DFWChild December 2021–January 2022

MOM NEXT DOOR KYTE BABY’S YING LIU D E C E M B E R 2021/ J A N U A R Y 2022

THE ULTIMATE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

HOW TO SAY YOU’RE SORRY TO YOUR KIDS

SIX WAYS TO SPEND WINTER BREAK

+

30 REASONS TO LOVE THIS SEASON

THE EDUCATION ISSUE!

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

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FREE CHILD CARE for Service Industry Workers Service Industry Recovery Program The Texas Workforce Commission has approved $500 million to support a new Service Industry Recovery (SIR) program to help low-wage workers in specific service-related industries. You may qualify for FREE CHILD CARE FOR ONE YEAR if you meet the income guidelines, and can provide proof of employment in an identified service industry and the citizenship/immigration status of the children needing care.

Accommodation & Food Service Examples of Industries: Hotels, Restaurants, Food Delivery

Arts, Entertainment & Recreation

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Retail

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All families continue to have access to TWC’s regular low-income child care subsidy program. If you have questions or would like to speak with someone about eligibility requirements for the SIR program, please call (800) 234-9306 or send an email to childcareSIR@dfwjobs.com.

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pages / D E C E M B E R

2021/JANUARY 2022

FEATURE

19 Multiple Choice

An educational consultant’s tips for selecting your child’s school

20 The 2022 Private School List

Our comprehensive directory of private schools across Dallas-Fort Worth

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 9 A Parent’s Guide to Apologizing

12

We all make mistakes with our children— here’s how to tell them you’re sorry

Ask the Experts / Sound Advice

Is your kid keeping secrets? An expert explains why, plus how to open the lines of communication

REAL MOMS 15 Mom Next Door / Ying Liu

60

The founder and owner of Kyte Baby shares the inspiration for her line of oh-so-soft products—and how this mom of five persevered to success

PLAYBOOK 59 Things to Do

The 30 most magical events this holiday season

64 Winter (Break) is Coming ➽ ABOVE // Meet Santa under the light of the moon at Enchant Christmas, open through January 2 at Fair Park in Dallas. Premium Star Passes available for no-wait access.

Banish boredom with these ideas for entertaining kids while they’re out of school

68 A Ferris Wheel’s Day Off

Three Ferris wheels your family can take for a spin

COLUMNS

ISTOCK; PHOTOS COURTESY OF ENCHANT STUDIOS; KAREN ALMOND

12

6 Hello / Treasure Every Moment

Take every opportunity to be fully present for your child

words Alexis Patterson

59 ON THE COVER Cover Kid: Zayden, 5, from Dallas Photography: Cindy James/Alyssa Pizer Management Hair/Makeup: Gary Parson/Kim Dawson Agency

70 Looking Back

Before he ever picked up an iron or a putter, golfer Ben Kohles was a

DallasChild cover kid

SPECIAL SECTION 45 Special Needs / Better with a Beat

For kids with disabilities, creativity is power

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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hello / E D I T O R ’ S

NOTE

the right home for your student

discover.lakehillprep.org | 214.826.2931

THE BEST GIFT ABOVE // Alexis Patterson holds her son in December 2013.

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Cheers,

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

HIS SEASON ALWAYS MAKES ME REFLECT

on how fast my son is growing up. It’s prompted in part by the end of one year and beginning of the next.

Also, December is his birthday month, and I feel like I was just holding him for the first time. Suddenly he’s 8 years old and so tall, so well-spoken, so funny, kind and smart … I’m at once in awe and desperate for time to slow down.

Last Christmas, my mom gave me a sign that reads, “Hold him a little longer / Rock him a little more / Tell him another story / You’ve only told him four / Let him sleep on your shoulder / Rejoice in his happy smile / He’s only a little boy for such a little while.” Those words are such a poignant reminder to treasure every moment—even those times that exhaust and exasperate us, because our babies will be tweens, teens and then adults before we know it.

So in the scramble to buy presents, and as you ponder resolutions for the year ahead, remember this: The best gift we can give our children and the best promise we can make is to be truly present for them. We need to make a habit of putting away our phones and setting aside the stresses of the adult world and give children our time and full attention.

It’s all about being the parents our little ones deserve, and this issue is full of tools to help you do that. In the hustle and bustle of life, we will make mistakes; check out our story on the right way to apologize to kids (p. 9). And one of the most important things we can do is ensure our kids are thriving as students, so read an educational consultant’s advice for choosing the right school (p. 19). This issue also features our 2022 Private School List (p. 20). We obtain key information from private schools across Dallas-Fort Worth, then our team compiles the data into an easy-to-navigate guide— so parents interested in private schools can quickly narrow their search for the right one. Need ideas for family time? Our Playbook section (p. 59–68) has tons of suggestions, from how to have a real snowball fight to where to ride Ferris wheels this winter and beyond. (Head to dfwchild.com for even more recommendations.)

Here’s wishing you and your kiddos joy now and throughout 2022.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN AVES / AVES PHOTOGRAPHY

Lakehill Preparatory School provides Dallas K-12 students the limitless opportunities they need to excel, and the rich support they need to keep forging ahead.

A S S O C I AT E PUBLISHER Lauren Niebes E D I TO R I A L Managing Editor Alexis Patterson Contributing Writer Ashley Hays-Weaver Contributing Copy Editor Emily Laskowski D I G I TA L Web + Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith ART Art Director Reneé Higgins Graphic Designer Susan Horn

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PUBLISHER/ E D I TO R I N C H I E F Joylyn Niebes

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Introduce the children in your life to this wonderful children’s opera—adapted from the classic fairy tale!

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DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

7

noted.

SAYING SORRY ISTOCK

How to apologize to your kids WORDS

A S H L E Y H AYS-W E AV E R

B

RYLON, PLEASE, JUST STOP TALKING TO ME FOR ONE MINUTE!” The look on my son’s face told me immediately I had messed

up. I was making the employee schedule for our restaurant and had already asked him to give me a second. Granted, I was already stressed. Just when I had my thoughts collected, I would hear, “Mama, guess what?” and lose my train of thought. I finally just exploded.

It’s only normal to lose your cool every once in a while. However, how you handle the situation afterward is critical.

BE GENUINE IN YOUR APOLOGY

Apologizing to our kids often comes with a stigma that we are minimizing our authority by admitting we messed up, but according to Dr. Meghna Joshi, it actually models responsibility and empathy, not weakness. “Apologizing to your DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

9

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SORRY

child is important in repairing that relationship,” says Joshi, owner of Child Psychiatry of Dallas, located in Allen. “You’re teaching them early on that it’s okay to make—and then admit to—our mistakes, while also normalizing apologies.”

That being said, you don’t need to apologize for everything that elicits an emotional outburst from your child. “A parent should apologize when they have truly made a mistake—like raising their voice and scaring their child,” says Janis Harris, a retired Fort Worth principal. “Even accidental situations, where they made a promise they couldn’t keep that was out of their control, or accidentally ripped their child’s favorite blanket—that’s when an apology is warranted, not because the child didn’t like whatever choice the parent made.”

However, there is a specific way to apologize.

Frances Opara, a behavioral analyst at Texas ABA & Child Development Services in Garland, says you must be explicit and to own up to it. “Saying the words, ‘I am sorry for doing XYZ and for making you cry,’ lets them know you understand where you crossed the line and are remorseful,” she says.

Harris adds that she taught her students to apologize the same way she believes adults should: “I am sorry that I (the offense). I know that I (admit mistake/hurting feelings), and I will (what they should have done instead) next time.”

It’s more than just filling in the blanks, though. “Like adults, if a child witnesses you apologizing for the same behavior over and over, they won’t believe it,” Joshi explains.

Saying the words “I’m sorry” is key, otherwise your words can be misinterpreted or not feel like an actual apology, she says.

emotional situations elicit big emotional responses, but you never want to make your child feel bad about feeling bad,” she says.

“Something I always suggest to my parents and therapists is to let the child know what they can do versus what they can’t. Instead of saying, ‘You can’t yell at me like that when you’re mad,’ try saying, ‘When you feel this upset, you can scream into your pillow or throw a ball outside.’ Giving them an alternate action that they can do instead feels less like reprimand and more like validation.”

Harris adds that when we take responsibility for our actions, we are telling our child that they are important to us. “When we seek to understand the impact of our actions, as well as make amends to our children, we are communicating to them that their emotions matter, and so do they,” Harris says. Joshi also adds that it’s important for parents to take responsibility for whatever they said or did. “Don’t use the words ‘but’ or ‘if ’ in your apology,” she says. For example: “I’m sorry I said that, but…” or “If you hadn’t done XYZ, then I wouldn’t have…” She says that trying to explain away or excuse your mistake mitigates the sincerity behind your apology.

BY APOLOGIZING, “WE ARE COMMUNICATING TO [OUR KIDS] THAT THEIR EMOTIONS MATTER, AND SO DO THEY.”

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

After I snapped at Brylon, I asked, “Did I scare you when I got loud?” He burst into tears and hugged me while nodding his head yes.

“An important part of a child receiving your apology is recognizing how they experienced whatever it is you’re apologizing for,” Joshi says. “Cool off, and then ask your child, ‘How did it make you feel when I lashed out?’ or ‘Were you mad when I got upset with you?’ Asking how they felt shows that you really care and are remorseful about the situation.”

Opara says it’s also important not to lose your cool (again) if your child reacts poorly to, well, your own poor reaction. “Big

ASK FOR FORGIVENESS

It is important to express your remorse for your action and words, but don’t be surprised if your child isn’t immediately ready to remedy the situation.

“Much like adults, when a child has been hurt, they may need some time to cool off to truly accept your apology,” Harris says.

Joshi agrees that occasionally your child may not be ready to forgive you right away— and that’s OK. “Give them some space, and when some time has passed, ask how you can make it up to them,” she says. Pursuing their forgiveness demonstrates that it’s important to make those amends and that you still love them despite their resistance to accept your apology.

At the end of the day, kids are still impulsive, little creatures who know which of our buttons to push, and parents are still humans who become frazzled at times. While we never intend to say or do anything hurtful, we need the know-how for the times we slip up. Modeling genuine apologies to our children shows them how to build and maintain healthy, positive relationships with others.

Besides, the snuggles afterward far outweigh any shame of admitting that we goofed. I promise.

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

COMPILED BY ALEXIS PATTERSON

ZIPPED LIPS

THE EXPERT:

Laura McLaughlin, clinical therapist at HeadFirst Counseling in Dallas Q: “I’ve tried to make it clear that my 10-year-old daughter can come to me about anything. But already I’m finding out that she is keeping things from me. What makes kids do this?”—Lanette, McKinney A: Most parents worry when they discover that their child is keeping information from them, but this behavior can be very typical. Children have a developmental need to discover where their parents’ authority ends and where their own independence begins. Most parents first see this need emerge through defiant behavior— remember the “No!” phase with your toddler?—or lying and concealing information.

One way to help your child receive a sense of their own independence while maintaining expectations for open communication is to show that you are available to them while also giving them space. You could say, “I see that you have something on your mind. I am here if you want to talk.” Other examples include verbalizing their feelings and then giving space for your child to open up and add more context if they want to, such as, “It must be hard seeing two of your friends hanging out without you. Most kids would feel pretty jealous or hurt.” By labeling these vulnerable feelings, you show that you can handle talking to your child without rejecting, minimizing or dismissing them. When children feel heard, the flood gates will open.

One key point with adolescents—if you say something, mean it. If you tell your child that you are available if they want to talk, do not try to force a conversation or take it personally when your child chooses not to open up. Continue to give your child space and build trust by demonstrating that you are accepting of their choice to talk or not.

Another challenge parents often face is the temptation to jump right into problemsolving mode. Most children stop talking when the adult begins talking. Sometimes the best way to get a kiddo talking is to practice more active listening by reflecting or paraphrasing back what your child has said to communicate understanding.

As adults, we have the ability to problem-solve and see the big picture, and formulate a plan to make things better almost instantly. Children do not have this set of skills—yet. It’s something that will develop with time if they are given the opportunity. Focusing on active listening and refraining from attempting to problem-solve will help your child open up and work through their own solutions.

Modeling your own vulnerability is another great way to encourage children to open up.

Let your child know when you felt hurt by a co-worker and what you did to make it better. Talk to them about your own disappointments when things don’t turn out the way you expected, or how you handled a sudden change or tackled a small fear. The more you talk about these common challenges, the more you are normalizing them and showing that it is OK for your child to talk about them too.

Withholding of information is common throughout all stages of childhood, but keeping these tips in mind should help encourage your child to come to you as a reliable confidant and help keep the communication pathways wide open.

If you have a parenting question that you’d like our experts to answer, message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email us at editorial@dfwchild.com.

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

real moms.

RÉSUMÉ CAREER Founder and

owner of Kyte Baby, a line of bamboobased clothing and other items LIVES IN Southlake HAILS FROM

Guangzhou, China FIRST JOB Interpreter and guide for American adoption groups in China EDUCATION Holds a Ph.D. in economics SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband

Chin Lau; they met while working as economists in Canada CHILDREN Sons Tin, 17, and Tone, 7, and daughters Fe’, 14, Cee, 12, and Kei, 10 SHOP HER LINE

kytebaby.com

mom next door /

Y ING LIU It’s all about comfort and joy for this business owner

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLOW DYLN

I N T E R V I E W K E L LY W O O L E Y

➽ ABOVE // The parenting advice that sticks with Ying Liu: "Be with them and grow with them."

B

EING A MOM OFTEN MEANS SEARCHING FOR CREATIVE SOLUTIONS to

whatever challenges parenthood throws your way. And that’s exactly what Ying Liu was doing when the idea for Kyte Baby was born.

Liu’s daughter Kei suffered from chronic eczema, and pajamas made her hot and uncomfortable. Liu was determined to find a material to alleviate her baby’s irritation. She discovered bamboo fabric,

which had yet to make its way to the mainstream clothing market. Liu began dressing Kei in bamboo clothing and swaddling her in bamboo blankets.

Kei’s skin and sleep improved almost immediately.

It was an aha! moment for Liu (who was raised in China and earned a Ph.D. in economics in Canada before moving to Dallas-Fort Worth).

Liu went on to create Kyte Baby, a bamboo-based clothing line for babies, toddlers and adults. While the business struggled during its early years, her DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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/ MOM NEXT DOOR

perseverance and leadership made Kyte Baby a success—with its soft, sustainable products sold online and in baby boutiques nationwide.

DFWCHILD: ECONOMICS TO THE BABY INDUSTRY—HOW DID THAT CAREER CHANGE COME ABOUT? YING LIU: After the birth of our first child,

Tin, I just couldn’t stand the thought of being away from him. I didn’t want to miss a thing.

I quit my job and opened up a baby boutique in Canada. I could bring him to work with me.

(Laughs.) He even slept in the demo cribs in the store, which sometimes surprised customers at first.

C: YOU DIDN’T GROW UP IN A BIG FAMILY, AND NEITHER DID YOUR HUSBAND CHIN LAU. WAS HAVING FIVE KIDS ALWAYS PART OF YOUR PLAN? YL: No, but I think being in

the baby industry helped. We were constantly surrounded by pregnant women and baby products. It was just the world we lived in. And it was just so easy to bring the kids to work.

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C: BEFORE HAVING CHILDREN, DID YOU AND CHIN LAU AGREE ON PARENTING STYLES? YL: Most importantly,

we agreed we want them to be happy. In fact, each of their names starts with Lok, which means “happiness” in Cantonese. We know that they watch and learn from us, so we spend a lot of time together just having fun. We want to always be there to have fun and spend time with them.

C: WHAT BROUGHT YOUR FAMILY HERE FROM CANADA? YL: The demand for most of our products

was coming from the United States, so it just made sense to move our headquarters. Being in Texas had major business benefits, like no state income taxes, and then the Dallas-Fort Worth area was especially attractive because of the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. Then we discovered Southlake and it was just so clean and organized. The schools were great, and the cost of living was so much better than it was in Canada.

C: STARTING A COMPANY CAN BE OVERWHELMING AND FRUSTRATING. HOW DID YOU DO IT? YL: It wasn’t easy. We attended a lot of trade

shows where we’d come back with little to no orders. I remember traveling to Austin and San Antonio and literally going door to door talking to boutique owners. I learned to have very thick skin. Bamboo was such a new material at the time that people weren’t familiar with its benefits. We spent a lot of time educating people.

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

C: WAS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN YOU WANTED TO GIVE UP? YL: No, we just kept putting ourselves out

there. Luckily, we still had our baby boutiques in Canada, so we weren’t counting on Kyte Baby to pay the mortgage. And it helped that our background was in economics; we weren’t scared of the numbers,

C: TELL US ABOUT THE NAME KYTE BABY. YL: The name is very purposeful. It symbol-

izes the whimsical activity of flying a kite, which is meant to evoke a feeling of innocence, freedom and a return to nature.

C: HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT KYTE BABY AND YOUR FAMILY LIFE? YL: We were lucky to be one of the busi-

nesses that actually benefited. People were spending more time at home shopping, so online sales were great for all lines—babies, toddlers and our adult loungewear. And like most, we spent a lot of time together at home, which I’m very thankful for. We bought a trampoline to help burn off the energy. Throughout everything, it’s just incredible to see how resilient kids can be.

C: BEING A MOM TO FIVE CHILDREN AND RUNNING A BUSINESS SOUNDS DAUNTING. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET? YL: It’s all about resource allocation.

I’m very aware that I can’t do it all. I’ve also learned it’s not about work-life balance. It’s just all blurred together.

C: IS KYTE BABY TRULY A FAMILY BUSINESS? ARE YOUR HUSBAND AND KIDS INVOLVED? YL: Yes, very much so. None of us have

official titles but my husband helps out with our computer systems, logistics and operations. [I mentioned that as babies and toddlers, our children] often slept in our demo cribs, and they played in the stores. Now that they’re older, they’ll work in the warehouse, and when we’re traveling, they help me set up social media videos so l can stay connected with our customers.

C: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO OPEN THEIR OWN BUSINESS? YL: When you can do something you’re

passionate about, it’s not work. Find your sparkle, the thing that guides you.

➽ ABOVE // "Bamboo was such a new material at the time that people weren't familiar with its benefits," Ying Liu says of the early, tough days of her company.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLOW DYLN

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Chelsea Wehr, DDS and family

Public schools, magnet schools, private schools, charter schools, homeschool , online academies — When it comes to your child’s education, you definitely have options. How

to choose?

ants, for advice on navigating that decision process— We tapped Eleanor Munson, Ph.D., who leads Dallas Educational Consult es your child’s growth and development. so you can find the school that best meets your family’s needs and maximiz

Smaller school Uniforms required Dual-language program

words

ur o e r a what ?" s e v a h “must-

ALEXIS SON PATTER

Remember to schedule a tour.

DETERMINE YOUR “MUST-HAVES” – Maybe your child has a learning difference, and you need a school with a certain learning environment. A faith-based curriculum could be important. What are you able to spend on tuition? How far are you willing to drive? Do you definitely want a neighborhood public school, or perhaps a charter school with a particular focus?

THINK ABOUT YOUR WANTS – Now bring in your personal preferences. These may be aspects such as whether you want your child to wear a uniform, or what types of advanced programs (IB, AP, dedicated gifted classrooms versus a weekly program) that a school offers. If you want your child to get started on learning a second language, is that part of the curriculum?

DIVE DEEP INTO SCHOOL WEBSITES – “Typically school websites include the handbook, curriculum guide, course offerings and more,” shares Munson.

“Make a spreadsheet and note what schools have both your must-haves and your preferences.”

TOUR THE POSSIBILITIES – Munson recommends visiting as many schools as you can. “You’ll have a

sense of whether a school fits your child and your family,” she explains. Virtual tours may be available.

CHECK THE FINE PRINT – Admission requirements, application deadlines, zoning—make sure these details don’t derail your plans. Magnet schools and private schools have different admission processes than neighborhood public schools. Munson says to check the school website for info and call the office with any questions. If you’re interested in a particular campus, make sure your address is zoned for that school. (Don’t just check a real estate listing—it’s best to confirm.)

KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN – “If you are choosing a private or magnet school, be realistic about the competition and cast a wide net,” Munson advises. “Be sure you have at least one ‘safety school’ on your list.”

SEE HOW IT GOES – Munson points out that you haven’t committed your child for their entire education: “Things can change, and if you decide you haven’t found the best choice, you can move your child to a different school if you need to.”

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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PRIV SCH The

2022

Our comprehensive guide to Dallas-Fort Worth private schools

W EB SI TE

PH O N E

ALEXIS PATTERSON

AD D RE SS

SC H O O L

CI TY

COMPILED BY

Addison

Greenhill School

4141 Spring Valley Road

972/628-5400

greenhill.org

Addison

Trinity Christian Academy

17001 Addison Road

972/931-8325

trinitychristian.org

Allen

Guthrie School, The

598 Old Custer Road

972/596-6929

guthrieschool.com

Allen

Inspired Learning Academy

601 S. Greenville Ave.

214/509-8449

inspiredlearningacademy.org

Argyle

Liberty Christian School

1301 S. U.S. Highway 377

940/294-2000 libertychristian.com

Argyle

Selwyn School

2270 Copper Canyon Road

940/382-6771

selwynschool.org

Arlington

Burton Adventist Academy *

4611 Kelly Elliott Road

817/572-0081

burtonacademy.org

Arlington

Children's University

4621 Park Springs Blvd.

817/784-6655

childrensuniversity.com

Arlington

Flint Academy

2111 Roosevelt Drive

817/277-0620

flintacademy.com

Arlington

Grace Preparatory Academy

3300 W. I-20

817/557-3399

graceprep.org

Arlington

Green Oaks School

500 Houston St.

817/861-5000

greenoaksinc.org

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20

•

= SPECIAL NEEDS

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

•

= GIFTED

•

= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

*

= INFORMATION FROM 2021 LIST

VATE HOOL So, you’re consideringte the private school rou for your child.

List

t choices!

The good news: You’ve go t choices ... go ve u’ Yo s: w ne d ba e Th

H SC H O

LA

RS

IA L FI N AI AN D C

AN TU NU IT A IO L N

RM IF O

M U N

TO EN TAL RO LL

GR O AD FF E ER S ED

RE L AF IG FI IOU LI S AT IO

FO U N D ED

N

EN

T

IP S

That’s why we compile this chart eve ry year— to help you narrow the search based on your priorities, whether that’s locatio n, religious affiliation or price tag.

1950

None

Pre-K–12

1,339

No

$27,920–$34,580

Yes

No

1970

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

1,370

Yes

$10,500–$26,300

Yes

Yes

2014

None

Preschool–5

130

Yes

$14,800–$19,300

Yes

No

2017

None

5–12

25

No

$9,000

No

Yes

1983

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

1,107

Yes

$6,691–$19,442

Yes

No

1957

None

Preschool–12

113

Yes

$12,000–$26,500

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

2006

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

90

No

$8,000–$17,000

Yes

Yes

1992

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

506

Yes

$8,600

Yes

No

2000

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

35

No

$11,400

Yes

No

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

21

PRIVATE

The

PH O N E

W EB SI TE

Merryhill School

711 West Arbrook Blvd.

817/472-9494

merryhillschool.com

Arlington

Montessori Academy of Arlington, The

3428 W. Arkansas Lane

817/274-1548

tmaonline.org

Arlington

Northstar School

4620 Park Springs Blvd.

817/478-5852

northstarschool.net

Arlington

Oakridge School, The

5900 W. Pioneer Parkway

817/451-4994

theoakridgeschool.org

Arlington

Pantego Christian Academy

2201 W. Park Row Drive

817/460-3315

pantego.com

Arlington

Park Row Christian Academy

915 W. Park Row Drive

817/277-1021

parkrowchristian.net

Arlington

St. Joseph Catholic School

2015 SW Green Oaks Blvd.

817/419-6800

stjosephtx.org

Arlington

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School

1200 S. Davis Drive

817/275-5081

smgschool.org

Arlington

St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy

6900 U.S. Highway 287

817/561-3500

stpaulsprep.com

Azle

Azle Christian School

1801 S. Stewart St.

817/444-9964

azlechristianschool.org

Bedford

Midcities Montessori

209 Harwood Road, Ste. B

817/476-1647

midcitiesmontessori.com

Burleson

Holy Cross Christian Academy

1233 Tarver Road

817/295-7232

hccaburleson.com

Carrollton

Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center

4004 Midway Road

972/447-0532

popcs.org

Carrollton

St. Anthony School, The

2040 N. Denton Drive

214/443-1205

thestanthonyschool.com

Colleyville

Covenant Christian Academy

901 Cheek Sparger Road

817/281-4333

covenantchristian.net

Colleyville

Crown of Life Lutheran School

6605 Pleasant Run Road

817/251-1881

colschool.org

Colleyville

Inspire Academy

55 Main St., Ste. 280

817/803-5010

inspireacademytx.com

Colleyville

Waypoint Montessori

1513 Hall Johnson Road

817/354-6670

waypointmontessori.org

Coppell

Riverchase Montessori *

1555 Sandy Lake Road

972/218-0365

riverchasemontessori.com

Crowley

Nazarene Christian Academy

2001 E. Main St.

817/736-3113

nazarenechristianacademy.org

Dallas

Acton Academy Lakewood

2443 Abrams Road

214/868-6686

actonlakewood.org

Dallas

Akiba Yavneh Academy

12324 Merit Drive

214/295-3400

akibayavneh.org

Dallas

Alcuin School

6144 Churchill Way

972/239-1745

alcuinschool.org

Dallas

All Saints Catholic School

7777 Osage Plaza Parkway

214/217-3302

allsaintsdallas.org/school

Dallas

Ann and Nate Levine Academy

18011 Hillcrest Road

972/248-3032

levineacademy.org

Dallas

Bishop Dunne Catholic School

3900 Rugged Drive

214/339-6561

bdcs.org

Dallas

Bishop Lynch High School

9750 Ferguson Road

214/324-3607

bishoplynch.org

Dallas

Calvary Lutheran School

9807 Church Road

214/343-7457

calvarydallas.org/school

Dallas

Cambridge School of Dallas, The

9330 N. Central Expressway

214/357-2995

cambridgedallas.org

Dallas

Campbell Christian Academy

6623 Villa Road

972/596-5863

campbellchristianacademy.com

Dallas

Choices Leadership Academy

18106 Marsh Lane

972/662-0665

choicesleadership.org

Dallas

Christ the King Catholic School

4100 Colgate Ave.

214/365-1234

cks.org

Dallas

Coram Deo Academy - Dallas

6930 Alpha Road

972/385-6410

coramdeoacademy.org

Dallas

Covenant School, The

7300 Valley View Lane

214/358-5818

covenantdallas.com

Dallas

Dallas Academy

950 Tiffany Way

214/324-1481

dallas-academy.com

Dallas

Dallas Christian Academy *

4025 N. Central Expressway

214/528-6327

dallaschristianacademy.org

Dallas

Dallas International School

6039 Churchill Way

972/991-6379

dallasinternationalschool.org

Dallas

Dallas Lutheran School

8494 Stults Road

214/349-8912

dallaslutheranschool.com

Dallas

Episcopal School of Dallas, The

4100 Merrell Road

214/358-4368

esdallas.org

Dallas

Fairhill School

16150 Preston Road

972/233-1026

fairhill.org

•

SC H O O L

Arlington

CI TY

AD D RE SS

2022

= LEARNING DIFFERENCES

22

•

= SPECIAL NEEDS

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

•

= GIFTED

•

= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

*

= INFORMATION FROM 2021 LIST

SCHOOL SC H

LA RS H

FI N AI AN D C IA L

253

Yes

$12,000

No

Yes

Pre-K–6

178

No

$11,800–$16,140

Yes

No

2005

None

7–12

30

Yes

$16,000

No

Yes

1979

None

Preschool–12

700

Yes

$8,910–$24,950

Yes

No

1963

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

575

Yes

$14,000

Yes

No

1968

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–8

240

Yes

$7,000–$8,900

Yes

Yes

1995

Catholic

Pre-K–8

310

Yes

$7,689–$9,808

Yes

No

1954

Catholic

Pre-K–8

210

Yes

$8,235–$8,950

Yes

Yes

1988

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

235

Yes

$9,450–$12,300

No

Yes

2003

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

177

Yes

$5,700

No

No

2015

None

Preschool–12

45

No

$10,000

No

No

1993

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–8

220

Yes

$3,500–$8,500

Yes

No

1980

Lutheran, Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

620

Yes

$6,775–$19,700

Yes

Yes

1998

None

1–12

85

Yes

$22,300–$24,300

Yes

Yes

1979

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

560

Yes

$6,240–$18,782

Yes

No

1996

Lutheran

Preschool–8

134

Yes

$1,525–$10,700

Yes

No

2018

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

75

Yes

$13,300–$15,500

Yes

Yes

1971

None

Preschool–6

120

No

$11,275–$16,445

Yes

No

2014

None

Preschool–3

150

Yes

$10,550

No

No

1984

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

230

Yes

$6,035–$8,170

Yes

No

2019

None

Preschool–5

30

No

$10,747

No

No

1962

Jewish

Preschool–12

450

Yes

$10,000–$22,000

Yes

No

1964

None

Pre-K–12

580

No

$18,000–$32,000

Yes

No

1998

Catholic

Preschool–8

311

Yes

$8,935

Yes

Yes

1979

Jewish

Preschool–8

425

Yes

$10,000–$29,000

Yes

Yes

1961

Catholic

6–12

400

Yes

$14,370–$18,207

Yes

Yes

1963

Catholic

9–12

1,003

Yes

$19,700

Yes

Yes

1972

Lutheran

Pre-K–8

91

Yes

$7,100

Yes

No

2002

Christian – Nondenominational

5–12

100

Yes

$20,000–$24,000

Yes

Yes

1984

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–6

70

Yes

$4,500–$7,500

No

No

2005

None

K–5

100

Yes

$5,000

No

Yes

1947

Catholic

Pre-K–8

476

Yes

$10,000–$14,000

Yes

No

2006

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–11

297

Yes

$5,045–$8,990

Yes

No

1993

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

681

Yes

$8,350–$21,990

Yes

No

1965

None

1–12

165

Yes

$16,800–$24,135

Yes

No

1952

Adventist

Preschool–12

100

Yes

$4,650–$6,300

No

Yes

1991

None

Preschool–12

540

Yes

$19,700–$25,150

Yes

No

1974

Lutheran

7–12

161

Yes

$15,000

Yes

Yes

1974

Episcopal

Preschool–12

1,174

Yes

$24,345–$34,075

Yes

No

1971

None

1–12

130

Yes

$22,300–$22,900

Yes

No

O

IF N U

O

AN TU NU IT A IO L N

Preschool–7

None

RM

TO EN TAL RO LL

None

1981

RE L AF IG FI IOU LI S AT IO

1949

FO U N D ED

GR O AD FF E ER S ED

N

M EN

T

IP

S

List

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

23

PRIVATE

The

PH O N E

W EB SI TE

First Baptist Academy

7898 Samuell Blvd.

972/453-1321

fbacademy.com

Dallas

Fusion Academy Dallas

8128 Park Lane, Ste. 125

214/363-4615

fusionacademy.com

Dallas

German International School of Dallas *

12411 Templeton Trail

214/507-0130

german-isd.com

Dallas

Good Shepherd Episcopal School

11110 Midway Road

214/357-1610

gsesdallas.org

Dallas

Grace Academy of Dallas

11306A Inwood Road

214/696-5648

graceacademy.com

Dallas

Highlander School

9120 Plano Road

214/348-3220

highlanderschool.com

Dallas

Hillier School

3821 University Blvd.

214/525-6600

hillierschool.org

Dallas

Hockaday School, The

11600 Welch Road

214/363-6311

hockaday.org

Dallas

Holy Trinity Catholic School

3815 Oak Lawn Ave.

214/526-5113

htcsdallas.org

Dallas

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

12345 Inwood Road

972/387-8700

jesuitdallas.org

Dallas

Kessler School, The

1215 Turner Ave.

214/942-2220

thekesslerschool.com

Dallas

Kingdom Collegiate Academies - Dallas *

1821 W. Camp Wisdom Road

214/672-9200

kcacademies.org

Dallas

Lakehill Preparatory School

2720 Hillside Drive

214/826-2931

discover.lakehillprep.org

Dallas

Lamplighter School, The

11611 Inwood Road

214/369-9201

thelamplighterschool.org

Dallas

Mount St. Michael Catholic School

4500 W. Davis St.

214/337-0244

msmcatholic.org

Dallas

New Life Christian Academy

2626 Gus Thomasson Road

214/327-6522

newlifechristianacademy.net

Dallas

Notre Dame School of Dallas

2018 Allen St.

214/720-3911

notredameschool.org

Dallas

Oak Hill Academy

9407 Midway Road

214/353-8804

oakhillacademy.org

Dallas

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School *

7625 Cortland Ave.

214/351-3396

olphschooldallas.org

Dallas

Our Redeemer Lutheran School

7611 Park Lane

214/368-1465

ordallas.org

Dallas

Parish Episcopal School

4101 Sigma Road

972/239-8011

parish.org

Dallas

Preston Hollow Presbyterian School

9800 Preston Road

214/368-3886

phps.org

Dallas

Providence Christian School of Texas

5002 W. Lovers Lane

214/302-2800

pcstx.org

Dallas

Santa Clara of Assisi Catholic Academy

4550 W. Davis St., Building 4

214/333-9423

santaclaraacademy.org

Dallas

Scofield Christian School

7730 Abrams Road

214/349-6843

scofieldchristianschool.org

Dallas

Shelton School

17301 Preston Road

972/774-1772

shelton.org

Dallas

Southwest Adventist Junior Academy

1600 Bonnie View Road

214/948-1666

swaja.org

Dallas

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School *

1420 Old Gate Lane

214/321-2897

stbernardccs.org

Dallas

St. Cecilia School

635 Mary Cliff Road

214/948-8628

stceciliacatholic.org

Dallas

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School

4019 S. Hampton Road

214/331-5139

saintspride.com

Dallas

St. John’s Episcopal School

848 Harter Road

214/328-9131

stjohnsschool.org

Dallas

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road

214/346-8000

smtexas.org

Dallas

St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School

1716 Singleton Blvd.

214/748-2934

smcschool.org

Dallas

St. Monica Catholic School

4140 Walnut Hill Lane

214/351-5688

stmonicaschool.org

Dallas

St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy

8151 Military Parkway

214/381-4973

spsacatholic.org

Dallas

St. Philip’s School and Community Center

1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

214/421-5221

stphilips1600.org

Dallas

St. Pius X Catholic School

3030 Gus Thomasson Road

972/279-2339

spxdallasschool.org

Dallas

St. Rita Catholic School

12525 Inwood Road

972/239-3203

strita.net

Dallas

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

3741 Abrams Road

469/341-0911

staschool.org

Dallas

St. Timothy School, The

4333 Cole Ave.

214/521-6062

thesainttimothyschool.org

•

SC H O O L

Dallas

CI TY

AD D RE SS

2022

= LEARNING DIFFERENCES

24

•

= SPECIAL NEEDS

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

•

= GIFTED

•

= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

*

= INFORMATION FROM 2021 LIST

SCHOOL SC H

LA RS H

FI N AI AN D C IA L

310

Yes

$10,650–$14,650

Yes

No

6–12

90

No

$30,000–$60,000

No

Yes

2010

None

Preschool–4

113

No

$8,000–$12,000

No

No

1959

Episcopal

Pre-K–8

550

Yes

$13,000–$24,000

Yes

Yes

1974

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–6

220

Yes

$6,000–$13,000

Yes

No

1966

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–6

125

Yes

$3,390–$11,180

No

No

1968

Presbyterian

1–8

37

Yes

$16,100

Yes

Yes

1913

None

Pre-K–12

1,115

Yes

$28,950–$34,350

Yes

No

1914

Catholic

Preschool–8

135

Yes

$7,800

Yes

Yes

1942

Catholic, Society of Jesus

9–12

1,150

Yes

$21,650

Yes

Yes

1999

None

Pre-K–8

115

Yes

$11,000–$18,000

Yes

Yes

1984

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

500

Yes

$8,304–$12,900

Yes

Yes

1971

None

K–12

375

No

$12,000–$26,850

Yes

Yes

1953

None

Pre-K–4

470

No

$15,626–$28,074

Yes

No

1981

Catholic

Preschool–8

123

Yes

$7,300

Yes

No

1983

Baptist

Pre-K–12

33

Yes

$4,080

No

No

1963

Catholic

K–12

150

Yes

$11,000

Yes

No

1987

None

Preschool–12

135

Yes

$19,150–$27,050

Yes

Yes

1946

Catholic

Preschool–8

165

Yes

$4,675–$9,275

Yes

Yes

1960

Lutheran

Preschool–6

225

Yes

$10,900–$12,400

Yes

Yes

1972

Episcopal

Pre-K–12

1,150

Yes

$12,400–$33,100

Yes

No

1962

Presbyterian

K–6

125

Yes

$21,800–$22,600

Yes

No

1989

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–8

450

Yes

$17,000

Yes

No

1994

Catholic

Pre-K–8

144

Yes

$5,550

Yes

Yes

1961

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–6

235

Yes

$2,860–$11,900

Yes

No

1976

None

Pre-K–12

1,050

Yes

$17,800–$34,200

Yes

Yes

1929

Adventist

Pre-K–8

28

Yes

$4,250–$5,250

Yes

Yes

1948

Catholic

Preschool–8

150

Yes

$6,000–$8,000

Yes

Yes

1935

Catholic

Preschool–8

167

Yes

$5,925

Yes

Yes

1958

Catholic

Preschool–8

200

Yes

$7,995

Yes

No

1953

Episcopal

Preschool–8

500

Yes

$20,000

Yes

Yes

1906

Episcopal

1–12

903

Yes

$27,800–$35,600

Yes

No

1944

Catholic

Pre-K–8

148

Yes

$4,950–$5,550

Yes

Yes

1954

Catholic

Preschool–8

765

Yes

$8,600–$13,000

Yes

Yes

1955

Roman Catholic

Pre-K–8

311

Yes

$5,460

Yes

Yes

1946

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–7

250

Yes

$9,667–$10,619

Yes

No

1955

Catholic

Pre-K–8

173

Yes

$6,995

Yes

No

1964

Catholic

Pre-K–8

765

Yes

$8,750–$13,900

Yes

No

1947

Catholic

Pre-K–8

866

Yes

$11,650

No

Yes

2008

Anglican

Pre-K–12

52

Yes

$7,000–$10,000

Yes

Yes

O

IF N U

O

AN TU NU IT A IO L N

Pre-K–12

None

RM

TO EN TAL RO LL

Baptist

2014

RE L AF IG FI IOU LI S AT IO

1972

FO U N D ED

GR O AD FF E ER S ED

N

M EN

T

IP

S

List

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

25

PRIVATE

The

PH O N E

W EB SI TE

Torah Day School of Dallas

6921 Frankford Road

972/964-0090

tdsd.org

Dallas

Ursuline Academy of Dallas

4900 Walnut Hill Lane

469/232-1800

ursulinedallas.org

Dallas

Vanguard Preparatory School

4240 Sigma Road

972/404-1616

vanguardprepschool.com

Dallas

Wesley Prep

9200 Inwood Road

214/706-9568

wesleyprep.org

Dallas

Westwood School, The

14340 Proton Road

972/239-8598

westwoodschool.org

Dallas

White Rock Montessori

1601 Oates Drive

214/324-5580

whiterockmontessori.org

Dallas

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail

214/348-7410

whiterocknorthschool.com

Dallas

Winston School, The

5707 Royal Lane

214/691-6950

winston-school.org

Dallas

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Lane

214/363-1630

zlsdallas.org

Denton

Denton Calvary Academy

1910 E. University Drive

940/320-1944

dentoncalvary.org

Denton

Immaculate Conception Catholic School

2301 N. Bonnie Brae St.

940/381-1155

catholicschooldenton.org

Denton

Koan School

6441 Fishtrap Road

940/294-6520

koanschool.org

DeSoto

DeSoto Private School

301 E. Beltline Road

972/223-6450

desotoprivate.org

DeSoto

Kingdom Collegiate Academies - DeSoto *

1708 N. Westmoreland Road

214/672-9200

kcacademies.org

Fairview

North Texas Performing Arts Academy

302 Town Place

972/422-2575

ntpa.org/academy

Farmers Branch

Mary Immaculate School

14032 Dennis Lane

972/243-7105

mischool.org

Flower Mound

Coram Deo Academy - Flower Mound

4900 Wichita Trail

682/237-0232

coramdeoacademy.org

Flower Mound

Explorations Preparatory School

1501 Flower Mound Road

972/539-0601

explorationsprep.org

Flower Mound

Temple Christian Academy

2501 Northshore Blvd.

972/874-8700

templechristian.com

Flower Mound

Grace Christian Academy

3200 Firewheel Drive

972/539-7284

gcapatriots.org

Fort Worth

All Saints’ Episcopal School

9700 Saints Circle

817/560-5700

aseschool.org

Fort Worth

Alliance Christian Academy & Little Sprouts Preschool

13105 Harmon Road

817/439-8425

acaknights.com

Fort Worth

Anderson Private School for the Gifted, Talented & Creative

14900 White Settlement Road

817/448-8484

andersonschool.net

Fort Worth

Bethesda Christian School

4700 N. Beach St.

817/281-6446

bethesdachristianschool.org

Fort Worth

Calvary Christian Academy

1401 Oakhurst Scenic Drive

817/332-3351

cca-tx.org

Fort Worth

Cassata Catholic High School

1400 Hemphill St.

817/926-1745

cassatahs.org

Fort Worth

Christian Cottage Prep

N/A

817/975-6209

christiancottageprep.com

Fort Worth

Covenant Classical School

1701 Wind Star Way

817/820-0884

covenantfw.org

Fort Worth

Crossroads Christian Academy

5817 Waddell St.

817/378-0100

crossroadsftworth.org

Fort Worth

Fort Worth Academy

7301 Dutch Branch Road

817/370-1191

fwacademy.org

Fort Worth

Fort Worth Adventist Junior Academy

3040 Sycamore School Road

817/370-7177

fwaja.org

Fort Worth

Hill School of Fort Worth

4817 Odessa Ave.

817/923-9482

hillschool.org

Fort Worth

Holy Family Catholic School

6146 Pershing Ave.

817/737-4201

hfcsfw.org

Fort Worth

Jane Justin School

1300 W. Lancaster Ave.

682/303-9287

cookchildrens.org

Fort Worth

Key School

7950 John T White Road

817/446-3738

kcld.org

Fort Worth

Lake Country Christian School

7050 Lake Country Drive

817/236-8703

lccs.org

Fort Worth

Montessori School of Fort Worth

3420 Clayton Road E.

817/732-0252

msftw.org

Fort Worth

Mosaic Academy

1400 College Ave.

817/204-0300

mosaicacademy.org

Fort Worth

Nolan Catholic High School

4501 Bridge St.

817/457-2920

nolancatholic.org

Fort Worth

Southwest Christian School

6901 Altamesa Blvd.

817/294-0350

southwestchristian.org

•

SC H O O L

Dallas

CI TY

AD D RE SS

2022

= LEARNING DIFFERENCES

26

•

= SPECIAL NEEDS

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

•

= GIFTED

•

= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

*

= INFORMATION FROM 2021 LIST

SCHOOL SC H

LA RS H

FI N AI AN D C IA L

405

Yes

$7,499–$16,499

Yes

Yes

9–12

850

Yes

$24,900

Yes

Yes

1993

None

Pre-K–12

115

No

$22,000–$24,000

Yes

Yes

1968

Methodist

Preschool–6

448

Yes

$2,250–$14,645

Yes

No

1986

None

Preschool–12

300

Yes

$15,000–$22,000

Yes

Yes

1975

None

Preschool–8

150

No

$15,000

Yes

No

1964

None

Preschool–6

325

Yes

$12,000–$15,000

Yes

Yes

1975

None

K–12

160

Yes

$24,375–$33,830

Yes

No

1879

Lutheran

Preschool–8

254

Yes

$7,500–$11,700

Yes

Yes

1999

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

224

Yes

$6,800–$8,858

No

No

1995

Catholic

Pre-K–8

175

Yes

$5,100

Yes

Yes

2013

None

Pre-K–12

68

No

$7,500

No

Yes

1972

None

Preschool–6

270

Yes

$5,760

No

No

2019

None

Preschool–12

170

Yes

$8,000–$12,900

Yes

Yes

2018

None

6–12

80

No

$5,400–$7,800

Yes

Yes

1959

Catholic

Pre-K–8

390

Yes

$7,260

Yes

No

1999

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

772

Yes

$5,045–$8,990

Yes

No

2002

None

Pre-K–6

64

Yes

$12,500

Yes

No

1980

Baptist

K–12

140

Yes

$6,410

No

Yes

1970

Baptist

Pre-K–12

92

Yes

$5,500

No

No

1951

Episcopal

Preschool–12

1,190

Yes

$5,420–$24,620

Yes

Yes

2004

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

236

Yes

$5,000–$8,000

Yes

Yes

1995

None

K–12

21

Yes

$10,990–$15,990

Yes

Yes

1980

Christian - interdenominational

Preschool–12

537

Yes

$10,365

Yes

Yes

1979

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

333

Yes

$9,450

Yes

No

1975

Catholic

9–12

125

No

$1,500–$8,100

Yes

No

2001

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

35

No

$650–$7,500

Yes

No

1999

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

451

Yes

$12,570–$16,545

Yes

No

2004

Christian – Nondenominational

8–12

40

No

$2,100

No

No

1982

None

K–8

190

Yes

$20,293–$22,852

Yes

No

1996

Seventh Day Adventist

Pre-K–8

52

Yes

$4,050

Yes

Yes

1973

None

K–12

105

Yes

$18,600–$22,240

Yes

Yes

1945

Catholic

Pre-K–8

108

Yes

$8,100–$8,800

Yes

Yes

1962

None

Pre-K–12

74

Yes

$18,000

Yes

Yes

1966

None

K–12

85

Yes

$20,550–$20,800

Yes

No

1980

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

485

Yes

$5,000–$14,500

Yes

No

1968

None

Preschool–8

200

No

$5,000-$12,000

Yes

Yes

2000

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–7

75

No

$4,000–$5,000

No

No

1961

Catholic

9–12

704

Yes

$18,390

Yes

No

1969

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

886

Yes

$4,850-$20,950

Yes

No

O

IF N U

O

AN TU NU IT A IO L N

Preschool–8

Catholic

RM

TO EN TAL RO LL

Orthodox Jewish

1874

RE L AF IG FI IOU LI S AT IO

2002

FO U N D ED

GR O AD FF E ER S ED

N

M EN

T

IP

S

List

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

27

PRIVATE

The

PH O N E

W EB SI TE

St. Andrew Catholic School

3304 Dryden Road

817/924-8917

standrewsch.org

Fort Worth

St. George Catholic School *

824 Hudgins Ave.

817/222-1221

stgeorgecatholicschool.org

Fort Worth

St. Paul Lutheran School

1800 W. Freeway

817/353-2929

stpauleagles.org

Fort Worth

St. Peter’s Classical School

7601 Bellaire Drive S.

817/294-0124

stpetersclassical.org

Fort Worth

St. Rita Catholic School

712 Weiler Blvd.

817/451-9383

saintritaschool.net

Fort Worth

Temple Christian School

6824 Randol Mill Road

817/457-0770

tcseagles.org

Fort Worth

Texas Christian University Starpoint School

2805 Stadium Drive

817/257-6828

starpoint.tcu.edu

Fort Worth

Trinity Baptist Temple Academy **

6045 WJ Boaz Road

817/237-4255

tbta.tbtchurch.org

Fort Worth

Trinity Valley School

7500 Dutch Branch Road

817/321-0100

tvs.org

Fort Worth

Fort Worth Country Day

4200 Country Day Lane

817/732-7718

fwcd.org

Frisco

Frisco Montessori Academy

8890 Meadow Hill Drive

972/712-7400

friscomontessori.com

Frisco

Legacy Christian Academy

5000 Academy Drive

469/633-1330

legacyca.com

Frisco

Starwood Academy of Frisco

3443 Lebanon Road

972/885-8585

starwoodschools.com

Garland

Brighter Horizons Academy *

3145 Medical Plaza Drive

972/675-2062

bhaprep.org

Garland

Firewheel Christian Academy

5500 Lavon Drive

972/495-0851

firewheelca.org

Garland

Garland Christian Academy

1516 Lavon Drive

972/487-0043

garlandchristian.com

Garland

Good Shepherd Catholic School

214 S. Garland Ave.

972/272-6533

gscschool.org

Granbury

Grace Classical Christian Academy

1851 Weatherford Highway

817/771-4951

graceclassical.com

Grand Prairie

Immaculate Conception School

400 NE 17th St.

972/264-8777

school.icgrandprairie.org

Grapevine

Grapevine Faith Christian School

730 E. Worth St.

817/442-9144

grapevinefaith.com

Grapevine

Holy Trinity Catholic School

3750 William D Tate Ave.

817/421-8000

holytcs.org

Grapevine

Novus Academy, The

3400 William D Tate Ave., Ste. 1000

817/488-4555

thenovusacademy.org

Grapevine

Southlake Montessori

1105 W. Wall St.

817/557-7520

southlakemontessori.org

Haslet

Legacy Classical Christian Academy

12501 U.S. Highway 287

817/382-2322

legacyclassical.org

Heath

Fulton School, The

1626 Smirl Drive

972/772-4445

thefultonschool.com

Irving

Cistercian Preparatory School

3660 Cistercian Road

469/499-5400

cistercian.org/school

Irving

Highlands School, The *

1451 E. Northgate Drive

972/554-1980

thehighlandsschool.org

Irving

Holy Family Catholic Academy

2323 Cheyenne St.

972/255-0205

hfca-irving.org

Irving

Humanist Academy, The

4441 W. Airport Freeway

972/646-1085

thehumanistacademy.org

Irving

Islamic School of Irving *

2555 Esters Road

972/268-6716

islamicschoolofirving.org

Irving

Redeemer Montessori School

2700 Warren Circle

972/257-3517

redeemermontessori.org

Irving

Sloan School, The

3131 N. O’Connor Road

972/659-1199

thesloanschool.com

Irving

StoneGate Christian Academy *

1705 Esters Road

972/790-0070

sgca.net

Irving

St. Francis Montessori

545 Iris Drive

972/256-8592

stfrancisirving.org

Keller

DFW Performing Arts Conservatory

5700 Kroger Drive

817/888-1297

dfwpac.com

Keller

Harvest Christian Academy

225 Keller Parkway

817/485-1660

hcasaints.org

Keller

Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy

1308 Whitley Road

817/431-5486

mlcatexas.org

Keller

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

2016 Willis Lane

817/431-4845

seton.school

Keller

Trinity Preparatory Academy

12657 N. Caylor Road

817/683-1453

trinityprepkeller.org

Kennedale

Fellowship Academy

1021 N. Bowman Springs Road

817/483-2400

fellowship-academy.org

•

SC H O O L

Fort Worth

CI TY

AD D RE SS

2022

= LEARNING DIFFERENCES

28

*

•

= SPECIAL NEEDS

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

•

= GIFTED

•

= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

*

= INFORMATION FROM 2021 LIST

SCHOOL SC H

LA RS H

FI N AI AN D C IA L

580

Yes

$9,200

Yes

Yes

Pre-K–8

100

Yes

$6,100

Yes

Yes

1969

Lutheran

Pre-K–8

202

Yes

$4,500–$11,300

Yes

Yes

2005

Christian Orthodox

Preschool–12

96

Yes

$5,080–$11,800

Yes

No

1954

Catholic

Pre-K–8

132

Yes

$5,700–$6,500

Yes

Yes

1972

Baptist

Pre-K–12

367

Yes

$7,600–$9,700

Yes

Yes

1966

Disciples of Christ

1–6

60

Yes

$16,000–$18,000

Yes

Yes

1995

Baptist

Pre-K–12

140

Yes

$4,300

No

No

1959

None

Pre-K–12

1,017

Yes

$12,500–$24,920

Yes

No

1963

None

Pre-K–12

1,097

Yes

$10,540–$26,650

Yes

Yes

1998

None

Preschool–8

183

Yes

$7,760–$11,155

No

No

1999

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

1,109

Yes

$7,050–$20,340

Yes

No

2000

None

Preschool–8

260

Yes

$11,100–$17,400

No

No

1989

Islamic

Pre-K–12

800

Yes

$7,622

Yes

No

1981

Assemblies of God

Preschool–6

260

Yes

$6,000–$7,000

No

No

1972

Baptist

Preschool–12

291

Yes

$6,000–$10,000

Yes

Yes

1954

Catholic

Preschool–8

220

Yes

$6,475–$15,460

Yes

Yes

2012

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–11

99

Yes

$3,400–$8,135

Yes

Yes

1952

Catholic

Pre-K–8

132

Yes

$6,710

Yes

No

1999

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

845

Yes

$9,600–$18,250

Yes

No

1994

Catholic

Pre-K–8

240

Yes

$9,110

Yes

No

2014

None

K–12

50

Yes

$19,650–$20,850

Yes

No

2014

None

Preschool–6

37

No

$13,000–$15,000

Yes

No

2010

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

133

Yes

$3,000–$5,000

Yes

Yes

1987

None

Preschool–5

94

Yes

$9,500

No

No

1962

Catholic

5–12

357

Yes

$21,500–$23,700

Yes

No

1980

Catholic

Pre-K–12

354

Yes

$10,000–$16,000

Yes

Yes

1965

Catholic

Pre-K–8

140

Yes

$6,300

Yes

No

2016

None

Preschool–10

55

No

$6,050

Yes

Yes

1996

Islamic

Preschool–12

500

Yes

$5,800

Yes

No

1978

Episcopal

Preschool–6

137

Yes

$6,500–$9,050

No

Yes

1996

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–5

120

Yes

$9,400–$11,100

No

No

1976

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

100

Yes

$6,868–$8,493

No

Yes

2009

Catholic

Pre-K–6

145

No

$4,000–$5,500

Yes

No

2009

Christian – Nondenominational

4–12

25

No

$12,000–$15,000

Yes

Yes

1994

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

240

Yes

$11,500–$12,815

Yes

Yes

2001

Lutheran

Preschool–8

78

Yes

$2,200–$8,675

Yes

Yes

2000

Catholic

Pre-K–8

540

Yes

$7,500–$8,500

Yes

No

2008

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

310

Yes

$4,000–$4,700

Yes

No

2000

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

360

No

$7,000–$9,000

Yes

No

O

IF N U

O

AN TU NU IT A IO L N

Preschool–8

Catholic

RM

TO EN TAL RO LL

Catholic

1951

RE L AF IG FI IOU LI S AT IO

1954

FO U N D ED

GR O AD FF E ER S ED

N

M EN

T

IP

S

List

**

= INFORMATION FROM 2020 LIST DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

29

PRIVATE

The

PH O N E

W EB SI TE

Lakeland Christian Academy

397 S. Stemmons Freeway

972/219-3939

lakelandchristian.org

Lucas

Lucas Christian Academy

505 W. Lucas Road

972/429-4362

lucaschristianacademy.com

Mansfield

School of Lexia

1200 Clover Hill Road

682/422-9372

schooloflexia.org

McKinney

Cornerstone Christian Academy

808 S. College St.

214/491-5700

ccawarriors.com

McKinney

McKinney Christian Academy

3601 Bois D’Arc Road

214/544-2658

mckinneychristian.org

Mesquite

Dallas Christian School

1515 Republic Parkway

972/270-5495

dallaschristian.com

N. Richland Hills

E.A. Young Academy

8521 Davis Blvd.

817/427-4888

eayoungacademy.com

N. Richland Hills

Fort Worth Christian School *

6200 Holiday Lane

817/520-6200

fwc.org

N. Richland Hills

North Park Christian Academy

7025 Mid-Cities Blvd.

817/498-8456

northparknow.com

Plano

Bethany Christian School

3300 W. Parker Road

972/596-5811

planochristianschool.com

Plano

Coram Deo Academy - Collin County

9645 Independence Parkway

469/854-1300

coramdeoacademy.org

Plano

Einstein School, The

4011 W. Plano Parkway, Ste. 132

972/564-8040

theeinsteinschool.com

Plano

Faith Lutheran School

1701 E. Park Blvd.

972/423-7448

flsplano.org

Plano

Fusion Academy Plano

2400 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 180

972/525-8031

fusionacademy.com

Plano

Great Lakes Academy

6000 Custer Road, Building 7

972/517-7498

greatlakesacademy.com

Plano

John Paul II High School

900 Coit Road

972/867-0005

johnpauliihs.org

Plano

New Hope Christian Academy

1501 H Ave.

972/656-9951

explorenewhope.org

Plano

North Texas Performing Arts Academy

6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B216

972/422-2575

ntpa.org/academy

Plano

Pebblecreek Montessori

8104 Coit Road

972/908-3797

pebblecreekmontessori.org

Plano

Prestonwood Christian Academy Plano

6801 W. Park Blvd.

972/820-5300

plano.prestonwoodchristian.org

Plano

Prince of Peace Catholic School

5100 W. Plano Parkway

972/380-5505

popschool.net

Plano

Spring Creek Academy

6000 Custer Road, Building 5

972/517-6730

springcreekacademy.com

Plano

St. Mark Catholic School

1201 Alma Drive

972/578-0610

stmcs.net

Plano

St. Timothy Christian Academy

6801 W. Park Blvd.

972/820-5460

staplano.org

Prosper

Prestonwood Christian Academy North

1001 W. Prosper Trail

972/798-6780

north.prestonwoodchristian.org

Prosper

St. Martin de Porres Catholic School

4000 W. University Drive

469/362-2400

smdpcatholic.org

Richardson

Bridge Builder Academy

1221 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 209

972/516-8844

bridgebuilderacademy.com

Richardson

IANT Quranic Academy *

840 Abrams Road

972/231-8451

myiqa.org

Richardson

North Dallas Adventist Academy *

2800 Custer Parkway

972/234-6322

ndaacademy.org

Richardson

St. Joseph Catholic School

600 S. Jupiter Road

972/234-4679

stjosephccschool.net

Richardson

St. Paul Catholic Classical School

720 S. Floyd Road

972/235-3263

spsdfw.org

Rockwall

Heritage Christian Academy

1408 S. Goliad St.

972/772-3003

hcarockwall.org

Southlake

Clariden School, The

100 Clariden Ranch Road

682/237-0400

claridenschool.org

Southlake

Fusion Academy Southlake

301 State St., Ste. 200

817/416-0306

fusionacademy.com

Willow Park

Trinity Christian Academy

4954 E. I-20 Service Road S.

817/441-5897

tcaeagles.org

Wylie

Wylie Preparatory Academy

4110 Skyview Court

972/442-1388

wylieprep.com

•

SC H O O L

Lewisville

CI TY

AD D RE SS

2022

= LEARNING DIFFERENCES

30

•

= SPECIAL NEEDS

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

*

•

= GIFTED

•

= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

*

= INFORMATION FROM 2021 LIST

SCHOOL SC H

LA RS H

FI N AI AN D C IA L

232

Yes

$4,000–$7,500

Yes

Yes

Pre-K–12

400

Yes

$6,000–$8,000

No

No

2020

None

1–6

26

Yes

$5,000–$18,500

Yes

No

2004

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

370

Yes

$6,000–$9,000

No

No

1992

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

615

Yes

$7,325–$15,125

Yes

No

1957

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

500

Yes

$5,000–$20,000

Yes

No

2010

None

Pre-K–12

95

Yes

$12,500–$17,900

No

No

1958

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

600

Yes

$13,000–$18,000

Yes

No

1983

Baptist

Pre-K–4

23

Yes

$4,250–$4,850

No

No

1979

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

66

No

$3,825–$5,400

No

No

2004

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

520

Yes

$5,045–$8,990

Yes

No

2010

None

5–12

185

No

$15,000

Yes

Yes

1971

Lutheran

Preschool–12

145

Yes

$3,800–$10,600

Yes

Yes

2014

None

6–12

90

No

$30,000–$60,000

No

Yes

1996

None

4–12

120

Yes

$18,000–$20,000

No

No

2005

Catholic

9–12

700

Yes

$19,650–$20,825

Yes

Yes

2017

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–8

150

Yes

$9,750–$11,875

Yes

Yes

2018

None

6–12

80

No

$5,400–$7,800

Yes

Yes

2001

None

Preschool–6

75

No

$8,960–$13,400

Yes

Yes

1997

Baptist

Pre-K–12

1,530

Yes

$6,556–$23,376

Yes

No

1991

Catholic

Pre-K–8

788

Yes

$8,555

Yes

No

1996

None

1–12

130

Yes

$10,000–$12,000

No

No

1982

Catholic

Preschool–8

500

Yes

$8,555–$11,755

Yes

No

2006

Christian – Nondenominational

K–12

24

Yes

$22,350–$22,850

No

Yes

2014

Baptist

Pre-K–12

390

Yes

$6,556–$18,376

Yes

No

2012

Catholic

Pre-K–8

212

Yes

$7,500–$8,500

Yes

Yes

2006

None

K–12

40

No

$32,000–$40,000

Yes

Yes

2002

Islamic

K–12

200

Yes

$6,500

Yes

No

1984

Adventist

Pre-K–12

225

Yes

$6,000–$10,000

Yes

No

2002

Catholic

Pre-K–8

258

Yes

$7,900–$8,900

Yes

No

1957

Catholic

Pre-K–8

120

Yes

$7,000–$8,000

Yes

Yes

1995

Multi-denominational

Pre-K–12

400

Yes

$8,300–$12,200

Yes

Yes

1996

None

Preschool–12

170

No

$10,000–$20,000

Yes

No

2015

None

6–12

85

No

$30,000–$60,000

No

Yes

1993

Christian – Nondenominational

Preschool–12

535

Yes

$8,040–$13,320

Yes

No

2001

Christian – Nondenominational

Pre-K–12

315

Yes

$5,900–$9,600

Yes

No

O IF N U

O

AN TU NU IT A IO L N

Preschool–9

Christian – Nondenominational

RM

TO EN TAL RO LL

Baptist

2000

RE L AF IG FI IOU LI S AT IO

1992

FO U N D ED

GR O AD FF E ER S ED

N

M EN

T

IP

S

List

The information in this list is provided to DFWChild by the schools. It is based on the current academic year and subject to change.

To be eligible for inclusion, schools must offer at least three primary grades or four secondary grades.

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

31

School PROFILE SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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.

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

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

Our unique integration of the Montessori philosophy and the International Baccalaureate® program makes this possible. From the primary to elementary levels, our Montessori guides help students become decision makers, creative thinkers, and collaborative workers. At 6th level, students begin a new transition with International Baccalaureate® teachers, who mold their already inquisitive minds and help them become empathetic global citizens with a lifelong passion for learning.

Walter Sorensen Head of School

At Alcuin, teachers aren’t merely experts in their fields of study, they’re experts in child development. For us, the “status quo” isn’t enough.

Every child needs a unique pathway to achieve his or her potential.

We believe the combination of our Montessori and International Baccalaureate® programs do just that, and when that potential is realized, we believe our students will change the world.

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

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

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 with diagnosed learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, and memory and processing disorders.

Elizabeth Murski, M.Ed., LPC Head of School

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

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

Join us for our LIVE Open House Thursday, January 20th. See our website to register today!

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

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The network with six of the top 10 charter high schools in the nation and the top charter high school in Texas is coming to Fort Worth!

BASIS Texas Charter Schools offer world-class, tuition-free education for grades K–12 and we’re accepting applications for the 2022–2023 school year!

Please join our Interest List to stay up to date on all news and announcements related to BASIS Texas Charter Schools and our first campus in North Texas, BASIS Fort Worth-Benbrook.

BASIS Fort Worth - Benbrook Campus 8901 Vista Way Benbrook, TX 76126 enrollbasistx.com/benbrook

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

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

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

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

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

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

At Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA), we pride ourselves on academic and artistic excellence. Students, grades 3–12, are immersed in rigorous, conservatory style instruction in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts with the option to choose a fine arts endorsement before high school. Students are provided with unique opportunities to showcase their talent in school performances and art shows, as well as throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth community.

A proven leader in education, FWAFA ranks among the top public schools in Texas, and has consistently ranked among best high schools in the nation. Our curriculum is based on the National Core Art Standards and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) guidelines.

Additionally we offer Pre-AP and AP course offerings in all secondary subjects. Our highly-qualified faculty help prepare students for success in college and beyond, committed to engaging and challenging them along the way. Not content with mediocrity, FWAFA graduates advance to Ivy League universities and top colleges, appear on Broadway, television, and movie productions, and lead successful careers in many professional industries. At FWAFA, the stage is set for success!

Open enrollment dates are January 12–February 14. For more information about the admission process visit ArtsAcademics.org/apply.

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts 3901 S. Hulen St. Fort Worth, TX 76109 info@FWAFA.org 817-924-1482 ArtsAcademics.org/academies/fwafa

Feed your child’s natural curiosity.

As a charter school, we live by our mission — to develop leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training and partnerships with parents and the community. Our mission is built upon three values above all others — building trust, valuing people, and continually improving.

When you join the Life School family, we become partners in your child’s success. Together, we help your child be ready to learn, ready to lead, and ready for life. This includes a strong focus on Science and Mathematics. More than the subjects themselves, STEM contributes to critical thinking and creative problem solving. At Life School, students grow academically through hands-on exploration. Your child learns to ask strong questions, plan experiments, collect data, analyze information, collaborate, and solve problems.

This combined emphasis on values, leadership, and critical thinking helps prepare your child for his or her greatest potential.

Ready to Learn. Ready to Lead. Ready for Life.

Life School 132 East Ovilla Road, Suite A Red Oak, TX 75154 lifeschool.net

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Parish Episcopal School is celebrating its 50th Anniversary!

Since 1972, Parish’s focus has been the whole child and the whole family, nurturing students to thrive in a joyful, supportive and collaborative environment. As an inclusive Episcopal community, it strives for belonging for every member; the unmatched community connection that one experiences here – parents, grandparents, students, faculty/staff, alumni — is special.

Entering a celebratory year while previously being disconnected from one another due to a pandemic is challenging; however, in true Parish fashion, families rally to celebrate the School’s legacy. Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School, implores the community to “travel with an intentional commitment to reconnection to rediscover the joy that swells when we spend our days together.” That joy is evident at every turn in the halls of Parish and the growth that comes with it is palpable.

Building on its foundation throughout the last 50 years, Parish (PreK-12th grade), remains steadfast in its commitment to families while expanding the possibilities for students. From signature programs exploring leadership, STEM, global studies and more, to social/emotional programs ensuring student needs are met, to premier facilities in STEM, athletics and arts, including the recently opened 55,000sq.ft. Noble Family Performing Arts Center, the possibilities are infinite at Parish.

Join Mr. Monaco on February 2, 2022 at 9 a.m. to hear more. Visit parish.org/admission for registration details.

Parish Episcopal School 972-852-8737 parishepiscopal.org

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

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

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

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

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

Distinctively Christian As an interdenominational school, our biblically integrated curriculum is taught by teachers who daily model faith and reinforce the values of home and church.

By using a biblical worldview to form foundational understandings of responsible, proactive citizenship, we are preparing our students to be leaders in the world.

Schedule a visit to learn more about SCS by contacting us at admission@southwestchristian.org.

Southwest Christian School southwestchristian.org

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

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

Fort Worth, TX 76123

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

35

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The arts are a vital part to quality education and it is our mission to ensure we provide students with the opportunity to be empowered through arts education. At Texas School of the Arts (TeSA), students in grades K–5 are inspired to grow both academically and artistically. Our school offers an environment where children are encouraged to think creatively, innovate, and collaborate, paving the path to a promising future in any field they choose.

Unique to our curriculum, students are immersed daily in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts classes. Using National Core Arts Standards and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, teachers create individualized curriculum that meets the needs of every student, developing their artistic techniques and performative qualities.

Each year TeSA is ranked among the top public schools in Texas. Our low student to teacher ratios ensure each child is engaged and challenged at their individual level. A well-rounded education is the key to success in school and beyond. We strive daily to create a sense of community and belonging in our school and your child belongs here too.

Open enrollment dates are January 12–February 14. For more information about the admission process visit ArtsAcademics.org/apply.

Texas School of the Arts 6025 Village Pkwy.

Edgecliff Village, TX 76134 info@myTeSA.org 817-732-8372 ArtsAcademics.org/academies/tesa

Trinity Valley School offers extraordinary learning opportunities to children from Pre-Kindergarten through graduation. The TVS mission emphasizes fine scholarship and a wide range of constructive interests that promote lasting values, providing 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.

The Global Education Program connects students with partner schools worldwide to promote cross-cultural understanding.

The Trojan Outdoor Experience Program engages students in environmental education and outdoor adventure. Our campus has four extraordinary areas for play, including our new Ninja Warrior course. Unstructured play provides outstanding social and emotional development, and after time outdoors, students perform better in the classroom.

The TVS athletic program enhances students’ cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Students in grades K–8 have P.E. five days per week; Pre-K students, three days per week. In Upper School, TVS fields 68 teams representing 23 sports.

We educate the whole child. Come experience TVS with us!

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

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ESD is founded on the belief that every child is made in the image of a loving God and strives to ensure that every member of our community is known and loved, challenged, and nurtured. Our Hallmarks — academic rigor and excellence, strong sense of community, understanding of self, and faith informed foundation of values — guide all that we do.

David L. Baad

Hobson Family Head of School

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

ESD is a co-ed learning community of 1,170 students ages 3 through grade 12 representing 68 zip codes across the Metroplex.

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

Apply now at esdallas.org/apply

Is your child being challenged at school?

Are they bored by classwork, or excited by it?

At Fort Worth Academy, students engage in academically-challenging experiences focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation through a focus on project-based learning, STEAM lessons, and our signature E.L.I. Initiative. Small class sizes and one of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the DFW area make highly personalized attention possible. The result: students with more curiosity and more confidence.

A team of expert teachers empower young people to think critically, lead with empathy, and collaborate effectively in a diverse environment so that students can become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow. Students graduate as self-aware, self-driven, courageous,

and creative Trailblazers who are prepared for both academic and lifelong success.

Head of School Shannon Elders explains, “Everyone here contributes to a unique environment that removes the fear of failure, rewards intellectual risk-taking, and encourages curiosity and creativity through experiential learning.”

Key School has been the hallmark for serving students with learning differences in the Fort Worth area since 1966, truly pioneering the way. The school, which serves students in grades K–12, recently opened a new 12-acre campus in East Fort Worth to meet the needs of a growing population of children with learning differences.

and advocacy. In addition to Key School, KCLD programs include Key School Summer Program, Key Core Online and Key School Academic Language Therapy Training and Preparation (KSALT) program. For more information, visit us online at kcld.org.

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

With a small student to teacher ratio, every student can receive the individualized attention, support, and mentorship needed, making that one of the school’s greatest strengths.

Key School is a division of the Key Center for Learning Differences (KCLD) whose mission is to support students with learning differences through individualized instruction, training

Key School 7950 John T. White Road Fort Worth, TX 76120 817-446-3738 kcld.org

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

Whether you are considering home education for the first time, or seeking new options for your students we invite you to take a look at the distinct approach Mosaic Academy uses to empower home educators. A private, part-time school for home educators.

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

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

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

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

38

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

The Lamplighter School 11611 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75229 thelamplighterschool.org

Mosaic Academy 1400 College Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76104 817-204-0300 mosaicacademy.org

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

• Offering several local service projects and mission opportunities.

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

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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, extracurricular activities, and onsite extended care.

Schedule a tour today!

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.

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

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

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

Experience Ursuline Academy at our Adventure Camps and Athletic Camps. Give your child a summer filled with fun, creativity, curiosity, innovation, and friendship! Camps run weekly from June 6–July 28.

Ursuline Academy of Dallas 4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 469-232-1800 • www.ursulinedallas.org For information about admissions, scan the QR code:

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

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

39

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Grace Academy of Dallas is “Christ-Centered

Join Grace Academy this fall for a campus

and Future-Focused.” Grace Academy is located

tour and discover how your child can “grow

in the heart of Preston Hollow and serves

with grace!”

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.

Grapevine Faith exists to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders.

In partnership with Christian families, we educate children ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade. Faith offers a unique educational opportunity for students through a challenging, Christ-centered, biblicallybased school program with excellence in academics, athletics, and creative arts.

We strive to infuse a biblical worldview in every aspect of the school experience, and encourage ministry and mission-mindedness to the local community and beyond.

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

Faith is co-educational, evangelical, and college-preparatory with selective admission.

Upcoming Open Houses: January 25, February 15, March 22, and April 12.

Visit grapevinefaith.com/admissions for details and registration.

Grapevine Faith Christian School 730 E. Worth Street, Grapevine, TX 76051 grapevinefaith.com

Success Starts at Hill School.

You want your child to succeed. And we’re here to help. For nearly 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.

Every student can learn. And with the right skills and strategies, different learners can thrive. Call us today to discover the Hill School difference!

Founded in 1979, The Oakridge School is a coed, independent, college preparatory school in Arlington that serves students age 3 through grade 12 in a diverse, intellectually stimulating, and academically challenging environment. Our campus is home to nearly 700 students from 33 cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

We live our mission to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity.

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december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

Hill School of Fort Worth 4817 Odessa Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76133 817-923-9482 hello@hillschool.org hillschool.org

Fast Facts: • 100% of Graduates are accepted to 4-year colleges/universities • 50% of Faculty hold advanced degrees • 15 Sports offered

The Oakridge School 5900 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013 Office of Admissions: 817-451-4994 theoakridgeschool.org

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Suzanne Stell Executive Director Head of School

Why do parents love Our Redeemer?

We are a family with the common goal of creating an academically focused, joy-filled, and spiritually rich learning environment for all our students. Our rigorous academic programs are paired with character development, leadership skills, and good citizenship. Christian teachings and values are woven into every day through Bible stories, chapel time, and memory verses. Families can customize their child’s education with selections from our Enrichment Strands. Our Redeemer equips students to master their

future academic careers while molding them into well rounded, conscientious individuals.

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

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

therapy center, and outreach / training.

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

Our Redeemer Lutheran School 7611 Park Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225 214-302-5845 • ORDallas.org

For more information, scan the QR code

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

At St. John’s, children are not only taught to embrace and celebrate learning as a joyous, lifelong pursuit, but to proudly and courageously apply what they know, across all aspects of their lives.

St. John’s Episcopal School 848 Harter Road, Dallas 75218 214-328-9131 stjohnsschool.org

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, preparing students for the 21st century.

Now offering: • Part-time PK3: Choose 3 days/week (pick your days) or 5 days/week • Full-time PK3–8th grade

St. Mark Catholic School 1201 Alma Drive, Plano, TX 75075 972-578-0610 stmcs.net

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

41

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mr. Mike Skaggs Head of School

Mr. Skaggs came to TCA as secondary principal in 2000, serving in that role until assuming the title of Head of School in January 2012. He sees his job as consisting of two primary roles.

First and foremost, it is his duty to maintain the school’s vision and mission, keeping student discipleship and programmatic excellence at the heart of all areas of school life. Second, he works to equip the many wonderful people on staff at TCA with all they need to best fulfill their own roles.

Why is TCA a special place for you? “Simply put, it’s the people that make up the TCA family.

There just isn’t another group of people like our students, parents, teachers and staff anywhere else. They love God and one another well, and it is a privilege to serve alongside them all. I’m grateful that the Lord has me here at this season in the life of this wonderful school.”

“Enlightened Minds. Compassionate Spirits.” is the mantra lived out with intention since the school began 53 years ago. “Our program is based on the belief that children learn best when they feel confident, safe, nurtured, and challenged. That is the foundation and fabric of Wesley Prep,” said Linda Altick, executive director. Wesley Prep is known for having fabulous teachers and an environment which puts students first. They educate and prepare the whole child — academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The result is sixthgrade graduates who receive acceptances

to multiple schools and are prepared to be strong participants in their own futures.

Nestled beside a creek on wooded acreage in the Casa Linda area of East Dallas, White Rock Montessori serves approximately 170 students, ages three through 8th grade. The school was among the early Montessori elementary and middle schools in the nation and is recognized today as one of the city’s finest Montessori programs.

For the 2022–2023 school year, White Rock Montessori will expand its early childhood offerings with new year-round, full day toddler and primary programs for children ages 18 months to 6 years.

Rebbie J. Evans Head of School

42

Known for its ability to maximize the potential of bright students who learn differently®, The Winston School is a small college preparatory school that empowers students to face the challenges of tomorrow. Winston provides students an environment that supports and celebrates their individuality and creativity. Complementary to Winston’s exemplary academic experience are its dynamic programs in visual and performing arts, athletics, leadership and solar science.

Contact our admissions office to learn more or RSVP to our January 13, 2022 Open House.

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

Trinity Christian Academy 4954 E. I-20 Service Rd South, Willow Park, TX 76087 817-441-5897 • tcaeagles.org

Wesley Prep 9200 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75220 214-706-9568 admissions@wesleyprep.org wesleyprep.org

White Rock Montessori 1601 Oates Drive, Dallas, TX 75228 214-324-5580 whiterockmontessori.org For more information, contact us by scanning the QR code:

K–12th Grade, College Preparatory School The Winston School 5707 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 214-691-6950 info@winston-school.org winston-school.org

SCHOOL PROFILE / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION The Day School builds a firm foundation for children through partnering with families to educate the whole child within a nurturing Christian environment. The Day School is an atmosphere where families establish community.

We believes that each area of early development is an integral piece of early childhood growth and learning and are committed to modeling Biblical principles and helping their children develop personal relationships with Jesus Christ.

Carla Stanford, M.Ed. Executive Director

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

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. Fairhill’s highly qualified staff employ targeted interventions and academic support to build confidence, leading to academic success.

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

Contact us today to learn more!

The Day School at Highland Park Pres 3821 University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205 214-525-6500 thedayschool.org

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

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

As a Christian educator for 30 years, I believe that each child is unique, made in the image of God. We partner with parents to develop their child’s intellect and character, empowering them to serve God in today’s changing society.

Dr. Traci Tucker, Head of School

Dr. Terry J. Flowers Perot Family Headmaster

Register for our Admissions Coffee January 13, 2022

Since 1961, Scofield Christian School has provided children, 3K through 6th grade with an academically challenging, multi-sensory education, integrated with Biblical truths within a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Please call to schedule a personal tour.

Scofield Christian School 7730 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX 75231 214-349-6843 • office@scofieldchristian.org scofieldchristianschool.org/visit-scofield

January 20, 2022 marks Dr. Terry J. Flowers’ 38th year of service with St. Philip’s School and Community Center.

His experience and leadership led to the establishment of curriculum for St. Philip’s that emphasizes academic excellence, a positive self-image, and faith-based focus for life. Alongside the strong academic program are numerous collaborative social service and community development activities. This broad-based approach has established St. Philip’s as a model educational institution for inner-city schools — public, charter, and private.

PK2–7th grade *8th grade coming fall of 2023 St. Philip’s School & Community Center 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, TX 75215 214-421-5221 • stphilips1600.org

Westwood offers a special and unique environment where children establish the foundation for all future social relationships and academic success. We help children grow into caring young adults who are inquisitive, informed, and inspired to succeed in an ever-changing world.

The Westwood School 14340 Proton Road, Dallas, TX 75244 972-239-8598 westwoodschool.org

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special needs

SPECIAL advertising SECTION

EMPOWERING

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN TO MOVE MOUNTAINS

We serve children whose diagnoses may include Autism, ADHD, ADD, OCD and ODD • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

• Play Therapy

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

• Therapeutic Games and Books

• Social Skills Training and Problem Solving

• Parenting/behavior solutions— parent training and coaching

2–5 yrs old

Bridge Program 4–6 yrs old

Transition Program 7–10 yrs old

Maintenance Program 8–13 yrs old

LOCATIONS IN FLOWER MOUND, GRAPEVINE & TROPHY CLUB

Office: (972) 410-5297 Fax: (972) 410-5270

abc-pediatrics.com ©

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Early Intervention Program

special needs.

SPECIAL advertising SECTION

MAGIC & MUSIC

Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts offers classes in art, music and dance—as well as music therapy classes at Park Cities School of Music—for students with special needs, as young as 3 and up through teens. Call founder and owner Eva Brandys to schedule an evaluation and sign up for either private lessons or group classes alongside typical students. 7328 Gaston Ave., Suite 130, Dallas, 214/613-2020; lakewoodconservatory.com Fort Worth-based Heart and Harmony provides adaptive music lessons and music therapy in a home studio or in the student’s own home.

Ixndividual music lessons and therapy sessions are 30 or 60 minutes, typically once per week. Contact the studio to schedule a free phone or FaceTime consultation. 817/458-8813; heartandharmony.com

better with a beat For kids with disabilities, creativity is power WORDS HANNAH BUSH

ISTOCK

B

INAFER GRAY WAS LOSING HOPE.

The Mesquite mom had visited countless dance studios and was no closer to finding the right fit for her daughter.

By the time she stumbled upon Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts (LCFA), Gray had spent five long months studio shopping.

“We tried many different classes but they were either too packed or teachers would tell me she wasn’t ready for lessons,” Gray recalls. Olivia, 7 years old and un-

comfortable in group settings, was diagnosed with high-functioning autism last year.

After a long phone call with Anna Sessions, LCFA’s former director of dance, Gray took Olivia to try a class. It was a hit. “She went in to that first class and was shy for about 10 minutes,” Gray says. “She was doing things she was instructed to do … made her first friend, and it just flowed from there” Gray says.

Olivia is one of many students with disabilities thriving in standard classes at LCFA. Fundamen-

tals including movement, balance and rhythm are taught through a variety of activities tailored to the abilities of the students. A class favorite is “animal action,” where students emulate a specific animal while clapping to the music.

“By taking things kids are familiar with and having them act like that thing, they are telling their bodies what to do,” says Sessions.

This game of association enhances the students’ coordination and gives them the ability to use different parts of their brain all at the same time.

According to research published in Adapted Physical Activity and Kinesitherapy in 2014, dance activities also help people with disabilities develop autonomy and a sense of identity. By exploring different movements and seeing what their brains and their bodies can do, dancers become more self-aware—and ultimately more confident in their abilities.

Whether it’s dance, music or theater, Nicki Cohen, a professor of music therapy at Texas Woman’s University who has a doctorate in music education, says it is essential for all children to be involved in the arts—especially kids with disabilities. “The arts provide a sense of otherworldliness that is not found

in other experiences, which is so imperative for children who live in restricted settings,” she explains.

Dance and other art forms are accessible means of self-expression, a freeing realization for kids who may struggle with communication.

Madison Michel, a thirdgeneration music therapist at Heart and Harmony in Fort Worth, uses music to help her clients communicate and build other skills.

“For a student working on speech, we’ll use songs to help with sound … for a student with impulse control, we’ll work with drums … for a student working on cognitive skills, we’ll color-code the piano keys,” she explains. And for the kid who loves hard rock, Michel will frame the session around AC/ DC. “My main focus is getting the child motivated so we can then work on response through activity,” she says.

That’s one of the main advantages of the arts as a vehicle for learning a skill: It’s a great motivator. Kids want to dance. They want to play music. They want to create.

But don’t be fooled by the fun. “The foundations of music therapy are so much more advanced than just showing up to a session and listening to music,” says Michael Zanders, who has a doctorate in music therapy and is coordinator of music therapy studies at Texas Woman’s University. “We know that music affects the brain. Elements of music— rhythm, harmony or melody—access areas of the brain that are not normally used.”

He goes on to add that the success of music therapy is not dependent on musical ability but rather creativity. Like dance, music gives kids with disabilities a sense of autonomy and the tools and confidence to express themselves creatively.

Michel believes that creativity is power: “The most powerful thing [is] giving our clients the ability to take control and create music.”

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special needs

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SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND ESTATE PLANNING Sign up for Free Workshops at weekslawfirm.com/news-events

5600 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 105 Plano, Texas 75024 214-269-4290 weekslawfirm.com

ABA therapy is the best gift for a child with autism.

Decades of research show Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the recommended standard of care for autism.

ABA is scientifically proven to help children learn important social, self-help, language, motor, and academic skills they need to reach their full, wonderful potential.

Pediatric Home Health Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy

As your Behavioral Health Center of Excellence®, we’ll help you discover all the benefits of ABA therapy and put your child on a path to success.

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It’s always a season of hope at The Behavior Exchange.

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DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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special needs

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Estate Planning Probate Guardianship Christene “Chris” Krupa Downs

214.556.3862

chris@krupadownslaw.com krupadownslaw.com 8105 Rasor Blvd, Ste. 61 Plano, TX 75024

CAMP SUMMIT IS A YEAR-ROUND BARRIER-FREE CAMP FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, AGES 6–99.

• Preschool through high school • Small class sizes

• Rolling admissions throughout school year

• On-site therapy (speech, OT, and DIR Floortime) • Preschool and kindergarten classes taught by licensed speech therapists

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Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to providing individualized academic and social-emotional learning programs not found in traditional learning environments. Through a multi-sensory instructional model, we take a whole-child approach, preparing our students for life after graduation.

9407 MIDWAY ROAD, DALLAS 75220 | 214-353-8804 | oakhillacademy.org

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©

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2021-2022.

JOIN US FOR ARCHERY, FISHING, SWIMMING, ROPES COURSE & ZIP-LINE, ARTS & CRAFTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, SCIENCE, S’MORES AND MORE!

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CREATIVE + INTEGRATED approaches to speech + feeding therapy

Rapid Prompting Method is a teaching method for people with autism that leads to meaningful communication.

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Our safety measures include: + Checking temperature at door + Wash hands upon entering and leaving + Clean and sanitize rooms between each client + All therapists and clients wear face shields 7002 Lebanon, Suite 102 Frisco, TX 75034 469-408-4634 • F: 972-618-1051 walkeztalkez@gmail.com

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Looking for fun things to do with your family?

Visit our calendar: dfwchild.com/calendar Scan with your phone’s camera

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

49

PROMOTED CONTENT | EXPERT ADVICE

Expert

ADVICE

2 1

Q&A WITH 7 LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

ABA THERAPY

Alexis Bryant, BCBA, LBA ABC-Pediatrics Flower Mound, Trophy Club, Grapevine 972/410-5297

MY CHILD WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER… WHAT NOW?

Every parent’s process following diagnosis will be different and it is important to take the time needed to grasp what this will mean for your child and your family. There will be lots of questions and having supports to help you begin to understand can be vital in this process. It is likely your diagnosing practitioner provided you a list of resources to research, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

Today, if you google ABA services near me you will find an overwhelming number of providers. So how do you find the right fit? It is essential to look around and tour different places. You want a provider that is going to be well versed in programming individualized to your child, has a reasonable caseload size so your child gets the oversight and time they need, and is going to be able to guide and support you as the parent.

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PROMOTED CONTENT | EXPERT ADVICE

INFECTIOUS DISEASES Mary Suzanne Whitworth, MD Cook Children’s Health Care System 1500 Cooper St. Fort Worth 682/885-1485

WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINATIONS?

2

Talk to your Cook Children’s doctor to learn more about vaccine safety and benefits. When your child is eligible, we can provide vaccines to keep them as healthy as possible.

IS MY CHILD AT RISK FOR MYOCARDITIS OR OTHER HEART PROBLEMS?

CAN THE COVID-19 VACCINE INTERFERE WITH OR CHANGE MY CHILD’S DNA (GENES)?

As with all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine does have some reported side effects, including myocarditis (swelling of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue covering the heart). SARS-CoV-2 virus infection has been shown to cause these complications and they can be serious and even life-threatening. The risk of developing these complications is much higher if you catch the actual virus infection than it is if you get the vaccine. The risk of myocarditis and pericarditis from the vaccine is very low. Almost all myocarditis and pericarditis cases due to the vaccine have been mild and resolved quickly when treated.

No. Your body uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to give instructions to your cells. The mRNA molecules tell your cells to make the spike protein that is present on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Your body sees it as a strange protein and makes antibodies to fight the virus. Once the mRNA molecules deliver the message, they break down inside your body.

WILL MY CHILD HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE VACCINE? There have been some allergic reactions to vaccines. This occurs in only two to five people per million vaccine doses. It is very rare.

MY CHILD ALREADY HAD COVID-19.

SHOULD THEY STILL GET VACCINATED? Yes. If your child had COVID-19, it is possible for them to catch this virus again. Not everyone has a good immune response when they get infected, but if they get vaccinated, their immune response to protect them against future infections is actually higher than those who get vaccinated and were never infected.

The vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing future cases of serious COVID disease.

SHOULD I WAIT TO VACCINATE MY CHILD? With kids back in school, they are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19. The delta variant spreads quickly, and it’s more contagious and more likely to affect children. The longer people wait to get vaccinated, the more the virus can spread. Viruses that spread also tend to change (or mutate) and make new variants. Getting vaccinated is the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19.

HOW DO I KEEP MY CHILDREN SAFE BEFORE THEY CAN GET VACCINATED? • Wear a mask when indoors or in crowded places.

• Maintain social distance (approximately 6 feet apart), especially indoors.

• Avoid indoor activities when possible, such as dining in restaurants, playing sports inside or going to indoor play areas.

• Keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth.

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

CAN THE COVID-19 VACCINE CAUSE INFERTILITY? No, there is no evidence that the vaccine causes infertility for men or women.

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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PROMOTED CONTENT | EXPERT ADVICE

COUNSELING Dean Beckloff, PhD, LPC-S Beckloff Behavioral Health Center 17210 Campbell Rd. Dallas 972/250-1700

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I’VE BLOWN UP AT MY KID? I MEAN, WHEN I’VE REALLY BLOWN IT?

3

Thanks for your question. No one likes to blow their stack at their child.

Many of us feel guilt and remorse, and a desire to not let that happen again. I know, I’ve done it with my children. What you do about it afterward is important. And that is, to take responsibility—apologize.

It’s no use acting as if what we did was OK. Our kids know when we’ve blown it. If we’re going to expect our children to take responsibility for their actions, we must model that as well. And probably, the first step is dealing with the wrong, with abject honesty… We blew it and we state that to them. ‘Honey, I’m sorry and I hope you can forgive me.’ Be as unflinching in your apology as you were when yelling.

Most kids get it. They understand these immense feelings. They’ve felt them too. Tomorrow’s another day.

Ask for forgiveness, and give forgiveness. Then we can move forward.

ABA THERAPY Tammy Cline-Soza, MS, LBA, BCBA

The Behavior Exchange Plano Hive: 6105 Windcom Court, Suite 400, Plano, TX 75093 Frisco Hive: 8501 Wade Blvd, Building 12, Frisco, TX 75034 972/312-8733 | enroll@behaviorexchange.com

4

CAN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM LEARN AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL?

Yes! With expert, caring ABA therapy, children with autism and other developmental concerns can have a brighter future with their families.

• After decades of research and use, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) has become the recommended standard of care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

• ABA helps children build important life skills, including compliance, instruction following, reading, language and communication, sibling relationships, age-appropriate play and social interaction, and self-help skills.

• Early intervention is key. Children as young as 18 months can benefit from ABA therapy.

The Behavior Exchange recommends you seek help if you suspect a diagnosis. We’ve been a trusted ABA provider to North Texas families for more than 20 years and are proud to have earned accreditation as a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence®.

• Our unique approach to ABA promises expert therapists, care beyond compare, and lots of fun – from our colorful and creative learning environments to our extensive, propriety curriculum designed by our very own BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts).

• We provide a range of ABA therapy services that are highly individualized for each child. Most children start in One-on One Therapy, then graduate to B.E.E.S., the Behavior Exchange Early Start program for preschoolers, or to Social Skills Group, for school-aged children.

• We also have a fun Summer Camp, along with Parent Training and many other services for children and siblings.

• All of our services are covered by insurance, so we’re an in-network provider with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Magellan Health, United Healthcare, and TRICARE. There is hope for your child and family. Call or email to learn how we can help!

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PROMOTED CONTENT | EXPERT ADVICE

PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

6

Bruce Schlomer, MD

UT Southwestern Pediatric Group at Plano 7609 Preston Road, 1st Floor, Suite P1100 Plano 469/497-2500

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD SEE A PEDIATRIC UROLOGIST?

SPEECH THERAPY Caroline Smith, MS, CCC, ASDCS Speech-Language Pathologist, Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinical Specialist Summit Therapy Services 4500 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 140 Frisco 469/331-9933

MY CHILD IS 2 AND NOT YET TALKING. WE’VE BEEN TOLD TO USE THE “WAIT AND SEE” APPROACH. SHOULD THEY HAVE A SPEECH-LANGUAGE EVALUATION OR IS IT TOO EARLY?

5

In my experience, when parents have a concern about their child’s speech and language development at an early age, an evaluation is typically warranted. Parents know their children best.

When looking at your child’s communication, observe their speech (sounds and words) and language (overall understanding and communication). If you feel your child is struggling or having difficulty in any of these areas, an evaluation is necessary.

A comprehensive evaluation includes a family-centered approach with the assessment of a child’s use of speech, gestures, eye contact, and their responses to the play, behavior, gestures, and speech of others.

A pediatric speech-language pathologist will help you navigate developmental milestones to determine if therapy is needed. Remember: early identification is the key to success!

When your child is in pain or experiencing significant discomfort from symptoms caused by a complication with their kidney, bladder, urinary tract, or genitalia, it can be particularly difficult to pinpoint the problem or even get them to talk about.

Pediatric urologists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating urinary tract and genital organ problems in infants, children, and teens. We help our young patients and their parents deal with everything from bedwetting to kidney stones and from urinary tract infections to inguinal hernias.

It can be stressful to learn your child might need to see a pediatric urologist, but it doesn’t automatically mean something is terribly wrong or that surgery will be necessary. In fact, although we are expert surgeons, less than half of our patients need surgery.

To request an appointment, call 469/497-2500 or visit utswmed.org/pediatric-urology.

DFWCHILD | december 2021/january 2022

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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.

Irving Archives and Museum has it all!

STEM, Invention Lab, History and so much more!

Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10AM–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 brings a first-of-its-kind to Texas, a Smithsonian Spark!Lab. 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

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STEM GUIDE //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Feed your child’s natural curiosity.

As a charter school, we live by our mission — to develop leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training and partnerships with parents and the community. Our mission is built upon three values above all others — building trust, valuing people, and continually improving.

When you join the Life School family, we become partners in your child’s success. Together, we help your child be ready to learn, ready to lead, and ready for life. This includes a strong focus on Science and Mathematics. More than the subjects themselves, STEM contributes to critical thinking and creative problem solving. At Life School, students grow academically through handson exploration. Your child learns to ask strong questions, plan experiments, collect data, analyze information, collaborate, and solve problems.

This combined emphasis on values, leadership, and critical thinking helps prepare your child for his or her greatest potential.

132 East Ovilla Road, Suite A Red Oak, TX 75154 lifeschool.net

Prince of Peace Christian School Home of the POPCS SmartLab® Prince of Peace Christian School’s 3,000 square foot SmartLab® is a hands-on, immersive learning environment where students explore and discover a wide range of applied technologies. POPCS SmartLab® activities include robotics, software engineering, mechanics and structures, circuitry, scientific data and analysis, alternative energy, computer graphics, and digital media arts.

Students engage in authentic first-hand experiences, building interest and inspiring interest in STEM activities in the years to come!

COMING FALL 2022! Plans are being finalized for an additional 1,200 square foot SmartLab® that will serve POPCS Middle and Upper School students!

This addition will make POPCS one of only two schools in Texas with a K–12 SmartLab® program!

4004 Midway Road Carrollton, Texas 75007 popcs.org

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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

Authentic and Experiential STEAM Fort Worth Academy challenges students through a collaborative approach that rewards intellectual risk-taking and encourages the pursuit of excellence.

Immersive experiences engage students while advanced academics 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.

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

Shelton STEM+ Full STEAM Ahead Fostering exploration, innovation, creation, collaboration. Something for everyone: Robotics Team, Grades 6–8 • Coding, Grade 1 and above • Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality • HTML and web design • Maker space, 3D design, modeling and printing • Engineering classes/club • Problem-solving experiences • Gaming and 3D Animation • Robust summer and after-school activities • Expansive fine arts Shelton School & Evaluation Center 17301 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75252 972-774-1772 • shelton.org

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Family Fun DIRECTORY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Altitude Trampoline Park

altitudetrampolinepark.com

Crockett Row at West 7th crockettrow.com 469/231-8707

Dallas Arboretum

dallasarboretum.org 214/515-6615

The Dallas Opera

dallasopera.org/seasons/family-performances 214/443-1000

Altitude Trampoline Park is the destination for active family fun! Featuring thousands of square feet of indoor trampolines and exciting attractions, it's always a great time to jump in. Six locations in DFW. See ad on page 14.

Carriage rides Thursday–Sunday until Dec. 19, holiday specials, Instagram-able photo opportunities, and more! See ad on page 61.

Holiday at the Arboretum features more than one million lights, visits with Santa, The Christmas Village with a scavenger hunt, write letters to Santa, and the new 50 foot Dazzling Musical Tree. Reservations required.

Family shows! Stories with music—that’s what opera’s all about! Fun, kid-friendly events with The Dallas Opera. See ad on page 7.

Galleria Dallas

Saturdays, Dec. 11 and 18: Story time with Mrs. Claus on Level 3 near Play Place at 10am and Slappy’s Holiday Circus on Level 1 in front of Zara at 1pm and 3pm. Free. See ad on page 11.

Gaylord Texan

There's no better way to celebrate Christmas than at Gaylord Texan. With dozens of exciting activities and events including the all-new Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™.

(Nov. 12, 2021–Jan. 2, 2022) See ad on page 3.

galleriadallas.com/holiday 972/702-7100

christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com 817/778-1000

Kimbell Art Museum kimbellart.org 817/332-8451

Magic of Lights in Little Elm magicoflights.com/littleelm

Holiday family fun at the Kimbell: Art-making activities, dual-language story times, and close looking explorations are available all month long! See ad on page 58.

Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Little Elm Park. Closed to cars Dec. 4 for free walk-through night. Closed Dec. 31. See ad on page 66.

Museum of the American Railroad

TrainTopia features operating large-scale trains traversing exquisitely crafted landscapes with breathtaking scenery. The closer you look, the more you will discover in this detailed miniature world with ever-changing dramatic lighting. Fun for the entire family! See ad on page 61.

North Texas Performing Arts

Christmas comes to life on stage in NTPA's 11th annual production of Scrooge the Musical performing Dec. 8–19. Plus check out theatre camps, Intro to Acting, and Tech Theatre classes for students in grades K–8. See ad on page 12.

Panther Island Ice

Enjoy ice skating 7 days a week at Panther Island Ice! Fort Worth’s outdoor skating rink returns to Coyote Drive-In Nov. 19–Jan. 17. Enjoy free parking, a full menu and bar and more.

historictrains.org 214/428-0101

ntpa.org 972/422-2575

pantherislandice.com 817/698-0700

Reunion Tower

reuniontower.com 214/712-7040

The Ball invites you to GeO-Deck the halls and spread the holiday cheer at 470 feet above Dallas with festive events, views and more!

The Shops at Highland Village

Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, Elf at The Shops, Santa photos, Santa brunch, Victorian carolers, and a 65-foot Christmas tree light and sound spectacular this holiday at The Shops! Visit website or Facebook for details. See ad on page 67.

The Shops at Legacy North

The Legacy North Pole is happening on Sunday, Dec. 12 from 11am–2pm and will feature Santa, live reindeer, ice slides, the Grinch, real snow play areas, games, ornament decorating, and more! See ad on page 58.

Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery

Join Vetro for an exciting chance to help create your own unique work of art forged from molten glass. Create family traditions this season by making flared bowls and glass ornaments! Online registration is required. See ad on page 7.

theshopsathighlandvillage.com/events 972/317-7500

shopsatlegacy.com 469/231-8707

vetroartglass.com 817/251-1668

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Celebrating Turner Family Weekend Art kits, gallery guides, and video demonstrations for kids highlight connections with Turner’s Modern World.

January 8 & 9 | 1–3 pm Visit kimbellart.org/calendar for more details.

FORT WORTH

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FOR DAILY

DF

EN TS

W C H I L D .C

EV

O

playbook M

VI S

IT

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Through December 23

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHIP TOMPKINS, PRESENTED BY HAPPY STATE BANK AND SPONSORED BY FRANK KENT

D E C E M B E R & JA N UA RY ➽ T H E M O S T M A G I C A L E V E N T S F O R A H A P P Y H O L I D AY S E A S O N

PADDINGTON SAVES CHRISTMAS

December 5–23

DALL AS CHILDREN’S THEATER, DALL AS

In DCT’s first live production of the season, it’s all about Paddington Bear’s all-time favorite snack—marmalade jam. Things get sticky when the accident-prone bear runs out of sugar and asks to borrow some from the neighbor, but the chaos returns to order just in time for the holiday. Tickets from $17.

214/740-0051; dct.org

THE NUTCRACKER

December 10–26

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH

For the ultimate classical Christmas experience, there’s no skipping the Texas Ballet Theater’s professionally produced and most extravagant production. Tickets from $25. For parents who want a less classical, more raucous Christmas, book your seats ASAP for the one-nightonly performance of The Nutty Nutcracker on Dec. 17.

877/828-9200; texasballettheater.org

THE ELF ON THE SHELF: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

Journey, open through Jan. 2 in Arlington. (See Winter Break on page 64 for more details). 214/880-0202; attpac.org

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE, DALL AS

December 11

December 11

These elves don’t sit idly on the shelf. Instead, they jump, sing and dance in a full chorus line in this live show with a story that expands on the original. Tickets from $34.20.

For more fun with Santa’s Scout Elves, visit The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday

THE POLAR EXPRESS KLYDE WARREN PARK, DALL AS

OK, we will never support the idea of kids sneaking out of the house at night to hop on a train and skip town, but we will also never stop loving this Christmas movie or the darling children’s book

on which it’s based. Let your littles play lawn games and in the Children’s Park playground until the movie starts after dark. 214/716-4500; klydewarrenpark.org

ARLINGTON HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE

December 11

ARLINGTON CIT Y HALL, ARLINGTON

The Christmas parade steps off at 6pm and travels through downtown and University district. Follow the parade to Founders

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playbook / T H I N G S

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from Ebenezer? Witness him reach his epiphany—that life is short and you should be nice to people—in this musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, presented by the Artisan’s Main Stage company.

Choose your seats online for your preferred view of the theater-in-the-round. $28 adults; $15 children.

817/284-1200; artisanct.com

➽ ENCHANT CHRISTMAS

RUDOLPH THE REDNOSED REINDEER

Through December 23 CASA MAÑANA, FORT WORTH

GRAND HOLIDAY ICE SHOWS

December 12

GALLERIA DALL AS, DALL AS

Mirai Nagasu, an Olympic figure skater and Dancing with the Stars alum, and the Galleria’s ice-skating Santa known as “Missile Toes” perform live on the ice around the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree.

Families can rent their own private “pod” to view the show; they’re each $150 and hold up to six people. Proceeds benefit the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA. 972/702-7100; lecpta.org

HOLIDAYS AT THE HEARD

December 17–18

HEARD NATURE SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY

Bundle up in your mittens and gloves to take a hike down the Heard’s half-mile nature trail for a holiday view of the animatronic dinosaurs lit up in holiday splendor. Then join the 60

TEXAS WILD! WONDERLAND

Through December 19

ART STROLLER TOURS

December 29 and January 26 DALL AS CONTEMPORARY, DALL AS

For a change of pace, take a stroll through the Dallas Contemporary’s current exhibitions during these monthly tours led by educators and designed specifically for parents of littles ones 24 months and younger. The next scheduled tours focus on Ilya + Emilia Kabakov’s Paintings About Paintings on Dec. 29 and Peter Halley’s Cell Grids on Jan. 26, each followed by age-appropriate activities in the galleries.

FREE 214/821-2522; dallascontemporary.org

HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM

Through December 31 DALL AS ARBORETUM, DALL AS

This season of exhibits and special entertainment features the return of its glass-encased gazebos inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas” song, the European-style Christmas Village, and the new 50-foot-tall musical tree. Daytime admission: $17 adults; $12 children; under 2 free. Come on select

evenings to see all the sparkle after dark: Adults from $15; children from $13. 214/5156615; dallasarboretum.org

A NASH FARM CHRISTMAS

Through December 31

NASH FARM, GRAPEVINE

Get a small glimpse into how Grapevine’s earliest settlers celebrated the holidays by joining ornament making, cookie baking and Victorian card printing on select days during the Christmas season (fee varies by activity). But don’t miss the Farmstead Christmas Celebration on Dec. 11 for crafts, music and refreshments. $5. 817/4103185; grapevinetexasusa. com/christmas

ENCHANT CHRISTMAS

Through January 2

FAIR PARK, DALL AS

Not seen in Dallas-Fort Worth since 2018, this holiday experience is back for more magical nights at the Fair Park Esplanade.

Join the search for Santa’s missing gifts lost inside the Christmas Light Maze and slip on rented blades for a go around the ice-skating trail. Take note: This is no mere rink but a path that winds in and around the lighted forest. Tickets from $20 for adults; from $25 for children; under 2 free. 833/362-6445; enchantchristmas.com

➽ THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK

FORT WORTH ZOO, FORT WORTH

Come experience the zoo’s inaugural holiday fun with snowfalls every half hour, strolling characters, songs with Mrs. Claus and elf puppet shows on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19, and be sure to stop by Elephant Springs to catch a glimpse of the new Asian elephant baby, Brazos. Free with admission: $16 adults; $12 children; under 2 free. $20 for photos with Santa. 817/759-7555; fortworthzoo.org/wonderland

SCROOGE THE MUSICAL

Through December 21

ARTISAN CENTER THEATER, HURST

What is the holiday season without our annual lesson

december 2021/january 2022 | DFWCHILD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ENCHANT STUDIOS; KATHY CARTER; DALLAS ARBORETUM, BRET REDMAN

The closest you’ll come to an authentic Victorian Christmas may be this 49th annual festival at Old City Park, where carolers dress up in period gowns and Father Christmas (not “Santa”) wears a green suit instead of red. Say hello to the resident donkeys Willie and Waylon and hop on a hayride around the village of restored buildings and homes circa 1840–1910. Adults 21 and up are welcome to join Cocktails by Candlelight on Dec. 10. 214/421-5141; dallasheritagevillage.org

D

DALL AS HERITAGE VILL AGE, DALL AS

AR

CANDLELIGHT

December 11–12

The performing arts theater party at the outdoor amphiwelcomes people of all ages theater with Father Christmas and with all types of noses and Mother Nature. $10 to join the reindeer games adults; $7 children; under 2 in this holiday musical free. 972/562-5566; starring Rudolph, S AT TH heardmuseum.org/ Santa and Mrs. IDAY EH L E holidays HO Claus, and sidekicks LIGHTWIRE Hermey the THEATER’S Elf, Bumble A VERY the ELECTRIC Abominable CHRISTMAS Snow December 18 Monster, STRAUSS and Yukon SQUARE, DALL AS Cornelius. Follow Remember those their adventures “stick figure” costumes around the North Pole from Halloween? Imagine the and then around the world. completely black outfit with Tickets from $19. 817/332attached glow-in-the-dark 2272; casamanana.org sticks but exponentially more artistic and festive, and you LIGHTS ON THE FARM get Lightwire Theater’s elecThrough December 26 troluminescent holiday show HERITAGE FARMSTEAD starring Max, a young bird MUSEUM, PL ANO who gets blown off course After the farm animals hit and ends up at the North the hay for the night, the Pole. $25 lawn tickets; $35 farmstead lights up for this and up reserved chairs; $55 new nighttime experience on table seating. 214/880-0202; weekends and select nights. attpac.org Snack on s’mores while ➽

Plaza, where the mayor flips the switch on the 65-foot Christmas tree. Stick around for “reindeer games” and to visit with Santa at the library.

FREE holidaylightsparade.com

exploring the quarter-mile trail of lights and stop by the farm shop for a Santa visit.

Online in advance: $10 adults; $7 children. At the door: $15 adults; $10 children. 972/8810140; heritagefarmstead.org

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NORTHPARK CENTER, DALL AS

This 34-year tradition continues with its dual purpose: entertaining children with an elaborate, 1,600-foot-track model train exhibit and raising vital funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Stop by this second-floor exhibit on your next holiday shopping trip to NorthPark. $10 adults; $5 children; under 2 free. Hand-painted railcars also for sale. 214/631-7354; thetrainsatnorthpark.com

TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET

Through January 2

CHOCTAW STADIUM, ARLINGTON

Considering that many of our favorite Christmas traditions originated in Germany (nutcrackers, advent calendars, pickles hidden inside the Christmas tree—well, the pickle is debatable), there’s no better place to shop for traditional gifts and toys than this local market styled after the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.

Snack on a bag of warm nuts coated in cinnamon sugar while you browse the shops for handcrafted collectibles.

The market runs concurrently with The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey (see Winter Break on page 64 for more details). FREE txchristkindlmarket.com

GINGERTOWN DALLAS

Through January 3

NORTHPARK CENTER, DALLAS

NorthPark is one of the best destinations during the holidays, not only because it doubles as a shopping trip, but for the kid-friendly décor and entertainment like the Scrooge Puppet Theatre, the 28-foot-tall Bavarian clock, a giant LEGO Santa,

and the annual Gingertown Dallas display. See the live build starting at 5pm on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and pick up your own take-home gingerbread cookie kit on Dec. 11 and 12. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Craniofacial Association. 214/363-7441; northparkcenter.com

SNOWDAY

Through January 17 GALLERIA DALL AS, DALL AS

Spice up your family’s Christmas card by snapping silly photos inside a 1970s RV, a mirror maze or 20 other fun photo ops in this holiday exhibit. Tickets from $27 for adults; from $8 for children; under 3 free. Skip ahead in line with $65 VIP tickets that also include pictures with Santa in Santaland, available through Christmas Eve. 469/759-9323; snowdaydallas.com

PANTHER ISLAND ICE

Through January 17

PANTHER ISL AND PAVILION, FORT WORTH

Make this your holiday family date night: Go ice skating in the late afternoon at this outdoor rink (open on all the holidays, too), grab a snack from the concession stand and stay to watch a drive-in movie at the Coyote Drive-In. $13 including skate rental.

Movie tickets (charged separately): $8 adults; $5 children; under 4 free. 682/7047711; pantherislandice.com

JANUARY FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

January 14 – February 5

WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER AND DICKIES ARENA, FORT WORTH

Dairy cows, piglets, justhatched baby chicks, mus➽ GINGERTOWN DALLAS

tangs, Texas longhorns and bucking bulls—they’re all returning for the annual stock show and rodeo.

You’ll see even more live animals like hawks, turtles and quail and fish in the catch tank on Sunday, Jan. 23, for Kids Gone Wild day.

General grounds admission: $12 adults; $6 children; under 5 free. Rodeo tickets sold separately.

817/877-2420; fwssr.com

➽ CIRQUE MUSICA'S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER

January 15

COPPELL ARTS CENTER, COPPELL

The dogs and house cats in this traveling act were once shelter pets. Now they costar in a live show once voted the Best Family Show in Las Vegas. Don’t miss your chance to see them along with geese, parrots and a Shetland pony, all trained by Gregory Popovich, a former Moscow Circus performer and second-generation dog trainer. $29. 972/304-7047; coppellartscenter.org

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS

Opens January 23

DALL AS CHILDREN’S THEATER, DALL AS

It’s a likely story: A boy and his dog throw a taco party for a flock of dragons, but the party takes a fiery turn when the dragons accidentally eat spicy jalapeño pepper salsa. The silly story from the children’s book comes to the DCT stage on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets from $15.

214/740-0051; dct.org

DINOSAUR SAFARI

Through February 12

RIVER LEGACY LIVING SCIENCE CENTER, ARLINGTON

Welcome to the Jurassic jungle inside River Legacy’s Discovery Room. Its newest traveling exhibit, on loan from Omaha Children’s Museum, features animatronic dinosaurs including a T. rex, velociraptor and triceratops. Kids can hop inside a kid-size safari Jeep, uncover realistic fossils from the dig tables and climb on some of the dinosaurs, including the T. rex. $10 adults; $7 children; under 2 free. 817/860-6752 riverlegacy.org

CHRISTMAS

CIRCUS WE CAN’T PINPOINT WHY CIRCUS SHOWS

seem even more magical during the holidays (is it the twinkle lights?), but we think you’ll feel equally starry-eyed at these upcoming performances.

CIRCO METROPOLIS WINTER CIRCUS

December 16–January 2

SAMUELL-GRAND AMPHITHEATER, DALL AS

Shakespeare Dallas and the Laughter League’s clown duo Slappy and Monday team up for this holiday circus under a traditional Bavarian big top. $20 adults; $15 children; under 2 free. $30 VIP tickets include popcorn and ring-side seating for the best view of the aerial acrobatics and Magic Mike Williams’ amazing tricks (OK, seriously, where did the card go?) circometropolis.com

A MERRY CIRQUE

December 17–19

COPPELL ARTS CENTER, COPPELL

Lone Star Circus (which, side note, hosts classes and camps for kids and adults throughout the year) presents this family holiday spectacular of juggling jesters, daredevil acrobats and even four-legged performers on stage in the Main Hall. $29. 972/3047047; coppellartscenter.org

CIRQUE MUSICA’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

December 24 and 26

COMERICA CENTER, FRISCO

This touring company will ring in Christmas Day in North Texas, which means you have two chances to see the contortionists, tight rope walkers, and multi-talented performers of Cirque Musica before or after Christmas. Tickets from $30. VIP tickets include a preshow meet and greet, premium seating and a $30 credit toward merch. 214/387-5700; comericacenter.com

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS

December 24

TEXAS TRUST CU THEATRE AT GRAND PRAIRIE, GRAND PRAIRIE

Make your Christmas Eve even more magical with this afternoon show starring not only aerial silk artists and acrobats but magician Lucy Darling, who the famed David Copperfield has called “a true original.” Tickets from $29.99. 972/854-5076; texastrustcutheatre.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. 62

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ISTOCK; PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHPARK CENTER; CIRQUE MUSICA

THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK

TO DO

Always striving to exceed expectations.

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BRING ON THE CHEER

23

Give the gift everyone will go wild over!

Always in stock and ready to gift, a membership to the Fort Worth Zoo is the perfect present for the animal lovers in your life! Members enjoy an entire year of exploration, discovery and fun, as well as perks like free parking, exclusive events, discounted programs and more. Plus, your gift of a Zoo membership supports wildlife conservation locally and around the world. Make their entire year, today!

24

25

Gift a Zoo Membership

Today

FORTWORTHZOO.ORG/HOLIDAY

JOB #:

13078

PROD. ART.:

MA

No. of PAGES:

1

JOB TITLE:

ZR Holiday Print

ART DIR.:

BL

COLORS:

CMYK

CLIENT:

Fort Worth Zoo

ACCT SERV.:

LB

TRIM:

7.25 x 4.688 inch

DATE:

11.9.21

BLEED:

n/a

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MAKE MISCHIEF

For parents who legitimately rely on The Elf on the Shelf to keep your kids on their best behavior during the holiday season, we hear you. But beyond where on the shelf your Scout Elves are sitting or how often they move (don’t put so much pressure on yourselves, parents!), we’ve scouted out extra ways to have fun with these little elven informants.

OPTION 1: GO ALL-OUT

ON

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➽ ABOVE: You’ll meet this pair of polar bears and Santa himself at GIFT OF LIGHTS, a drive-thru light show at Texas Motor Speedway.

RIGHT: Acrobatic performers get into character in THE ELF ON THE SHELF’S MAGICAL HOLIDAY JOURNEY in Arlington.

E

Meet dozens of real-life elves in-person at The Elf on the Shelf ’s Magical Holiday Journey, open now through January 2 at Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Park) in Arlington.

This new, walk-through experience is part exhibit, part acrobatics show with a company of 50 elf performers clad in red onesies. They’re dancing, juggling and performing tricks against the backdrop of oversized scenes that, well, dwarf the elves in comparison.

Families are welcome to snap pics in the Magical Elf Play photo booths, drop toy donations and your own wish lists at Santa’s Mailroom or (available with an upgrade) to visit Santa himself. Timed tickets available at elfontheshelfjourney.com start at $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children and free for 2 and younger.

BONUS: For kids who really love their Scout Elves, don’t miss the one-night-only show The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical on Dec. 11. (Flip to our Playbook Calendar on page 59 for more details.)

Y

WINTER (BREAK) IS COMING What to do with your kids during those weeks off from school ELIZABETH SMITH

IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR IN THE LEAD-UP TO CHRISTMAS—a whirlwind of recitals and parties, then before you know it, schools have shut their doors and your kids fly back to the coop for the next two weeks. They’re also very likely bouncing off the walls in anticipation of Santa’s arrival and staying up late on New Year’s Eve. Kids are home 24/7 from roughly December 18 to January 3 (depending on your school), and it’s with that timeframe in mind that we rounded up six ideas to keep the kids cheerful and enriched during winter break.

Whether you’re ready for a full-throttle outing or prefer a cheaper alternative you and the kids can enjoy at home in your matching jammies, we’ve got options for both so you can tailor your experiences to their energy level and your wallet.

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OPTION 2: KEEP IT LOW-KEY

If you’re not wild about another night out of the house, there’s plenty of elf mischief to be made right at home. Log onto santasnorthpole. com for a 360-degree, virtual exploration of the North Pole (ahem, pay close attention to Santa’s Strategy Room) and let your littles play free games like the Scout Elf Flight Simulator. We think feeding Saint Bernard puppies and arctic foxes in the Elf Pets Feeding Frenzy Game is especially darling.

For more tactile activities, try the free, printable paper crafts and activities at santasnorthpole.com and elfontheshelf.com. Christmas cards,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINTERLAND INC.; THE LUMISTELLA COMPANY

WORDS

Great

Things Start Small

smallmiraclesacademy.org East Plano: 972-515-2248 West Plano: 972-515-2236 Allen: 214-504-3841

Richardson: 972-591-0892 Mesquite: 972-591-0301 Sachse: 469-417-6568

Call or come by for a tour!

North Garland: 972-515-2221

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➽ ABOVE: The GAYLORD TEXAN’S MERRY & LIGHT SHOW will put a twinkle in your eye. Many more winter activities include real and virtual snowball fights with Buddy the Elf.

THE SNOWBALL EFFECT

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS Get all the sweet stuff delivered to your inbox: the latest parenting trends, mom favorites, and DFW’s best family-friendly events.

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Christmas featuring Elf. You, on screen as Buddy the Elf, join in an epic snowball fight around NYC’s Central Park. Book your virtual experience online for $14.99 and up; $9.99 for the snow throw; $27.95 for snowman building at christmasatgaylordtexan.com.

Alas, we can’t rely on Mother Nature alone to gift us the OPTION 2: KEEP IT LOW-KEY white Christmas we wished For a less structured snowball for, but with a little help from throw in the privacy of your technology (read: snow-making own backyard, head to your machines), you’ve got local Bahama Bucks THROW BUND options for expefor reinforcements.

2 O LE S SN riencing a guarThe same super anteed local soft shaved snowfall. ice they use in their tasty OPTION 1: GO “Sno” cones ALL-OUT gets packed Several venues into their across Dallas-Fort Sno2Throw Worth offer snow bundles. Each throws as part of their bundle comes with holiday festival entertain60 snowballs, stored ment (check out at dfwchild. inside a Styrofoam cooler that com/calendar for the ones nearkeeps them intact until you’re est you), but few destinations back home. offer more bang for the buck Call or go online (bahamathan Christmas at the Gaylord bucks.com/catering/snoballs) to Texan in Grapevine, offering schedule your order in advance. both real and virtual snowball Prices for each 60-pack bundle throws this year, among other varies slightly by location, but holiday activities through generally run $26.99 and under.

January 2.

And what’s a trip to Bahama In Santa’s Snow Throw, Bucks without getting your each participant gets a bucket own treats. Embrace the cold of real snowballs to take aim and choose from more than at the moving targets inside a 100 flavors for your Sno cone, toy-workshop-turned-carnivalincluding the new winter flavors game. The virtual snowball “Santa,” “Christmas tree” and option is part of Mission: Save candy cane.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GAYLORD TEXAN; BAHAMA BUCKS

coloring sheets or mazes to challenge kids’ problem-solving skills—each comes with instructions for them to complete solo or as a family.

G(L)OW WITH THE FLOW

One underrated pastime: an evening drive cranking up the holiday tunes and scouting the suburbs in search of light displays. Nothing beats sipping hot chocolate from a thermos (or a sippy cup) and watching the glow of Christmas lights.

OPTION 1: GO ALL-OUT

Up the ante with professionally operated drive-thru light shows like Dallas Zoo Lights and Gift of Lights in Fort Worth.

(Be sure to look online for our full guide to Christmas light displays.) Open through January 2, Dallas Zoo Lights returns as a mile-long, socially distanced drive-thru featuring silk-covered lanterns shaped like the zoo’s resident animals. Tickets are $65 per car, and guests can also pre-order popcorn and hot chocolate to be delivered to your window as you wait to enter.

Located farther west at Texas Motor Speedway, Gift of Lights is open through January 3, including all the holidays. Play “I Spy” with holiday characters along this 2-mile display around the actual racetrack for $30 per vehicle.

Both drive-thru experiences conclude with a Santa’s Village of sorts, where you’re welcome to step out of your vehicle to stretch your legs and meet Santa himself for photos.

NOW ENROLLING 3 MONTHS - 5 YEARS OLD

OPTION 2: KEEP IT LOW-KEY

For zero dollars beyond the cost of your gas, you can find arguably equal entertainment at these two residential neighborhoods famous for decades for their elaborate Christmas displays.

More than 200 homeowners at the Interlochen neighborhood in Arlington compete for best theme, most artistic and the Griswold Award, among others, and welcome onlookers to witness their handiwork on their front lawns. Print out a map from arlingtontx.gov for the recommended route, or simply aim for the intersection of Westwood Drive and West Randol Mills Road, then follow the line of cars into the neighborhood.

In addition to onlookers from vehicles, Deerfield in Plano also welcomes pedestrians and riders in horse-drawn carriages. (Visit deerfieldplano.org to book a reservation.) Both Deerfield and Interlochen welcome the public to see their displays throughout December.

To be sure, these are private neighborhoods with no public restrooms. Come on a weekday night when traffic is less clogged. You can return home sooner to enjoy the remaining days of the kids’ winter break.

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➽ ABOVE: You don’t have to wait until next year’s State Fair to ride this wheel. The 180-foot Grandscape Wheel is open year-round in The Colony. // BELOW RIGHT: This classic Ferris wheel inside the Scheels sporting goods store is a close neighbor to the Grandscape Wheel and only costs $1 to ride.

A FERRIS WHEEL’S DAY OFF

to eight people at a time. (For a more intimate experience, ask for the luxury gondola with a glass-bottom floor and four Ferrari-style leather seats from which to take in the sights.)

But it won’t cost you a pretty penny to try it out. Regular tickets run about $16 for adults, $12 for children, and free for 3 and younger, available at grandscapewheel.com. The wheel is open year-round from Wednesday through Sunday. If your height-averse kids struggle to understand the appeal, offer to take them up at sunset for the most gorgeous views that shift every moment of rotation, or go after dark when the Grandscape district and the wheel itself are literally lit up like Christmas.

You’ll get the best “Santa’s sleigh-eye view” during some of the entertainment district’s holiday events, such as the Grinchmas Family Festival on Saturday, Dec. 11, when the Grinch hosts kids activities and meet and greets, followed by a movie-watching party on the lawn in front of the concert stage.

To make the absolute most of your daytrip to Grandscape, check out Jurassic World (jurassicworldexhibition.com), now extended through January 2, the Andretti go-kart racing or interestingly enough, the other Ferris wheel at Grandscape. You’ll find a smaller, 65-footer inside the multi-story sporting goods store Scheels. This less-vertigo-inducing ride, available anytime during store hours, costs only $1 and is open to everyone at least 36 inches tall.

In the event that this news prompts your more adventurous kids to declare they want to “ride every Ferris wheel in the city!” (true words that have actually been spoken), check out Radiance! Frozen in Frisco (radiancechristmas.com), open through New Year’s Day. This year, Radiance! has expanded from a drive-thru light show to a full-on Christmas carnival with ice skating, ice hill tubing, snowball toss, even bumper cars on ice and, towering over it all, an 85-foot Ferris wheel. Get the $14.99 fast pass option for more treats and perks in addition to regular admission, which starts at $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children—a small price to pay for the memories to rotate in your head all year.

A holiday day trip to Grandscape and beyond ELIZABETH SMITH

WHEN LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ENTERTAIN THE WHOLE FAMILY and out-oftown guests for the holidays, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just look up at this new, permanent attraction now open at Grandscape in The Colony. The latest addition to the ever-expanding entertainment district is the Grandscape Wheel, a 180-foot-tall Ferris wheel—nay, observation wheel—with 42 glass gondolas designed for riders to experience panoramic views of the North Texas prairie below.

It’s got the feel of the famed London Eye and other mega-sized Ferris wheels around the world. Each gondola is fully-enclosed, air-conditioned and even wheelchair accessible, which means it’s comfortable and open to all ages and abilities to slide in for an unforgettable ride.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY BOLLINGER; SCHEELS

WORDS

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past + present

Looking back 70

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERI KOHLES

MINI GOLFER: Long before he ever stepped on a fairway (and before he could even walk, actually), professional golfer Ben Kohles was DallasChild’s January 1991 cover kid. About 9 months old when the photos were taken, Kohles was in a phase that made the photo shoot a bit challenging, according to his mother, Sheri Kohles.

“He was at this weird stage where all he would do when we talked to him or looked at him was make this face we called the ‘O face,’” she recalls. “It took the photographer quite a long time to get him to make some other expressions.”

Sheri Kohles framed the final cover and hung it in her son’s bedroom. The cover went with the family when they moved from Dallas to North Carolina— where Kohles began playing golf at age 10. He became competitive as a teenager and attended the University of Virginia on scholarship. Kohles won seven events before graduating with his psychology degree in 2012.

Today Kohles, 31, is playing on the PGA Tour. He lives in a seaside community in Florida with his wife Lindsey, whom he married in 2018 after meeting through mutual friends. Looking back on the cover, BELOW // Kohles laughs, “I can’t Ben Kohles, say I’ve opened any of professional those books.” —Alexis golfer Patterson

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