DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024
HOW TO SET BOUNDARIES WITH FAMILY
MEET THE BAKERMAMA
MAEGAN BROWN
T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N D A L L A S -F O R T W O R T H
+
SPECIAL NEEDS SIBLING SUPPORT & SENSORY FUN
29
GREAT
WINTER EVENTS
THE 2024
ENCOURAGING
KIDS TO READ AT EVERY AGE
PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW FRONTIERS.
Take family time to new heights this season with the Range Rover Sport from Park Place. Featuring enhanced comfort and convenience for the whole crew, as well as dynamic on- and off-road capabilities to handle any holiday adventure with ease. All complemented perfectly by custom-fit service from the Experts in Excellence at Park Place. Land Rover DFW 1300 East State Highway 114, Grapevine, TX 75261 972.407.7000 LandRoverDFW.com
S N OCELEBRATE I T C A R T TA YA DILOH THE
AT NORTHPARK YMR A NOITAVL AS S NOITA NO D
TA S NI A RT EHT ™ K R AP H T R O N
S TI S IV ATN AS HTIW
N W OT R E G N I G S A L L AD
E H T F O E L AT E H T S A MT S I R H C S ’ I T E Y I T T E H G AP S
N O IT P O D A A C P S R ETN EC
NORTHPARK CENTER INVITES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO SHARE THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS THIS SEASON. EGOORCS E R TA E H T T E P P U P
HTI W S EIVOFREE M YADILO H JOIN US DAILY FOR STORIES I S S I MSANTA A AND SONGSNO WITH , AND MORE!SECN A MROFREP
PRESENTED BY
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT
YA D I L O H D N A S E R O T S F O T S I L L L U F A R O F . M O C . R E T N E CK R AP H T R O N T I S I V , S E I T I V I T C A
pages / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4
17
FEATURE 22 Raise a Reader An age-by-age guide to fostering a love for reading in kids words Gina Mayfield 26 The 2024 Private Schools List Our comprehensive directory of private schools across Dallas-Fort Worth
DEPARTMENTS NOTED 9 The After School Meltdown Why some kids lose it when they get home, and how to cope 12 By the Numbers / The 4-Day School Week A look at the educational trend 14 Sound Advice / Setting Boundaries Tips on communicating with grandparents
REAL MOMS 17 Mom Next Door / Maegan Brown A slice of life with Dallas mom of four, The BakerMama 20 Briefs / Bread & Butter Our Mom Next Door shares her favorite traditions, recipes and restaurants
➽ ABOVE // The BakerMama, Maegan Brown, dishes on food, family and finding balance.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELSEY FOSTER; AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER; ISTOCK
9
PLAYBOOK
54 SPECIAL SECTION 49 The ‘Typical’ Sibling Supporting brothers and sisters of kids with special needs 52 Holiday Mode 14 Sensory-friendly and fun places to go this winter
61 Things To Do 28 family fun events this December and January 68 Family Fun / An Open Book The 5 most kid-friendly independent bookstores
COLUMNS 6 Hello / Press Pause If only kids came with a remote control 70 Dad Amongst Dudes / First-Year Survival Guide One father’s top tips
ON THE COVER Cover kid: Te’Ari, 6, of Princeton Photography: Nick Prendergast Hair/makeup: Joanna Hathcock / Kim Dawson Agency DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
5
hello / E D I T O R ’ S N O T E
PRESS PAUSE
Order our Issues by Mail
dfwchild.com/subscriptions
Subscribe to our Email Newsletters
dfwchild.com/newsletters
Follow Us on Instagram
@dfwchildmag
Find Us on Facebook
facebook.com/dfwchild
Email Us
Let us know what’s on your mind. editorial@dfwchild.com
"I
CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S December already.”
As I lament the passage of another year, I hear my mom talking. The grown-ups were always bemoaning how quickly time flew by when I was a kid. And now, I know just what they meant. Time seems to move faster as you get older—and at lightning speed when it comes to watching your children grow. If only kids came with a remote control. I’d push pause for a bit, to soak in my 6-year-old and his gap-toothed smile, and keep my youngest a precious 2-year-old, for just a little while longer. Instead, life as a mom feels like a hectic, magical blur. But remember how different time felt as a kid? Summers stretched on for years and the countdown to Santa coming took eons. That’s because kids live in the moment. And if we meet them there, we can too. In my house, we’ve been savoring small moments by making my first-grader’s reading homework a family affair. Every night, cuddled on the couch while my son reads us a story, I take them in. I study their features and sniff their heads. And time moves just a bit slower, if only for ten minutes. It’s no secret that reading provides immense benefits to kids—it builds language skills, memory and empathy, among so many other things. And even a few minutes of reading together gives you and your child a chance to slow down and connect with each other. So when you’re feeling the urge to press pause, pick up a book. This issue can help you make reading a habit in your household. On page 22, we explore ways you can foster a love of books in kids of all ages. And for those who need an extra nudge, check out the kid-friendly independent bookstores on page 68—all have story times, special activities or even play spaces. There’s so much more in these pages—our annual Private Schools List, expert advice and parenting resources. And of course, you’ll find plenty of events where you can soak in this holiday season with your littles. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle this time of year. Slow down when you can. After all, time flies. Here’s to 2024,
6
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
ABOVE // Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen.
SHV_53153_Santa_DFWChild_PDF_4p75x4p688_01kk_HR.pdf
PUBLISHER/ A D V E R T I S I N G D I R E C TO R Joylyn Niebes A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R I N C H I E F Lauren Niebes E D I TO R I A L Managing Editor Amanda Collins Bernier
1
11/2/23
8:34 PM
IN T H E S E AS O N VISIT SANTA AT THE SHOPS NOVEMBER 19 – DECEMBER 24
Contributing Writers Erin Hayes Burt Gina Mayfield Katelin Walling D I G I TA L Digital Manager/ Publishing Coordinator Susan Horn
Scan for details
Web + Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith ART Contributing Designer Sean Parsons ADVERTISING Account Executives Alison Davis Nancy McDaniel
LET US SHOW YOU THE MONEY! See BILLIONS of dollars being printed and learn about the production and history of United States paper currency at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, Texas
Advertising Coordinator Emily McDaniel A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Business Manager Leah Wagner HOW TO CONTACT US: Address: Phone: Fax: Online:
P.O. Box 2269 Addison, Texas 75001 800/638-4461 or 972/447-9188 972/447-0633 dfwchild.com
DFWChild is published bimonthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. DFWChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DFWChild is ©2024 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.
Tour & Visitor Center includes:
ADMISSION IS FREE • PARKING IS FREE
– Self-guided tour on elevated walkway – Two floors of exhibits and displays – Informative film and gift shop
For tour information & to learn more Call:
817-231-4000
1-866-865-1194 and press 2 www.bep.gov
Bureau of Engraving and Printing 9100 Blue Mound Road Fort Worth, Texas
Open Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
7
Happy to be part of your moment From the moment you enter our door to snuggling your new baby in your arms, we’re here to make your moment a safe, happy and healthy one. Please cast your vote for Baylor Scott & White Health as DFWChild’s “Best Hospital to Have a Baby.”
vote for us
Cast your vote
Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2023 Baylor Scott & White Health. 67-DFW-926800 AM
noted.
ISTOCK
THE AFTER SCHOOL MELTDOWN Why some kids lose it when they get home, and how to deal W O R D S E R I N H AY ES B U R T
D
OES THIS SCHOOL DAY SOUND FAMILIAR: Your child is happy and upbeat when they leave in the morning, and by all accounts, they have a great day. But the minute they get home the switch flips. Yelling, crying, whining, moodiness—an altogether different kid than the one you dropped off at school. It’s not just your child. It’s a phenomenon called after-school restraint collapse and it manifests in different ways in kids of all ages. Younger children may completely melt down or be unable to cope following a full day of school. In older elementary kids, it may look more like a lack of impulse control—picking on their sibling or freaking out over something they are usually able to ignore. Tweens and teens might just not want to talk. No matter their age, after school can be a tough time for kids. And most likely, they’re going to take it out on you. WHAT AFTER-SCHOOL MELTDOWNS REALLY ARE
School-aged kids’ brains are learning executive function. It’s essential DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
9
ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS NOW! We carry a complete line of imported and domestic nuts, dried fruit and seeds, chocolate candies, gift baskets, and more! Ideal for holiday and special occasions, gift items for teachers, friends, relatives, customers or employees. Vending Nut Company 2222 Montgomery St. Fort Worth 76107 817-737-3071
BUY ONLINE OR IN-STORE
VendingNutCo.com
10
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
noted / A F T E R S C H O O L M E L T D O W N for making it through a school day, but it’s could help them unwind, that’s not actually a complex skill set involving three separate the case. “All that’s doing is just repressing all skills: working memory, mental flexibility, those emotions instead of letting them kind of and emotional restraint. It’s these skills process and be active. So maybe they do have that allow kids to coexist in a classroom some TV time or maybe they do have some together. In fact, at the lower grades, often tablet time, but that’s also after they’ve been the entire first week of school is devoted to able to just kind of play,” she says. strengthening kids’ executive function so the Instead, encourage playtime outside if classroom isn’t chaotic all year. Kids use their possible. Children process their emotions working memory to learn classroom rules through free play, not talking about their and put them into practice. They use mental day like adults do. And being outdoors flexibility to be able to shift helps them physically and from task to task and make mentally reset. So save the NO MATTER daily transitions. Emotional iPad or video games for later. THEIR AGE, regulation helps them remain Those methods of play have AFTER SCHOOL more guardrails and don’t let calm when frustrated, annoyed, or angry. kids use their imagination CAN BE A If executive function is a as much. TOUGH TIME muscle, after-school restraint For older kids who aren’t FOR KIDS. AND game to play, suggest a walk collapse is when that muscle cramps up; they just can’t hold outside, a hike or journaling, MOST LIKELY, it together anymore. When THEY’RE GOING says Cosha Joseph, a therapist they are with familiar people at Circle of Life Behavior TO TAKE IT in a familiar place—like Solutions in Dallas. “It can be OUT ON YOU. home—they let that muscle anything,” she says of helping relax. It presents differently in them unwind. “Figure out all kids, but hitting, crying, tempers, attitudes, exactly what makes them happy. It can be shortness—these are all signs that their execulistening to music, different things like that.” tive function is worn out. Routine can also be helpful to kids who are prone to after-school struggles. When kids HOW TO DEAL IN THE MOMENT are spent and tired, knowing what’s going to Chelsea Acree, a mom of three in Rockwall, happen next can help them relax, says Milhas a system for avoiding these kinds of lican. “They know we’re coming home and meltdowns. It involves healthy food, outdoor in the first 20 minutes, everyone’s going to be playtime and no small talk. “After school, in their own room playing, or we’re going to my kids know they can pick a fruit or veggie come home and we’re going to have a snack, snack and one snack from the pantry, and and then we’re going on a walk,” she says. In I don’t ask them about their day,” she says. the mornings, make sure everyone knows “Then we go on a walk, bike or scooter ride what the day holds so there are no afteraround the block. They seem much happier school surprises. to talk about their day then, so I make sure to spend a little time walking by each one to give CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF them my full attention.” Lastly, know where your head is before your kids Emily Millican, a licensed clinical social come home or you pick them up. “What are you worker at Terra Therapies in Fort Worth, doing so that you can kind of be prepared for says this strategy works for a few reasons. At your kiddo?” asks Millican. “Have I taken a minschool, kids often eat very early or don’t get ute to do something that’s healthy for me so that enough time to eat all their lunch, so by the I can be ready and I’m not also melting down?” time they get home their blood sugar can be As easy as it is for us to pick up our phone very low leading to crankiness or anxiousness. to scroll in the pickup line, often the content So make snacks a priority after school, she that we find isn’t soothing and affirming, it’s says. Provide items with a good mix of easily divisive and grating. We might see a work absorbed sugar and fiber, such as fruit or vegemail that is stressful, then the kids get in the etables, and some sustaining protein to help car and start screaming, and it’s not a good them get to dinner, like a granola bar, cheese time for anyone. stick, beef jerky, or nuts. Consider taking While you’re waiting in the pick-up line these in the car with you when you pick them or at the bus stop, have a snack for yourself, up, and don’t ask too much of them until the or turn on a song that puts you in a good hangry is gone. place. Take a few deep breaths in the quiet Then, let them play. “It’s their way to relax of your car and de-stress. Acknowledge your and let off whatever that steam is from the mood—are you hungry, angry, lonely, or day,” says Millican. tired? All four of those feelings impact our But playtime doesn’t mean screentime, she state of mind, and we know kids often reflect warns. While you might think giving a kid our own attitudes back to us, both at our best their iPad or turning on their favorite show and at our worst.
Unmatched Academic Results Join us for an Open House! Wednesday, January 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
© 2023, Drew Bird Photography, Inc.
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Legacy (PS–K) (469) 573-0077 6700 Communications Parkway, Plano Independence (PS–G2) (469) 642-2000 10145 Independence Parkway, Plano
© 2023, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
noted / B Y T H E N U M B E R S
600%
The increase in the number of districts nationally that moved to a four-day schedule since 1999
24
THE NUMBER OF STATES THAT HAVE AT LEAST ONE DISTRICT ON A FOUR-DAY SCHEDULE
A by-the-numbers look at the trend COMPILED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
THREE-DAY WEEKENDS, EVERY WEEK? It sounds like every kid’s dream, and for many it’s becoming reality as more and more schools are moving to a four-day school week schedule. Just since 2020, more than 200 districts across the country have made the switch, including many in Texas. Here in DFW, Anna ISD moved this year to a four-day schedule, the start of a three-year pilot program. And public charter schools including Life School, with campuses in Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Oak Cliff and Waxahachie, and Trivium Academy in Carrollton have also adopted the four-day week. For many districts, the switch comes to down teacher retention, recruitment and cost savings. Others tout potential benefits for students and staff, like improved attendance and better morale. Still, some worry that fewer days in the classroom could lead to students falling behind or put a burden on families who would need to find childcare. How does it all add up? Here’s a look at the numbers.
70+
THE NUMBER OF DISTRICTS IN TEXAS OPERATING ON A FOUR-DAY SCHEDULE 12
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
75,600
The number of minutes Texas requires public schools to operate per year
40
TO
MINUTES
1
HOUR
The average increase in the length of the school day for schools on a four-day schedule
36
The average number of weeks in a school year at most Texas schools
38
THE NUMBER OF WEEKS IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR AT ANNA ISD
180
Average number of school days in most U.S. states, including Texas
SOURCES: ANNA ISD, EDUCATION COMMISSION OF THE STATES, NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES, THE TEXAS STANDARD, LIFE SCHOOL
THE 4-DAY SCHOOL WEEK
At the Carter, connecting with art is easy at any age! Check out our monthly family events designed to encourage art exploration, inspire curiosity, and spark creativity for babies, toddlers, and beyond!
Itty-Bitty Art (Up to 24 months)
Introduces babies to art using early learning techniques
Toddler Studio (2-3 year olds)
Teaches toddlers about art through play
Carter Playdates (3-5 year olds)
Includes hands-on activities and storytime
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
13
noted / A S K A N E X P E R T
SOUND ADVICE
Your parenting questions and dilemmas, solved EDITED BY
SETTING BOUNDARIES WITH THE GRANDPARENTS
THE EXPERT: Emily Oakes, LPC Center for Counseling & Family Relationships, Fort Worth; ccfam.com DFWChild Mom Approved
Q: How do I enforce boundaries with my parents when it comes to my kids? I set rules for my children, but their grandparents don’t follow them. –A mom in Dallas County A: Boundaries are defined by our values and what is important to us. Boundaries actually facilitate, not limit, relationships with those that we care about. Expression of boundaries should be done with confidence and clarity. To best communicate a boundary often requires planning and reflection, and empathy is a valuable tool during this stage. Although boundaries define a limit for us, they can also help us notice where we might need to be more flexible than firm to honor a relationship. In this case, parents are concerned that a boundary they have established for their children is not being honored by the grandparents. Assuming that the boundary was communicated with empathy and respect, it appears that the lack of respect for the parents’ request has caused enough of a rupture for the parents that it is time for it to be addressed. This can be tricky for parents, so first, they should think about their goal— is it that the rule be followed at all costs? Could enforcing the boundary cause an even 14
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
bigger rupture to occur, harming not only their relationship with the parents, but also the children’s long-term relationship with their grandparents? A next step might be to jot down how grandparents not following this rule might impact the children in a day, a week, a month, or even a year. If the impact isn’t much to worry about, parents might decide that this is a place where it would be appropriate to be more flexible and accept that sometimes their children will be fed cheesepuffs instead of fresh fruit or stay up later than their normal bedtime. It may mean that they need to offer an alternative or even that they need to accept that when their children are with their grandparents, the grandparents are in charge of the rules. If the impact is larger, parents need to decide how to follow through on setting a boundary and if it may be worth the risk of a long-term rupture. Finally, they should consider how to communicate their boundary. It may look something like this: “Mom and Dad, we know the kids are important to you and how much you love spending time with them and we value that. We have asked you to follow through with some things when you have the kids, but it seems like it has been hard to follow. What is most important to you when you are with the kids? Maybe what we are asking isn’t aligning with that and we can do to help us both feel successful. If we cannot align our boundaries and goals, we need to find a way to move forward to keep things from becoming confusing for the kids, so they know what to expect from each of us.” Each of these steps should bring clarity as you make decisions with the best interest of your child and the hope for your relationship with your parents in mind. Have a parenting question you’d like our experts to answer? Message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email editorial@dfwchild.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTER FOR COUNSELING & FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS ; ISTOCK
AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
Find more to love this holiday season with a getaway to Gaylord Texan. The dancing lights of Christmas shine bright and lead the way to endless festive fun for the whole family, including ICE!, a larger-than-life retelling of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! made entirely of ice, scavenger hunts, gingerbread decorating, and more. Secure your tickets before they are gone. NOW - DEC. 31 ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com
TM & © 2023 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.
Delivering more for generations to come.
Experience the newly renovated Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants. Texas Health Dallas has never looked better. We have remodeled your maternity experience with brand new modern labor & delivery rooms, a refreshed postpartum unit including luxury suites, an outdoor plaza for families to enjoy and more. And of course, you can still rely on the same advanced maternal care you have come to expect, including our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery, and dedicated high-risk pregnancy unit. The new Margot Perot Center has it all.
Take a tour at TexasHealth.org/DallasBaby
Luxury suite
Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2023 Texas Health Resources
real moms.
RÉSUMÉ
➽
Known for her viral snack boards, Maegan Brown credits her kids as the taste testers who help her perfect her recipes.
TITLE
Blogger and cookbook author AGE
42
LIVES IN
Dallas
HAILS FROM
Ada, Oklahoma CHILDREN
Baker, 12; Bryce and Barret, 10; Brookie, 7 ALMA MATER
University of Oklahoma, degree in marketing and management SPOUSE
Brandon Brown, executive at Albertsons WHERE TO CONNECT
thebakermama.com; Instagram @thebakermama
INTERVIEW AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
mom next door /
MAEGAN BROWN
COURTESY OF KELSEY FOSTER
A taste of life as The BakerMama
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
17
real moms / M O M N E X T D O O R
M
AEGAN BROWN WAS A BRAND-NEW MOM with no professional cooking experience when she first launched The BakerMama with a recipe for peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies. Today, almost 12 years and a thousand recipes later, she’s a bestselling author who just released her third cookbook, Brilliant Bites, featuring mini versions of classic foods. “I’ve always loved to cook and bake—I grew up in a family that valued that, where food was a big part of lives,” she says. “So bringing people together with food and entertainment is really important to me.” But Brown is just as passionate about her other job—Mom. Here the Dallas mom of four opens up about raising kids, creating new recipes and how parenthood has changed her.
Food Allergy | Seasonal Allergy | Asthma | Eczema
Pediatric Allergy Care
DFWCHILD: HOW DID YOU
3x DFWChild Mom Approved Doctor (2016, 2018, 2023)
BECOME THE BAKERMAMA? MB: Food was very important in my family growing up—we hosted a lot, had family meals around the table—and that was passed down to me. I love to entertain and I love to bake and cook. In business school we had this little 500-square-foot apartment, and we’d pack it with whoever wanted to come over. I’d make cake balls and piles of brownies and cookies. My husband would be barbequing all kinds of meat. After we moved to Dallas a friend who worked for General Mills told me about an opportunity with Gold Medal Flour. They were looking for an everyday blogger and he thought I should apply. I had a 6-month-old at the time and I wasn’t really looking to get back into work right away, but I had that itch to do something other than stay home with my baby. I had never blogged or taken pictures of food before, but I applied. I called it The BakerMama and created a mock blog. And they chose me! The day I got the call my husband came home and I said, ‘Let’s celebrate, let’s open a bottle of champagne!’ But I was also feeling kind of nauseous that day, so I said, ‘Actually, Let’s take a pregnancy test first.’ Sure enough I was pregnant and we found out a little later that it was twins.
Nana Mireku MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist (Pediatric & Adult)
469-375-1525 www.texasallergymd.com Southlake: 630 North Kimball Ave Suite 110, Southlake, TX 76092 McKinney/Prosper: 1400 North Coit Rd Suite 405, McKinney, TX 75071 • BREATHE WELL • ITCH LESS • EAT SAFE • FEEL GREAT •
Now Enrolling Affordable, Quality Day Care
AND YOU STILL TOOK THE JOB? I was so excited and passionate about this opportunity that I stuck with it. I prepped everything while I was pregnant to have three months’ worth of recipes ready when the twins arrived. WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BRANCH OFF ON YOUR OWN? Two years into it, I wanted to share more than recipes with flour in them. It gave me the opportunity to share what I was feeding my kids as they grew older. Truly everything I share is what we eat as a family, what we enjoy and what we entertain with. Like my family, my recipes have evolved over time. HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH ALL YOUR RECIPES? My brain just never shuts down when it comes to food! I love getting in the kitchen and having fun with different foods. I love grocery shopping; I find a lot of inspiration there. If I see something that sparks an idea, I have to buy it and I’ll immediately run home and try it. I have notes on my phone that I’m constantly adding to—I’ll be in the carpool line or I’ll be at a sports game and I’ll think of something and I have to make a note of it. I probably have hundreds of ideas in that note that I haven’t even gotten to yet.
6 Weeks-Transitional Kindergarten
Curriculum-based Learning
info@dar-lings.com | 972-307-8300
Dar-Lings.com 18
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
COURTESY OF KELSEY FOSTER
2459 E. Hebron Pkwy., Suite 160 Carrollton, TX 75010
Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2023–2024.
After School Care
“FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE AND WORK REALLY HARD AT IT, BUT ALSO KNOW THAT BALANCE IS IMPORTANT.” WHAT RECIPE IS ON REPEAT IN YOUR HOUSE? I make my Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup almost every week, even in the summer. My kids eat it so well. Twice a week I make banana chocolate chip muffins. It’s the only thing my oldest will for-sure eat for breakfast. If I do not have those, he won’t eat breakfast and then here comes the mom guilt. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR KIDS LEARN FROM THE BAKERMAMA? Find something you love and work really hard at it, but also know that balance is important. They see how hard both my husband and I work but we try to show them that there has to be a balance. Family is our priority. WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF HAVING FOUR KIDS? Quality time with each kid can be hard. I have this perfect idea in my head, and then life happens. You never know when somebody is going to have their moment or when a kid is going to need you most. When they were younger it was physically exhausting, and now it’s emotionally and mentally exhausting because they’re in such important stages of their personalities and experiences right now. HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD CHANGED YOU? Before having kids I was much more structured. They really helped me to step back and be like ‘OK, that’s not important.’ You truly have to prioritize where you want to spend your time and your energy. Sometimes I step back and say it doesn’t matter that that table’s all messy. I don’t need to do that extra load of laundry or organize all the shoes today. Or the carpool fell through and I need to go pick up a kid, so instead of that meal I was going to make tonight we’re going to get Chick-fil-A. I let it go and try not to worry so much about everything going as planned. I give myself some grace now. DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
19
real moms / B R I E F S
BREAD & BUTTER Maegan Brown shares her favorite traditions, recipes and restaurants INTERVIEW
1
Piling into the car to go look at Christmas lights and making holiday themed snacking boards are among Brown’s favorite traditions with her kids this time of year. But most special is a horse-drawn carriage ride through Highland Park. “The whole town just lights up,” she says of the elaborately decorated neighborhoods. “You have some hot cocoa and just take it all in.”
A D D TO C A RT
2
While Brown bops around to different grocery stores every week (her favorite for browsing is Central Market), she has a newfound affinity for online grocery shopping. “I was anti grocery pickup or delivery for the longest time … I was worried that by not going into the store I wouldn’t be inspired to try something new or make something different. But a lot of the grocery apps suggest different ingredients based on what you like and keep your history of what you’ve bought before. It’s a mom-hack I should have started long ago,” she laughs. 20
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
3
DA LL A S D I N I N G
When Brown wants a break from the kitchen and a special night out, she heads to Dallas’s Sister restaurant. “It’s a really thoughtful place and every time we go it never fails—it’s so satisfying and the experience is always special,” she says. The charred octopus, wild “boaranaise,” pesto fusilli and Moroccan spiced chicken are among her favorites on the menu. And when feeling adventurous, Brown likes Namo, a West Village sushi spot with ingredients sourced from Japan. “We love enjoying their Omakase nights whenever possible or we just let our sushi chef guide us through the fresh selections on and off the menu,” she says. “The sushi is always seasonal, fresh and creatively served.” SISTER // 2808 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 214/888-8660; sempresister.com NAMO // 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 305, Dallas, 214/484-5151; namosushi.com
4
G O -TO G O O D I E
With sprinkles, red and green M&Ms and adorably tiny gingerbread men, Brown’s Christmas Crunch Mix is a festive treat to make with kids. “And it’s great for gifting,” she says. “Put it in little tins or baggies.” Find the recipe at thebakermama.com.
TH E B E AUT Y O F BOA R DS
5
Brown’s Insta-worthy snacking boards and bestselling cookbook Beautiful Boards took off for a reason. “I think it changed the way a lot of people entertain and host, but it’s also so good for families,” she says. “We enjoy salad boards very regularly at our house where everybody builds their own salad with a variety of toppings and just a big bowl of lettuce in the middle. And we do build-your-own baked potato boards where I put a pile of baked potatoes in the middle and a bunch of toppings. Everyone gets to make their own meal and own it. So with the kids I don’t have the pushback of ‘I don’t want what you put on my plate.’ I’m like, 'You put it on your plate.’”
COURTESY OF KELSEY FOSTER ; ISTOCK; MAEGAN BROWN; BEAUTIFULBOARDS, CREDIT ROCK POINT PUBLISHING
H O LI DAY TR A D ITI O N S
AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
Discover Merryhill Schools— Creating leaders of tomorrow since 1949. At Merryhill Arlington, we combine rigorous academics and social-emotional skill development with a personalized approach to learning in which teachers focus on the strengths of each child.
JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE Thursday, January 18 6:00 - 8:00 PM
NOW ENROLLING Merryhill Arlington 6 weeks - Grade 8
711 West Arbrook Blvd Arlington, TX 76015
MerryhillDallas.com
•
(817) 854-8346
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
21
22
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
RAISE A
READER
ISTOCK (2)
An age-by-age guide to fostering a love for reading in kids WORDS GINA MAYFIELD
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
23
of your first child, well-meaning friends and family offer a laundry list of do’s and don’ts that involve everything from feeding and sleeping down to doing the laundry itself. But mixed among the chores and warnings, there’s sweet advice for creating joy and peaceful moments: Read to your child. As simple as it sounds, the benefits and great rewards of reading from birth and through every stage of a child’s development can last a lifetime. Most parents, when they think back on their own childhood, can still rattle off the titles of books that meant something special to them decades ago. Books matter, more than just for happy memories. Children whose parents read them five books a day start kindergarten having heard a million more words than those whose parents didn’t read to them. And if reading five books sounds a little ambitious, consider this: Just one picture book a day can expose your child to about 78,000 words a year. And studies show that the number of words a child hears profoundly impacts language development and literacy. A love of reading opens kids up to new ideas, sets them up for academic success and fosters critical thinking and empathy for others. So, how do you bring up a kid who associates books with fun and adventure? Here’s an ageby-age guide to raising a reader. THE BABY YEARS
Let’s be real—you might feel a little silly propping up a tiny human so they can see the pages of a book you’ve chosen. But reading is about a lot more than vocabulary words. “It’s that whole social activity of give and take. There’s also the idea that stories come out of these books, so books are interesting,” says Dr. Sheryl Frierson, who’s worked with all levels of readers as the medical director of Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas. She’s also a UT Southwestern associate professor of developmental and behavioral pediatrics. She notes that reading to infants also teaches them how to use a book. “You hold it up so the pictures are right side up, you turn from left to right. You learn a lot about how books are structured.” Research tells us that children who are exposed to a lot of words at home during their infancy and early childhood are more ready to learn when it comes time to go to school. “Talking with your young child is really important, however, reading typically exposes them to a wider variety of vocabulary words that we don’t typically use in regular conversations,” says Frierson. Even newborns benefit from the physical connection, the sound of your voice and hearing the rhythm and tempo of the words in a book. Live and in-person language, focused on the child, matter, so phoning in your favorite true crime podcast or e-book won’t work here. 24
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
6 TIPS
FOR READING TO TODDLERS
Dr. Sheryl Frierson, medical director of Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, offers these expert tips for making shared reading more enjoyable for toddlers.
1. Read with enthusiasm.
Be excited and use different voices—make it fun!
2. Respond to the child’s attempts to look at and play with books.
3. Read stories
that include rhythms and rhymes.
4. Follow the child’s
interest. Allow them to pick what they want to read.
5. Read the child’s favorite
stories and rhymes over and over again.
6. Engage children in
reading just long enough for them to stay engaged. When they’re disengaged, move on to something else.
Make eye contact with your baby and respond when they light up and attempt to make sounds mimicking the ones they hear in a book. Get the rest of their senses involved with sensory board books such as the colorful See, Touch, Feel with its raised textures, finger trails and (spoiler alert!) mirror at the end of the book. For most babies, those senses might involve taste, and that’s OK. “Those cloth and board books are durable and nontoxic for them to put in their mouths because that’s how they explore the world,” Frierson says. And don’t feel like you have to wait years before taking your baby to your local library’s storytime for littles. “We call it toddler storytime, but we want babies there too. It’s building a culture of reading with a positive experience that includes song and play. It’s good exposure to hearing and sharing stories,” says Lisa Zinkie, who spent more than a decade as a school librarian for Fort Worth ISD and is now the manager at the Hampton-Illinois Library, a branch of the Dallas Public Library. TODDLERS: AGES 1–3
At this age, children absorb all that books have to offer, far beyond new words and language. “They’re learning what things mean, they’re learning new categories of things such as animals, and how horses and dogs and cows fit into this category. That’s different than people or trucks. So they’re learning a lot about the structure of the language,” Frierson explains. As you’re reading to a toddler, avoid shooting for a quick coverto-cover rush job, even if it’s bedtime and you’re trying not to fall asleep yourself. Think about reading throughout the day, not just when it’s time to get out your beloved childhood copy of Goodnight Moon. Stop to respond to your children’s questions and comments or point out any interesting similarities between the story and your own lives. Talk about not just what you’re reading, but what you’re seeing in the pictures. Beyond your own childhood favorites, know that your children will establish their own thoughts, preferences and opinions on books. Depending on your toddler’s development, they may be ready to walk around the library and make a few selections of their own. “I would definitely let them pick out some books themselves. I’m a huge proponent of free choice in reading. A lot of times, kids don’t want to read what they don’t pick,” Zinkie says. That means you may find yourself reading the same book to your child, day after day. “That’s not a problem. Anybody who has children knows that the things they like to do, they like to do over and over again,” says Frierson. “When they enjoy a book, they’ll go back to that same book over and over again. Sometimes kids may even memorize a favorite book. They’re still spending time in a book, in a story, learning vocabulary words, attaching the pictures to the words they’re hearing.” Pay attention to what it is about those particular books that engage your child and seek out other books by that author or ask a librarian for similar recommendations. One last thing to keep in mind at this age: “When children are choosing books, it’s very important for them to be able to see themselves in them. Having stories about people that look like them helps keep their interest, makes them feel validated as a human and
ISTOCK (3)
SOON AFTER THE BIRTH
helps them find their place in the world,” Zinkie says. That may mean size, skin color, abilities or religion. And when children read books that have someone different in it, well, that comes with its own set of benefits. “Reading is a beautiful tool for developing empathy. There’s a saying in library circles that books need to be windows and mirrors,” she says. EMERGING READERS: AGES 4–6
The wonder of reading really comes to life when your child starts to identify letters and even sight words, not only in books but out in the real world. While reading to your child, allow them to read to you too, first by pointing out letters and words you know they’ll recognize. The goal here is to make the experience feel organic and not like a pop quiz. Later, take turns reading full pages at a time. You can begin to point out letters and words in the same way you were pointing out pictures and the sounds different animals make. “You can say, ‘Your name is Ben, that starts with a B. Do you see any B's on this page?’ That engages them in paying attention to those letters. Even if they’re not ready to read words, they may be able to find the first letter in their own name,” Frierson says. When your child starts coming home from school with leveled readers and book logs, share a sense of wonder about the topic. A simple, “I didn’t know that about monkeys!” will do, so your child can see that even you learn from books. Continue reading books they’ll understand but can’t quite read on their own level yet. Beyond the library, take them to local, independent bookstores. Make reading about fun and adventure. EARLY READERS: AGES 7–9
At this age, we want to keep those positive vibes flowing but that can be hard to do when your child’s book selections may leave you scratching your head. But consider their preferences from their point of view. Comics-inspired books and graphic novels talk about things that are age-appropriate for kids. “They’re not things we think about, but they are things children that age are thinking about. So it meets them where their interests are. Anytime they’re practicing getting the meaning of the letters on the page, that’s good reading.” says Frierson. “Some parents are hesitant. They’re like, ‘These are just comic books,’” says Zinkie, who once did a talk at a state library convention about the benefits of graphic novels and manga, a genre of Japanese comic books and graphic novels. “I let parents know these books almost make the child’s brain work twice as hard because they have to interpret both the words and the pictures.” Graphic novels can also be a stepping stone for struggling readers. “Helping a kid find that magic book that turns them on to reading, that makes them want to read more, is so huge. If that can be a graphic novel, then why not? I think all reading is valid,” Zinkie says.
A love of reading opens kids up to new ideas, sets them up for academic success and fosters critical thinking and empathy for others.
READ ON
Want to learn more about raising a reader? Check out these books with practical advice for parents and fun activities to do together.
The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease
Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, by Mem Fox
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids, by Sarah Mackenzie
The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child, by Donalyn Miller
At this age, continue to read books to your children above their reading level so that they get to hear fluent reading and learn about new things. If they express a preference for e-books, don’t be afraid to indulge them. “Times are changing. Children are in a digital world, and they are going to be reading things on screen,” Frierson says. Think of e-books as an extension, another way to read. “Sometimes the book is something that you hold and it has pages. But sometimes the book is on your iPad and you turn the pages by swiping, but the same principles apply. You read left to right, you go from top to bottom, you’re going to turn pages.” Frierson notes that in many digital formats there are even pictures to look at and words that link to their definitions. Many local libraries offer the Libby app for enjoying e-books, audiobooks, magazines and streaming services, that helps kids follow along. “That can get them going more than just regular books,” Zinkie says. MIDDLE GRADE STUDENTS: AGES 9–12
As children get older and their interests expand, the family schedule may get tighter and your children’s curiosity may shift. Help them find books about the activities they’re involved in or new ideas that pique their enthusiasm. “Engage them in the things they’re showing an interest in,” says Frierson. “The key thing is letting kids choose what they read. That’s super important,” Zinkie says. Keep things positive and never use reading as a punishment. Make books part of your life in different ways. Play an audiobook in the car on the way to practice or the big game, then talk about what’s going on in the story. “Reading is reading is reading, whether you’re listening to it, whether you’re reading it,” Zinkie says. By this age, your children may have their own library of sorts filled with treasures collected over the years. Make sure those books are readily available and keep them organized and sorted. Consider purchasing a few books to finish off a prized collection or, just for fun, order a personal library kit that comes complete with card catalog checkout cards, bookplates and a date stamp. When your children reach adulthood, those books and timestamps will take on a whole new meaning. And at every age, lead by example. When it comes to raising a reader, like all things with parenting, model the behavior you want to see. “Your kids should see you reading for enjoyment as well,” says Frierson says. “When they see that you do that, they will copy you.” DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
25
SCHOOL
ADDRESS
WEBSITE
PRIVATE
CITY
2024 Addison
Greenhill School
4141 Spring Valley Road
greenhill.org
Addison
Trinity Christian Academy
17001 Addison Road
trinitychristian.org
Allen
Guthrie School, The
598 Old Cluster Road
guthrieschool.com
Allen
Inspired Learning Academy
601 S. Greenville Ave.
inspiredlearningacademy.org
Argyle
Liberty Christian School
1301 S. Highway 377
libertychristian.com
Argyle
Selwyn School
2270 Copper Canyon Road
selwynschool.org
Arlington
Burton Adventist Academy
4611 Kelly Elliott Road
burtonacademy.org
Arlington
Children’s University
4621 Park Springs Blvd.
childrensuniversity.com
Arlington
Grace Preparatory Academy
3300 W. I-20
graceprep.org
Arlington
Green Oaks School
500 Houston St.
greenoaksinc.org
Arlington
Merryhill School
711 W. Arbrook Blvd.
merryhillschool.com
Arlington
Montessori Academy of Arlington, The
3428 W. Arkansas Lane
tmaonline.org
Arlington
Northstar School
4620 Park Springs Blvd.
northstarschool.net
Arlington
Oakridge School, The
5900 W. Pioneer Pkwy.
theoakridgeschool.org
Arlington
Pantego Christian Academy
2201 W. Park Row
pantego.com
Arlington
Park Row Christian Academy
915 W. Park Row
parkrowchristian.net
Arlington
St. Joseph Catholic School
2015 SW Green Oaks Blvd.
stjosephtx.org
Arlington
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
1200 S. Davis Drive
smgschool.org
Arlington
Saint Paul’s Preparatory Academy
6900 U.S. Highway 287
stpaulsprep.com
Azle
Azle Christian School
1801 S. Stewart St.
azlechristianschool.org
Bartonville
Harvest Christian Academy - Lantana
2200 E. Jeter Road
lantana.hcasaints.org
Bedford
Midcities Montessori
209 Harwod Road, Ste. B
midcitiesmontessori.com
Burleson
Holy Cross Christian Academy
1233 Tarver Road
hccaburleson.com
Carrollton
Oak Crest Private School
1200 E. Jackson Road, Building 2
oakcrestschool.org
Carrollton
Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center
4004 Midway Road
popcs.org
Carrollton
St. Anthony School, The
2040 N. Denton Drive
thestanthonyschool.com
Colleyville
Covenant Christian Academy
901 Cheek Sparger Road
covenantchristian.net
Colleyville
Crown of Life Lutheran School
6605 Pleasant Run Road
colschool.org
Colleyville
Inspire Academy
55 Main St., Ste. 280
inspireacademytx.com
Colleyville
Waypoint Montessori
1513 Hall Johnson Road
waypointmontessori.org
Crowley
Nazarene Christian Academy
2001 E. Main St.
nazarenechristianacademy.org
Dallas
Acton Academy Lakewood
2443 Abrams Road
actonlakewood.org
Dallas
Akiba Yavneh Academy
12324 Merit Drive
akibayavneh.org
Dallas
Alcuin School
6144 Churchill Way
alcuinschool.org
Dallas
All Saints Catholic School
7777 Osage Plaza Pkwy.
allsaintsdallas.org
Dallas
Ann & Nate Levine Academy, Weinreb Early Childhood
18011 Hillcrest Road
levineacademy.org
Dallas
Bishop Dunne Catholic School
3900 Rugged Drive
bdcs.org
Dallas
Bishop Lynch High School
9750 Ferguson Road
bishoplynch.org
Dallas
Calvary Lutheran School
9807 Church Road
calvarydallas.org
Dallas
Cambridge School of Dallas, The
3202 Royal Lane
cambridgedallas.org
Dallas
Campbell Christian Academy
6623 Villa Road
campbellchristianacademy.com
Dallas
Choices Leadership Academy
18106 Marsh Lane
choicesleadership.org
Dallas
Christ the King Catholic School
4100 Colgate Ave.
cks.org
Dallas
Coram Deo Academy - Dallas Campus
6930 Alpha Road
cdalions.org
Dallas
Covenant School, The
7300 Valley View Lane
covenantdallas.com
Dallas
Dallas Academy
950 Tiffany Way
dallas-academy.com
Dallas
Dallas Christian Academy
4025 N. Central Expressway
dallaschristianacademy.org
Dallas
Dallas International School
6039 Churchill Way
dallasinternationalschool.org
Dallas
Dallas Lutheran School
8912 Stults Road
dallaslutheranschool.com
Dallas
Episcopal School of Dallas, The
4100 Merrell Road
esdallas.org
•
= LEARNING DIFFERENCES
26
•
= SPECIAL NEEDS
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
•
= GIFTED
•
= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
•
= INFORMATION FROM 2023 LIST
GRADES OFFERED
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
UNIFORM
ANNUAL TUITION
SCHOLARSHIPS
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
1950
None
Pre-K–12
1,377
No
$30,480–$38,050
1970
Christian–Nondenominational
Pre-K–12
1,471
Yes
$10,620–$27,830
Yes
Yes
2014
None
Preschool–5
130
Yes
$14,800–$19,300
Yes
No
2017
None
5–12
30
No
$9,970
No
Yes
1983
Christian
Preschool–12
1,290
Yes
$10,225–$21,035
Yes
No
1957
None
Pre-K–12
135
Yes
$13,300–$30,650
Yes
Yes
1911
Adventist
Preschool–12
265
Yes
$4,500–$8,500
Yes
Yes
1995
None
Preschool–6
200
Yes
$6,000–$15,000
No
Yes
1992
Christian
Kindergarten–12
500
Yes
$6,575–$12,950
Yes
No
2000
Christian
Kindergarten–12
37
No
$13,000
Yes
No
1988
None
Preschool–8
230
Yes
$10,441
No
No
1981
None
Preschool–6
195
No
$9,380–$16,623
Yes
No
2005
None
7–12
37
Yes
$19,150
Yes
Yes
1979
None
Preschool–12
700
Yes
$12,180–$28,280
Yes
No
1963
Christian
Preschool–12
640
Yes
$2,000–$17,500
Yes
No
1968
Christian–Nondenomiational
Preschool–8
260
Yes
$3,000–$8,300
No
Yes
1995
Catholic
Pre-K–8
354
Yes
$3,200-$10,204
No
No
1954
Catholic
Preschool–8
160
Yes
$8,500–$10,160
Yes
Yes
1988
Christian
Preschool–12
261
Yes
$9,950–$13,300
No
Yes
2003
Christian
Pre-K–12
240
Yes
$6,500–$9,000
Yes
No
2020
Christian
Preschool–12
220
Yes
$5,000–$11,000
Yes
No
2015
None
Pre-K–12
50
No
$11,000
Yes
Yes
1993
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–9
240
Yes
$3,750–$10,500
Yes
No
1999
None
Preschool–8
60
No
$11,950–$16,200
No
No
1980
Lutheran
Preschool–12
680
Yes
$12,850–$21,100
Yes
No
1998
None
3–12
80
Yes
$25,000
Yes
No
1979
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–12
620
Yes
$8,000–$20,000
Yes
No
1996
Lutheran
Preschool–8
158
Yes
$3,400–$11,550
Yes
No
2018
Christian–Nondemominational
1–12
100
Yes
$17,000–$19,000
Yes
Yes
1971
None
Pre-K–6
130
No
$12,200–$17,500
Yes
No
1984
Christian
Kindergarten–12
328
Yes
$7,620–$10,248
Yes
No
2019
None
Pre-K–6
48
No
$11,803
No
No
1962
Jewish
Preschool–12
450
Yes
$11,000–$29,000
Yes
No
1964
None
Preschool–12
597
No
$30,000–$38,000
Yes
Yes
1998
Catholic
Pre-K–8
340
Yes
$9,000–$10,000
Yes
Yes
1979
Jewish
Preschool–8
435
Yes
$7,480–$32,250
Yes
Yes
1961
Catholic
6–12
450
Yes
$14,000–$18,000
Yes
Yes
1963
Catholic
9–12
1,004
Yes
$22,000
Yes
Yes
1972
Lutheran
Pre-K–8
100
Yes
$7,400
Yes
No
2001
Christian
5–12
120
Yes
$22,400–$26,500
Yes
Yes
1984
Presbyterian
Preschool–6
70
Yes
$7,000
No
No
2005
None
K–5
100
Yes
$5,000
No
Yes
1947
Catholic
Pre-K–8
465
Yes
$11,747–$16,362
Yes
No
2006
Christian
Pre-K–12
443
Yes
$5,800–$10,600
Yes
No
1993
Christian
Kindergarten–12
717
Yes
$11,500–$24,750
Yes
Yes
1965
None
1–12
170
Yes
$19,000–$27,000
Yes
No
1957
Adventist
Pre-K–12
116
Yes
$4,800–$6,200
No
Yes
1991
None
Preschool–12
680
Yes
$22,000–$29,000
Yes
No
1976
Lutheran
7–12
130
Yes
$18,000
Yes
No
1974
Episcopal
Preschool–12
1,194
Yes
$27,485
Yes
No
FINANCIAL
FOUNDED
SCHO O L
LIST AID
No
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
27
CITY
SCHOOL
ADDRESS
WEBSITE
Dallas
Fairhill School
16150 Preston Road
fairhill.org
Dallas
First Baptist Academy
7898 Samuell Blvd.
fbacademy.com
Dallas
Fusion Academy Dallas
8128 Park Lane, Ste. 125
fusionacademy.com
Dallas
German International School of Dallas
12411 Templeton Trail
german-isd.com
Dallas
Good Shepherd Episcopal School
11110 Midway Road
gsesdallas.org
Dallas
Grace Academy of Dallas
11306A Inwood Road
graceacademy.com
Dallas
Highlands Christian School
721 Easton Road
highlandschristianschool.com
Dallas
Hillier School
3821 University Blvd.
hillierschool.org
Dallas
Hockaday School, The
11600 Welch Road
hockaday.org
Dallas
Holy Trinity Catholic School
3815 Oak Lawn Ave.
htcsdallas.org
Dallas
Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
12345 Inwood Road
jesuitdallas.org
Dallas
Kessler School, The
1822 W. 10th St.
thekesslerschool.com
Dallas
Kingdom Collegiate Academies
1821 W. Camp Wisdom Road
kcacademies.org
Dallas
Lakehill Preparatory School
2720 Hillside Drive
lakehillprep.org
Dallas
Lamplighter School, The
11611 Inwood Road
thelamplighterschool.org
Dallas
Mount Saint Michael Catholic School
4500 W. Davis St.
msmcatholic.org
Dallas
New Life Christian Academy
2626 Gus Thomasson Road
newlifechristianacademy.net
Dallas
Notre Dame School of Dallas
2018 Allen St.
notredameschool.org
Dallas
Oak Hill Academy
9407 Midway Road
oakhillacademy.org
Dallas
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
7625 Cortland Ave.
olphschooldallas.org
Dallas
Our Redeemer Lutheran School
7611 Park Lane
ordallas.org
Dallas
Parish Episcopal School
4101 Sigma Road / 14115 Hillcrest Road
parish.org
Dallas
Preston Hollow Presbyterian School
9800 Preston Road
phps.org
Dallas
Providence Christian School of Texas
5002 W. Lovers Lane
pcstx.org
Dallas
Saint Timothy School, The
4333 Cole Ave.
thesainttimothyschool.org
Dallas
Santa Clara of Assisi Catholic Academy
4550 W. Davis St.
santaclaraacademy.org
Dallas
Scofield Christian School
7730 Abrams Road
scofieldchristianschool.org
Dallas
Shelton School
17301 Preston Road
shelton.org
Dallas
Southwest Adventist Jr. Academy
1600 Bonnie View Road
swaja.org
Dallas
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School
1420 Old Gate Lane
stbernardccs.org
Dallas
St. Cecilia School
635 Mary Cliff Road
stceciliacatholic.org
Dallas
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School
4019 S. Hampton Road
saintspride.com
Dallas
St. John’s Episcopal School
848 Harter Road
stjohnsschool.org
Dallas
St. Mark’s School of Texas
10600 Preston Road
smtexas.org
Dallas
St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School
1716 Singleton Blvd.
smcschool.org
Dallas
St. Monica Catholic School
4140 Walnut Hill Lane
stmonicaschool.org
Dallas
St. Philip’s School & Community Center
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
stphilips1600.org
Dallas
St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy
8151 Military Pkwy.
spsacatholic.org
Dallas
St. Pius X Catholic School
3030 Gus Thomasson Road
spxdallasschool.org
Dallas
St. Rita Catholic School
12525 Inwood Road
strita.net
Dallas
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
3741 Abrams Road
staschool.org
Dallas
Torah Day School of Dallas
6921 Frankford Road
tdsd.org
Dallas
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
4900 Walnut Hill Lane
ursulinedallas.org
Dallas
Vanguard Preparatory School
4240 Sigma Road
vanguardprepschool.com
Dallas
Wesley Prep
9200 Inwood Road
wesleyprep.org
Dallas
Westwood School, The
14340 Proton Road
westwoodschool.org
Dallas
White Rock Montessori
1601 Oates Drive
whiterockmontessori.org
Dallas
White Rock North School
9727 White Rock Trail
whiterocknorthschool.com
Dallas
Winston School, The
5707 Royal Lane
winston-school.org
Dallas
Zion Lutheran School
6121 E. Lovers Lane
zlsdallas.org
Denton
Denton Calvary Academy
1910 E. University Drive
dentoncalvary.org
•
= LEARNING DIFFERENCES
28
•
= SPECIAL NEEDS
•
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
= GIFTED
•
= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
•
= INFORMATION FROM 2023 LIST
FOUNDED
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
GRADES OFFERED
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
UNIFORM
ANNUAL TUITION
FINANCIAL
SCHOLARSHIPS
THE 2024 PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
1971
None
1–12
150
Yes
$24,500–$25,100
Yes
No
1972
Christian
Pre-K–12
409
Yes
$10,650–$14,650
Yes
No
1989
None
6–12
100
No
$30,000–$40,000
No
Yes
2010
None
Preschool–5
113
No
$8,000–$12,000
No
No
1959
Episcopal
Pre-K–8
595
Yes
$14,130–$25,010
Yes
Yes
1974
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–6
235
Yes
$3,000–$14,000
Yes
No
2023
Christian
Preschool–6
97
Yes
$5,775–$13,650
No
No
1968
Presbyterian
1–8
30
Yes
$17,700
Yes
Yes
1913
None
Pre-K–12
1,110
Yes
$30,935–$36,705
Yes
No
1914
Catholic
Pre-K–8
167
Yes
$8,400
Yes
Yes
1942
Catholic
9–12
1,150
No
$23,700
Yes
Yes
1999
None
Pre-K–8
140
Yes
$11,000–$20,800
Yes
No
1984
Christian
Preschool–12
528
Yes
$7,695–$14,050
Yes
Yes
1971
None
Kindergarten–12
430
No
$18,550–$28,650
Yes
No
1953
None
Pre-K–4
470
No
$16,819–$30,217
Yes
No
1986
Catholic
Pre-K–8
149
Yes
$8,100
Yes
No
1983
Baptist
Pre-K–12
33
Yes
$4,080
No
No
1963
Catholic
Kindergarten–12
150
Yes
$12,000
Yes
No
1987
None
Pre-K–12
140
Yes
$20,750–$30,000
Yes
No
1946
Catholic
Pre-K–8
156
Yes
$4,500
Yes
No
1961
Lutheran
Preschool–6
250
Yes
$7,300–$14,600
Yes
No
1972
Episcopal
3–12
1,180
Yes
$12,800–$34,600
Yes
No
1962
Presbyterian
Kindergarten–6
134
Yes
$23,800–$24,600
Yes
No
1989
Christian–Nondenominational
Pre-K–8
450
Yes
$4,500–$22,700
Yes
Yes
2008
Anglican
Pre-K–12
53
Yes
$7,500–$11,340
Yes
Yes
1994
Catholic
Pre-K–8
121
Yes
$5,660
Yes
Yes
1961
Christian
Pre-K–6
271
Yes
$4,188–$12,717
Yes
No
1976
None
Pre-K–12
1,105
Yes
$19,100–$37,900
Yes
Yes
1929
Adventist
Pre-K–8
30
Yes
$5,200
Yes
Yes
1948
Catholic
Preschool–8
150
Yes
$6,000–$8,000
Yes
Yes
1935
Catholic
Preschool–8
167
Yes
$5,925
Yes
Yes
1956
Catholic
Pre-K–8
180
Yes
$7,700
Yes
No
1953
Episcopal
Preschool–8
500
Yes
$22,000
Yes
No
1906
Nonsectarian Episcopalian
1–12
914
Yes
$30,224–$38,601
Yes
No
1944
Catholic
Pre-K–8
166
Yes
$5,720
Yes
Yes
1955
Catholic
Pre-K–8
725
Yes
$9,400–$14,000
Yes
Yes
1947
Christian
Preschool–8
289
Yes
$10,556–$12,075
Yes
No
2015
Catholic
Pre-K–8
356
Yes
$5,750
Yes
Yes
1955
Catholic
Pre-K–8
186
Yes
$4,335–$8,275
Yes
No
1964
Catholic
Pre-K–8
792
Yes
$9,550–$15,550
Yes
No
1947
Catholic
Pre-K–8
883
Yes
$13,000
Yes
No
2002
Orthodox Jewish
Preschool–8
405
Yes
$7,499–$16,499
Yes
Yes
1874
Catholic
9–12
880
Yes
$27,000
Yes
Yes
1993
None
Pre-K–12
115
No
$24,200–$26,400
Yes
Yes
1968
Methodist
Preschool–6
421
Yes
$6,790–$16,285
Yes
Yes
1986
None
Preschool–12
300
Yes
$17,095–$24,420
No
No
1975
None
Preschool–8
175
No
$13,770–$19,101
Yes
No
1964
None
Preschool–6
180
Yes
$17,000–$12,000
Yes
Yes
1975
None
Kindergarten–12
147
Yes
$26,000–$36,000
Yes
Yes
1873
Lutheran
Preschool–8
276
Yes
$8,000–$11,000
Yes
Yes
1999
Christian–Nondenominational
Kindergarten–12
270
Yes
$7,300–$9,500
No
No
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
29
CITY
SCHOOL
ADDRESS
WEBSITE
Denton
Koan School, The
6441 Fishtrap Road
koanschool.org
DeSoto
DeSoto Private School
301 E. Beltline Road
desotoprivate.org
Farmers Branch
Mary Immaculate Catholic School
14032 Dennis Lane
mischool.org
Flower Mound
Coram Deo Academy - Flower Mound Campus
4900 Wichita Trail
cdalions.org
Flower Mound
Grace Christian School
3200 Firewheel Drive
gcapatriots.org
Flower Mound
Temple Christian Academy
2501 Northshore Blvd.
templechristian.com
Fort Worth
All Saints Catholic School
2006 N. Houston St.
ascsfw.org
Fort Worth
All Saints’ Episcopal School
9700 Saints Circle
aseschool.org
Fort Worth
Alliance Christian Academy & Little Sprouts Preschool
13105 Harmon Road
acaknights.com
Fort Worth
Anderson Private School for the Gifted, Talented and Creative
14900 White Settlement Road
andersonschool.net
Fort Worth
Bethesda Christian School
4700 N. Beach St.
bethesdachristianschool.org
Fort Worth
Cassata Catholic High School
1400 Hemphill St.
cassatahs.org
Fort Worth
Christian Cottage Prep
1140 Morrison Drive
christiancottageprep.com
Fort Worth
Covenant Classical School
1701 Wind Star Way
covenantfw.org
Fort Worth
Crossroads Christian Academy Inc
5817 Waddell St.
crossroadsftworth.org
Fort Worth
Fort Worth Academy
7301 Dutch Branch Road
fwacademy.org
Fort Worth
Fort Worth Adventist Junior Academy
3040 Sycamore School Road
fwaja.org
Fort Worth
Fort Worth Country Day
4200 Country Day Lane
fwcd.org
Fort Worth
Hill School of Fort Worth
4817 Odessa Ave.
hillschool.org
Fort Worth
Holy Family Catholic School
6146 Pershing Ave.
hfcsfw.org
Fort Worth
Jane Justin School
1300 W. Lancaster Ave.
childstudycenter.org
Fort Worth
Key School
7950 John T. White Road
ksfw.org
Fort Worth
Lake Country Christian School
7050 Lake Country Drive
lccs.org
Fort Worth
Montessori School of Fort Worth
3420 Clayton Road East
msftw.org
Fort Worth
Mosaic Academy
1400 College Ave.
mosaicacademy.org
Fort Worth
Nolan Catholic High School
4501 Bridge St.
nolancatholic.org
Fort Worth
Saint Andrew Catholic School
3304 Dryden Road
standrewsch.org
Fort Worth
Southwest Christian School
6816 Dan Danciger Road
southwestchristian.org
Fort Worth
St. George Catholic School
824 Hudgins Ave.
stgeorgecatholicschool.org
Fort Worth
St. Paul Lutheran School
1800 W. Freeway
stpauleagles.org
Fort Worth
St. Peter’s Classical School
7601 Bellaire Drive S.
stpetersclassical.org
Fort Worth
St. Rita Catholic School
712 Weiler Blvd.
saintritaschool.net
Fort Worth
Starpoint School
2805 Stadium Drive
coe.tcu.edu
Fort Worth
Temple Christian School
6824 Randol Mill Road
tcseagles.org
Fort Worth
Trinity Baptist Temple Academy
6045 WJ Boaz Road
tbta.tbtchurch.org
Fort Worth
Trinity Valley School
7500 Dutch Branch Road
tvs.org
Frisco
Acton Academy Frisco
7110 Elm St.
actonacademyfrisco.com
Frisco
Kids USA Montessori
8890 Meadow Hill Drive
kidsusamontessori.org
Frisco
Legacy Christian Academy
5000 Academy Drive
legacyca.com
Frisco
Starwood Academy of Frisco
3443 Lebanon Road
starwoodacademyoffrisco.com
Garland
Brighter Horizons Academy
3145 Medical Plaza Drive
bhaprep.org
Garland
Firewheel Christian Academy
5500 Lavon Drive
firewheelca.org
Garland
Garland Christian Academy
1516 Lavon Drive
garlandchristian.com
Garland
Good Shepherd Catholic School
214 S. Garland Ave.
goodshepherdcatholicschool.org
Granbury
Grace Classical Christian Academy
910 Paluxy Road
graceclassical.com
Grand Prairie
Immaculate Conception School
400 NE 17th St.
school.icgrandprairie.org
Grapevine
Grapevine Faith Christian School
730 E. Worth St.
grapevinefaith.com
Grapevine
Holy Trinity Catholic School - Grapevine
3750 William D. Tate Ave.
holytcs.org
Grapevine
Novus Academy, The
3400 William D. Tate Ave.
thenovusacademy.org
Grapevine
Southlake Montessori
1105 W. Wall St.
southlakemontessori.org
Haslet
Legacy Classical Christian Academy
12501 U.S. Highway 287
legacyclassical.org
•
= LEARNING DIFFERENCES
30
•
= SPECIAL NEEDS
•
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
= GIFTED
•
= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
•
= INFORMATION FROM 2023 LIST
FOUNDED
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
GRADES OFFERED
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
UNIFORM
ANNUAL TUITION
FINANCIAL
SCHOLARSHIPS
THE 2024 PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
2013
None
Pre-K–12
100
No
$9,750–$11,660
Yes
Yes
1972
None
Pre-K–6
300
Yes
$6,000
No
No
1959
Catholic
Pre-K–8
467
Yes
$7,630
Yes
Yes
1999
Christian
Pre-K–12
713
Yes
$5,800–$12,700
Yes
No
1970
Baptist
Pre-K–12
125
Yes
$5,800
No
No
1980
Baptist
Kindergarten–12
132
Yes
$6,410
Yes
No
1905
Catholic
Pre-K–8
118
Yes
$7,100
Yes
Yes
1951
Episcopal
Preschool–12
1,230
Yes
$5,990–$27,475
Yes
Yes
2004
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–12
160
Yes
$5,000–$8,000
No
No
1995
None
Preschool–12
13
Yes
$11,490–$16,490
Yes
Yes
1980
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–12
550
Yes
$11,385
Yes
Yes
1975
Catholic
9–12
100
No
$8,500
Yes
Yes
2001
Christian–Nondenominational
K–12
50
No
$9,975
Yes
Yes
1999
Christian
Kindergarten–12
502
Yes
$14,590–$18,915
Yes
No
2004
None
7–12
45
No
$2,100
No
No
1982
None
Kindergarten–8
183
Yes
$21,632–$24,360
Yes
No
1996
Seventh Day Adventist
Preschool–8
58
Yes
$4,300
Yes
Yes
1963
None
Pre-K–12
1,097
Yes
$16,130–$28,400
Yes
Yes
1973
None
Kindergarten–12
110
Yes
$20,510–$24,370
Yes
Yes
1945
Catholic
Pre-K–8
108
Yes
$8,100–$8,800
Yes
Yes
1962
None
Pre-K–12
85
Yes
$17,500–$19,500
Yes
Yes
1966
None
Kindergarten–12
100
Yes
$22,950–$23,350
Yes
No
1980
Chrisitan–Nondenominational
Pre-K–12
620
Yes
$7,783–$16,345
Yes
No
1968
None
Preschool–8
200
No
$6,500–$15,000
Yes
No
2000
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–8
90
No
$4,700–$5,700
No
Yes
1961
Catholic
9–12
610
Yes
$18,550
Yes
No
1954
Catholic
Pre-K–8
643
Yes
$7,800–$9,800
Yes
Yes
1969
Christian
Preschool–12
992
Yes
$5,875–$22,850
Yes
No
1951
Catholic
Pre-K–8
115
Yes
$5,800
Yes
Yes
1969
Lutheran
Preschool–8
200
Yes
$8,000–$12,100
Yes
Yes
2005
Christian Orthodox
Pre-K–12
86
Yes
$5,590–$13,090
Yes
No
1954
Catholic
Pre-K–8
121
Yes
$7,200
Yes
Yes
1966
Christian
1–6
60
Yes
$17,500
Yes
Yes
1973
Baptist
Pre-K–12
400
Yes
$7,000–$9,670
Yes
Yes
1995
Baptist
Pre-K–12
101
Yes
$4,500
No
No
1959
None
Pre-K–12
1,042
Yes
$13,780–$26,832
Yes
No
2021
None
Kindergarten–6
20
No
$9,500–$11,500
No
Yes
2013
None
Preschool–6
348
No
$14,000–$18,000
Yes
No
1999
Christian
Pre-K–12
1,428
Yes
$13,800–$23,600
Yes
No
2000
None
Preschool–8
341
Yes
$13,500–$19,750
No
No
1989
Islamic
Pre-K–12
800
Yes
$7,622
Yes
No
1981
Assemblies of God
Preschool–6
200
Yes
$4,000–$8,000
No
No
1972
Baptist
Pre-K–12
379
Yes
$7,000–$12,000
Yes
Yes
1954
Catholic
Pre-K–8
214
Yes
$7,500
Yes
Yes
2012
Christian–Nondenominational
Pre-K–12
100
Yes
$3,800–$8,750
Yes
Yes
1952
Catholic
Pre-K–8
125
Yes
$6,530
Yes
Yes
1999
Christian
Pre-K–12
831
Yes
$15,000–$20,000
Yes
No
1994
Catholic
Pre-K–8
310
Yes
$9,410
Yes
No
2014
None
Kindergarten–12
46
Yes
$22,000
Yes
Yes
2014
None
Preschool–6
36
No
$11,840–$16,248
Yes
No
2010
Christian
Preschool–12
47
Yes
$6,640
No
No
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
31
CITY
SCHOOL
ADDRESS
WEBSITE
Heath
Fulton School, The
1626 Smirl Drive
thefultonschool.com
Irving
Cistercian Preparatory School
3660 Cistercian Road
cistercian.org
Irving
Highlands School, The
1451 E. Northgate Drive
thehighlandsschool.org
Irving
Holy Family Catholic Academy
2323 Cheyenne St.
hfca-irving.org
Irving
Humanist Academy, The
4441 W. Airport Freeway, Ste. 100
thehumanistacademy.org
Irving
Islamic School of Irving
2555 Esters Road
islamicschoolofirving.org
Irving
Redeemer Montessori School
2700 Warren Circle
redeemermontessori.org
Irving
Sloan School, The
3131 N. O’Connor Road
thesloanschool.com
Irving
St. Francis Montessori
545 Iris Drive
stfrancisirving.org
Irving
StoneGate Christian Academy
1705 Esters Road
sgca.net
Keller
DFW Performing Arts Conservatory
5700 Kroger Drive
dfwpac.com
Keller
Harvest Christian Academy - Keller
225 Keller Pkwy.
hcasaints.org
Keller
Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy
1308 Whitley Road
mlcatexas.org
Keller
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School
2016 Willis Lane
seton.school
Keller
Trinity Preparatory Academy
12657 N. Caylor Road
trinityprepkeller.org
Kennedale
Fellowship Academy
1021 N. Bowman Springs Road
fellowship-academy.org
Lewisville
Explorations Preparatory School
2160 S. Edmonds Lane
explorationsprep.org
Lewisville
Lakeland Christian Academy
397 S. Stemmons Freeway
lakelandchristian.org
Lucas
Lucas Christian Academy
505 W. Lucas Road
lucaschristianacademy.com
Mansfield
School of Lexia
1200 Clover Hill Road
schooloflexia.org
McKinney
Acton Academy McKinney
105 New Hope Road
actonmckinney.org
McKinney
Cornerstone Christian Academy
808 S. College St.
ccawarriors.com
McKinney
McKinney Christian Academy
3601 Bois D’Arc Road
mckinneychristian.org
Mesquite
Dallas Christian School
1515 Republic Pkwy.
dallaschristian.com
North Richland Hills
Fort Worth Christian School
6200 Holiday Lane
fwc.org
Plano
Bethany Christian School
3300 W. Parker Road
planochristianschool.com
Plano
Coram Deo Academy - Collin County Campus
9645 Independence Pkwy.
coramdeoacademy.org
Plano
Faith Lutheran School
1701 E. Park Blvd.
flsplano.org
Plano
Fusion Academy Plano
2400 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 180
fusionacademy.com
Plano
Great Lakes Academy
6000 Custer Road, Building 7
greatlakesacademy.com
Plano
John Paul II High School
900 Coit Road
johnpauliihs.org
Plano
New Hope Christian Academy
5170 Village Creek Drive, Ste. 200
explorenewhope.org
Plano
North Texas Performing Arts Academy
6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B216
ntpa.org
Plano
Pebblecreek Montessori
8104 Coit Road
pebblecreekmontessori.com
Plano
Prestonwood Christian Academy Plano
6801 W. Park Blvd.
prestonwoodchristian.org
Plano
Prince of Peace Catholic School
5100 W. Plano Pkwy.
popschool.net
Plano
St. Mark Catholic School
1201 Alma Drive
stmcs.net
Plano
St. Timothy Christian Academy
6901 W. Park Blvd.
staplano.org
Prosper
Prestonwood Christian Academy North
1001 W. Prosper Trail
prestonwoodchristian.org
Prosper
St. Martin de Porres Catholic School
4000 W. University Drive
smdpcatholic.org
Richardson
Bridge Builder Academy
1221 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 209
bridgebuilderacademy.com
Richardson
I.A.N.T. Quranic Academy
840 Abrams Road
myiqa.org
Richardson
North Dallas Adventist Academy
2800 Custer Pkwy.
ndaacademy.org
Richardson
St. Joseph Catholic School - Richardson
600 S. Jupiter Road
sjcstx.net
Richardson
Saint Paul Catholic Classical School
720 S. Floyd Road
spsdfw.org
Roanoke
E.A. Young Academy
608 Henrietta Creek Road
eayoungacademy.com
Rockwall
Heritage Christian Academy
1408 S. Goliad St.
hcarockwall.org
Southlake
Clariden School, The
100 Clariden Ranch Road
claridenschool.org
Southlake
Fusion Academy Southlake
301 State St., Ste. 200
fusionacademy.com
Willow Park
Trinity Christian Academy
4954 E. I-20 Service Road S.
tcaeagles.org
Wylie
Wylie Preparatory Academy
4110 Skyview Court
wylieprep.com
•
= LEARNING DIFFERENCES
32
•
= SPECIAL NEEDS
•
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
= GIFTED
•
= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
•
= INFORMATION FROM 2023 LIST
FOUNDED
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
GRADES OFFERED
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
UNIFORM
ANNUAL TUITION
FINANCIAL
SCHOLARSHIPS
THE 2024 PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
1987
None
Preschool–5
150
Yes
$9,850
No
No
1964
Catholic
5–12
351
Yes
$24,200–$25,600
Yes
No
1986
Catholic
Pre-K–12
383
Yes
$11,450–$18,000
Yes
Yes
1965
Catholic
Pre-K–8
140
Yes
$6,000–$7,000
Yes
Yes
2016
None
Pre-K–12
95
No
$7,800
No
No
1996
Islamic
Preschool–12
854
Yes
$6,000
Yes
Yes
1978
Episcopal
Preschool–6
165
Yes
$9,350–$8,950
Yes
Yes
1996
Christian
Preschool–5
100
Yes
$11,600
No
No
2009
Catholic
Pre-K–6
140
No
$5,000–$5,900
Yes
No
1976
Christian
Pre-K–12
100
Yes
$7,900–$11,900
Yes
Yes
2009
Christian
4–12
~30
No
$13,000–$16,000
No
Yes
1994
Nondenominational
Kindergarten–12
260
Yes
$12,500–$13,500
Yes
Yes
2000
Lutheran
Preschool–8
84
Yes
$6,295–$9,745
Yes
No
2000
Catholic
Pre-K–8
596
Yes
$8,920–$7,920
Yes
No
2008
Christian
Kindergarten–12
400
Yes
$4,500–$5,100
Yes
No
2000
Christian
Pre-K–12
384
No
$9,000–$12,000
Yes
Yes
2002
None
Pre-K–7
70
Yes
$11,900–$14,900
Yes
No
1992
Christian
Preschool–12
275
Yes
$4,300–$7,500
Yes
Yes
1999
Christian–Nondenominational
Pre-K–12
437
Yes
$7,000–$9,000
No
No
2020
Christian–Nondenominational
1–8
38
Yes
$5,000–$18,700
Yes
Yes
2019
None
Pre-K–12
30
No
$7,200–$8,100
No
Yes
2004
Christian–Nondenominational
K–12
404
Yes
$6,450–$8,560
No
No
1992
Christian–Nondenominational
Pre-K–12
670
Yes
$9,000–$16,695
Yes
No
1957
Christian–Nondenominational
Pre-K–12
500
Yes
$5,000–$20,000
Yes
No
1958
Christian–Nondenominational
Preschool–12
600
Yes
$13,000–$18,000
Yes
No
1944
Christian
Pre-K–12
95
No
$4,275–$6,500
No
No
2004
Christian
Pre-K–12
588
Yes
$5,800–$10,600
Yes
No
1971
Lutheran
Preschool–12
155
Yes
$4,000–$11,000
Yes
Yes
2014
None
6–12
90
No
$30,000–$60,000
No
Yes
1996
None
4–12
120
Yes
$18,600–$20,700
No
No
2005
Catholic
9–12
740
Yes
$21,900
Yes
Yes
2017
Christian
Pre-K–12
92
Yes
$10,500–$14,500
Yes
Yes
2018
None
6–12
80
No
$5,400–$7,800
Yes
Yes
2002
None
Preschool–6
150
No
$10,500–$12,250
No
No
1997
Baptist
Pre-K–12
1,675
Yes
$7,520–$26,810
Yes
No
1991
Catholic
Preschool–8
769
Yes
$9,435–$13,015
Yes
No
1982
Catholic
Preschool–8
545
Yes
$9,205
Yes
No
2006
Nondenominational
Kindergarten–12
40
Yes
$24,500
Yes
No
2014
Baptist
Pre-K–12
646
Yes
$7,520–$22,810
Yes
No
2012
Catholic
Pre-K–8
345
Yes
$8,100
Yes
No
2009
None
Kindergarten–12
35
No
$35,000–$45,000
No
No
2002
Islamic
Pre-K–12
356
Yes
$7,000
Yes
No
1983
Adventist
Preschool–12
261
Yes
$700–$1,300
Yes
Yes
2022
Catholic
Pre-K–8
295
Yes
$8,200–$9,400
Yes
Yes
1957
Catholic
Pre-K–8
140
Yes
$8,990–$10,500
Yes
Yes
2011
None
Kindergarten–12
90
Yes
$18,750
No
No
1995
Christian
Pre-K–12
497
Yes
$8,700–$13,000
Yes
No
1986
None
Preschool–12
175
No
$14,000–$20,000
Yes
No
2015
None
6–12
100
No
$45,000–$60,000
No
Yes
1993
Christian
Pre-K–12
556
Yes
$9,420–$15,540
No
Yes
2001
Christian
Pre-K–12
339
Yes
$3,600–$8,300
No
No
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
33
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
School PROFILE Are you looking for a school that’s as passionate about your child’s education as you are? Get to know the institutions that excel in fostering a lifelong love of learning.
34
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
All Saints’ Episcopal School All Saints’ Episcopal School is a leading college preparatory school in Fort Worth, serving students age 3 through grade 12. Our Episcopal Identity means that we believe in educating the whole person by developing discerning minds, healthy bodies, and lively spirits. 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, a beautiful Chapel, and two maker spaces: Exploratorium and Tinkertorium. At All Saints’, we pursue content mastery alongside character development. Our curriculum is continually evaluated to focus on the development and mastery of the values we believe contribute to the most successful graduate and human, which we refer to as Portrait of a Saint. Our seven Portrait of a Saint values are Guided by Integrity, Creative Problem Solver, Committed to Personal Growth, Empathetic Global Citizen, Faithful Community Member, Effective Communicator, and Valuable Collaborator. These values are built in the classroom, in Chapel, through service learning, Advisory and in SEL lessons. Our faculty are evaluated on these same values to ensure they are growing and modeling what we teach. 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/dfwchild.
9700 Saints Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76108 817-560-5746 admission@aseschool.org aseschool.org/dfwchild
BASIS Benbrook 2024–25 open enrollment for BASIS Benbrook is happening now through December 13th! BASIS Texas Charter Schools are ranked #1 in Texas. We offer a world-class, tuition-free education for grades K–12. Individuality is our only school uniform, and your child will be challenged by our STEM-infused, liberal arts curriculum. 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Rankings: #1
Public Charter School in Texas
#1
Top School in San Antonio and Texas—BASIS San Antonio Shavano Campus
10
of the Top 100 in the U.S.
6
of the Top 20 STEM schools in the U.S.
10
of the Top 17 charter schools in the U.S.
8901 Vista Way Benbrook, TX 76126 817-662-7080 enrollBASISTX.com/benbrook
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
35
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Crown of Life Lutheran School Crown of Life Lutheran School is a loving, Christ-centered environment that ministers to students and families by nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically. At Crown of Life Lutheran School, we desire for our students to know Jesus, grow in His grace and knowledge and show His love to others. Crown of Life Lutheran School is a Pre-K2 through 8th grade private Christian school that is growing at a rapid pace! We are planning for an exciting future that will include a summer program and additional opportunities! Did you know that our graduating 8th grade class earns five high school credits? Crown of Life Lutheran School is dedicated to preparing students for future leadership! Crown of Life Lutheran School staff, faculty and families are ALL IN! How about you? Visit our website at colschool.org to learn more about our school. Ms. Sama, our Admissions Director, is waiting to hear from you and give you a private tour of our campus. We are located at 6605 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, Texas 76034 between the Colleyville Soccer Association practice fields and playing fields. We can’t wait to add you to the Crusader family!
6605 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-251-1881 • colschool.org Admissions: Shelley Sama, ssama@crownoflife.org
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA) provides tuition-free, conservatorybased arts instruction and a rigorous academic curriculum for grades 3–12. It is the highest-ranked charter school for the arts in Texas on niche.com. Students receive extensive Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts training and annually participate in over 50 performances and art shows. They also create costumes, design sets and choreograph dance. Outside the classroom, students learn from guest artists, attend professional productions and regularly perform in the community.
PHOTO BY HOPE WILTON PHOTOGRAPHY
The academic stage is no different. Each academic discipline is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and teachers are encouraged to collaborate for cross-curricular learning. There are only 650 students for all grades from 3–12. This allows for small classroom sizes, a close-knit social environment and personalized attention from faculty and staff. FWAFA is a proven leader, consistently ranking among the top schools in Texas and the nation, exceeding standards for academics and performing arts, and has a 100 percent graduation rate. Our alums are college professors, engineers, entrepreneurs, as well as professional dancers, artists and Broadway stars. Regardless of their path beyond high school, we know their experience at FWAFA will make them leaders in their communities who appreciate and sustain the arts. Be part of the FWAFA Magic! Apply to audition during our Open Enrollment period, January 11–February 12. More info at ArtsAcademics.org/apply. 3901 S. Hulen St. Fort Worth, TX 76109 817- 924-1482 ArtsAcademics.org
36
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
iLearn Virtual Academy at Dallas ISD Because of the commitment of Dallas ISD and the Public School Choice Initiative to serve students and families in schools that are the best fit for their learning styles, iLearn Virtual Academy specializes in providing remote learning opportunities. Learning in a virtual setting provides families the advantage of determining when and where learning takes place. ILearn Virtual Academy benefits include high-quality instruction in a flexible and innovative format, designated for independent learners, flexible schedule with access to the curriculum at any time, and increased proficiency with Educational Technology tools. Instructional Highlights • Virtual courses approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). • Direct support and instruction from a fully credentialed teacher. • An innovative online learning platform configured for ease of use and student success.
408 N. Haskell Ave., Dallas, TX 75246 dallasisd.org/ilearn 972-749-8100
West Dallas STEM School West Dallas STEM School Program at Pinkston is a 50/50 Transformation school for PreK through 6th grade that uses lottery-based enrollment. WDSS seeks to be a resource and ally within the West Dallas community, offering events, programs, and opportunities for children and families that improve their quality of life. An integrated STEM education will prepare students from an early age for careers in high demand. By engaging students in hands-on activities such as robotics, experiments, and computer coding, students use the skills and processes learned in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to think deeply, ask non-Googleable questions and solve problems.
2200 Dennison St., Dallas, TX 75212 dallasisd.org/westdallasstem 972-749-4400
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
37
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Jane Justin School Jane Justin School provides state-of-the-art, evidence-based special education to children, adolescents, and young adults with learning and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to foster the knowledge and life skills necessary for our students to achieve productive and meaningful lives while respecting and embracing the individuality of each child. Jane Justin School is accredited by Cognia. The faculty at Jane Justin School strongly believe the following about children and education: First, and most important, all children can learn. Second, students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning. Third, each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. All faculty work from the perspective that learning is personal and instruction must be individualized. Learning at Jane Justin School extends from the traditional classroom to our enrichment spaces, into the community, and into job internship sites for our Upper School students. Jane Justin School operates on a traditional school calendar and offers a six-week summer program. We know that finding the right school for children with learning differences can be overwhelming. We invite you to give us a call so we may help you navigate this difficult road and help your child get on the path to meeting his or her full potential.
1300 W. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76102 682-303-9356 • childstudycenter.org
Life School Experience our 4-Day School Week! School Monday–Thursday with Fridays off. Life School is one of a few innovative districts in Texas who have implemented a 4-day school week! A 4-day school week helps boost student well-being and improves school-life balance, giving time back to families for errands, tutoring, or a much-needed mental break. Our charter school district also achieved a score of 87 out of 100 on TEA accountability scores, and we were voted a top school district in DFW peoples’ choice awards. When you join Life School, we become partners in your child’s success. This includes a strong focus on science, math, and literacy. Your child will learn to ask strong questions, plan experiments, collect data, analyze information, collaborate, and solve problems. Plus, we are known for our focus on growing leaders. Request a free viewbook, schedule a visit, or apply online at lifeschool.net.
132 East Ovilla Road, Suite A Red Oak, TX 75154 lifeschool.net
38
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Parish Episcopal School Dr. Matthew “Matt” J. Rush, Parish Episcopal School’s Allen Meyer Family Head of School, reflects on his first season on campus and what’s in store for those seeking a Parish, college preparatory experience. “Transitions in life, whether a new job or a new school, bring anxiety and excitement, and they also produce opportunity. Parish is known for creating elevated opportunities and possibilities for its students and community, and that excites me! I am humbled to lead the School into the future and thrilled to partner with families in a community that prioritizes belonging, passion and innovation—all in pursuit of preparing graduates to thrive in a world that promises interconnectedness and unpredictably.” Parish remains focused as an inclusive Episcopal community, embracing the whole child through Wisdom, Honor and Service, and families through partnership and fellowship. The School is devoted to helping students find balance and joy in their educational journey, discover their authentic self and have a great sense of belonging and engagement across disciplines, PreK 3–12th grade. From signature programs exploring leadership, STEM, global studies and more, to social/emotional and academic support ensuring students’ needs are met, to premier athletics and arts, the possibilities are infinite at Parish! Join Dr. Rush on February 7, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., to hear more about Parish and the possibilities that await your family. Register at parish.org/admission. Hillcrest Campus
Midway Campus
972-852-8737
PreK (3 yrs old)–2nd Grade
3rd–12th Grade
parishepiscopal.org
14115 Hillcrest Road
4101 Sigma Road
Dallas, Texas 75254
Dallas, Texas 75244
Shelton School and Evaluation Center Shelton is the largest independent school for intelligent students with learning differences. The campus provides unparalleled academic and extracurricular opportunities for students in Early Childhood through twelfth grade. The studentfaculty ratio is 6:1. Shelton teachers are highly trained with expertise in teaching students with learning differences. They strive to instruct students the way they learn best. Many students come to Shelton with dyslexia and ADHD, so four different multisensory reading programs are offered depending on the learning difference. When a student enters Shelton, the curriculum is customized to meet the needs of the child. Shelton instructs students to become their own self advocates to help ensure they have future success. The 92 seniors in Shelton’s Class of 2023 received $9.6 million in merit scholarships based on how they performed on the ACT and SAT exams, including some perfect scores on the reading section by students with dyslexia. Ten students scored 30 or higher on the ACT Composite and 23 scored 30 or higher on the ACT Reading. “This is a tremendous marker of what children can achieve when they are in the right educational environment such as Shelton,” says Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell. “Children with learning differences can change the world, but without the proper intervention, they wouldn’t have that chance.”
17301 Preston Road Dallas TX 75252 972-774-1772 shelton.org
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
39
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Southwest Christian School 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 SCS is a college preparatory school committed to providing a rigorous, research-based core curriculum coupled with extracurricular opportunities that will prepare students for successful college careers. Beginning with our early childhood curriculum and continuing through the senior year of studies, our programming is systematically aligned with state and national standards. 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 by contacting us at admission@southwestchristian.org. Chisholm Trail Campus southwestchristian.org
Lakeside Campus
PreK–6th Grade
7th–12th Grade
6801 Dan Danciger Rd.
6901 Altamesa Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76133
Fort Worth, TX 76123
Texas School of the Arts Texas School of the Arts (TeSA) is a tuition-free, public charter school where young minds in Grades K–5 are encouraged to learn and grow through stimulating academics in a creative atmosphere. Students are immersed in structured rotations of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts and are presented with unique performance opportunities like this year’s spring musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr. In addition to participation in musicals, concerts and art shows, our students are encouraged to use creative movements like hopping, skipping and spinning down the halls as they utilize our sensory hallways to transition between classes. TeSA offers a small classroom environment, uses a campus developed curriculum focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and is guided by the National Core Arts Standards. Each academic discipline is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and teachers are encouraged to collaborate for cross-curricular learning. Fine arts elements are integrated into academic classes, inspiring creative thinking, innovation, and collaboration in all subjects. Students are engaged in project-based learning, simultaneously incorporating multiple academic and fine art subjects. TeSA is open to any student interested in arts and academics! Think your child is the next TeSA Star? Apply to audition during our Open Enrollment period, January 11–February 12. Find more info at ArtsAcademics.org/apply. 6025 Village Pkwy. Edgecliff Village, TX 76134 817-732-8372 ArtsAcademics.org
40
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Trinity Valley School EXPERIENCE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AT TVS! Trinity Valley School offers extraordinary learning opportunities from Pre-K through graduation. Our mission provides students a foundation for academic, personal, and professional success. Skilled educators and coaches guide and support students, inspiring them with varied experiences from integrated technology to fine arts, athletics to entrepreneurial studies, and beyond. TROJAN OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE: Our signature Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) Program engages students in environmental education and outdoor adventure from PK–12th grade. TOE’s experiential education is a hallmark of the TVS experience. THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY: Unstructured play provides outstanding social and emotional development and improved classroom performance. The TVS Athletic program enhances students’ cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Students in grades K-8 have P.E. daily; Pre-K students, four days per week. In Upper School, TVS fields 68 teams representing 23 sports, many of which have earned SPC championships. WHAT SETS OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL APART? The advisory program nurtures self-advocacy, community-mindedness, and adaptability. Skills for Tomorrow engages an experiential learning model to promote collaborative problem solving, empathic communication, and adaptability. The Selectives program engages students in authentic endeavors that foster collaboration, innovation, creativity, and a willingness to show resilience through trial and error. At TVS, students are developing a future focus to help them in their journey beyond graduation. Come experience TVS with us! 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-321-0100 • tvs.org
Ursuline Academy of Dallas The Ursuline story is one of tradition. It is also a story of great teachers, cutting-edge technology, commitment to service, and confident girls becoming effective and compassionate leaders of tomorrow. The oldest continuously operating school in Dallas, Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic college-preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters. In this nurturing, all-girl environment, students are empowered to think critically and creatively, giving them skills they need for college and beyond. 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. 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. Ursuline Academy does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin.
4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 469-232-1800 www.ursulinedallas.org
For information about admissions, scan the QR code:
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
41
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The Lamplighter School The Lamplighter School embraces and celebrates the natural curiosity and exuberance with which young children explore their world. Our Pre-K 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.
11611 Inwood Road Dallas, TX 75229 thelamplighterschool.org
Lumin Lindsley Park Community School Imagine a place where love and learning are one. A place where children’s minds and imaginations flourish in a nurturing environment where highly-trained educators inspire a lifelong love of learning in every child, setting them up for success today, tomorrow, and years down the road. Lumin children, families, and educators are Luminauts: Explorers. Educators. Nurturers. Trailblazers. Luminauts are kind, loving, and respectful of themselves and others. We serve ages 18 months through 3rd grade. Tour our Montessori community today!
7130 Lindsley Ave., Dallas, TX 75223 214-824-8950 admissions@lumineducation.org lumineducation.org
The Oakridge School Founded in 1979, The Oakridge School is a college preparatory school that boasts a diverse, intellectually stimulating, and academically challenging community. The school nurtures curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and character to prepare students for authentic, purposeful lives. In the past five years, 100 percent of Oakridge graduates have enrolled in post-secondary education, accepted by 401 universities and colleges, with 27 National Merit Commended Scholars and 48 collegiate athletes. Oakridge students were awarded over $50 million in merit scholarships. Discover the Oakridge Difference! Ready to embark on an educational journey like no other? Join us at The Oakridge School, where academic excellence and creativity flourish within a safe and diverse community!
42
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
Join our distinctive academic community through Group Tours on Dec. 7, Jan. 16, Feb. 7, and Feb. 29 at 10am, an Admission Showcase on January 7 at 2pm, or explore Wednesday Webinars online. Embark on an unparalleled educational journey by registering at theoakridgeschool.org/admissions.
5900 West Pioneer Parkway Arlington, Texas 76013 817-451-4994 theoakridgeschool.org
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Our Redeemer Lutheran School Your child deserves a quality, Christian education with opportunities to explore interests and activities in a safe, loving environment. You’ll find all of that and more at Our Redeemer Lutheran School. Our Redeemer is a family of students, parents, and educators with the common goal of creating an academically focused, joy-filled and spiritually rich learning environment. Students are challenged to reach their full academic potential while developing leadership skills, a solid moral compass, and a strong sense of their identity as a child of God. Our Enrichment Strands enable students to explore a variety of activities through co-curricular and extracurricular programs that range from physical fitness to science and creative arts. With over 60 different options available, there is sure
to be something that will encourage your child’s unique interests to blossom. We offer classes for ages 1 through sixth grade on a ten-acre campus across from NorthPark Center.
7611 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225 214-302-5845 • ORDallas.org Scan the QR code for more info.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School Students are challenged to grow in knowledge, virtue, and faith through vigorous academics in a faith-filled environment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Multi-sensory activities and lively discussion bring each core subject to life: math, science, English language arts, religion, and history. Learning is 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). Students participate in recess daily, have access to chef-prepared hot lunch, extra-curricular activities, and onsite extended care. Schedule a tour today!
2016 Willis Ln., Keller, TX 76248 817-431-4845 seton.school
Dallas International School From Pre-K through Grade 12, Dallas International School builds the next generation of multicultural, multilingual world leaders by focusing on our three pillars of Academic Ambition, Global Citizenship & Leadership and Community. Graduates earn the coveted International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalaureate plus a high school diploma. Learn more today!
Primary School 6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230 • 972-991-6379 Secondary School 17811 Waterview Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75252 • 469-250-0001 dallasinternationalschool.org/admissions
Fairhill School
Carla Stanford, M.Ed. Executive Director
Students with learning differences find success at Fairhill School. For over 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.
Please register for our upcoming Admission Preview Coffee February 1, 2024 | 10–11am | https://bit.ly/3yAOKjK
16150 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75248 972-233-1026 • cstanford@fairhill.org • fairhill.org
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
43
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dallas Academy 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 1965, Dallas Academy has offered a structured, multi-sensory program for students diagnosed with learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, and memory and processing disorders. Join us for our Live Open House Friday, January 26th or our Virtual Open House March 22nd. See our website to register today.
950 Tiffany Way, Dallas, TX 75218 214-324-1481 dallas-academy.com
The Episcopal School of Dallas ESD is an inclusive community in a diverse world, preparing lives that will go out from the classroom, reach out to the community, and stand out in the world; we are igniting lives of purpose. Our college preparatory curriculum, led by a nationally recognized faculty, is complemented by a full array of artistic and athletic programs, daily chapel, experiences in the outdoors, and endless opportunities to lead and serve others. ESD’s unparalleled balance of rigor and nurture inspires
students to maximize their potential and live a life of purpose. Learn more at esdallas.org/mission.
4100 Merrell Road, Dallas, TX 75229 admission@esdallas.org | 214-353-5740
Fort Worth Academy Fort Worth Academy is an academically advanced, project-based learning school focused on empowering young people to become the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow. Through PBL, STEAM, and other real-world experiences, students expand their social-emotional skills, lead with empathy, think critically, and collaborate effectively in a diverse environment. With over 24 high-interest electives, creative fine arts, robust athletics, and one of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the DFW area, FWA ensures personalized attention for
each student ‘s gifts and talents to thrive. Head of School Shannon Elders explains, “We love to see students arrive curious and leave inspired.”
7301 Dutch Branch Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-370-1191 • admissions@fwacademy.org fwacademy.org
Grace Academy of Dallas Grace Academy of Dallas is “Christ-Centered and Future-Focused.” Grace Academy is located in the heart of Preston Hollow and serves students in Pre-K3 through the sixth grade. We proudly partner with families to meet both the educational and spiritual needs of each child and offer a unique balance of an academically rigorous curriculum within a nurturing, Christian environment. Students are encouraged to maintain a balance of academic, spiritual, social, athletic, and artistic pursuits and to discover new gifts and talents. 44
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
Join Grace Academy for a campus tour and discover how your child can “grow with grace!”
11306A Inwood Road Dallas, TX 75229 214-696-5648 graceacademy.com
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Hill School of Fort Worth Success Starts at Hill School. For the last 50 years, Hill School has been devoted to fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and helps students reach their full potential. By addressing the needs of every individual, our programs are designed to strengthen students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being.
4817 Odessa Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76133 817-923-9482 • hillschool@hillschool.org
Every student can learn. And with the right skills and strategies, different learners can thrive. Call us today to discover the Hill School difference!
hillschool.org/enrollment
Holy Trinity Cataholic School — Grapevine Holy Trinity Catholic School offers an authentically Catholic education that provides age appropriate rigor within a loving and respectful environment. Our faculty and staff nurture the gifts and talents of each student by providing them with the tools and opportunities to maximize their potential, in and out of the classroom. We offer an honors curriculum with an accelerated math program. Additionally, every student will have Spanish, Latin, Art, Music, PE, and Computer classes. Beyond the classroom we offer over 25 athletic and
or club/extracurricular activities. HTCS is committed to the long-term learning, development and well-being of your child and that’s what makes our school community successful.
3750 William D. Tate Avenue , Grapevine, TX 76051 817-421-8000 x121 • admissions@holytcs.org holytcs.org
Key School Key School celebrates the unique learning paths for students in grades K–12 with learning differences. Since 1966, our innovative programs have unlocked learning success through academic language therapy, low student-to-teacher ratio, and student advocacy. We offer open enrollment year around. In addition to the school, our Summer Program assists students in the community who need additional reinforcement and enrichment of academic skills. Where Education Goes Beyond One Size Fits All, learn more today at ksfw.org.
7950 John T. White Road Fort Worth, TX 76120 817-446-3738 • ksfw.org
The Novus Academy The Novus Academy is an independent school serving students with learning differences in grades K–12. At The Novus Academy, we recognize that not everyone learns the same way. That’s OK. Our school doesn’t teach everyone the same way. Faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students find their academic strengths, grow in confidence, and meet their individual goals. Our small studentto-teacher ratio, supportive staff and differentiated curriculum are designed to set our students up for academic success.
Come experience a safe place where your child can advance, succeed, and be accepted for who they are!
3400 William D. Tate Ave. #1000, Grapevine, TX 76051 817-488-4555 www.TheNovusAcademy.org
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
45
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Preston Hollow Presbyterian School Preston Hollow Presbyterian School is Dallas’ oldest private school dedicated to educating bright children with mild to moderate learning differences in grades K–6. The types of learning differences served by our school include reading disorder (dyslexia), auditory processing disorder, oral language disorder, written language disorder, and mathematical disability. PHPS is small by design in order to provide an individualized, research-based, multi-sensory program to remediate academic weaknesses.
Our program engages learners while challenging them to excel with the goal to return students to the mainstream of education.
9800 Preston Rd. Dallas, TX 75230 214-368-3886 phps.org
Scholaris Academy Scholaris Academy is a micro-school dedicated to maximizing potential for students in grades 1–8. Our individualized approach to education provides each student with a personalized learning plan and customized goals which drive their academic pacing. The small class size and dedicated educational experience equip students to flourish socially in this environment, cultivating meaningful friendships with peers. We believe in the importance of family time and childhood. As a result, the university
model schedule, with core classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays creates extra time to pursue interests outside the classroom. We invite you to learn more about Scholaris Academy.
6170 Sherry Ln., Dallas, TX 469- 466-9385 • scholaris.org
St. Mark Catholic School As a leader in advanced education methods, St. Mark is a two-time National Blue Ribbon school and is home to the SMARTLAB® technology facility where students develop next-generation skills through hands-on, project-based learning. Exemplary academics and instruction in art, music, foreign language, STEAM, virtual/augmented reality, coding, and physical education combine with faith education and a spirit of community service to develop the whole child: mind, body and spirit. Schedule a visit and learn how tradition meets innovation.
Now offering: • Part-time PK3: Choose 3 days/week (pick your days) or 5 days/week • Full-time PK3–8th grade
1201 Alma Drive Plano, TX 75075 972-578-0610 stmcs.net
Trinity Christian Academy Trinity Christian Academy is determined to provide students with an outstanding collegepreparatory Christian education for Pre-K3–12th grade. As an institution that bears the name of Christ, the highest standards of excellence and student discipleship are our goals. TCA exists to help each student fulfill God’s purpose and reach maximum potential in a joint effort between school, student, family, and church. We have earned dual accreditation through ACSI and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council, making 46
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
us one of the few private schools in the area to maintain this rigorous level of accreditation.
4954 E. I-20 Service Road S., Willow Park, TX 76087 817-441-5897 • tcaeagles.org
SCHOOL PROFILE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Wesley Prep
Meg Fahrenbrook Head of School
The Wesley Prep mission is to develop joyful leaders empowered by academics and integrity. Our teachers place equal emphasis on fostering enlightened minds and compassionate spirits, and our intentionally designed program ensures all students receive the time and attention needed to thrive. Our students are seen, known, loved, and celebrated, and they are empowered to do the same for others. By sixth grade, Wesley Prep students become leaders who are confident, well-grounded, and prepared for their next academic environment.
Wesley Prep’s Head of School, Meg Fahrenbrook, MA in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center, Teachers College at Columbia University.
9200 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75220 214-706-9568 • admissions@wesleyprep.org wesleyprep.org
Inspire Academy
Dana Judd, M Ed., CALT, DLTx Head of School
At Inspire Academy, we work to create a safe place to learn. Our instructors work with students of all abilities, providing both group and individualized attention that students 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.
55 Main St. #293, Colleyville, TX 76034 817-803-5010 inspireacademytx.com
Lakehill Preparatory School Lakehill Preparatory School guides motivated students to learn with curiosity, lead with confidence, and serve with compassion. Our challenging and nurturing educational community inspires students to become collaborative problem-solvers who live with integrity.
2720 Hillside Drive Dallas, Texas 75214 214-826-2931 lakehillprep.org
Montessori Children’s House and School Located on a beautiful, wooded expanse in northeast Dallas, MCHS provides quality Montessori education to children ages 3 to 6 years of age, a time when children are naturally enabled with the capacity to make substantial leaps in their academic, cognitive, and social development. Founded in 1970, MCHS is fully accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Schedule a tour and come see what makes MCHS special!
7335 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX 75231 214-348-6276 mchsdallas.org
St. John’s Episcopal School At St. John’s, students belong to a community where they are known, appreciated, and celebrated. Our teachers are lifelong learners dedicated to a learning journey, for their own growth and for their students, so that together we can all become better versions of ourselves. The oldest Episcopal school in Dallas, we are dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of
each student in a Christian environment. Applications due January 12!
848 Harter Road Dallas, TX 75218 214-328-9131 stjohnsschool.org
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
47
special needs. W
THE ‘TYPICAL’ SIBLING How to support brothers and sisters of kids with special needs ISTOCK
WORDS KATELIN WALLING
HEN YOU HAVE A CHILD with
special needs, you undoubtedly experience a variety of feelings. Overwhelm from all the doctors’ appointments and services. Stress from advocating for your child. Exhaustion from juggling it all. Extreme joy when your child makes progress. But what about your child without special needs? How does having a sibling with special needs impact them? What might they be feeling? Shelby Dombroski, a special education facilitator for Grand Prairie ISD, has a sibling with special needs. She says kiddos in a similar family dynamic may feel protective of their sibling, jealous about how much time Mom and Dad give them and sometimes angry about a lack of attention. And as your children get older, they may start to feel scared about eventually being their sibling’s caregiver, resentful about the world seeming to revolve around the sibling and even guilty for having these feelings, adds Raven Pritchett, services for students with autism coordinator for Grand Prairie ISD. Dombroski and Pritchett are also the facilitators for the Grand Prairie ISD Sibshops, which offer support and social connections for siblings of children with special needs through the Sibling Support Project. Sisters and brothers of children with special needs tend to grow up a little bit faster than their peers because of added expectations, roles and responsibilities, says Dombroski. While you likely don’t explicitly tell your kids to strive for any of the following, they may feel like they need to: • Take care of their sibling— whether it’s helping them around the house or at school, sticking up for them
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
49
special needs / T H E ‘ T Y P I C A L ’ S I B L I N G with bullies or including them in social situations. • Be perfect so they don’t cause Mom or Dad any added stress. • Be overachievers because they may feel like there are much higher expectations put on them, Pritchett says. • Regularly share the spotlight on special occasions (like school dances or even their wedding) and bring their sibling along on social outings. THE EXTRAORDINARY UPSIDE
SIGN UP
While growing up with a sibling with special needs comes with challenges, their experiences often lead them to become compassionate and empathetic at a young age. These children have an amazing world view and can make people feel welcome and loved. Courtney Morey is a Fort Worth mom of Wells, 5, and Annie, 3, founder of Annie Louise Foundation and the advocate behind @fancylikeannie on Instagram. Annie has Down syndrome, but Morey says her son sees only his sister. “I’ll ask [Wells], ‘What about your sister is different?’ And he’s like, ‘she wears bows.’ He doesn’t see her disability, which is so beautiful because Annie’s just Annie to him, and that’s honestly how it is with a lot of the kiddos that are around me a lot.” Children who have a sibling with special needs also develop the soft skills that are so important in adulthood, including gratitude, patience, flexibility, adaptability, determination and a calm demeanor in the face of challenges. SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD
SPECIAL NEEDS A relatable, once a month newsletter for parents of children with special needs.
dfwchild.com/newsletter
SCAN ME
50
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
While you may feel overwhelmed with ensuring your child with special needs gets the support and services they need, it’s equally important to remember your little ones without special needs require support, too. Here are some things you can do. Establish open lines of communication. Explain to your child, in age-appropriate ways, why their sibling needs extra care and attention. Be sure to talk about their sibling’s needs and let them know they can talk to you about how they’re feeling or what they need—and that it’s always OK to ask questions. Spend quality one-on-one time with your child. Meaningful connections with your little one strengthens their bond with you, boosts their self-esteem and helps with their development. It also shows your child that they’re just as important as their sibling. This one-on-one time doesn’t have to be extravagant; it can be as simple as reading books together at bedtime, going for a
walk around the neighborhood or playing together for 10-15 minutes. It’s all about quality of time, not quantity. Include your child in their sibling’s services, if possible. In the year after a heart surgery that Annie needed, almost all of her therapy was in–home, so Morey focused on involving Wells in the play-based therapies. “It wasn’t like, this is your sister’s time, you need to go in the other room and play or watch TV,” she says. “So I really tried to include him in those things and make it feel for him like we were just playing.” Ensure your child has their own activities. “I was really grateful that my parents let me have outlets outside my house,” Dombroski recalls. “I had friend circles or groups that were just mine. …It gave me that outlet to know I’m important. I have my own time. I have my own life. I’m not defined by my sibling. I’m defined by who I am in my strengths and weaknesses.” Ask for help. When you have a child with special needs or a medical diagnosis, chances are many friends and family members will say, “Let me know how I can help.” While accepting that help may be difficult, take them up on it. Ask them to spend some time with your kiddo while you’re attending to your child with special needs. See if they’ll go grocery shopping for you so you can spend time with your child. And if you’re a medical parent, Morey suggests asking someone you trust to sit with your child in the hospital while you give your little one undivided attention. Find your community. “Another huge thing that I attribute to Wells’ well-being is the Down syndrome community. It’s just a really tight knit community, especially in DFW,” Morey says. She says Wells has made friends with other siblings of children with Down syndrome, so he has peers who have similar experiences. Establish outside support for your child. Even if you’ve established open lines of communication with your child, they may not want to share their feelings. In fact, they may feel embarrassed by or ashamed of their feelings, Pritchett says. That’s why it’s important to find your child outside support to talk about and work through those feelings, whether it’s another trusted adult, like an aunt, uncle or family friend, or even therapy. While these ideas are simple, they’ll have a lasting impact. In fact, giving your child this support will help them process and mitigate any negative feelings they’re experiencing, leading them to have an even better relationship with their sibling.
A website for families raising children with disabilities For parents, by parents “This website makes me feel calm about helping our children. It relieves our doubts. It’s very friendly and easy to understand.” Visit navigatelifetexas.org/dfw-child to find: • Connection to support groups • Personal stories from families like yours • Answers to your questions about insurance, schools, diagnosis, and more
Find the resources you need at navigatelifetexas.org/dfw-child Todo el contenido disponible en español a project of:
special needs / C A L E N D A R WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
retreat to the Calming Room and more extra playtime in Galaxy Park, the museum’s outdoor all-abilities playground. Free with admission: $16 adults; $12 children; under 3 free. 817/255-9300; fwmuseum.org DINOSAURS QUIET December 9–February 10 HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY
➽ Come sit on Santa’s lap or beside him— whatever level of interaction makes your child most comfortable—at Autism Treatment Center December 1–2.
Have a child on the autism spectrum who’s also obsessed with dinosaurs? This is for you. On second Saturday mornings during the remaining months of the Heard’s Dinosaurs Live residency, the dozen animatronic dinos on display along the trail will pause their usual roars and movements to lend a calmer, quieter environment. Included in general admission: $12 adults; $9 children; under 3 free. 972/562-5566; heardmuseum.org/ dinosaurs-live COOKIES, COCOA & THE CLAUSES December 9 DOWN SYNDROME PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH TEXAS
14 Sensory-friendly & fun places to go this winter PHOTOS WITH SANTA December 1–2 AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER, DALLAS
Kids or adults on the spectrum—and their siblings, too—are all welcome to meet Santa during this two-day event. While waiting in line, your kids can keep busy with games and activities, and after telling Santa their Christmas wishes, he’ll send them off with a goody bag and you with a printed photo. The event is at no charge, but you must sign up online for time slots by hour. FREE 972/644-2076; atcoftexas.org/santa ABILITIES EXPO December 1–3 DALLAS MARKET HALL
So your child uses a wheelchair. They can still scale an adaptive rock wall and try out more adaptive sports at this annual event and expo, with everything from products and workshops to services and service dog demonstrations. Register online. 52
Need an ASL interpreter? Request one at the Accessibility Help Desk at no cost. FREE abilities.com/dallas SANTA CARES December 3 MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Meeting Santa Claus for the first time (or the 10th time) is a magical moment. And thanks in part to Autism Speaks, you can bring your kids of all ages to see him without the intense lights and loud sounds. Register online for your time slot at one of about 10 local malls. Free for meet and greet held on this Sunday morning before the doors open to the public; photo package optional. santacares.whereissanta.com SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOW: THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVE December 3 CASA MAÑANA, FORT WORTH
The Herdmans family’s kids are a loud bunch, even more so
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
after they’re roped into starring in a Christmas pageant. And so it goes in this musical based on the best-selling book and play by Barbara Robinson. But during this Sunday morning performance, the Herdsmans’ microphones and all the production’s lights and sounds will be turned down. And if it’s still too loud for your kids, you can always take a break in the theater’s quiet room. Tickets from $24. 817/332-2272; casamanana.org SENSORY TIME December 6 & February 7 FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
On the first Wednesday of every month (except January), this famously kid-friendly museum shuts off its music and dims its lighting to better provide more calming spaces. Registration is encouraged but not required. If you’d like, stop by the ticket counter to borrow a sensory backpack,
TEEN & FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT December 9 ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA, RICHARDSON
The 2003 comedy Elf has an enduring following, especially during the holidays. Bring out your teenagers for this private watch party just for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. This dine-in movie theater for a private screening of the 2003 comedy Elf. Alamo is a full-service dine-in theater, so you can order off the menu, or enjoy the bottomless soda and popcorn that comes with your ticket. Free for teens 13–17 with Down syndrome; $10 each for immediate family members. Register by December 3. 214/267-1374; downsyndromedallas.org SENSORY-FRIENDLY BALLET December 16 & February 10 MOODY PERFORMANCE HALL, DALLAS
Think the ballet is out of your league? Absolutely not! Ballet North Texas stages two performances this winter for those with autism and others who would better enjoy the show with reduced
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER
HOLIDAY MODE
It’s not a party until Santa shows up. And he’s due to make an appearance at this come-and-go holiday party, offering keepsake photos, a hot chocolate bar and cookie decorating for the kids. RSVP online to join. FREE 682/3163121; dspnt.org
Developmental Preschool and Therapy Services for children with special needs APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY SERVING CHILDREN BIRTH TO 21 YEARS OLD 6025 Sports Village Rd | Frisco, TX 75033 214.687.9374 | PediatricsPlus.com DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
53
special needs / C A L E N D A R
CHISHOLM CHALLENGE January 8–10 WILL ROGERS COLISEUM, FORT WORTH
LinkED gives comprehensive neuroeducational testing to determine your child's learning profile, learning differences or disabilities, ADHD or autism. LinkED also gives educational consultations and Highlands aptitude testing for college and career.
www.link-ed.org
Where you can get the answers you need.
The bond between a horse and its rider is hard-won. And at this 20th annual competition, hundreds of equestrians with disabilities—who train with horses through equine therapy and for the fun of it!—can show off their hard-won skills. Think of it as a prelude to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January 12–February 3). But first, head inside the John Justin Arena to witness and cheer on the competitors. Check back for more details and times for the opening ceremonies. FREE 817/877-2420; chisholmchallenge.com ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY! January 28 & February 3 DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER
The children’s book author Mo Willems is famous for cheekily breaking that fourth wall with the reader. Your young readers who are sensory sensitive will get to experience his hilarious story on stage (best for 3 and up) during an American Sign Languageinterpreted show in January and a sensory show in February, when they’ll lower the volume and open up a quiet room if you child needs to step out. Look online for social stories and a parents’ tip sheet. Plus, tickets for the sensory show are only $5. 214/740-0051; dct.org NIGHT TO SHINE February 9 MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Prom is a rite of passage—and one that your teenager or young adult can experience thanks to the Tim Tebow Foundation, which sponsors annual dance parties worldwide exclusively for people with special needs. The best part? Every participant is crowned king or queen, so that everyone gets to be the star of the show. To find a participating location near you, search the online map (at press time, we counted about a dozen loca54
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
tions across Dallas-Fort Worth) and reach out to the church directly to request an invite for your child 14 or older. FREE 904/380-8499; timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine AIRA AT MEOW WOLF Year-round MEOW WOLF, GRAPEVINE
Only a few months after becoming a Certified Autism Center, this still-new immersive attraction is expanding its disability accommodations yet again, this time joining up with Aira, a visual interpreting service. Here’s how it works: Guests who are blind or have low vision can download the free Aira app on your smartphone and listen through headphones to a professionally-trained agent who describes the Meow Wolf’s perspective-shifting art, sharing and guides through the spaces. Tickets vary by day but start at $40 for adults and $20 for children; under 4 free. meowwolf.com/grapevine SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOURS Year-round WALMART STORES, NATIONWIDE
OK this isn’t quite an event, per say, but it’s big news for families who regularly take their kids along with them on grocery runs. In November 2023, one of the largest retailers in the world announced that every single store in the country will offer sensory-friendly hours from 8–10am every single day. This means radios are turned off, lights are lowered, TV walls to a static image—small things that add up to a less stimulating visit. walmart.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION; GLENN ROSS, MEOW WOLF
lighting and sound. They’re also welcoming of families to talk freely with each other and even use electronics if that makes your child more comfortable. Tickets from $28. 214/871-5000; balletnorthtexas.org
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
COUNSELOR Licensed Professional with 25 years of
EXPERIENCE
means a perspective you can trust Parent consultation is an important part of
SUPPORTING
Lyn Rodriguez Neisius, LPC, LSSP
vnatexas.org VNA Children’s Haven provides compassionate, expert care for patients (prenatal to age 21) and their families living with serious illness. Our team will provide the support and care needed in the comfort of your home. To schedule your free in-home informational visit, please contact Aaron (469) 781-6774 or gethelp@vnatexas.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
you with parenting your child
Under Construction: 8-12 year olds build emotional self-regulation skills using fun, research-based methods in a 6-week small group Small Social Groups: online and in-person 6344 Davis Blvd., Suite 200 North Richland Hills, TX 76180 682-328-3458 yourchildscounselor.com admin@yourchildscounselor.com
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
55
D F W C H I L D I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H U T S O U T H W E S T E R N M E D I C A L C E N T E R
· HOW BIG IS BABY THIS WEEK? · WHAT CHANGES ARE HAPPENING WITH YOUR BODY? · HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR PELVIC FLOOR? · ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A VBAC? ALL THOSE QUESTIONS, PLUS MANY MORE, ANSWERED IN AN EMAIL TAILORED TO YOUR CURRENT WEEK OF PREGNANCY
OH BABY! A Week-by-Week Guide to Your Pregnancy
➽ Delivered to your inbox or available 24/7 online at dfwchild.com
SCAN NOW TO SIGN UP
DFW
STEM GUIDE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
STEM G U I D E
Parents know careers in science are growing at a rapid rate, and you may be anxious to give your budding inventor, entrepreneur or scientist an integrated education. Explore these STEM programs—from critical thinking games and hands-on labs to robotics and coding—to help prepare your child for a future in technology.
Prince of Peace Christian School Home of the POPCS SmartLab® Prince of Peace Christian School boasts two state-of-the-art SmartLab® spaces, a 3,000-square-foot lab in the Lower School serving students in Kindergarten–Grade 5, and a 1,200-square-foot lab that serves middle and upper school students. The unique SmartLab® setting offers students a STEM learning experience that incorporates problem solving, critical thinking, design and innovation with important soft skills such as public speaking and collaboration. The program reinforces academics with real-world learning while building next-generational skills, taking students from consumers of technology to producers of technology. SmartLab® activities include robotics, software engineering, mechanics, circuitry, scientific data and analysis, computer graphics, and digital media arts. Students engage in authentic first-hand experiences, building and inspiring interest in STEM activities in the years to come!
4004 Midway Road Carrollton, TX 75007 972-447-0532 popcs.org
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
57
STEM GUIDE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Inspiring STEM Learning in the Classroom The Martin Science Exploration Center at Southwest Christian School allows students to experience hands-on learning in conjunction with the science curriculum taught in the classroom. This unique lab opportunity gives our students a STEM learning environment where they can use their natural curiosity to be problem solvers, critical thinkers and innovators. Additionally, our Living Science Center (the Farm), provides an outdoor classroom that focuses on both life and Earth sciences. Students work on projects including organic gardening, composting, sustainable agriculture, water conservation and greenhouse vegetable farming to name a few. Visit us to learn more, southwestchristian.org.
Southwest Christian School 6801 Dan Danciger Road Fort Worth, TX 76133 southwestchristian.org
STEAM Through Project-Based Learning Fort Worth Academy challenges students through an academically advanced program that rewards intellectual risk-taking and encourages the pursuit of excellence. Immersive and collaborative experiences engage students and prepare them for success in high school, college, and beyond. At FWA, authentic STEAM experiences empower young people to think critically in a diverse environment to become the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow. 7301 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-370-1191 fwacademy.org
Irving Archives and Museum has it all! STEM, Invention Lab, History and so much more! Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm, and Sunday, 12–4pm. Visitors have the opportunity to explore Irving’s pioneer past and multicultural present. IAM’s primary goal is to connect with the community in an environment that welcomes everyone. IAM also features a Smithsonian Spark!Lab, a first of its kind in Texas. In Spark!Lab, we believe everyone is inventive. Every day we provide opportunities for children and families to explore their inventive creativity—to create, innovate, collaborate, and problem-solve—because these experiences empower kids to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed today and in the future. Irving Archives and Museum 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, TX 75060 972-721-3700 irvingarchivesandmuseum.com
58
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
STEM GUIDE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Incorporating Religion and Art allows for an expanded STREAM experience at St. Rita Catholic School. Our students learn the foundational skills of STREAM and what each letter represents: Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math. Students utilize problem-based learning and exploratory play to investigate different interdisciplinary concepts in each class. With both a Makerspace and Innovation Lab, all grade levels are creating and inventing to the ends of their imagination. St. Rita Catholic School 12525 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75244 972-239-3203 strita.net
Discover Your Ursuline The oldest continuously operating school in Dallas, Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters. In this nurturing, all-girl environment, students are empowered to think critically and creatively, giving them skills needed for college and beyond. Ursuline Academy does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin.
4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75229 469-232-1800 www.ursulinedallas.org
DFWChild.com Directory Helping parents successfully navigate the
childhood years is kind of our thing. Explore our not-so-secret weapon, the online directory, at dfwchild.com/directory.
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
59
JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 3 • Celebrate Fort Worth’s Western Heritage • Action-packed rodeo • Mattress Firm Petting Zoo • Carnival/Midway excitement • Live music at the Bud Light Roadhouse • Shopping galore
Family-friendly fun! Grounds Admission: on-site purchase
Adults - $12 Ages 6 to 16 - $6 Ages 5 and Under - Free
PURCHASE RODEO TICKETS BOX OFFICE 1911 MONTGOMERY ST.
Arena
817-502-0011
BUY NOW
DF
EN TS
W C H I L D .C
FOR DAILY
EV
O
playbook M
VI S
IT
WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
➽ More than 700 railcars race along a magical, miniature landscape in The Trains at NorthPark, open through January 5.
ALL ABOARD
➽ 28 FA M I LY F U N E V E N T S I N D E C E M B E R & J A N UA R Y A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Through December 23
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRET REDMAN
DALL AS CHILDREN’S THEATER
DCT’s 40th anniversary season goes retro with this production starring the Peanuts gang and Snoopy too. Come before the show to see Santa himself in the lobby and join photo ops and activities, like drawing yourself as a Peanuts
character. Want more DCT? Book your seats for Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play, opening January 21. Tickets from $20. 214/7400051; dct.org STORY TIME WITH MRS. CLAUS
Through December 23 GALLERIA DALL AS
Saving all the dollars you can until the big day? On Saturday mornings, take
the kids up to the third floor Children’s Play Place (be sure to take a look at the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at the ice rink, first) for this free story reading with Santa’s other half. FREE (Have room in the budget for more fun? The SNOWDAY immersive attraction next to Santaland runs through January 7.) 972/702-7100; galleriadallas.com
LIGHTS ON THE FARM
Through December 30
HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM, PL ANO
Visit with Santa Claus and make your own s’mores at this historic farm’s annual holiday fest—made more festive with themed nights every Saturday. Expect to see lots of princesses and princes, for example, on December 16 and the Grinch on December 23. Online
in advance: $12 adults; $7 children; under 3 free. At the door: $15 adults; $10 children. 972/881-0140; heritagefarmstead.org ICE! FEATURING HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Through December 31 GAYLORD TEXAN, GRAPEVINE
We’d like to see the Grinch try stuffing this into his Santa
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
61
playbook / T H I N G S T O D O RIVER LEGACY NATURE CENTER, ARLINGTON
How exactly does wood wind up in our everyday products? This new exhibition gives kids a wider view (the forest for the trees, if you will) by inviting them to do what they do best—play! Here kids can climb and crawl through a play place of logs and tree limbs, load and unload lumber onto a train, and build a playhouse with wood components. $10 adults; $7 children; under 3 free. 817/8606752; riverlegacy.org WORLD OF BARBIE
➽ HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM
bag: two million pounds of colorful ice carved into elaborate sculptures—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Come explore the two dozen or so winter fun activities and entertainment including realice slides worthy of Whoville cheer. Pricing varies by activity. 817/778-1000; christmasatgaylordtexan.com PRAIRIE LIGHTS
Through December 31 LYNN CREEK PARK, GRAND PRAIRIE
Halfway through this drive-thru lights show along the Joe Pool Lake shores, hop out of the car and stretch your legs with a stroll through the Holiday Village and the Walk-Thru Forest, where Santa and snacks await. $50 per car. The fast pass allows you to select your arrival time and skip the line. 972/2374569; prairielights.org FUNBOX
Through December 31 THE SHOPS AT WILLOW BEND, PL ANO
This one’s for all the kids out there who go gaga for bounce houses. This megasized bounce house is more like a bounce city—with 10 play zones. Each jump session runs 90 minutes, so the kids will hopefully be worn out. Get your timed tickets online for weekend admission: $19; under 3 free with a ticketed adult. funbox.com/plano LIGHTSCAPE
Through January 1 FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN
62
Through May 31
STONEBRIAR CENTRE, FRISCO
This outdoor lighting exhibition returning for a second year is worth a second look—80% of the displays are new this year. Come marvel at the colorful sights in and around the garden’s trees and lawns, as you follow a 1.2-mile walking path that loops around the garden. Strollers and wagons are welcome. Pricing varies by date: Off-peak: $23 adults; $15 children; under 3 free. $50 for anytime tickets. 817/463-4160; fwbg. org/lightscape DALLAS ZOO LIGHTS
Through January 2 DALL AS ZOO
The zoo may already be your kids’ favorite outing. Now add onto that all the joy and colors of holiday lights? Yes, please! Visit the zoo after dark on select nights to visit Santa’s Village, see 60 larger-than-life animal lanterns and take in the two million twinkle lights on display. Nonmember tickets from $19 for adults and from $15 for children; under 3 free. Advance tickets required. 469/554-7501; dallaszoo.com HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM
Through January 5
DALL AS ARBORETUM
The arboretum brings back its gorgeous exhibition of German-style Christmas Village with custom Christmas Pyramid, and the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos. For maximum Christmas sparkle, go after dark to see all the attrac-
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
tions set aglow. Daytime admission: $20 adults; $12 children; under 2 free. Nighttime admission varies but starts at $15 for adults and $13 children. 214/5156615; dallasarboretum.org THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK
Through January 5 NORTHPARK CENTER, DALL AS
See if your kids can recognize any of the local landmark buildings in this 25th annual mini train exhibit (the largest in Texas), now at new spot in the mall: on level one near Santa. $10 adults; $5 children; under 2 free. Looking for a fancy souvenir to remember the visit? Order a personalized railcar, available through December 4. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. 214/631-7354; thetrainsatnorthpark.com HARRY POTTER: A FORBIDDEN FOREST EXPERIENCE
Through January 13 LITTLE ELM PARK
Hey Potter fans, here’s your chance to cast your own Patronus spell, bow politely to a Hippogriff and act out more scenes from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series—all during an illuminated walk through the woods. Pricing varies by date, but tickets start at $44 for adults, $29 for children; under 3 free. hpforbiddenforestexperience.com
This is not Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House, it’s Barbie’s Dreamhouse made life-size. This all-ages, immersive exhibition features all sorts of vignettes. And they’re not just photo ops. Here you can record a song in the Sound Studio, man the controls inside her Interstellar Rocket, and customize your own doll’s outfit from the Build It Barbie closet. Timed tickets from $35 for adults, $26 for children, under 1 free. dallas. theworldofbarbie.com T. REX: THE ULTIMATE PREDATOR
Through September 22
PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE, DALL AS
The Perot knows dinos. (Did you hear about the new species its paleontologists discovered last month in Grapevine?) So you know this just-opened exhibition all about the T. rex (both the hero and archnemesis of many a dino movie) will be fascinating. Come see the life-sized models and fossil casts for general admission, plus $8 adults; $7 children; under 2 free. 214/428-5555; perotmuseum.org/t-rex HOME ON THE RANGE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
December 1–23
OMNI PGA FRISCO RESORT
The new Frisco home of the PGA opens its inaugural holiday festivities to the public on Friday and Saturday nights. Bring the family for the live reindeer and a longhorn, train rides, ornament making, and Putting
for Presents, a 9-hole putting experience for all ages. $30 for children; free for adults and kids under 3. More activities are exclusive to overnight resort guests. pgafrisco.com/events DALLAS HOLIDAY PARADE
December 2
DOWNTOWN DALL AS
With all the giant heliumfilled balloons floating down Commerce Street—a nutcracker, Santa, Frosty the Snowman and Snowflakes— this 35th annual parade is really giving “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” level energy. For the best view, reserve bleacher seats starting at $25, or come early to find a spot along the sidewalks for free. dallasholidayparade.com CHRISTMAS IN THE STOCKYARDS
December 2
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
We love a Cowboy Christmas. (Texas longhorns can double as reindeer, can’t they?) So we’re ready for the return of holiday celebrations in this historic district. Come for the Cowboy Santa photos, rodeos inside the Cowtown Coliseum, and more quintessentially-Texan experiences. The Stockyards Rodeo Rink too, back for its second-ever year, is open through January 7. Pricing varies by activity. 817/625-9715; fortworthstockyards.com DICKENS IN DOWNTOWN PLANO
December 2
HAGGARD PARK, PL ANO
How exactly does one “honour Christmas in [your] heart and try to keep it all the year,” as Charles Dickens once wrote? Well, we think that it starts with snow hill sliding. Come take a joy ride down a real snow hill, take photos with Santa, and watch the mayor flip the switch on the tree lighting. FREE 972/9415600; plano.gov MERRY & BRIGHT DRONE SHOW
December 2, 9 & 16
GRAPEVINE MAIN STATION & CIT Y HALL
The drone fleet is even larger this year with 200 drones taking shape in the skies on these Saturdays
PHOTO COURTESY OF DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
FOREVER FOREST
Through February 10
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
63
playbook / T H I N G S T O D O
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL
January 11–28
WYLY THEATER, DALL AS
What is it about crime-fighting puppies that we can’t resist? (Looking at you, PAW Patrol.) Here, starring in his own musical is Dog Man, a character with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, from the mind of Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey. Tickets from $35. 214/880-0202; attpac.org DALLAS MLK DAY PARADE
January 15
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD, DALL AS
Join up locals to commemorate the life of the late civil rights leader and his philosophy of nonviolence. You can either watch the floats from the sidelines or take an active part as a family by making your own sign and joining in the walking parade. Register online. Hosted by the City of Dallas and nonprofit H.E.L.P (Hope. Encourage. Love. Protect). FREE 214/6708418; dallasmlkcenter.com USA FILM FESTIVAL’S KIDFILM
January 20–21
AL AMO DRAFTHOUSE L AKE HIGHL ANDS, DALL AS
Think film festivals are only for adults? This 40th annual
event (at a new location this year) is just for kids—particularly kids who love to read too. Here you’ll get to meet two award-winning children’s authors/illustrators—Sophie Blackall (If I Was a Horse) and Sara Varon (Robot Dreams)— and watch film adaptations based on their books and many more short films. Admission is free and so are the books, author signings and photos. FREE 214/8213456; usafilmfestival.com
TINY TEXANS
EAGER TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE with your baby or toddler? You’ll find age-appropriate activities and entertainment for kids 4 and younger at these shows, activities and festivals.
DALLAS AREA TRAIN SHOW
January 20–21
PL ANO EVENT CENTER
Got a kid who’s taken a liking to the quintessential train set around the Christmas tree? Encourage your tiny train-lovers new obsession with a visit to this annual show, hosted by North Texas Council of Railroad Clubs. They’ll have mini train layouts set up and a store too for adding to your kids’ collection. $10 admission for adults; under 13 free. 972/941-5840; dfwtrainshows.com DISNEY’S ALADDIN
January 31–February 4 BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH
Should we call him “Al”? Or maybe just “Din”? Laugh out loud to all of Genie’s famous one-liners when this Broadway touring musical stop into the Bass, its only destination in North Texas. Keep in mind that it’s a longer show than the movie: 2.5 hours, but kids 6 and up who wish to attend are welcome. Tickets vary by day but start at $55. 817/212-4280; basshall.com/aladdin ➽ DISNEY’S ALADDIN
CHRISTMAS PUPPET SHOWS
Through January 1
NORTHPARK CENTER, DALL AS
Scrooge Puppet Theater and The Tale of the Yeti’s Christmas Spaghetti are the perfect length for short attention spans, and they recur regularly throughout the day (see online for the schedule) on level one near Dillard’s. Scrooge and Yeti perform through Christmas Eve, and the 28-foottall, Bavarian-style Twelve Days of Christmas Clock chimes through New Year’s Day. FREE 214/363-7441; northparkcenter.com TEA WITH THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
December 3
ALLEN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Even if your child is too young to sit through an entire Nutcracker ballet, they can still meet the Sugar Plum Fairy by joining this special tea hosted by Allen Civic Ballet. Reserve your seat and plate for $25; free for littles 0–2 who sit on their parents’ lap. Think they’ll love the show too? Allen Civic Ballet’s performances are December 9–10. Tickets from $20 and are not needed for infants or toddlers who sit on your lap. 972/7275959; allencivicballet.org
BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR
December 12
WILL ROGERS AUDITORIUM, FORT WORTH
For all your kids who absolutely lose their minds over Blippi, he’s on tour again— well, a professional stage performer in character as Blippi—with his crew. Best for 2- to 6-year-olds. Tickets from $32, and up. $50 for meet and greet with the Blippi character and one of his machines. Can’t squeeze it in during all the holiday hustle and bustle? He’s coming back in May 2024 to Frisco. 817/402-9801; blippithewonderfulworldtour.com FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO
January 12–February 3
DICKIES ARENA & WILL ROGERS COLISEUM, FORT WORTH
Speaking objectively here, there’s nothing cuter than a baby in cowboy boots—of which there are sure to be plenty toddling around at this annual festival dating back to 1896. The go-to attractions for the most toddler-friendly fun is in the petting zoo ($2 for feed) and pony rides ($5). Both open daily from 9am–7:30pm, next to the carnival and midway. General grounds admission: $12 adults; $6 children; under 6 free. Rodeo tickets sold separately. 817/877-2420; fwssr.com
F O R M O R E K I D - F R I E N D LY E N T E R T A I N M E N T E V E R Y D AY O F T H E W E E K , V I S I T O U R O N L I N E C A L E N DA R AT D F W C H I L D.CO M/C A L E N DA R.
64
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROUND ROOM LIVE AND MOONBUG ENTERTAINMENT; DEEN VAN MEER, DISNEY
at 8pm sharp. The show lasts under 10 minutes, so don’t be late or you’ll miss it! FREE Of course there’s much more fun to be had on Main Street at the Christmas Capital of Texas. Come early to get some time on the Peace Plaza Skating Rink, open through January 7. $20, includes ice skate rentals. 817/410-3185; christmascapitaloftexas.com
I
B
ES
S E
r FAMI o f T L
2024
Help us pick DFW’s best: + Museum for kids + Place to see animals + Kid-friendly bookstore + Party venue & entertainment
+ Hospital to have a baby + Birthing center + Child care center + Babysitting service & more...
SCAN OR VISIT DFWCHILD.COM/BESTSURVEY TO PICK YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES & SERVICES PLUS YOU’LL BE ENTERED IN A DRAWING FOR A $250 VISA GIFT CARD
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Family Fun 22 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES KIDS WILL LOVE ‘Tis the season for family fun, and there is plenty of it happening here in DFW and beyond. From holiday festivals and visits with Santa to museums and rodeos, here's a roundup of great events for the whole family.
66
1
Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org/events/family-events 817/738-1933
Check out the Carter's free monthly family events designed to encourage art exploration, inspire curiosity and spark creativity for babies, toddlers and beyond! See ad on page 13.
2
Bureau of Engraving and Printing bep.gov 817/231-4000
The BEP Tour and Visitor Center includes two floors of exhibits and displays, a selfguided tour and a gift shop. TVC is open Tuesday–Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm with last tour at 4:30pm. See ad on page 7.
3
City of Irving irvingevents.org 972/721-2501
The holidays kick off with a nighttime parade through downtown Irving and annual tree lighting ceremony. Festivities continue with free, family-friendly events through the month of December, designed to get everyone in the holiday spirit! See ad on page 63.
4
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden dallasarboretum.org 214/542-0620
Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, returns with the popular Christmas Village, The 12 Days of Christmas, the Dazzling Musical Tree and weekend Visits with Santa. The festival runs through January 5, 2024. Reservations required.
5
Day 1 DFW day1dfw.com 214/368-8686
Activities include magic shows, arts and crafts, inflatable slides, face painting, balloon art, tattoo art, sports area, live animal and reptile shows, live music and DJs, the Neon and Glow Dance Party and much more. See ad on page 14.
6
DCM Holiday Market dentonmarket.org 940/268-4326
Please join us for the DCM Holiday Market on Saturdays, December 16 and 23, 9am–3pm in Denton. Local artisans, live music and 100+ vendors. You might even catch Santa doing some shopping!
7
Downtown Ennis visitennistexas.com/lightsofennis 972/878-4748
Create holiday memories in historic downtown Ennis. Enjoy snow hill tubing, carriage rides, roller skating, cookies with Mrs. Claus and more. Stroll the streets of downtown for holiday music, snow and the best holiday photo ops! See ad on page 13.
8
Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation fbspecialevents.com 972/919-2620
Whether it's our Nature Preserve, Historical Park, or our much anticipated glow-inthe-dark playground, Joya at Oran Good Park, Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation offers award-winning parks, programs and events that your family will love.
9
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo fwssr.com 817/877-2400
Come to where the “West Is Fun,” at the 2024 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Experience rodeo, tantalizing food, shopping, livestock shows, live music, carnivalmidway, equestrian competitions, petting zoo and much more. See ad on page 60.
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
10
Fort Worth Stockyards fortworthstockyards.com 817/625-9715
Celebrate the holidays Stockyards Style, with festivities including a holiday ice skating rink, photos with Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, cozy fire pits, live music, spectacular holiday lights and more.
11
Galleria Dallas galleriadallas.com/holiday 972/702-7100
The iconic 95-foot-tall Christmas tree makes Galleria Dallas recognized as one of the biggest, brightest, happiest holiday celebrations. Santaland is a must-visit for everyone! Plus, the season’s most engaging immersive photo experience, SNOWDAY. See ad on back cover.
12
Gaylord Texan Resort christmasatgaylordtexan.com
Experience the beloved Gaylord Texan tradition—ICE!. See Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! brought to life in ice, zoom down epic frozen slides, and explore our extraordinary resort and endless Christmas activities. See ad on page 15.
13
Heritage Farmstead Museum Lights on the Farm app.gopassage.com/events/lights-on-thefarm-2023 • 972/881-0140
A must-visit holiday event. Close to 2 million twinkling magical lights create a whimsical wonderland. From penguins, polar bears and snowmen to a 20-foot Christmas tree, there is something for everyone.
14
Irving Archives and Museum irvingarchivesandmuseum.com 972/721-3700
In Spark!Lab, at Irving Archives and Museum, children engage in hands-on activities that combine STEM with art, history and creativity. Children explore the invention process and learn about the role invention has played throughout history. See ad on page 58.
15
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa jwhillcountrychristmas.com 210/275-2500
New holiday activities at JW Marriott San Antonio for 2023. Enjoy ice tubing and more. Use code DFWChild23 for 20% off tickets to Snow Flow Mountain. Blackout dates may apply. Visit jwhillcountrychristmas.com.
16
KidFilm Family Festival usafilmfestival.com 214/821-6300
It's here! The all-free-admission KidFilm Family Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 20–21, 2024. Featuring appearances by children’s book authors and new films for all ages. Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands. See ad on page 21.
17
North Texas Performing Arts ntpa.org 972/422-2575
Bah humbug! Get into the holiday spirit with tickets to Scrooge the Musical, December 6–17 in Plano. Students in K–5 can explore literature at Winter Break Theatre Camps in Plano, Fairview, Frisco, Dallas and Southlake. See ad on page 10.
18
NorthPark Center northparkcenter.com/holiday 214/363-7441
NorthPark Center invites you and your family to share the magic of the holidays this season with The Trains at NorthPark, visits with Santa, Scrooge Puppet Theatre, Gingertown, holiday performances and so much more. See ad on page 4.
19
Reunion Tower reuniontower.com 214/296-9950
Take the holidays to new heights! Reunion Tower is the top spot for family fun with the best 360-degree view of Dallas. Visit our website for more info. See ad on page 6.
20
River Legacy Nature Center riverlegacy.org 817/860-6752
Climb tree tops and work a kid-sized train replica to explore the forest this winter in our newest visiting exhibit, Forever Forest, produced by Omaha Children's Museum. Open from open through February 10, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. See ad on page 13.
21
The Shops at Highland Village theshopsathighlandvillage.com 972/317-7500
Festivity abounds at The Shops this season. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa photo experience, Victorian carolers, Elf at The Shops, Mrs. Claus Storytime sponsored by DCTA, Christmas tree lighting shows and more. See ad on page 7.
22
Walnut's Wassail Walk friscotexas.gov/1360/events 972/292-6500
Join Play Frisco for a holiday event for all ages at the Frisco Heritage Village! Experience roaming carolers, pop-up musicians, local arts groups, holiday-themed activities, hot wassail and Walnut the Squirrel.
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
67
playbook / F A M I L Y F U N the play table. They can choose from a selection of children’s books, many of which emphasize inclusivity, and get comfy on floor pillows. Look online for upcoming special events: author signings, story times, holiday-themed readings. In 2024, Vega plans to add more ticketed Play Dates at the Bookshop, programs that include a story time, a book to take home and a related activity. Check out this bookshop Wednesday–Saturday 11am–7pm or Sunday noon–5pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). On weekends, they offer fresh pastries from La Casita Bakeshop. // Dallas, 469/885-8004; whosebooks.shop
➽ ABOVE: Now at its second location, Whose Books isn’t far from another independent bookstore, The Wild Detectives, and just a skip away from the playground at Kidd Springs Park.
The 5 most kid-friendly independent bookstores WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
IN RECENT YEARS, THE LITERARY WORLD has seen a resurgence of brick-andmortar, independently-owned bookstores. And locally, several of these additions are particularly friendly to young readers, offering free regular story times, special activities and even play spaces where your littles can relax and read to their heart’s desire. Whether you’re trying to build an at-home book collection for them, looking to shop local this holiday season, or seeking out a new “third place” outside of home and school—take a look here at some of our favorite indie bookstores most worth a visit for your family.
TA L K I N G A N I M A L S B O O K S
It’s a great name, is it not? For that, Grapevine’s first and only independent bookstore draws inspiration from the anthropomorphic characters in C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. Award-winning writer Katy Lemieux and business partner Valerie Walizadeh opened Talking Animals in February 2023 along Grapevine’s historic Main Street, not far from all the action you’ll find this season in the Christmas Capital of Texas. “It is not a stuffy store. We love having kids running around, laughing and feeling at home,” say the co-owners. “Sometimes the kids just need a change of scenery and love something to do outside of the house.” Come visit between 11am and 5pm Tuesday– Sunday (closed Monday). On Saturdays year68
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
round, they host 11:30am story readings—followed by a craft in a cozy playroom downstairs. The playroom is enclosed with a baby gate, and the restroom is equipped with a changing table and supplies. This makes it a great spot too for hosting play dates, which they do for local mom groups, such as the Grapevine Colleyville Southlake Moms League, before the store opens to the public. // Grapevine, 682/223-1311; talkinganimalsbooks.com
WHOSE BOOKS
Claudia Vega and husband John, both educators raised in Oak Cliff, first opened Whose Books two years ago with a mission to make books more accessible. Here inside the kids’ section, your young readers can enjoy hours at
FRANKLIN BOOKS
Story time is anytime at this colorful reading lounge and bookstore, open since April inside The Shops at Willow Bend. Anytime during mall open hours, parents can stop into this space, on level one near the Crayola Experience, with their kids to read together or with a staff member. Toddlers will especially love cuddling with the oversized teddy bears and rearranging the removable sea creatures on the story time wall. But this bookstore is unlike the others because here, if you choose, you can also learn how to write and publish your very own stories. Kids in elementary up to adults are welcome to register for free book writing workshops, held on a couple Sundays each month and led by the bookstore’s namesake, Franklin Edwards. This young writer and entrepreneur has independently published more than a dozen of his own books, each starring the character Franklin the Helper. If you’re visiting any day this holiday, make it Thursday, December 21, when Franklin hosts a Grinch Pajama Movie Night & Face Painting. Sign up online for your spot for $8. // Plano, 469/793-4296; franklinthehelper.com
I N T E R A BA N G B O O K S
We make no secret that Interabang—named after the little-known punctuation mark that combines a question mark and exclamation point (‽)—has long been a favorite amongst our editors since it originally opened in 2017. Interabang welcomes all ages, even newborns, to its twice-weekly story times, every Wednes-
PHOTO COURTESY WHOSE BOOKS; FRANKLIN BOOKS; ISTOCK
AN OPEN BOOK
TCU MUSIC PREPARATORY DIVISION day and Saturday at 10:30am. After the readings, stick around for the coloring activities, and browse through its bountiful selection of children’s books. Open hours are Monday–Saturday 10am–7pm and Sunday noon–6pm. Interabang also deserves credit for its robust schedule of in-person author events. The one must-go event this season for families is Friday, December 8 when Interabang presents Jan Brett, the legendary writer and illustrator of dozens of classic picture books like Gingerbread Baby and The Mitten. She’ll be stopping into First United Methodist Church Grapevine (her only stop in Texas on her Winter Wonderland Tour) and giving a drawing demonstration and signing copies. Tickets are free but required for admission. // Dallas, 214/484-4289; interabangbooks.com
MONKEY & DOG BOOKS
For animal lovers, shop dog Sophie is reason enough to visit this independent bookstore, located on West Seventh Street, not far from the Fort Worth Cultural District. Owner Shelley Lowe actually named the shop after her nicknames for her two now-grown sons. For special story times and events led by children’s authors as they’re announced, look on the website and social media accounts. The bookstore frequently hosts author events and several book clubs, most of which are geared toward adult tastes, but the Last Monday Book Club is specifically for middle grade readers in third–fifth grades. Its cozy seating and easy-to-reach titles and toys for kids make this an especially nice spot for impromptu book browsing. Monkey & Dog is open Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm, closed Sunday. // Fort Worth, 817/489-5747; monkeyanddogbooks.com
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Yes! Listening to an audiobook does count as reading, and they’re great for building kids’ listening comprehension skills. Want to try out audiobooks, or prefer them for car rides, but also want to support local? Try the audiobook app Libro.fm, which allows you to designate your preferred indie bookstore to receive proceeds from à la carte purchase or subscriptions, which start at $14.99 monthly. libro.fm
From early childhood music to private lessons for older students, the TCU Music Preparatory Division offers a wide variety of instruction. Music Together classes for infants to age 8, private piano, voice, instrumental and string lessons for all levels.
MULTIPLE SPOTS AVAILABLE
• Private Lessons in guitar, flute, harp (minimum age 6 years old) • Private Lessons in violin, viola (minimum age 4 years old) • Private Lessons in voice (minimum age 13 years old) • Private Lessons in piano (limited spots available, minimum age 5 years old) • Computer lab for theory instruction (offered for students enrolled in private lessons)
Contact: musicprep@tcu.edu or 817-257-7604 • Music Together (infant-age 4) • Music Together Rhythm Kids (ages 4-8) • Music Together Generations (infant-age 4)
Contact: earlychildhoodmusic@tcu.edu or 817-257-6134
REGISTER ONLINE AT MUSICPREP.TCU.EDU
SUBSCRIBE The Magazine Parents Live by in DFW DFWChild can now be delivered to your home $24 annually dfwchild.com/subscriptions
DFWCHILD | december 2023/january 2024
69
humor / D A D A M O N G S T D U D E S WORDS JOSH FARNSWORTH ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN
for the 34th time in the first week home or accidentally peed on for the first time. Side note: You will get peed on. Just accept it as your badge of honor. It’s a rite of passage into dadhood. (One of us! One of us!) You can curb much of the grossness, however, honing your new craft of diaper changing. Take a few objects about the size of a football around the house, grab a stopwatch and time yourself. If you are focused on setting a new personal best, you aren’t as focused on the grossness before you.
FIRST-YEAR DAD SURVIVAL GUIDE
I
T WAS ABOUT 2:35AM and my wife and I sat there silently eating bland turkey and cheese sandwiches. I mean they may have been the most fantastic gourmet concoctions involving bread, but all sense of taste—and reality—seemed lost on us. Just 44 minutes prior, my first son was born, held by each of us, weighed like a prizefighter and whisked away to give mommy time to rest. Because my wife claimed to be tired or something. No idea why. In the silence of our maternity room, eating those sandwiches was the first moment where we could reflect on parenting. Maybe I’ll write a book on this, I thought, nary an hour into my expertise as a dad. Ten years later, the reflection hasn’t stopped. While no book has yet to hit the presses, I have slowly accumulated little tidbits on what it means to be a parent, and where it all started with that first unforgettable year. And 70
december 2023/january 2024 | DFWCHILD
EMBRACE THE SLEEPLESSNESS It’s a scientific fact that 99 percent of your friends will somehow birth a glorious sleeper who seems to get through the night without much fuss. You will not be one of them. One hundred percent fact you won’t. Spend little time cursing the universe for your lack of sleep luck and spend more time doing something fun. For instance, if you have an app on your phone to record audio, set it on while you walk around the room whispering to your child to get them to go to sleep and then you have raw material for your own podcast! With a little creative sound editing, you may be able to remove the crying in the background and start an ASMR channel as a side hustle to afford all those diapers.
THE BEST TOY FOR YOURSELF Parenting a small child will have its stressful moments. As for that frustration, in honor of my cousin soon becoming a firstget yourself a gaming system of your choice time dad, I’m offering my unsolicited tips for and a fighting/tactical game to play. Redirect surviving the first year of dadding. that tired energy onto killing zombies—and SLEEP NOW, YOU NAIVE FOOL! not onto the little one. Dads-to-be, if there is one message fellow Stress relief, thy name is Player One. parents are passing down to you I know this first dip into at this point it’s this: get your fatherhood seems daunting, rest now. Sleep. A lot. dads-to-be. Although no two DADS-TOThey are right. Absoluteexperiences are alike, following BE, IF THERE ly right. In fact, why are you some of the recommendations IS ONE reading this column? Quite will, at the very least, give MESSAGE frankly, you should be laying yourself a head start. FELLOW down and bathing in the luxury You got this. And when the PARENTS that is excess sleep. time comes, take pause and ARE PASSING enjoy that forgettable turkey BECOME A DIAPER NINJA DOWN TO and cheese sandwich. Lots of adjectives get attached to YOU AT THIS Bon appetit. babies…cute, miraculous. But POINT IT’S one description that many fail to Josh Farnsworth is a nationaluse is…well…gross. In fact, they THIS: GET award-winning parenting columare miraculously gross. YOUR REST nist who lives with his wife and You will eventually get deNOW. SLEEP. two goofball sons. You can reach sensitized to this fact, especially him for column ideas at josh. A LOT. when you get burped up on farnsworth@yahoo.com.
Small Miracles Academy Affordable, trustworthy childcare
Learn, Grow and Flourish
Schedule a tour!
Infants | Toddlers & Twos | Preschoolers | Pre-Kindergarten | After Schoolers East Plano: 972-515-2248 West Plano: 972-515-2236 Allen: 214-504-3841 North Garland: 972-515-2221
Richardson: 972-591-0892 Mesquite: 972-591-0301 Sachse: 469-417-6568 SmallMiraclesAcademy.org