of Senate Bill 1882, which provides an opportunity for school districts to

“I FEEL LIKE GOD HAS REALLY ALLOWED ME TO BE A PART OF ALL THESE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES SO THAT I CAN HELP OTHERS.”

partner with an outside organization, such as a higher education institute, a nonprofit organization or an existing charter.

There are five schools in Fort Worth ISD that have traditionally been low-performing schools. Fort Worth ISD did all sorts of really neat interventions and turned them around. When we did that, it cost the district, I don’t know, a little over a million dollars per campus.

They knew it wouldn’t be sustainable. So Fort Worth ISD partnered with Texas Wesleyan University. They’re still Fort Worth ISD schools, but they are completely managed and operated by Texas Wesleyan. It’s a first-of-its-kind partnership, and we’re seeing all sorts of successes.

For example, Leadership Academy Network students participate in an extra hour of instruction for acceleration and enrichment, and they’re demonstrating growth even in the midst of this pandemic. They also recently had the opportunity to receive coats, hats and gloves as a benefit of the partnership.

What has been your biggest challenge during the pandemic? We’re probably around 60–70% [of students] in person, and the rest are virtual. I think the biggest challenge right now is teachers having to manage both. They might be teaching in class and then have the kids on Zoom who are watching live. They’re having to go back and forth, and that doesn’t feel natural. You don’t always know who’s really attentive and who’s not. When you have all your kids in front of you, you know who’s engaged. I know I can track and see what they’re doing, versus our kids that are virtual right now. We hope they’re doing everything. Assignments are being turned in, but you don’t know who’s helping them.

Also, we really push a relationship-based model in our network.

We’re big on celebrations and doing this or that for teachers. Now, it’s all modified. It’s very strange because everything is so, “Don’t get close to me, get on the computer and let’s do this.” It’s not the personable approach we’ve been pushing. But we’re managing and doing our best.

How do you connect with families when they’re not on campus? When everything shut down, we started getting creative in rewarding kids for getting online and engaging. We did crazy things like somebody delivering a pizza to a kid’s house for a certain number of logins. We would do baskets at their doors, little gift cards. We’re able to do those things with the partnership, because we have outside people supporting us.

What I see now is our work going out more toward families and community versus having them come into the schools. We did that with the registration at apartment complexes and outside Fiesta. We have some teachers who have done virtual home visits. Maybe they say, “Hey, let me see your pet,” just to build the relationship. That’s really been key.

And for our schools, we’ve seen an increase of parents logging on and coming to meetings, because it’s really easy to hop on a Zoom.

What do you think COVID-19’s long-term impact on children’s education will be? The kids that have come back in person will be impacted on the social aspect of things. Because right now, the schools have a very different feel. Kids are in little partitions; they have masks. They’re on computers and can’t mingle with others. For that social and emotional piece of it, I think we’re going to have some work there.

For the students that are virtual, they don’t have all the visual supports that are found on campus walls. If you think about kids walking into a classroom, they’re able to see all this vocabulary and exemplars of what learning should look like. That has a big impact on kids’ learning.

They’re able to make those connections through what’s around them, and at home they don’t have that. All they have is a little screen. In my opinion, that’s not the best learning environment, especially for our kids.

As a teacher and a parent, how do you instill a love of learning? You’ve got to connect it to what they love. My middle school kids love their music; they love social media. Teachers who incorporate those things within [lessons] are the ones who hook the students.

There’s a program called myON—myon.com—and it’s almost like Netflix for books. Kids take a survey, and the program populates their bookshelf with e-books about what they love—dogs, baseball or whatever. They’re learning to read and getting better and better, and it’s because they’re interested in what they’re reading. We have to make sure we can make those connections for kids. dfwchild.com / january 2021

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real moms /

BRIEFS

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CLASS IN SESSION

FAVO R ITE BO O K S FO R CH I LD R E N

priscila dilley’s favorite things INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

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2

TH E BO O K O N H E R N I G HT S TA N D

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Alexander Hamilton story from the perspective of Eliza. I like historical

fiction. And murder mysteries, light, fun reading.

I’m always reading something.”

“QUIZLET IS SUCH A NEAT APP. TEACHERS CAN GO IN AND DESIGN DIFFERENT WAYS FOR KIDS TO STUDY FOR TESTS, ANYTHING FROM FLASHCARDS TO LITTLE GAMES. I LIKE IT AS A PARENT; I LIKE IT AS AN EDUCATOR.”

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think it’s going to be great—it’s the

H OW S H E PR AC TI CE S S E LF- C A R E

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“I love working out. I love spending time with my family. I’m very involved in my church. And traveling. Those things make me better.”

B E S T G I F T S H E R ECE I V E D FROM A S TU D E NT

g “I worked at a school that was 98% economically disadvantaged; I think it is a household income of $18,000. I had a kindergarten student who always complimented me on my shoes. Every time I’d sit down, she would touch my shoes. And for Christmas, she bought me these black high heels. And who wears high heels as a kindergarten teacher?

But I know it was a sacrifice for her and that she really thought about what I liked. And so I did wear them [to school] and had to put my feet up. But it was worth it.”

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

I LOVE ALL THE C.S. LEWIS NOVELS— THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW—ALL THOSE NOVELS ARE SO RICH IN HISTORY AND HAVE SO MANY APPLICATIONS TO THE REAL WORLD.

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A PODCAST S H E LI KE S

“The last one I listened to was Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. I love to laugh as an outlet.

I love to learn and do all that, but I also need some ‘me time.’”

HAMILTON BOOK: WILLIAM MORROW PAPERBACKS; NARNIA BOOKS: HARPER COLLINS; RUNNING: ©I ©ISTOCK; HEELS: ©I ©ISTOCK

E D U C ATI O N A PP S H E LOV E S

g “I just started My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. I

dfwchild.com / january 2021

19

/ ROUTINES

a monday in the life of

ALLISON JERNIGAN Allison Jernigan has a full plate. The Frisco mom is a blogger for RSVP Social Calendar, a micro-influencer, as well as a marketing and sales consultant. Plus, Jernigan and husband John co-own Rockstar Martial Arts in north Prosper. The couple also stay busy with their three boys—Brayden, 12, Gavin, 8, and Cole, 3— and three dogs, a German shorthaired pointer and two mini-Aussie puppies.

5

AM I like to wake up early while the rest of our home is sleeping. I go to the kitchen and mix up a Spark energy drink. (Pineapple coconut is my favorite!) This quiet time allows me to prep for my day, catch up on news, and have spiritual time. My current favorite devotional is Be Refreshed by my friend Diane Paddison of 4wordwomen.org, a community of Christian working women.

6AM Brayden is usually the next one up. He joins me in my home office, and we enjoy conversation for a bit. It gives me a chance for oneon-one time with our almost-teenager. Fellow boy moms know exactly how important that is!

6:30AM The rest of the house is waking up by now. Our toddler likes extra snuggle time in the mornings, so I give in. Then it’s time to get everyone ready for school and out the door.

7:25AM Easy, on-the-go breakfast is a must. The

boys grab a fruit, waffle or a granola bar on the way out the door. I also love to make a batch of Krusteaz Protein Wild Blueberry protein muffins in a mini-muffin pan. I sometimes add PB2 peanut butter or chocolate chips. The muffins are a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings like this one.

7:30AM I take the boys to school. Montessori, elementary and middle school. Making three different school drop-offs means extra time in the car. We do our morning ritual of “greeting the day” as soon as we pull out of the driveway. We collectively say, “Today is (date). This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Then the boys take turns passing around my phone and playing songs from Spotify. Our morning playlist usually includes everything from Kane Brown to Post Malone to “This Little Light of Mine.” I’m gonna let it shine.

8:30AM With the boys at school, I stop off at Cowboys Fit for a workout. I usually alternate between cardio and free weights, then finish with 20 minutes in the sauna. I love finishing in the sauna. It helps with recovery and cleanses the skin. Afterward, I head back home to start my workday—but first, coffee! My go-to Starbucks order is a tall soy toasted white mocha with half the syrup. Once in my home office, I spend time researching market trends, catching up on LinkedIn and industry news, and prepping for client calls.

10AM I hop on a Zoom call with a new entertainment client who is strategizing their streaming content plan. With the finishing touches on a new TV series, they are ready to make a big splash in the digital streaming world.

NOON I have a virtual committee meeting for the Sky Ranch Cowboys & Cowboys Gala. The event is coming up in February, so we are finalizing last-minute details and auction items. We’re hoping and praying that we will host the event in person! Sky Ranch Christian Camps are near and dear to my heart, and I love their mission. Both of our older boys attend their overnight camp for a week over the summer and love it.

2PM My afternoon is usually filled with client calls and vendor meetings. I’m extremely thankful for the tools and resources to stay connected in a virtual world! Zoom, Calendly and Canva help me stay organized and productive while I work from home.

3PM I pick the boys up from school and we head back home. The boys start their homework while I finish my workday. I send out recap and follow-up emails to clients at this time of day, so I’m still available to answer the boys’ homework questions while wrapping up work.

6PM One thing we have enjoyed most during this odd time is having dinner together. Now that winter is here, it’s soup and casserole season! We have dinner together as a family at least three evenings during the week, depending on sports practice schedules. The two older boys both

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the North Texas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by DFWChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space.

20

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

JERNIGAN FAMILY: JENNA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

real moms

the fine

print

WHAT SHE’S READING Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey and Decoding Boys by Dr. Cara Natterson FAVORITE INDULGENCE A Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Ruby is one of my faves) and dark chocolate GUARANTEED TO MAKE HER LAUGH My 3-year-old son Cole! He has the cutest personality and says the funniest things. I’m always posting a video of his latest antics on Instagram.

GUARANTEED TO MAKE HER CRY Hearing Silent Night at Christmas Eve church service FAVORITE SCENT I love perfume. I discovered Scentbird, a monthly perfume subscription service— my new favorites are Rag & Bone’s Bergamot and Badgley Mischka’s Forest Noir. BEST PURCHASE My planner! I like a good traditional paper planner. Even in this unexpected time, my daily planner helps me stay focused and organized.

TITLE OF HER FUTURE AUTOBIOGRAPHY

My Lyrics. I’m a huge music fan and always making up songs in conversation with my boys. MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Best job in the world! HER HOBBIES Movies, live music (I love Texas country), working out and cheering for our boys on the football field SHE’D LIKE MORE TIME TO Read and travel CELEBRITY MOMS SHE ADMIRES Leigh Anne Tuohy and Reese Witherspoon TOP HOSTESS TIP Music matters! Have the right playlist to set the tone.

BEST EVER 2021

CAMPS • TRAVEL • CLASSES

VIRTUAL FAIR FEBRUARY 26

GREENLIGHTS: CROWN; PERFUME: RAG & BONE

Your ultimate summer plans start here. play football, so John and I typically have to “divide and conquer” with overlapping football practices across town. Sweet little Cole, my toddler, is always good to be along for the ride, as long as he has a few monster trucks and some snacks.

8PM Toddlers need their sleep, and a consistent schedule is important! We tuck Cole in bed, then it’s time for a movie night.

When lockdown started, we all wrote down names of movies that we wanted to watch on slips of paper. We folded all of the ideas and put them in a jar. To solve the debate of which movie to watch (the boys can never seem to agree), we take turns drawing a movie from the jar. It saves time and avoids any arguments! We recently watched The Sandlot, and the boys loved it.

10PM Time to tuck the big boys in! I like to relax in bed and watch the evening news or read for an hour or so—then it’s lights out for me, too!

Explore the virtual booths for summer options, hear from experts about navigating this summer safely, and find a few new ideas that will thrill your kids.

Register today at

dfwchild.com/BSE

dfwchild.com / january 2021

21

22

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

NICK AND ETHAN: JOSH SCHILLING

SCHOOL OF FISH:©ISTOCK; LONE FISH: NOUN PROJECT

Any child can have a bad day at school.

But when their academic difficulties or social challenges linger, how do you help them?

FTER TWO DECADES OF TEACHING READING in Dallas ISD, Bridget Robinson knows a thing or two about helping kids navigate the written word. So when her own son Micah—6 years old and in first grade this year—had trouble recalling letters and their sounds, she launched a full-scale effort to help him keep up with his classmates. Robinson talked regularly with Micah’s teacher, mimicked in-class efforts at home and sought out additional learning resources. That’s because she knew from her own professional experience that Micah’s difficulties could easily snowball.

“Reading is so important for every subject,” Robinson says. “So he wasn’t focused during the day and wasn’t getting his work done. And that can morph into behavior problems.”

The traditional learning environment works well for a lot of kids. A lot of others are struggling. Perhaps there are academic difficulties, as with Micah. Or maybe your child can complete the work, but at a different pace (faster or slower) than peers. It could be that your child is unable to find a solid group of friends. The reasons a child may not thrive in a typical classroom are many, and so are the resulting questions for parents.

WORDS ALEXIS PATTERSON

dfwchild.com / january 2021

23

What’s a normal challenge for a kid to overcome? What requires intervention? How do you make sure your child is getting the support they need? Those questions don’t have straightforward answers in the most normal of years, and the pandemic has created new complications.

entities that have been doing remote learning for a long time. It’s a learning curve for all of us, but we’re using every tool we have to make things work better for teachers and students.”

THE ACADEMIC APPROACH SPEAK UP Children can be masters at hiding their troubles, which can delay them getting the help they need. A mom we’ll call Kathryn, who lives in a Tarrant County suburb, had no idea anything was amiss with her middle schooler—until she began getting emails and calls from teachers informing her that her daughter wasn’t turning in work, or writing “IDK” (tween shorthand for I don’t know) in the response blanks.

“We sat down to talk to her, and she broke down and talked about emotional challenges she was having at school,” says Kathryn. “She’s a sensitive soul, a sweet girl. She is bright, but sports really seem to be valued over academics in our community. She’s tried sports and activities and just hasn’t found her thing or her group. She says she’s weird and doesn’t fit in. And those emotional issues are driving the academic issues.”

This has been going on for a couple of years, and it has been painful for Kathryn to watch the daughter she adores feel so different and fail classes despite her intelligence. “When she does the schoolwork, she does well. She just gets so distracted in the school environment,” Kathryn notes. “She feels that if she asks any questions or asks for help, she’ll be embarrassed.”

That’s a common theme among kids who are having trouble in school. They don’t want their classmates or even their teachers to know they’re struggling, or—especially among littler ones—they just don’t know how to selfadvocate at school. Kids who have no problem expressing their thoughts and feelings at home sit silently in the classroom.

That was definitely an issue for Robinson’s son Micah, and she set about encouraging him to find his voice at school. “I tell him, ‘If you’re stuck, you need to ask. Don’t sit there for 20 minutes not doing anything,’” Robinson says, adding that “we teach kids to be quiet and listen, but kids also need to be able to speak up.”

Dallas ISD Chief Academic Officer Shannon Trejo agrees. “They don’t want to raise their hand and say they don’t understand. It’s an ongoing issue, but it can be even harder or affect more kids in a virtual environment.”

Trejo points out that there wasn’t really existing research about teaching and learning in a pandemic, but her district has done what it can to make a virtual environment more effective.

“We’ve researched catastrophic events that caused students to be out of school and are learning more about how they mitigated learning loss,” Trejo says. “We’re engaging more with 24

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

Since all kids are different, it’s easy to understand that the virtual environment has had varying impact. Kathryn’s daughter appreciates learning from home, because she’s not surrounded by kids she doesn’t feel connected to.

“It’s still not easy, but it’s better,” Kathryn says.

“She is super anxious when we talk about going

“THERE’S A TREND OF STRESS INCREASING AND COPING DECLINING, AND IT’S HAPPENING AT YOUNGER AND YOUNGER AGES. IT’S GETTING INTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOW.” Private Road Some parents choose a private education for a struggling child. We talked with Kathy Edwards, founder and head of school for The Novus Academy in Grapevine. Edwards notes that while you may be paying tuition, private schools such as hers may offer: • Smaller class size; • Further specialized programs and instruction; • More classmates facing similar academic or emotional issues, enabling increased opportunities for friendships.

back on campus. She tears up. She wants to homeschool instead.”

For other students, virtual learning has exacerbated their challenges. A Dallas mom we’ll call Ana has a fourth grader who is more advanced than his peers, and he sits bored at the computer much of the time as the teacher works to oversee both on-campus and remote students. “There is no way to work with students on different levels and at different paces; it’s just easier to keep everyone on the same page,” says Ana. “Most of the day seems to be teachers trying to keep the attention of at-home learners and emphasizing the importance of turning in assignments. If your child is doing well in these areas, it’s a lot of wasted time for them.”

For kids who are ahead of the curve (whether they’re on campus or learning from home), Ana recommends contacting the teacher and asking for extra science projects, reading and other assignments; she also is exploring other online programs that are tailored to her son’s academic level. Parents can inquire about their district’s gifted and talented options. In addition, Ana says, an instrument, art classes, sports lessons and other activities can make good use of advanced kids’ extra time and mental energy.

When the problem is the opposite—when students are unable to keep up or just don’t comprehend the material—virtual learning can be especially challenging. “It adds another layer on top of their academics,” Dallas ISD’s Trejo notes. “We’re working hard for students to be able to master content via video conferencing or a learning management system.”

However and wherever your child is attending class, educators understand that some students will need extra academic help, and have processes to identify them at an early stage.

“Although some students may not meet the criteria for special education, they may need additional supports and resources to help close the achievement gap,” explains Lesa Shocklee, executive director of special populations for Mansfield ISD. If those resources aren’t already being presented to you and your child as considerations, don’t be afraid to ask.

For a student who is really having trouble in the virtual environment—failing classes, perhaps—Shocklee says you may need to consider bringing your student back to campus if possible. Robinson, the Dallas ISD teacher, knew that needed to happen for her son. “Micah was sitting in the computer chair every day, looking at his teacher on the screen—that just wasn’t for him,” Robinson recalls. “He said, ‘I want to see her face. I need to see her face.’”

Now that Micah is back on campus, he is doing better. Like many instructors, Micah’s teacher presents some lessons as small group learning. That gives Micah the opportunity to work alongside children who are more apt to work at a somewhat slower pace. “I like that, because they can build on each other and help each other,” says Robinson. “When they’re all together all the time, some kid might holler

out the answer before other kids even get their thought processes going.”

“Dynamic grouping,” as educators call it, allows a student and their peers to get support from the teacher for exactly what they need. “It’s creating more personalized instruction,” says Trejo. “We can also individualize instruction through software—math programs, reading programs—that provides diagnostic tests and identifies strengths and weaknesses.”

That more personalized instruction can happen through support staff as well. Specialists in areas such as reading and math can work oneon-one with your child during the school day to give them additional dedicated learning time.

Your child’s school may also offer before- or after-school tutoring (maybe even virtual).

Sometimes official, in-class accommodations are needed. A Fort Worth mother named Danika says her son—now 11 years old and in the fifth grade—has been working with a speech and language pathologist since preschool. “His teachers and school administration worked with us to provide accommodations for him based on his speech pathologist’s recommendations,” shares Danika.

Early assessments by the school district were suggestive of dyslexia, but Danika’s son did not meet the standard for receiving district resources for dyslexia. Danika and her husband sought out private testing (something Danika sadly notes can be cost prohibitive for some families) after seeing their son struggling in math. “As he advanced, and equations transitioned into word problems, there was a big difference in his accuracy.”

After an official dyslexia diagnosis, Danika’s son started receiving additional accommodations in the classroom; the district also provides a dyslexia specialist for more support. But Danika adds that she and her husband do not rely solely on the school to help their son overcome the challenges posed by dyslexia. “We’ve helped him learn about individuals who are famous in their fields who have dyslexia. And we’ve pushed him to really understand how to use his mind as an instrument. It’s important for him to understand that there is no ‘normal’ way to learn, and that each individual has to find what works best.”

What worked for Danika’s son was introducing a supplement to print versions of books.

“He never really enjoyed reading very much before; he couldn’t pronounce or decode the larger words, and that significantly impacted his comprehension,” she explains. “We started purchasing audio books for him along with the hard copies, and I am so pleased to see the bookworm that has emerged in him.”

Clearly, boosting your child’s abilities in reading and other fundamentals doesn’t have to happen through straightforward studying.

“Improving reading, math and writing skills can be fun and part of another family activity,” says Jennifer Price, executive director of curriculum and instruction for Keller ISD. She suggests reading signs while riding in the car, practicing addition and subtraction at the grocery store, and

writing thank-you notes or other letters.

Parents can also make sure their children are better equipped to remain focused when they’re learning virtually or doing homework. “Having your own school space versus play space makes a difference,” Trejo says. Helping kids stay organized and having a structured routine can pay academic dividends as well.

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL When your student’s struggles are rooted in emotional issues, as they are for Kathryn’s eighth grader, don’t underestimate the challenge in solving them. While it may be natural for an adult to think “this too shall pass,” and that qualities and characteristics not necessarily prized among kids, tweens or teens can be very valuable later on, children may not see past their day-to-day, current reality.

“Anxiety, sadness, embarrassment—these can really interfere with concentration and perseverance in school,” says Paul Haggan, Argyle ISD’s crisis coordinator. “There’s a trend of stress increasing and coping declining, and it’s happening at younger and younger ages. It’s getting into elementary school now.”

Argyle ISD trains teachers and staff to spot mental health and social-emotional concerns, even those that are less discernible. Similarly, Mansfield ISD has a Social-Emotional Learning Department that gives teachers tools to recognize “when students are ‘not themselves,’” notes Mendy Gregory, the district’s director of socialemotional learning. “And we empower teachers to intervene as they see fit, because since they have built those relationships with the students, they can come up with ways to help.”

Some districts incorporate social-emotional learning into the school day. “Dallas ISD schools have built-in morning meetings in elementary schools and advisory periods in secondary schools to focus on relationshipbuilding. That allows teachers and students to dedicate time to getting to know each other and practicing healthy communication skills,” shares Juany Valdespino-Gaytán, Dallas ISD’s executive director of engagement services. “This is an intentional effort to foster a safe, supportive, welcoming learning environment.”

It’s not always perfect, of course. Kids aren’t always kind, and everyone is going to have a bad day. When do you know your child is dealing with something more? Raul Peña, Fort Worth ISD’s chief of student and school support, and Dorene Benevidez, the district’s executive director of equity and excellence, offer these indicators that you should look deeper into what’s happening with your child: Making excuses as to why they don’t want to go to school or participate online; Offering few details and displaying a negative

attitude when asked questions about school; Difficulty sleeping or lack of appetite; Failure to complete assignments or excessively exaggerating about getting things right; Exhibiting behavior problems at school or at home.

If your child is displaying those signs, or you just otherwise sense that they’re not in a good place, it’s important to not wait to get help. School counselors are an obvious resource; you may choose to seek out private mental health support as well.

Kathryn focuses on continually reassuring her daughter that every day is a new day and that things will get better. She also reminds the eighth grader that “trying” is required. “‘You just have to try,’” Kathryn says she tells her daughter. “‘You can’t put IDK for the answer.

The teacher needs to see you’re trying.’”

While it’s not easy for children in that kind of situation, it’s hard on moms and dads, too.

Kathryn suggests that other parents whose students are going through emotional distress “take a deep breath and try to be patient with them.

We all get so frustrated, wondering why we can’t fix it and make it OK. But sometimes there’s not an answer. Sometimes it just takes time.”

TALK IT OUT The universal recommendation from educators and parents—whether a child is struggling academically, emotionally or in both areas—is to make sure the lines of communication between home and school are wide open.

The classroom teacher is your first stop.

“When my son started having problems, I was down in his classroom, talking to the teacher and finding out exactly what I could do,” says Dallas ISD teacher Robinson. “Parents need to speak up. It’s your kid. Call up the school. Ask to talk to the teacher during planning period.

Ask for websites, a workbook, anything that will help. All of us teachers want our students to do well and be happy. If a parent calls me, I’m giving you everything I’ve got.”

But if you don’t feel heard by your child’s teacher, don’t give up. Get in touch with an administrator, a district official—there are numerous people whose job is to facilitate your child’s success. As you talk to educators, though, don’t forget to talk to your child too.

“Simple reminders such as, ‘I know you have a spelling quiz on Friday; let’s practice your words on the way to the store,’ are a great way to be involved and show a child that their school experience is important,” says Keller ISD’s Price.

Finally, let your student have their say— then advocate relentlessly for what you believe is in their best interest. “Take the time to listen to your child,” advises Danika, “and trust your intuition.” dfwchild.com / january 2021

25

THE

2021

PRIVATE WEBSITE

CITY

COUNTY

SCHOOL NAME

STREET ADDRESS

Our comprehensive guide to DFW private schools

Collin

Acton Academy McKinney

192 Industrial Blvd.

McKinney

actonmckinney.org

Collin

All Saints Catholic School

7777 Osage Plaza Parkway

Dallas

allsaintsk8.org

Collin

Ann and Nate Levine Academy

18011 Hiillcrest Road

Dallas

levineacademy.org

Collin

Bethany Christian School

3300 W. Parker Road

Plano

planochristianschool.com

Collin

Campbell Christian Academy

5608 Walnut Springs Court

Dallas

campbellchristianacademy.com

Collin

Coram Deo Academy, Collin County Campus

9640 Independence Parkway

Plano

coramdeoacademy.org

Collin

Cornerstone Christian Academy

808 S. College St.

McKinney

ccawarriors.com

Collin

Einstein School, The

4011 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 132

Plano

theeinsteinschool.com

Collin

Faith Lutheran School

1701 E. Park Blvd.

Plano

flsplano.org

Collin

Frisco Montessori Academy

8890 Meadow Hill Drive

Frisco

friscomontessori.com

Collin

Fusion Academy Plano

2400 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 180

Plano

fusionacademy.com/plano

Collin

Great Lakes Academy

6000 Custer Road, Building 7

Plano

greatlakesacademy.com

Collin

Guthrie School, The

598 Old Custer Road

Allen

guthrieschool.com

Collin

Inspired Learning Academy

601 S. Greenville Ave.

Allen

inspiredlearningacademy.org

Collin

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

12345 Inwood Road

Dallas

jesuitdallas.org

Collin

John Paul II High School

900 Coit Road

Plano

johnpauliihs.org

Collin

Legacy Christian Academy

5000 Academy Drive

Frisco

legacyca.com

Collin

Lucas Christian Academy

505 W. Lucas Road

Lucas

lucaschristianacademy.com

Collin

McKinney Christian Academy

3601 Bois D’Arc Road

McKinney

mckinneychristian.org

Collin

New Hope Christian Academy

1501 H Ave.

Plano

explorenewhope.org

Collin

North Dallas Adventist Academy

2800 Custer Parkway

Richardson

ndaacademy.org

Collin

North Texas Performing Arts Academy, Fairview Campus

302 Town Place

Fairview

ntpaacademy.org

Collin

North Texas Performing Arts Academy, Frisco Campus

6500 Preston Road, Suite 101

Frisco

ntpaacademy.org

Collin

North Texas Performing Arts Academy, Plano Campus

6121 W. Park Blvd., Suite B216

Plano

ntpaacademy.org

Collin

Prestonwood Christian Academy

6801 W. Park Blvd.

Plano

prestonwoodchristian.org

KEY

= nontraditional learning environment

26

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

= primarily serves children with special needs

= primarily serves children with learning differences

= primarily serves gifted children

SCHOOL LIST Whether you’re looking for smaller classes, a faith-based curriculum or an environment designed for students with learning differences—or the private route is just your preference—you have lots of options in private schools across DFW. But with so many campuses available, how do you choose? We compile our annual Private School List to help you get to know the schools before you make a visit or even log on their website. Think of it as us doing some of the homework for you.

SCHOLARSHIPS

FINANCIAL AID

TUITION

UNIFORM

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

GRADES OFFERED

FOUNDED

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

EDITED BY DFWCHILD STAFF

2019

None

Preschool–9

30

No

$7,200

No

No

1998

Catholic

Pre–K–8

286

Yes

$8,760

Yes

No

1979

Jewish

Preschool–8

420

Yes

$13,000–$29,000

Yes

No

1979

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

40

No

$3,800–$5,000

No

No

1984

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–6

100

Yes

$5,000–$6,000

No

No

2004

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

518

Yes

$4,505 – $8,030

Yes

No

2004

None

Kindergarten–12

352

Yes

$5,700–$7,770

Yes

Yes

2011

None

5–12

150

No

$14,750

No

Yes

1971

Lutheran

Preschool–12

126

Yes

$4,000–$10,000

Yes

No

1998

None

Preschool–8

200

Yes

$10,000

No

Yes

1989

None

6–12

100

No

$3,490–$50,000

No

Yes

1996

None

4–12

120

Yes

$17,700–$19,800

No

No

2014

None

Preschool–6

86

Yes

$13,000–$19,000

Yes

No

2017

None

6–12

14

No

$8,470

No

Yes

1942

Catholic

9–12

1,143

No

$20,800

Yes

Yes

2005

Catholic

9–12

700

Yes

$19,250

Yes

Yes

1999

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

970

Yes

$13,000–$19,000

Yes

No

1999

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

354

Yes

$5,600–$6,500

No

No

1992

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

545

Yes

$7,325–$15,125

Yes

No

2017

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–7

100

Yes

$9,450–$10,650

Yes

Yes

1984

Adventist

Pre–K–12

225

Yes

$6,000–$10,000

Yes

No

2018

None

6–12

80

No

$200–$7,800

Yes

Yes

2018

None

6–12

80

No

$200–$7,800

Yes

Yes

2018

None

6–12

80

No

$200–$7,800

Yes

Yes

1997

Baptist

Preschool–12

1,390

Yes

$6,365–$22,695

Yes

No

dfwchild.com / january 2021

27

WEBSITE

CITY

COUNTY

SCHOOL NAME

STREET ADDRESS

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

Collin

Prestonwood Christian Academy North

1001 W. Prosper Trail

Prosper

prestonwoodchristian.org/north

Collin

Prince of Peace Catholic School

5100 W. Plano Parkway

Plano

popschool.net

Collin

Prince of Peace Christian School and Early Learning Center

4004 Midway Road

Carrollton

popcs.org

Collin

Spring Creek Academy

6000 Custer Road, Building 5

Plano

springcreekacademy.com

Collin

St. Mark Catholic School

1201 Alma Drive

Plano

stmcs.net

Collin

Wylie Preparatory Academy

4110 Skyview Court

Wylie

wylieprep.com

Collin

Yorktown Education Private School

5170 Village Creek Drive

Plano

yorktowned.com

Dallas

Acton Academy Lakewood

2443 Abrams Road

Dallas

actonlakewood.org

Dallas

Akiba Yavneh Academy

12324 Merit Drive

Dallas

akibaacademy.org; yavnehdallas.org

Dallas

Alcuin School

6144 Churchill Way

Dallas

alcuinschool.org

Dallas

Bishop Dunne Catholic School

3900 Rugged Drive

Dallas

bdcs.org

Dallas

Bishop Lynch High School

9750 Ferguson Road

Dallas

bishoplynch.org

Dallas

Bridge Builder Academy

1221 W. Campbell Road, Suite 209

Richardson

bridgebuilderacademy.com

Dallas

Brighter Horizons Academy

3145 Medical Plaza

Garland

bhaprep.org

Dallas

Calvary Lutheran School

9807 Church Road

Dallas

calvarydallas.org/school

Dallas

Cambridge School of Dallas, The

9330 N. Central Expressway

Dallas

cambridgedallas.org

Dallas

Christ the King Catholic School

4100 Colgate Ave.

Dallas

cks.org

Dallas

Cistercian Preparatory School

3660 Cistercian Rd.

Irving

cistercian.org

Dallas

Coram Deo Academy, Dallas Campus

6930 Alpha Road

Dallas

coramdeoacademy.org

Dallas

Covenant School, The

7300 Valley View Lane

Dallas

covenantdallas.com

Dallas

Dallas Academy

950 Tiffany Way

Dallas

dallas-academy.com

Dallas

Dallas Christian Academy

4025 N. Central Expressway

Dallas

dallaschristianacademy.org

Dallas

Dallas Christian School

1515 Republic Parkway

Mesquite

dallaschristian.com

Dallas

Dallas International School

6039 Churchill Way

Dallas

dallasinternationalschool.org

Dallas

Dallas Lutheran School

8494 Stults Road

Dallas

dallaslutheranschool.com

Dallas

DeSoto Private School

301 E. Beltline Road

DeSoto

desotoprivate.org

Dallas

Episcopal School of Dallas, The

4100 Merrell Road

Dallas

esdallas.org

Dallas

Fairhill School

16150 Preston Road

Dallas

fairhill.org

Dallas

Firewheel Christian Academy

5500 Lavon Drive

Garland

firewheelca.org

Dallas

First Baptist Academy

7898 Samuell Blvd.

Dallas

fbacademy.com

Dallas

Fusion Academy Dallas

8128 Park Lane., Suite 125

Dallas

fusionacademy.com

Dallas

Garland Christian Academy

1516 Lavon Drive

Garland

garlandchristian.com

Dallas

German International School of Dallas

12411 Templeton Trail

Dallas

german-isd.com

Dallas

Good Shepherd Catholic School

214 S. Garland Ave.

Garland

gscschool.org

Dallas

Good Shepherd Episcopal School

11110 Midway Road

Dallas

gsesdallas.org

Dallas

Grace Academy of Dallas

11306A Inwood Road

Dallas

graceacademy.com

KEY

= nontraditional learning environment

28

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

= primarily serves children with special needs

= primarily serves children with learning differences

= primarily serves gifted children

FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS

260

Yes

$6,365–$17,695

Yes

No

1991

Catholic

Pre–K–8

800

Yes

$8,305

Yes

No

1980

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

650

Yes

$11,900–$19,100

Yes

Yes

1996

None

3–12

120

Yes

$9,000–$11,000

No

No

1982

Catholic

Preschool–8

550

Yes

$8,305–$11,415

Yes

No

2001

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

286

Yes

$5,000–$9,400

No

No

2008

None

Kindergarten–12

100

Yes

$17,000

Yes

Yes

2019

None

Preschool–5

24

No

$9,780

No

No

1962

Jewish

Preschool–12

450

Yes

$10,000–$28,000

Yes

No

1964

None

Preschool–12

515

No

$18,430–$3,1120

Yes

No

1961

Catholic

6–12

400

Yes

$12,500–$17,000

Yes

Yes

1963

Catholic

9–12

1,005

Yes

$18,800

Yes

Yes

2006

None

Kindergarten–12

45

No

Varies

Yes

Yes

1989

Islamic

Pre–K–12

800

Yes

$7,622

Yes

No

1972

Lutheran

Preschool–8

96

Yes

$6,800

Yes

No

2001

Christian–Nondenominational

5–12

100

Yes

$18,900–$23,100

Yes

Yes

1947

Catholic

Pre–K–8

480

Yes

$9,438–$13,146

Yes

Yes

1964

Catholic

5–12

355

Yes

$22,000

Yes

No

2006

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–10

213

Yes

$4,505–$8,030

Yes

No

1993

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

664

Yes

$8,250–$21,230

Yes

Yes

1965

None

1–12

165

Yes

$16,500–$23,660

Yes

Yes

1952

Adventist

Preschool–12

100

Yes

$4,650–$6,300

No

Yes

1957

None

Pre–K–12

500

Yes

$9,132–$19,241

Yes

No

1991

None

Preschool–12

550

Yes

$19,000–$24,500

Yes

No

1974

Lutheran

7–12

180

Yes

$12,700–$14,700

Yes

Yes

1972

None

Preschool–6

170

Yes

$5,500

No

No

1974

Episcopal

Preschool–12

1,150

Yes

$17,955–$31,795

Yes

No

1971

None

1–12

150

Yes

$21,300–$21,900

Yes

No

1981

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–6

135

Yes

$3,150–$6,900

No

No

1972

Baptist

Pre–K–12

255

Yes

$10,650–$14,650

Yes

No

1989

None

6–12

100

No

$3,490–$50,000

No

Yes

1972

Baptist

Pre–K–12

251

Yes

$7,000–$10,000

Yes

No

2010

None

Preschool–4

113

No

$8,000–$12,000

No

No

1954

Catholic

Pre–K–8

200

Yes

$6,235–$14,980

Yes

Yes

1959

Episcopal

Pre–K–8

552

Yes

$13,320–$22,900

Yes

Yes

1974

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–6

200

Yes

$3,000–$12,000

Yes

No

TUITION

GRADES OFFERED

FOUNDED

UNIFORM

Preschool–10

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

Baptist

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

2014

dfwchild.com / january 2021

29

WEBSITE

CITY

COUNTY

SCHOOL NAME

STREET ADDRESS

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

Dallas

Greenhill School

4141 Spring Valley Road

Addison

greenhill.org

Dallas

Highlander School

9120 Plano Road

Dallas

highlanderschool.com

Dallas

Highlands School, The

1451 E. Northgate Drive

Irving

thehighlandsschool.org

Dallas

Hillier School

3821 University Blvd.

Dallas

hillierschool.org

Dallas

Hockaday School, The

11600 Welch Road

Dallas

hockaday.org

Dallas

Holy Family Catholic Academy

2323 Cheyenne St.

Irving

hfca-irving.org

Dallas

Holy Trinity Catholic School

3815 Oak Lawn Ave.

Dallas

htcsdallas.org

Dallas

Humanist Academy, The

4441 W. Airport Freeway

Irving

thehumanistacademy.org

Dallas

IANT Quranic Academy

840 Abrams Road

Richardson

myiqa.org

Dallas

Immaculate Conception School

400 NE 17th St.

Grand Prairie

school.icgrandprairie.org

Dallas

Islamic School of Irving

2555 Esters Road

Irving

islamicschoolofirving.org

Dallas

Kessler School, The

1215 Turner Ave.

Dallas

thekesslerschool.com

Dallas

Kingdom Collegiate Academies, Dallas Campus

1821 W. Camp Wisdom Road

Dallas

kcacademies.org

Dallas

Kingdom Collegiate Academies, DeSoto Campus

1708 N. Westmoreland Road

DeSoto

kcacademies.org

Dallas

Lakehill Preparatory School

2720 Hillside Drive

Dallas

lakehillprep.org

Dallas

Lamplighter School, The

11611 Inwood Road

Dallas

thelamplighterschool.org

Dallas

Mary Immaculate School

14032 Dennis Lane

Farmers Branch

mischool.org

Dallas

Merryhill Preschool & Elementary School

711 West Arbrook Blvd.

Arlington

merryhillarlington.com

Dallas

Mt. St. Michael Catholic School

4500 West Davis St.

Dallas

msmcatholic.org

Dallas

North Texas Performing Arts Academy, Dallas Campus

12300 Inwood Road, Suite 112

Dallas

ntpaacademy.org

Dallas

Notre Dame School

2018 Allen St.

Dallas

notredameschool.org

Dallas

Oak Crest Private School

1200 E. Jackson Road, Building 2

Carrollton

oakcrestschool.org

Dallas

Oak Hill Academy

9407 Midway Road

Dallas

oakhillacademy.org

Dallas

Our Redeemer Lutheran School of Dallas

7611 Park Lane

Dallas

ordallas.org

Dallas

Parish Episcopal School

4101 Sigma Road

Dallas

parish.org

Dallas

Preston Hollow Presbyterian School

9800 Preston Road

Dallas

phps.org

Dallas

Providence Christian School of Texas

5002 West Lovers Lane

Dallas

pcstx.org

Dallas

Redeemer Montessori School

2700 Warren Circle

Irving

redeemermontessori.org

Dallas

Riverchase Montessori

1555 Sandy Lake Road

Coppell

riverchasemontessori.com

Dallas

Saint Francis Montessori

545 Iris Drive

Irving

stfrancisirving.org

Dallas

Saint Paul Catholic Classical School

720 S. Floyd Road

Richardson

spsdfw.org

Dallas

St Paul the Apostle Catholic Classical School

720 S. Floyd Road

Richardson

spsdfw.org

Dallas

Santa Clara Catholic Academy

321 Calumet Ave., Suite B

Dallas

santaclaraacademy.org

Dallas

Scofield Christian School

7730 Abrams Road

Dallas

scofieldchristianschool.org

Dallas

Shelton School

17301 Preston Road

Dallas

shelton.org

Dallas

Sloan School, The

3131 N. O’Connor Road

Irving

thesloanschool.com

KEY

= nontraditional learning environment

30

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

= primarily serves children with special needs

= primarily serves children with learning differences

= primarily serves gifted children

FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS

1,339

No

$27,110–$33,580

Yes

No

1966

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–6

110

Yes

$3,040–$10,750

No

No

1980

Catholic

Pre–K–12

354

Yes

$10,000–$16,000

Yes

Yes

1968

Presbyterian

1–8

33

Yes

$15,600

Yes

Yes

1913

None

Pre–K–12

1,107

Yes

$28,975

Yes

No

1965

Catholic

Preschool–8

150

Yes

$6,120

Yes

No

1914

Catholic

Pre–K–8

124

Yes

$7,550

Yes

Yes

2016

None

Preschool–10

55

No

$6,050

Yes

Yes

2002

Islamic

Kindergarten–12

200

Yes

$6,500

Yes

No

1952

Catholic

Pre–K–8

130

Yes

$6,290

Yes

Yes

1996

Islamic

Preschool–12

500

Yes

$5,800

Yes

No

1999

None

Pre–K–8

110

Yes

$14,000–$17,000

Yes

Yes

1984

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

500

Yes

$8,304–$12,900

Yes

Yes

2019

None

Preschool–12

170

Yes

$8,000–$12,900

Yes

Yes

1971

None

Kindergarten–12

350

No

$12,000–$23,900

Yes

No

1953

None

Pre–K–4

450

No

$15,320–$27,524

Yes

No

1959

Catholic

Kindergarten–8

420

Yes

$6,900

Yes

No

1998

None

Preschool–6

150

Yes

$10,712–$14,404

No

No

1986

Catholic

Preschool–8

85

Yes

$7,900

Yes

No

2018

None

6–12

80

No

$200–$7,800

Yes

Yes

1963

Catholic

Kindergarten–12

140

Yes

$10,250

Yes

No

1999

None

Preschool–8

50

No

$8,450–$13,200

No

No

1987

None

Preschool–12

150

Yes

$20,000–$25,000

Yes

No

1960

Lutheran

Preschool–6

160

Yes

$6,900–$11,900

Yes

Yes

1972

Episcopal

Pre–K–12

1,140

Yes

$11,900–$31,900

Yes

No

1962

Presbyterian

Kindergarten–6

130

Yes

$20,700

Yes

No

1989

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–8

450

Yes

$3,900–$19,650

Yes

No

1978

Episcopal

Preschool–6

130

Yes

$7,600–$9,050

Yes

Yes

2014

None

Preschool–3

150

Yes

$12,660

No

No

2009

Catholic

Preschool–6

115

No

$4,500

Yes

No

1957

Catholic

Pre–K–8

121

Yes

$9,151

Yes

Yes

1956

Catholic

Pre–K–8

130

Yes

$7,732–$9,151

Yes

Yes

1994

Catholic

Pre–K–8

126

Yes

$5,600

Yes

No

1961

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–6

180

Yes

$2,190–$11,806

Yes

No

1976

None

Pre–K–12

990

Yes

$17,000–$33,000

Yes

No

1996

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–5

102

Yes

$8,950–$10,600

No

No

TUITION

GRADES OFFERED

FOUNDED

UNIFORM

Pre–K–12

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

None

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

1950

dfwchild.com / january 2021

31

WEBSITE

CITY

COUNTY

SCHOOL NAME

STREET ADDRESS

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

Dallas

Southwest Adventist Junior Academy

1600 Bonnie View Road

Dallas

swaja.org

Dallas

St. Rita Catholic School

12525 Inwood Road

Dallas

strita.net

Dallas

St. Anthony School, The

2030 N. Denton Drive

Carrollton

thestanthonyschool.com

Dallas

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School

1420 Old Gate Lane

Dallas

stbernardccs.org

Dallas

St. Cecilia Catholic School

635 Marycliff Road

Dallas

stceciliacatholic.org

Dallas

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School

4019 S. Hampton Road

Dallas

saintspride.com

Dallas

St. John’s Episcopal School

848 Harter Road

Dallas

stjohnsschool.org

Dallas

St. Joseph Catholic School

600 S. Jupiter Road

Richardson

stjosephccschool.net

Dallas

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road

Dallas

smtexas.org

Dallas

St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School

1716 Singleton Blvd.

Dallas

smcschool.org

Dallas

St. Monica Catholic School

4140 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas

stmonicaschool.org

Dallas

St. Patrick Catholic School

9635 Ferndale Road

Dallas

spsdallas.org

Dallas

St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy

8151 Military Parkway

Dallas

spsacatholic.org

Dallas

St. Philip’s School & Community Center

1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Dallas

stphilips1600.org

Dallas

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

3741 Abrams Road; 6255 E. Mockingbird Lane

Dallas

staschool.org

Dallas

StoneGate Christian Academy

1705 Esters Road

Irving

sgca.net

Dallas

Trinity Christian Academy

17001 Addison Road

Addison

trinitychristian.org

Dallas

Trinity Christian School

1231 E. Pleasant Run Road

Cedar Hill

trinitychristianschool.com

Dallas

Tyler Street Christian Academy

915 W. Ninth St.

Dallas

tsca.org

Dallas

Ursuline Academy of Dallas

4900 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas

ursulinedallas.org

Dallas

Vanguard Preparatory School

4240 Sigma Road

Dallas

vanguardprepschool.com

Dallas

Wesley Prep

9200 Inwood Road

Dallas

wesleyprep.org

Dallas

Westwood School, The

14340 Proton Road

Dallas

westwoodschool.org

Dallas

White Rock Montessori

1601 Oates Drive

Dallas

whiterockmontessori.org

Dallas

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail

Dallas

whiterocknorthschool.com

Dallas

Winston School, The

5707 Royal Lane

Dallas

winston-school.org

Dallas

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Lane

Dallas

zlsdallas.org

Denton

Choices Leadership Academy

18106 Marsh Lane

Dallas

choicesleadership.org

Denton

Coram Deo Academy, Flower Mound Campus

4900 Wichita Trail

Flower Mound

coramdeoacademy.org

Denton

Denton Calvary Academy

1910 E. University Drive

Denton

dentoncalvary.org

Denton

Explorations Preparatory School

1501 Flower Mound Road

Flower Mound

explorationsprep.org

Denton

Grace Christian Academy

3200 Firewheel Drive

Flower Mound

gcapatriots.org

Denton

Immaculate Conception Catholic School

2301 N. Bonnie Brae St.

Denton

catholicschooldenton.org

Denton

Koan School

6441 Fishtrap Road

Denton

koanschool.org

Denton

Lakeland Christian Academy

397 S. Stemmons Freeway

Lewisville

lakelandchristian.org

Denton

Liberty Christian School

1301 S. Highway 377

Argyle

libertychristian.com

KEY

= nontraditional learning environment

32

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

= primarily serves children with special needs

= primarily serves children with learning differences

= primarily serves gifted children

FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS

23

Yes

$4,250–$5,250

Yes

Yes

1964

Catholic

Pre–K–8

722

Yes

$8,500–$13,500

Yes

No

1998

None

1–12

78

Yes

$24,500

Yes

Yes

1948

Catholic

Preschool–8

130

Yes

$6,400

Yes

Yes

1935

Catholic

Pre–K–8

141

Yes

$5,500

Yes

Yes

1958

Catholic

Pre–K–8

175

Yes

$6,895–$7,995

Yes

No

1953

Episcopal

Preschool–8

500

Yes

$20,000

Yes

No

2002

Catholic

Kindergarten–8

230

Yes

$7,600–$8,600

Yes

No

1906

Non–Sectarian Episcopal

1–12

900

Yes

$27,000–$34,600

Yes

No

1944

Catholic

Preschool–8

145

Yes

$4,950–$6,775

Yes

Yes

1954

Catholic

Preschool–8

731

Yes

$8,425–$8,975

Yes

Yes

1964

Catholic

Pre–K–8

415

Yes

$4,800–$10,290

Yes

No

2015

Catholic

Pre–K–8

287

Yes

$5,460

Yes

No

1946

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–6

196

Yes

$9,340–$10,260

Yes

No

1947

Catholic

Pre–K–8

845

Yes

$9,200

No

No

1976

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

100

Yes

$6,868–$8,493

No

Yes

1970

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

1,373

Yes

$9,500–$22,980

Yes

Yes

1981

Assemblies of God

Preschool–12

470

Yes

$8,250

No

No

1972

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

96

Yes

$6,750–$8,250

Yes

Yes

1874

Catholic

9–12

850

Yes

$23,900

Yes

Yes

1993

None

Pre–K–12

115

No

$21,500–$23,500

Yes

Yes

1968

Methodist

Preschool–6

448

Yes

$2,250–$14,645

Yes

No

1986

None

Preschool–12

270

Yes

$14,500–$20,500

Yes

Yes

1975

None

Preschool–8

160

No

$8,100–$15,700

Yes

No

1964

None

Preschool–6

325

Yes

$12,000–$15,000

Yes

Yes

1975

None

Pre–K–12

166

Yes

$21,490–$29,760

Yes

No

1879

Lutheran

Preschool–8

255

Yes

$7,300–$9,250

Yes

Yes

2005

None

Pre–K–5

50

Yes

$5,000

No

Yes

1999

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

736

Yes

$4,505–$8,030

Yes

No

1999

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

205

Yes

$6,800 – $8,600

Yes

Yes

2013

None

Pre–K–8

75

Yes

$11,000

Yes

No

1970

Independent Baptist

Pre–K–12

47

Yes

$5,500

No

No

1995

Catholic

Pre–K–8

150

Yes

$5,300

Yes

No

2013

None

Kindergarten–12

52

No

$5,450–$9,400

No

No

1992

Baptist

Preschool–12

225

Yes

$2,000–$7000

No

No

1983

None

Pre–K–12

940

Yes

$9,000–$19,000

Yes

No

TUITION

GRADES OFFERED

FOUNDED

UNIFORM

Preschool–8

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

Adventist

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

1929

dfwchild.com / january 2021

33

WEBSITE

CITY

COUNTY

SCHOOL NAME

STREET ADDRESS

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

Denton

Selwyn School

2270 Copper Canyon Road

Argyle

selwynschool.org

Denton

St. Martin de Porres Catholic School

4000 W. University Drive

Prosper

smdpcatholic.org

Denton

St. Timothy Christian Academy

6801 W. Park Blvd.

Plano

staplano.org

Denton

Starwood Academy of Frisco

3443 Lebanon Road

Frisco

starwoodmontessori.com

Denton

Starwood Montessori School

6600 Lebanon Road

Frisco

starwoodmontessori.com

Denton

Temple Christian Academy

2501 Northshore Blvd.

Flower Mound

templechristian.com

Other

Grace Classical Christian Academy

1851 Weatherford Hightway

Granbury

graceclassical.com

Other

Holy Cross Christian Academy

1233 Tarver Road

Burleson

hccaburleson.com

Other

Anderson Private School for the Gifted, Talented and Creative

14900 White Settlement Road

Fort Worth

andersonschool.net

Other

Trinity Christian Academy

4954 E. I–20 Service Road S.

Willow Park

tcaeagles.org

Tarrant

Acton Academy Fort Worth

711 S. Jennings Ave.

Fort Worth

actonacademyfortworth.com

Tarrant

Acton Academy Southlake

190 W. State Highway 114

Southlake

actonsouthlake.org

Tarrant

All Saints’ Episcopal School

9700 Saints Circle

Fort Worth

aseschool.org

Tarrant

Alliance Christian Academy & Little Sprouts Preschool

13105 Harmon Road

Haslet

acaknights.com

Tarrant

Azle Christian School

1801 S. Stewart St.

Azle

azlechristianschool.org

Tarrant

Bethesda Christian School

4700 N. Beach St.

Fort Worth

bcsfw.org

Tarrant

Burton Adventist Academy

4611 Kelly Elliott Road

Arlington

burtonacademy.org

Tarrant

Calvary Christian Academy

1401 Oakhurst Scenic Drive

Fort Worth

cca-tx.org

Tarrant

Cassata Catholic High School

1400 Hemphill St.

Fort Worth

cassatahs.org

Tarrant

Children’s University

4621 Park Springs Blvd.

Arlington

childrensuniversity.com

Tarrant

Christian Cottage Prep

6815 Manhattan Blvd., Suite 107

Fort Worth

christiancottageprep.com

Tarrant

Clariden School, The

100 Clariden Ranch Road

Southlake

claridenschool.org

Tarrant

Covenant Christian Academy

901 Cheek-Sparger Road

Colleyville

covenantchristian.net

Tarrant

Covenant Classical School

1701 Wind Star Way

Fort Worth

covenantfw.org

Tarrant

Crossroads Christian Academy Inc.

3512 Roberts Cut Off Road

Fort Worth

crossroadsftworth.org

Tarrant

Crown of Life Lutheran School

6605 Pleasant Run Road

Colleyville

collschool.org

Tarrant

DFW Performing Arts Conservatory

465 W. Southlake Blvd.

Southlake

dfwpac.com

Tarrant

Fellowship Academy

1021 N. Bowman Springs Road

Kennedale

fellowship-academy.org

Tarrant

Flint Academy

2111 Roosevelt Drive

Arlington

flintacademy.com

Tarrant

Fort Worth Academy

7301 Dutch Branch Road

Fort Worth

fwacademy.org

Tarrant

Fort Worth Adventist Junior Academy

3040 Sycamore School Road

Fort Worth

fwaja.org

Tarrant

Fort Worth Christian School

6200 Holiday Lane

N Richland Hills

fwc.org

Tarrant

Fort Worth Country Day

4200 Country Day Lane

Fort Worth

fwcd.org

Tarrant

Fusion Academy Southlake

301 State St., Suite 200

Southlake

fusionacademy.com

Tarrant

Grapevine Faith Christian School

730 E. Worth St.

Grapevine

grapevinefaith.com

Tarrant

Green Oaks School

500 Houston St.

Arlington

greenoaksinc.org

KEY

= nontraditional learning environment

34

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

= primarily serves children with special needs

= primarily serves children with learning differences

= primarily serves gifted children

FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS

96

Yes

$11,000–$26,000

Yes

Yes

2012

Catholic

Pre–K–8

150

Yes

$7,500 – $8,550

Yes

Yes

2006

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

24

Yes

$22,350–$22,850

No

Yes

2000

None

Preschool–8

113

Yes

$10,340–$16,365

No

No

2000

None

Preschool–3

65

Yes

$10,340–$13,230

No

No

1980

Baptist

Kindergarten–12

101

Yes

$6,410

No

Yes

2012

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–10

84

Yes

$3,300–$7,900

Yes

Yes

1984

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–8

183

Yes

$3,500–$8,500

Yes

No

1995

None

Pre–K–12

25

Yes

$10,990–15,990

Yes

Yes

1993

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

516

Yes

$7,960–$12,480

No

No

2018

None

Kindergarten–12

25

No

$10,000

No

Yes

2018

None

Kindergarten–12

30

No

$7,500–$8,500

No

No

1951

Episcopal

Preschool–12

1,093

Yes

$5,340–$24,260

Yes

Yes

2004

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

209

Yes

$3,500–$6,500

No

No

2001

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

152

Yes

$4,100–$5,100

No

No

1980

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

350

Yes

$10,000

Yes

Yes

1911

Adventist

Preschool–12

265

Yes

$4,500–$8,500

Yes

Yes

1979

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

250

Yes

$7,000–$10,000

Yes

Yes

1975

Catholic

9–12

120

No

$8,100

Yes

Yes

1995

None

Preschool–6

250

Yes

$5,000–$15,000

No

Yes

2001

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

30

No

$650 – $7,800

Yes

Yes

1986

None

Pre–K–12

125

No

$9,050–$17,600

Yes

Yes

1979

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

620

Yes

$12,850–$18,060

Yes

No

1999

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

423

Yes

$11,900–$15,875

Yes

No

2004

None

7–12

60

No

$2,100

No

No

1996

Lutheran

Preschool–8

150

Yes

$2,000–$10,000

Yes

No

2010

Christian–Nondenominational

4–12

25

No

$12,475–$15,475

No

Yes

2000

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

350

No

$5,000–$8,480

Yes

No

2006

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

104

No

$5,000–$17,000

Yes

No

1982

None

Kindergarten–8

160

Yes

$19,750–$22,240

Yes

Yes

1996

Adventist

Pre–K–8

53

Yes

$4,050

Yes

Yes

1958

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

600

Yes

$13,000–$18,000

Yes

No

1963

None

Pre–K–12

1,081

Yes

$10,330–$26,130

Yes

Yes

1989

None

6–12

100

No

$3,490–$50,000

No

Yes

1999

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

816

Yes

$9,100–$17,350

Yes

No

2000

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

38

No

$11,200

Yes

No

TUITION

GRADES OFFERED

FOUNDED

UNIFORM

Preschool–12

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

None

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

1957

dfwchild.com / january 2021

35

WEBSITE

CITY

COUNTY

SCHOOL NAME

STREET ADDRESS

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

Tarrant

Harvest Christian Academy

7200 Denton Highway

Watauga

hcasaints.org

Tarrant

Hill School of Fort Worth

4817 Odessa Ave.

Fort Worth

hillschool.org

Tarrant

Holy Family Catholic School

6146 Pershing Ave.

Fort Woth

hfcsfw.org

Tarrant

Holy Trinity Catholic School

3750 William D Tate Ave.

Grapevine

holytcs.org

Tarrant

Inspire Academy

55 Main St., Suite 280

Colleyville

inpspireacademytx.com

Tarrant

Jane Justin School

1300 W. Lancaster Ave.

Fort Worth

childstudycenter.org

Tarrant

Key School

3947 E. Loop 820 S.

Fort Worth

kcld.org

Tarrant

Lake Country Christian School

7050 Lake Country Drive

Fort Worth

lccs.org

Tarrant

Legacy Classical Christian Academy

12501 Highway 287

Haslet

legacyclassical.org

Tarrant

Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy

1308 Whitley Road

Keller

mlcatexas.org

Tarrant

Midcities Montessori

209 Harwood Road, Suite B

Bedford

midcitiesmontessori.com

Tarrant

Montessori Academy of Arlington, The

3428 W. Arkansas Lane

Arlington

tmaonline.org

Tarrant

Montessori School of Fort Worth

3420 Clayton Road E.

Fort Worth

msftw.org

Tarrant

Mosaic Academy

1400 College Ave.

Fort Worth

mosaicacademy.org

Tarrant

Nazarene Christian Academy

2001 E. Main St.

Crowley

nazarenechristianacademy.org

Tarrant

Nolan Catholic High School

4501 Bridge St.

Fort Worth

nolancatholic.org

Tarrant

North Park Christian Academy

7025 Mid–Cities Blvd.

N Richland Hills

northparknow.com

Tarrant

Northstar School

4620 Park Springs Blvd.

Arlington

northstarschool.net

Tarrant

Novus Academy, The

3400 William D Tate Ave., Suite 1000

Grapevine

thenovusacademy.org

Tarrant

Oakridge School, The

5900 W. Pioneer Parkway

Arlington

theoakridgeschool.org

Tarrant

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School

3320 Hemphill St.

Fort Worth

olvfw.com

Tarrant

Pantego Christian Academy

2201 W. Park Row

Arlington

pantego.com

Tarrant

Park Row Christian Academy

915 W. Park Row

Arlington

parkrowchristian.net

Tarrant

Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School

1200 S. Davis Drive

Arlington

smgschool.org

Tarrant

Saint Peter’s Classical School

7601 Bellaire Drive S.

Fort Worth

stpetersclassical.org

Tarrant

Saint Rita Catholic School

712 Weiler Blvd.

Fort Worth

saintritaschool.net

Tarrant

Southlake Montessori

1105 W. Wall St.

Grapevine

southlakemontessori.org

Tarrant

Southwest Christian School

6901 Altamesa Blvd.

Fort Worth

southwestchristian.org

Tarrant

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

2016 Willis Lane

Keller

seascs.net

Tarrant

St. George Catholic School

824 Hudgins Ave.

Fort Worth

stgeorgecatholicschool.org

Tarrant

St. Joseph Catholic School

2015 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.

Arlington

stjosephtx.org

Tarrant

St. Paul Lutheran School

1800 W. Freeway

Fort Worth

stpauleagles.org

Tarrant

St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy

6900 U.S. Highway 287

Arlington

stpaulsprep.com

Tarrant

Temple Christian School

6824 Randol Mill Road

Fort Worth

tcseagles.org

Tarrant

Texas Christian University Starpoint School

2805 Stadium Drive

Fort Worth

starpoint.tcu.edu

Tarrant

Trinity Preparatory Academy

129 Pecan St.

Keller

trinityprepkeller.org

Tarrant

Trinity Valley School

7500 Dutch Branch Road

Fort Worth

tvs.org

Tarrant

Waypoint Montessori

1513 Hall-Johnson Road

Colleyville

waypointmontessori.org

KEY

= nontraditional learning environment

36

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

= primarily serves children with special needs

= primarily serves children with learning differences

= primarily serves gifted children

FINANCIAL AID

SCHOLARSHIPS

310

Yes

$11,475–$12,815

Yes

Yes

1973

None

Kindergarten–12

110

Yes

$18,600–$21,590

Yes

No

1945

Catholic

Pre–K–8

111

Yes

$8,550

Yes

Yes

1994

Catholic

Pre–K–8

300

Yes

$5,440–$8,845

Yes

No

2018

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

75

Yes

$13,000–$15,000

Yes

Yes

1962

None

Pre–K–12

76

Yes

$18,000–$20,000

Yes

Yes

1966

None

Kindergarten–12

100

Yes

$13,00–$23,000

Yes

No

1980

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

445

Yes

$5,000–$13,995

Yes

No

2010

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

124

Yes

$4,500

Yes

No

2000

Lutheran

Preschool–8

65

Yes

$2,200–$8,675

Yes

No

2014

None

Preschool–12

45

No

$9,999

Yes

No

1981

None

Preschool–6

200

No

$8,600–$12,800

Yes

No

1968

None

Preschool–8

176

No

$5,220–$12,870

Yes

No

2000

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–8

110

No

$4,500

No

No

1984

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

208

Yes

$5,000–$8,000

Yes

No

1961

Catholic

9–12

712

Yes

$16,200–$18,400

Yes

No

1983

Baptist

Pre–K–4

23

Yes

$4,250–$4,850

No

No

2005

None

7–12

50

Yes

$15,800

No

Yes

2014

None

Kindergarten–12

48

Yes

$19,650–$20,850

Yes

No

1979

None

Preschool–12

700

Yes

$8,650–$24,700

Yes

No

1910

Catholic

Pre–K–8

70

Yes

$6,310

Yes

No

1963

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

530

Yes

$13,000

Yes

No

1968

Church of Christ

Preschool–8

190

Yes

$7,700–$8,900

Yes

No

1954

Catholic

Preschool–8

220

Yes

$7,100–$7,400

Yes

Yes

2005

Christian Orthodox

Preschool–12

57

Yes

$5,000–$11,500

Yes

Yes

1954

Catholic

Preschool–8

105

Yes

$4,500–$6,500

Yes

Yes

2014

None

Pre–K–6

20

No

$10,050–$14,358

Yes

No

1969

Christian–Nondenominational

Pre–K–12

828

Yes

$4,550–$19,950

Yes

Yes

2000

Catholic

Pre–K–8

490

Yes

$6,840–$7,990

Yes

Yes

1951

Catholic

Pre–K–8

100

Yes

$6,100

Yes

Yes

1994

Catholic

Pre–K–8

285

Yes

$4,523–$9,616

Yes

No

1969

Lutheran

Pre–K–8

208

Yes

$6,050–$10,800

Yes

Yes

1988

Christian–Nondenominational

Preschool–12

206

Yes

$9,300–$11,700

No

Yes

1973

Baptist

Pre–K–12

400

Yes

$8,000–$9,000

Yes

Yes

1966

Disciples of Christ

1–6

60

Yes

$16,000–$17,000

Yes

Yes

2007

Christian–Nondenominational

Kindergarten–12

280

Yes

$3,800–$4,300

Yes

Yes

1959

None

Pre–K–12

1,017

Yes

$12,000–$24,190

Yes

No

1971

None

Preschool–6

100

No

$11,000–$14,000

Yes

No

TUITION

LOWEST GRADE OFFERED

FOUNDED

UNIFORM

Preschool–12

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

Christian–Nondenominational

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

1994

dfwchild.com / january 2021

37

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

School PROFILE Are you looking for a school that’s as passionate about your education as you are? Get to know the institutions that

child’s excel in

fostering a lifetime love of learning.

Walter Sorensen Head of School

The arc of the Alcuin student is a life-changing one.

From the time they arrive on our campus as toddlers to the time we say our tearful goodbyes at Upper School graduation, our students undergo a nearly 18-year process of intellectual, social and emotional formation that is found in only ten other schools in the world.

Our unique integration of the Montessori philosophy and the International Baccalaureate® program makes this possible. From the primary to elementary levels, our Montessori guides help students become decision makers, creative thinkers, and collaborative workers.

At 6th level, our students begin a new transition with our International Baccalaureate teachers, who mold their already inquisitive minds and help them become empathetic global citizens with a lifelong passion for learning.

At Alcuin, our teachers aren’t merely experts in their fields of study, they’re experts in child development. For us, the “status quo” isn’t enough. Every child needs a unique pathway to achieve his or her potential. We believe the combination of our Montessori and International Baccalaureate® programs do just that, and when that potential is realized, we believe our students will change the world.

I invite you to come visit us and see why we are one of the premiere Montessori and International Baccalaureate schools in the world.

Alcuin School 6144 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230 972-239-1745 alcuinschool.org

38

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

All Saints’ Episcopal School is a leading college preparatory school in Fort Worth, Texas, serving students age three through grade 12.

Our Episcopal Identity means that we believe in educating the whole person by developing discerning minds, healthy bodies and lively spirits. The pursuit of academic excellence is best realized when complemented by worship rooted in the Christian tradition, religious education, service and social responsibility, and within an inclusive community. All Saints’ 144-acre campus includes open space to grow and explore, as well as exceptional facilities like a state-of-the-art student Union, beautiful Chapel, Exploratorium and Tinkertorium.

Little sister to the Exploratorium, the All Saints’ Tinkertorium in Early Childhood is a new creative learning space that enhances curricular connectivity across Divisions and provides opportunities for our littlest learners to engage in authentic problem solving. Robin Page, Early Childhood Division Head, and Ann-Marie McCollough, STEAM and Project-Based Learning Coordinator, have led the development of this new program, but all lessons and activities are planned and taught by the classroom teacher to ensure congruent content between learning spaces.

See for yourself how our educational model blends the best of tradition and innovation by connecting with a member of our Admission team! Learn more and connect here: aseschool.org/fwchild.

All Saints’ Episcopal School 9700 Saints Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76108 817-560-5700 • admissions@aseschool.org aseschool.org

If you have children, you are already on an exciting adventure. You have been tasked with the most challenging responsibility known to humankind. At Covenant, we too are on an adventure. As a community of like-hearted families, we are on a journey of faith and learning together.

We believe that who children spend time at school with most shapes their thinking and beliefs, and having quality, Christian teachers who care about them and support them day to day and year after year really matters. We know the way children learn — the specific ways they are taught — actually determines how their brains are formed, how their character is shaped, and how their spiritual lives develop.

If joy-filled school days, skills for success, lifelong learning, and connections to like-hearted families with a common purpose are what you are looking for, Covenant may be the school for you. Research our Classical, Charlotte Masonbased program, come observe how we experience authentic Christian Community together, and we hope you consider including the Covenant journey in your family’s life adventure.

Robert Littlejohn, PH.D. is the Head of School at The Covenant School. He has extensive experience in education and is the co-author of ”Wisdom and Eloquence, A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning.”

The Covenant School 7300 Valley View Ln., Dallas, TX 75240 covenantdallas.com Jennifer Peterson, Director of Admissions jpeterson@covenantdallas.com

dfwchild.com / january 2021

39

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

We start early encouraging exploration and building STEM skills.

As children grow in Fort Worth ISD, hands-on challenges and opportunities grow with them. Every step of our STEM-related pathways prepares students for college and high-demand jobs in the modern workplace.

Take our Gold Seal P-TECH (Pathways in Technology) Early College High Schools. These partnerships with industry provide work-based learning that leads to internships, certifications, a high school diploma and an associate degree — tuition free!

Late Applications for Fort Worth ISD’s Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice will be available starting February 1. Learn more and apply at fwisd.org/choice.

Fort Worth Independent School District 100 N. University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-814-2000 fwisd.org/choice

At Kingdom Collegiate Academies, our mission is to provide students, 18 months to grade 12, a superior education in a nurturing Christian environment that enables them to reach their highest potential in life and apply a Kingdom worldview that impacts the culture.

KCA is part of our Kingdom Agenda vision where the visible demonstration of the comprehensive rule of God over every area of life is exemplified. Specifically, this rule is reflected through the four divinely ordained spheres of the individual, family, church and government.

We are a premier private collegiate school of choice for families who value an education with a Kingdom worldview for their children. We know one of the most important decisions parents will make is selecting the right school that will provide their children with an elite education.

KCA offers just that with rigorous academics, 21st century learning experiences, student enrichment activities and bible integration that maximizes a child’s potential to excel in life.

With two campuses, in Dallas and DeSoto, KCA is igniting a brighter future in academic excellence as we develop the next generation of leaders who impact the culture. Learn more about Kingdom Collegiate Academies at kcacademies.org or call us at 214-672-9200.

Kingdom Collegiate Academies 1821 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, TX 75232 1708 N Westmoreland Road, DeSoto, TX 75115 214-672-9200 kcacademies.org

40

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Founded in 1979, The Oakridge School is a coed, independent, college preparatory school in Arlington that serves students age 3 through grade 12 in a diverse, intellectually stimulating, and academically challenging environment. Our campus is home to nearly 700 students from 9 countries and 39 cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

On Campus. At Home. Boundless Opportunities.

Oakridge made the transition to on-campus or at-home learning for the 2020–2021 school year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the change, we live our mission to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity.

Fast Facts: • 100% of Graduates are accepted to 4-year colleges and universities • 50% of Faculty hold advanced degrees, including 7 with doctorates • 10:1 Student-to-faculty ratio • 15 Sports offered • 4 Makerspaces (one each in ECC, LS, MS, US) • 1:1 Device program in grades 4–12

5900 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013 Office of Admissions / 817-451-4994 theoakridgeschool.org

For most of the world, relationships with school have shifted drastically amidst the pandemic. In this unique time, Parish Episcopal School has taken advantage of our entrepreneurial acumen to adapt practices and provide sustenance — academic, social, emotional, experiential — to our students and families. Our offering has taken the forms of continuous programming, transparent communication and acts of care, all geared to continue to help students find balance and joy in their educational journey, discover their authentic self, and have a great sense of belonging and engagement across all disciplines, PreK 3–12th grade.

Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School, reflects on this unusual year and the future: “We’ve learned so much during this extraordinary time — about ourselves, how we work, and how we learn best. At Parish, we are excited to get back to ‘normal,’ and we’re energized by the possibilities that await our students, current and future. We are committed to continuing to guide students to become creative learners and bold leaders, and to keeping our Parish family connected and supported, no matter what the world hands us.”

The Parish community celebrates together its many backgrounds, traditions and successes, and carries out its #ParishConnectsUs programming in earnest. To hear more about the possibilities at Parish join Mr. Monaco virtually on February 3, 2020 at 9 a.m. Visit parish.org/admission for registration details.

Dave Monaco

Allen Meyer Family Head of School

Parish Episcopal School 972-852-8737 parishepiscopal.org

Hillcrest Campus PreK (3 yrs old)–2nd Grade 14115 Hillcrest Road Dallas, TX 75254

Midway Campus 3rd–12th Grade 4101 Sigma Road Dallas, TX 75244

dfwchild.com / january 2021

41

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Founded in 1969, Southwest Christian School has served students for more than half a century. SCS’s mission as a Christ-centered college preparatory school is to equip students academically and spiritually to be leaders in the world.

Academically Excellent An atmosphere of scholarship starts at the top. That’s why more than 75 percent of our faculty and staff either hold or pursue advanced degrees in their content area. Academic opportunities for our students include honors, Dual Credit, and AP courses, all taught in small classroom settings that encourage discussion and one-on-one instruction.

Globally Minded An important part of learning to be globally minded is looking beyond what is familiar and comfortable. Students at SCS develop a global perspective through exposure to world cultures, foreign languages, and, when possible, travel experiences.

Distinctively Christian As an interdenominational school, our biblically integrated curriculum is taught by teachers who daily model faith and reinforce the values of home and church. By using a biblical worldview to form foundational understandings of responsible, proactive citizenship, we are preparing our students to be leaders in the world.

Schedule a visit to learn more about SCS and the new Clay Center for Christian Leadership, opening Fall 2021. Contact us at admission@southwestchristian.org.

Southwest Christian School southwestchristian.org

David L. Baad

Hobson Family Head of School

Carla Stanford, M.Ed. Executive Director

42

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

Chisholm Trail Campus PreK–6th Grade 6801 Dan Danciger Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76133

The Episcopal School of Dallas is an inclusive community welcoming students, families, and faculty from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and creeds. Built on the founding vision that all children are made in the image of a loving God, we believe it is our calling to ensure each and every community member is known, loved, challenged, nurtured, and accepted.

“ESD is committed to developing an educated conscience in its students that will ignite in them lives of purpose,” said David L. Baad, Hobson Family Head of School. “Our school’s dedication to this goal is what drew me to ESD and energizes the work that all of us do here. We are united in our goal to optimally challenge each student to be the best version of themselves in all aspects of their lives.”

Students with learning differences find success at Fairhill School. For almost 50 years, bright students with various learning differences have been able to overcome learning obstacles to reach their full potential. Fairhill has the feel of a traditional school while utilizing a customized approach to learning with multi-sensory instruction, small student teacher ratios, and a college preparatory curriculum. Fairhill’s highly qualified staff employ targeted interventions and academic support to build confidence, leading to academic success.

Lakeside Campus 7th–12th Grade 6901 Altamesa Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76123

Co-ed students ages 3 through grade 12, representing 68 zip codes across the Metroplex, unite on one campus for unparalleled and transformative learning experiences.

The Episcopal School of Dallas 4100 Merrell Road, Dallas, TX 75229 Can you picture yourself here?

Apply now at esdallas.org/apply

Fairhill School 16150 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75248 972-233-1026 • cstanford@fairhill.org fairhill.org

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Fort Worth Academy’s innovative approach to both teaching and learning has moved the school to the national and international forefront of education. The Academy offers a unique experience designed for the foundational years: kindergarten through eighth grade. Small class sizes of no more than 15 ensure every child receives highly personalized attention while a diverse, welcoming environment inspires every child to discover and pursue their own path to excellence. A team of expert teachers provides a curriculum of advanced academics, ProjectBased Learning, and real-life application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) lessons, along with strong athletics and arts programs. The school’s distinctive E.L.I. (Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and

Innovation) Initiative prepares students for both academic and lifelong success. Head of School Shannon Elders explains, “Everyone here contributes to a unique environment that removes a fear of failure, rewards intellectual risk-taking, and encourages curiosity and creativity through experiential learning.”

Fort Worth Academy 7301 Dutch Branch Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-370-1191 • admissions@fwacademy.org fwacademy.org

Great Hearts: Classical Education, Revolutionary Schools Great Hearts Arlington is proud to serve a community of burgeoning scientists energized by a spirit of curiosity and wonder. Thanks to our robust Liberal Arts curriculum, scholars progress beyond mere memorization to a degree of inquiry that equips them with the questions beyond the formulas and mechanisms—the questions that fueled the longing of thinkers like Einstein and Galileo.

Let a classical education in Truth, Beauty, and Goodness prepare your children for the golden future that awaits them—register today at greatheartsarlington.org.

Offering a Classical Education where students Learn, Serve, and Lead!

Holy Trinity Catholic School in Grapevine, Texas, is fully invested in the shaping of the whole person, from Pre-K through 8th grade. We help every student achieve their personal best through a foundation that is rooted in the Catholic faith, academic excellence, a sense of community, and service to others. This approach carries over grade after grade, year after year, and we’re with you and your child every step of the way. We are committed to the long-term learning, development and well-being of your child. That’s what makes our school community different.

From strong teacher engagement to progressive student learning and

Great Hearts Arlington Future address: 6701 S Cooper St. Arlington, TX 76001 817-260-0890 info@greatheartsarlington.org greatheartsamerica.org

responsibility, we create opportunities and experiences that span far beyond academics, as we strive to grow every student into inspired, empowered and thriving individuals.

Holy Trinity Catholic School 3750 William D. Tate Avenue Grapevine, TX 76051 817-421-8000 admissions@holytcs.org holytcs.org

dfwchild.com / january 2021

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SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A deep Christian school experience is our fundamental commitment at Pantego Christian Academy. Each day your child is immersed in sound Biblical teaching, mentoring and dynamic spiritual growth.

Our students study the Word, help each other grow and they put their faith into action through mission trips and meaningful service to the community while growing toward a faith that is truly their own for a lifetime.

We strive to do this by: • Surrounding students with like-minded Christian friends and faculty while not isolating them from the world.

• Providing rigorous and up-to-date curriculum that challenges and prepares students for the next level.

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

Pantego Christian Academy 2201 West Park Row, Arlington, TX 76013 817-460-3315 • admissions@pantego.com pantego.com Lisa Mann, Admissions Director

Has your child’s school experience been marked by frustration due to challenges with reading or mathematics? Starpoint School at TCU may be the answer.

For more than 50 years, Starpoint School has provided individualized educational programs within a small, nurturing atmosphere to help students with learning differences build academic, social and organizational skills while growing into confident, positive learners. Instruction emphasizes traditional academic subjects and integrates language development, health and wellness, the arts and technology. Our guidance and counseling program helps students develop healthy life habits, including goal-setting, self-regulation, working well with others and self-advocacy.

TCU is the only university in the nation with two special education laboratory schools.

Master teachers collaborate with professors and aspiring teachers from TCU’s College of Education to assess and meet student needs.

Visit our website and call us to schedule a visit. We’d love to be part of your child’s learning journey!

An Ursuline graduate is a woman of faith and reflection. She embodies Serviam by using her gifts to learn from and serve others. She appreciates multiple perspectives and celebrates the uniqueness of all locally and globally. She encourages and exemplifies integrity and resiliency. She is a lifelong learner who engages with others ethically, critically, and empathetically. She is an independent, innovative thinker who instigates and embraces change. She strives to build a strong sense of community.

Experience Ursuline Academy at our Adventure Camps and Athletic Camps. Give your child a summer filled with fun, creativity, curiosity, innovation, and friendship! Camps run weekly from June 7–July 30 for grades 1–8.

Join us at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school for grades 9–12. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at 469-232-1800.

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• Integrating a Biblical worldview in every subject and activity at PCA. • Providing Bible classes and weekly chapels for all students.

• Offering several local service projects and mission opportunities.

Starpoint School 2805 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-257-7141 starpoint.tcu.edu

Registration opens February 1. Visit our website at ursulinedallas.org/summerprograms for up-to-date information.

Ursuline Academy of Dallas 4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 469-232-1800 • ursulinedallas.org

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

IMAGINE your child... thriving academically and spiritually in a safe and engaging environment, equipped by caring, innovative teachers to be a responsible, collaborative & service-minded leader.

Imagine your child at Crown of Life Lutheran School.

At Dallas Academy, our goal is to restore a love of learning, improve self-confidence, and ultimately have a positive impact on the entire family. Since, 965, Dallas Academy has offered a structured, multi-sensory program for students with diagnosed learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, and memory and processing disorders.

Elizabeth Murski, M.Ed. Head of School

As the Head of School, Ms. Elizabeth Murski prides herself on preparing student for further study and, more importantly, a successful life.

For 60+ years in North Richland Hills, FWC has been the leader in Christ-centered, college preparatory education for NE Tarrant County. It is our vision for every graduate to continue a life of faith, service, and leadership for Christ. To that end, our mission is to be a leading Christ-centered, college preparatory school where every student is known, loved, and valued, taught excellence in and out of the classroom, and empowered by a biblical worldview.

Championship athletics and fine arts AND rigorous academics, all in a small-class

At Fort Worth Country Day, education is both a personal journey and a purposely designed approach of guided instruction, hard work, inclusivity and gained experience.

Our mission is to foster intellectual, physical and ethical development that inspires a passion to learn, the courage to lead and the commitment to serve. It is woven into the fabric of our city and around the globe where our alumni are engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders reaching for still loftier heights. Because knowledge AND values are what truly carry students forward.

Crown of Life Lutheran School 6605 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-251-188 • school@crownoflife.org colschool.org

Visit Dallas Academy for our Virtual Open House on Thursday, January 21st or Thursday, February 25th from 9–10am. See our website to register today!

Dallas Academy 950 Tiffany Way, Dallas, TX 75218 214-324-1481 • fax 214-327-8537 mail@dallas-academy.com • dallas-academy.com

environment. From preschool through 12th grade, join the FWC community!

Fort Worth Christian School 6200 Holiday Ln., North Richland Hills, TX 76180 817-520-6200 fwc.org/openhouse

Fort Worth Country Day 4200 Country Day Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-732-7718 information@fwcd.com fwcd.org

dfwchild.com / january 2021

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SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Perry Banse Head of School

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january 2021 / dfwchild.com

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA) is a proven leader in education for Grades 3–12, consistently winning the college success award and ranking among the top schools both in Texas and the nation.

Every FWAFA student receives highquality instruction in the performing and visual arts, with daily training in Dance, Theatre, Music, and Visual Art. Unique to FWAFA, the learning doesn’t happen just in the classroom. Students work with guest artists and perform in the community regularly — setting the stage for success!

Apply to audition during our Open Enrollment period, January 13–February 15.

More info at ArtsAcademics.org/apply.

Grace Academy is Christ-Centered and Future-Focused. Grace Academy serves students in Pre-K3 through the sixth grade and is located in Preston Hollow. Grace offers a unique balance of an academically rigorous curriculum within a nurturing, Christian environment.

Grace Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Perry Banse as Head of School. Mr. Banse joins Grace with over twenty years of leadership experience in Christian schools. Mr. Banse’s philosophy of

Christian education fits perfectly within the school’s mission.

Join Grace on January 12th for an Open House. Learn more about admissions at graceacademy.com/admissions. Discover how your child can “grow with grace!”

Grapevine Faith exists to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders. In partnership with Christian families, we educate children ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade. Faith offers a unique educational opportunity for students through a challenging, Christ-centered, biblically-based school program with excellence in academics, athletics, and creative arts. We strive to infuse a biblical worldview in every aspect of the school experience, and encourage ministry and mission-mindedness to the local community and beyond. Faith is co-educational,

evangelical, and college-preparatory with selective admission. Upcoming Open Houses: January 19, February 23, March 30, and April 20. Visit grapevinefaith.com/admissions for details and registration.

The Kessler School offers an innovative academic environment that gives students a solid foundation, confidence and a love of learning. Serving grades PK–8th, The Kessler School is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Dallas.

With small class sizes, we make it a priority to provide an individualized approach to teaching. Daily, students are educated socially through community time, physically through P.E. and outdoor play, academically through a well-rounded curriculum, and spiritually through fostering

awareness and individual growth.

• Daily Spanish Instruction • Reader’s & Writer’s Workshop • Project-based learning • STEM Lab by “Mad Science” • Fine Arts Programs • After School Enrichment Classes

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts 3901 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-924-1482 • info@artsacademics.org ArtsAcademics.org

Grace Academy of Dallas 11306A Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75229 214-696-5648 • graceacademy.com

Grapevine Faith Christian School 730 E. Worth St., Grapevine, TX 76051 817-442-9144 • admissions@grapevinefaith.com grapevinefaith.com

The Kessler School 1215 Turner Ave., Dallas, TX 75208 214-942-2220 info@thekesslerschool.com thekesslerschool.com

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Lamplighter School embraces and celebrates the natural curiosity and exuberance with which young children explore their world.

Our Pre-K (age 3) through fourth-grade program promotes academic excellence; engages children in the joy of learning; embraces diversity within an inclusive community; encourages creativity and discovery through hands-on learning including woodworking, drama, cooking, and entrepreneurial programs; and connects students with nature through our campus gardens, creek, and barn animals.

Suzanne Stell Executive Director Head of School

The Lamplighter School 11611 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75229 214-369-9201 thelamplighterschool.org

Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy (MLCA) is a dynamic combination of classical education with a caring family atmosphere. At Messiah we work to ignite the love of learning in our students through rich classical literature and in depth studies of history, rhetoric and science.

Students are also instructed in the arts: They experience instruction in art classes, piano, choir and stringed instruments.

All this wonderful curriculum is taught in an atmosphere that nurtures and encourages students in their faith in the Gospel of Christ.

Small class sizes and highly educated,

experienced teachers make MLCA an excellent foundational learning experience for all children.

Prince of Peace Catholic School serves pre-K through 8th grade students and focuses on developing the whole child through a well-rounded education.

We embrace 21st century learning with collaborative learning labs that provide space and technology to foster projectbased learning. Our students experience consistent nurturing and positive learning through academics, technology, sports, the arts, and servant leadership opportunities.

Prince of Peace meets children where they are and challenges them with a rigorous

curriculum, gifted and talented classes, and resource support.

Please join us for our Virtual Open House on February 2, 2021. Visit popschool.net for additional information and to register.

NEW YEAR…NEW CAMPUS…NEW HORIZONS We’re in our new 30-acre campus doing great things with our same mission since 1976. We’re changing the way the world thinks about learning differences with our customized approach within a mainstream environment and by cultivating the unique gifts and talents of the creative, intelligent and resilient students we serve.

We’re the largest independent school worldwide for intelligent students who just happen to have a learning difference. Services also include an evaluation center, a speech

therapy center, and outreach / training.

Our theme for the year is New Horizons / Endless Opportunities.

Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy 1308 Whitley Rd., Keller, TX 76248 817-431-5486 • mlcatexas.org

Prince of Peace Catholic School 5100 Plano Parkway West, Plano, TX 75093 972-380-5505 popschool.net

Shelton School and Evaluation Center 17301 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75252 972-774-1772 • shelton.org

dfwchild.com / january 2021

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SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION St. Elizabeth Ann Students are challenged to grow in knowledge, virtue, and faith through rigorous classical academics in a loving faith-filled environment. Multi-sensory activities and lively discussion bring each subject to life. The core subjects of math, science, English language arts, religion, and social studies are enriched with a variety of specials and electives: foreign language, music, art, drama, band, library, outdoor learning, physical education, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (options vary by grade). All students have recess daily.

Chef-prepared hot lunch, extra-curricular activities, and onsite extended care are also offered. Schedule a tour today.

At Texas School of the Arts (TeSA), students in Grades K–6 are encouraged to learn and grow through an arts-based approach. Every student is immersed in daily rotations of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Art. Fine arts elements are integrated into academic classes also — inspiring creative thinking, innovation, and collaboration in all subjects.

TeSA ranks among the top schools in Texas. Using National Core Arts Standards and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, teachers create individualized curriculum to

meet the needs of each student.

Apply to audition during our Open Enrollment period, January 13–February 15.

More info at ArtsAcademics.org/apply.

#TrojansTogether At TVS, our teachers provide tools to help families develop their children into lifelong learners and people of great character.

Pre-kindergarteners through seniors are encouraged, guided, and supported by a faculty that is visionary and top-rate.

Students are prepared for their future with robust academics, competitive athletics, global education, experiential learning, and an impressive mix of fine arts.

Rebbie J. Evans Head of School

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january 2021 / dfwchild.com

Known for its extraordinary ability to maximize the potential of bright students who learn differently®, The Winston School empowers students to face the challenges of tomorrow through well-rounded academic, social, and co-curricular programs. Additionally, Winston places a special emphasis on both the Fine and Performing Arts.

We invite you to discover the difference a Winston education can make for students in Kindergarten through 12th grades. Please visit our website to experience a Virtual Open House, schedule a private tour, or request more information from our admission department.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School 2016 Willis Ln., Keller, TX 76248 817-431-4845 • seton.school

Texas School of the Arts 6025 Village Pkwy., Edgecliff Village, TX 76134 817-732-8372 • info@artsacademics.org ArtsAcademics.org

Trinity Valley School 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-321-0100 tvs.org

K–12th Grades The Winston School 5707 Royal Ln., Dallas, TX 75229 214-691-6950 • info@winston-school.org winston-school.org

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ginger Gustovich, M.Ed., CALT Head of School

Dana Judd, M Ed., CALT, DLTx Head of School

I am proud to be the head of a school dedicated to ensuring that students with learning differences receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially. The Hillier School offers small, engaging classes for students with dyslexia and related language learning differences in grades 1–8.

Students are taught through a structured, multi-sensory approach in a Christ-centered environment that fosters self-respect and competence and empowers students to reach their full potential both in and outside of the classroom.

At Inspire Academy, we work to create a safe place to learn. Our instructors work with students of all abilities, providing both the community and individualized attention children with Learning Differences need. We focus on outside the box, multi-sensory techniques. Through our supportive community and unique instruction, students are able to reduce their anxiety and not only learn to be themselves, but how to learn effectively.

Contact us today to learn more!

Lakehill Board of Directors Chair Colleen McCall announced on December 7, 2020 the appointment of Art Hall as Lakehill Preparatory School’s 6th Head of School. Mr. Hall’s tenure will begin on July 1, 2021, the 50th year of the School. He will succeed current Head of School Roger Perry, who has served in that capacity for 38 years.

Art Hall

Hillier School 3821 University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205 214-525-6600 hillierschool.org

Inspire Academy 55 Main St. #280–291, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-803-5010 inspireacademytx.com

Lakehill Preparatory School 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas, TX 75214 214-826-2931 • admission@lakehillprep.org lakehillprep.org

Head of School Elect

Dr. Terry J. Flowers Perot Family Headmaster

January 20, 2021 marks Dr. Terry J. Flowers’ 37th year of service with St. Philip’s School and Community Center. His experience and leadership led to the establishment of curriculum for St. Philip’s that emphasizes academic excellence, a positive selfimage, and faith-based focus for life. Alongside the strong academic program are numerous collaborative social service and community development activities.

This broad-based approach has established St. Philip’s as a model educational institution for inner-city schools — public, charter, and private.

PK2–6th Grade St. Philip’s School & Community Center 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, TX 75215 214-421-5221 • stphilips1600.org

DFWChild.com Directory Helping parents successfully navigate the school years is kind of our thing.

Explore our not-so-secret weapon, the online directory, at dfwchild.com.

dfwchild.com / january 2021

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W E S T L A K E A C A D E M Y

Westlake Academy, the #1 charter elementary, middle, and high school in the state, is now accepting applications through January 31st for the 2021–22 school year.

International Baccalaureate World School K–12 Public Charter Internationally Minded Education Committed to Excellence

WestlakeAcademy.org 2600 J T Ottinger Rd., Westlake 76262

817-490-5757 info@westlakeacademy.org ©

Give your child a fresh start with ABA therapy.

Now is the perfect time to start fresh by giving your child and family new hope for a brighter future through ABA therapy.

For almost 20 years, we’ve helped children with autism and other developmental concerns achieve their full, beautiful potential. Our services are tailored for the individual needs of each child and delivered using a fun curriculum you won’t find anywhere else.

A New Year 2021!

Vetro’s Glassblowing Bowl Help Creates!

Experience the difference ABA therapy can make in your child’s life. And in yours.

To get started, call or email to schedule an assessment. We can help!

January 16th, 23rd, and 30th

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: LESLEY BUSBY/SOURCES: HOPE FARM & ©ISTOCK; ©I HELPING HAND: NOUN PROJECT

HOPE Farm provides academic support and spiritual development for local boys in single-parent homes.

HOPE FOR BOYS IN NEED developing leaders

WORDS

SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

L

AST YEAR WAS UNORTHODOX, to say the least. There was crisis homeschooling, followed by a mix of virtual classes and in-person classes with precautions. Many activities and community resources were limited or even halted. It was a lot, even for children in the most stable households. But what about at-risk kids?

A Fort Worth organization called HOPE Farm—designed to support boys and their single moms—worked hard to continue its mission. We spoke to the Christian program’s executive director, Sacher Dawson, about how his team is cultivating hope, leadership and academic success in the next generation, while facing unprecedented challenges.

Tell us about HOPE Farm’s work. HOPE Farm is a leadership development program for fatherless boys. Gary Randle and Noble Crawford, two law enforcement professionals, started HOPE Farm back in 1990. Our mission is to turn the boys we work with into Christ-centered dfwchild.com / january 2021

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influencer / H O P E

Ages 6 weeks through PK Faith-based child care for over 55 years!

3621 TULSA WAY, FORT WORTH, TX 76107

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MargoDean SCHOOL OF BALLET Teaching ballet for over 60 years

Ballet for age 3 and up, flamenco and jazz, adult ballet and classes in the“real barre” 3803 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth

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january 2021 / dfwchild.com

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Advertise with us! advertising@dfwchild.com

leaders, so they can change the trajectory of to college, so we need a viable alternative in their communities. We typically have 70 boys that case. There are a lot of great opportuniand 50 moms each semester. We work with ties in the vocational arena. Our goal is for boys as early as age 5 and through high school these boys to learn a trade and get certified by graduation and beyond. the time they graduate high school. They can What are some of the strategies you use parlay that into a good-paying job and not be with the boys? The Reading Literacy Lab is a saddled with student loan debt. game changer. We purchased a $40,000 readThis training is also available for moms. ing literacy program that has increased the Most of the moms we work with through reading levels of each one of our boys. That HOPE Farm are either unemployed or underprogram is designed to get children to a sixthemployed. This gives them an opportunity to grade reading level as quickly as possible. Last learn a trade and better themselves as well. year, our boys at our main campus saw a gain How has COVID impacted your organiza[of nearly two grade levels] on average. We tion? COVID has totally disrupted our basic are well above the national average for our organizational structure. We are an afterdemographic. school program but had to transform into We also use Awana, a biblical curricuan academy to meet the needs of the boys to lum. It’s age-appropriate and well respected obtain a basic education virtually. throughout churches.

Most of our boys This allows us to be had no electronic device consistent with our in their household message on all three except for a cell phone, of our campuses. It’s a which was pretty much curriculum that holds impossible to do schooleach boy accountable work on. We had to for his actions. purchase, solicit, borrow How do you make computers and iPads to sure kids can stick with ensure each of our boys your program? Logistics had proper equipment.

HOPE Farm welcomes volunteers. can be challenging in Then we had to Get sign-up information by visiting single-parent families. transform into IT techs, hopefarmfw.org.

We go to the schools because this equipment in the afternoons and The organization is also looking for was new to the boys. pick up students and 1,000 partners to donate $100 a month They had no way of bring them back to our for 12 months to start a HOPE Farm knowing how to operate facility [where we] start endowment fund, Keepers of HOPE. This the devices properly. a structured program of endowment will help sustain HOPE Farm And each student was reading literacy, Bible for years to come. also assigned a virtual study and tutoring. And mentor that checked we provide a warm, in each day. We’re still nutritious meal for the providing day school boys each day. so parents can work Then, the moms pick the kids up at 6pm. and ensure their sons are getting a proper Their children have been fed, their homework education. is done, spiritual word was received, and they We also provided food, soap, sanitation did 45 minutes of reading that day. The moms items and so on to the low-income families simply have to give them a hug and put them just for basic survival needs. This was the perto bed. fect time for servant leadership. We wanted to That’s amazing. How do you serve the boys’ be part of the solution. moms, beyond what you do for their sons? We Can you share some examples of particinot only pour into the boys, but we pour pants who have gone on to great things? Yes! into the moms as well. We have our Moms Felix Stiggers joined our program as a kinderResource Program, which includes what we gartner in 1996. He went all the way through call Parent University. They join when their the program, graduated high school, went to sons enter the program. It offers parenting, college and graduated and now works for us social, financial literacy and spiritual tips. We as the program director. He sees the organizawant to make sure our message to the boys tion through a lens that we as an executive is not getting lost at home. The moms also team can never see, because he lived [it] and [complete] five volunteer hours each semester. is able to relate to the kids at a different level.

What’s in HOPE Farm’s future? We are in Also, there’s Shamar Peoples. He joined our the process of building a vocational center on program as a sixth grader. He had a learning campus—Slone Vocational Center. This will difference, and we were able to enroll him allow the middle and high school students to into a day school that specializes in students explore learning a trade from an apprenticewith learning differences. He is now enrolled ship or an internship perspective. We know at TCU as a freshman. I could not be prouder that not all of our boys are going to want to go of them both.

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confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

CO M P I L E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

“While I was working from home, my daughter called me from the bathroom. I muted the call I was on but brought it with me. The team on the call asked me a question. As soon as I unmuted, my daughter yelled, ‘Wipe me, wipe me!’”—HEATHER, ROCKWALL

I MADE THE MISTAKE OF GETTING DRESSED FOR AN EVENT RIGHT BEFORE MY SON’S MEALTIME. I ENDED UP HANDWASHING TWO HUGE PEA-GREEN STAINS OUT OF MY DRESS! I HAD TO AIR DRY IT OUT OF OUR CAR WINDOW.” —ALERA, ARLINGTON 54

january 2021 / dfwchild.com

“One time, I decided my son needed his own dog. I wanted a pug, but no pugs were available near us. I’m impatient, so I searched for dogs everywhere. Long story short, it ended with my husband waiting in a Whataburger parking lot at 2am for a big rig and almost getting talked into buying two pugs.”—ALISON, SOUTHLAKE

“I was watching a show when my son came in. The couple on screen started being inappropriate, so I covered my son’s eyes.

I told him I didn’t want him to see, and he replied, ‘Oh, she tried to trick him with a kiss, he figured it out, stabbed her and all her guts fell out!’ Yes … exactly.”

—REBECCA, ARGYLE

MY 5YEAR-OLD VOLUNTEERED TO HELP WITH COMMUNION. HE GOT BORED AFTER THE WINE WAS CONSUMED AND SAT DOWN WITH THE TRAY OF TINY CUPS. I LOOKED OVER AND SAW HIM DRINKING THE LEFTOVERS!”

—SUSAN, PLANO

Got a funny or sweet parenting moment you’d like to share?

We’d love to hear it. Contact us at editorial@dfwchild.com.

Last week I came home after getting my hair cut and colored, feeling all fancy, and my 3-year-old son looked up at me and said, ‘Eww, Mom, what happened to your hair? Yuck!’”—HEATHER, FRISCO

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