DALLAS & COLLIN COUNTY EDITION
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Education Supplement · 2026
SMALL BY DESIGN. BIG ON BELONGING. At The Westwood School, every student matters. We take the time to truly get to know your student and your family, so we can fully support your child throughout their academic journey. JO I N US FO R AN U P CO M I N G O PEN H OUSE S aturday, Oc tob er 1 0 , 11 a m -1 p m S un day, N ovem b er 1 5 , 1 -3 p m Th ursday, Ja n ua r y 21 , 5 : 3 0 -7p m
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CONTENTS 4 Hello / Learning Curve Helping you make sense of the school years 6 Right On Time Why your child doesn’t need to be ahead to be doing just fine
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9 The Big Switch What kids need most when changing schools 13 Missed Connection How to really get your kids to open up after school, beyond ‘How was your day?’ 17 Staying Back Considering holding your child back a grade? Here’s what to consider
18 The Private Schools List The info you need to find the right fit in Collin & Dallas counties 26 The Public & Charter School List Your local ISD and other tuition-free options
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DFWChild ’s Guide to Education is published annually by Lauren Publications, Inc. DFWChild’s Guide to Education is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Additional copies of DFWChild’s Guide to Education are available for $5 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DFWChild’s Guide to Education is ©2026 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.
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hello / G U I D E T O E D U C A T I O N
Managing editor Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen.
Learning Curve Making sense of the school years
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HERE’S A LOT of second-guessing that can come with being the parent of a school-age child. Are they in the right school? Are they keeping up? Should they be reading more? Practicing math facts? Making more friends? And why, when you ask what they did all day, is the answer so often “nothing”? It’s easy it is to get caught up in where our kids should be—academically, socially, even emotionally. But if there’s one I’ve learned as a mom of two, it’s that kids don’t follow the same timeline. Sometimes the best thing we can do is pay attention to the kid in front of us, rather than the one we think they’re supposed to be. That idea runs throughout this year’s Guide to Education. We take on some of those tricky questions that don’t always have a clear-cut answer, including whether holding a child back a grade could be the right choice and when you should—or shouldn’t—worry that your child is falling behind.
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We’re also talking about the parts of school that have less to do with grades. If your child is switching schools, we have advice for making the transition a little easier. And if “How was your day?” gets you nothing more than “fine” (or, in my house, a shrug), we’ve got better questions to help get kids talking once they’re back home. Of course, sometimes the question is really about finding the right school. You’ll also find our annual directories of private, public and charter schools, giving you a place to start as you explore your family’s options. Because there’s no single right way to learn— and no single timeline every child needs to follow. My hope is that this issue leaves you worrying a little less about where your child should be and feeling a little more confident about meeting them where they are.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
Right on Time Why your child doesn’t need to be ahead to be doing just fine WORDS JENNIFER CASSEDAY-BLAIR
It’s easy to feel like there’s a hidden race happening, but it may bring you peace of mind to know that behind the scenes, teachers and school leaders are not just teaching from a textbook. They’re watching closely, intervening where needed, and supporting the whole child. And increasingly, experts in child development are encouraging a shift away from the rush. “When we push young children to meet advanced academic benchmarks before they’re ready, we see more stress, behavioral challenges and decreased self-esteem. This can make it harder for them to stay engaged and confident as learners over time,” says Dr. Randi Cheatham-Johnson, pediatric psychologist at Children’s Health in Dallas. So, before you get swept up in the comparison game, let’s take a closer look at how learning really works, and why it’s OK if your child’s journey doesn’t look exactly like anyone else’s. IS KINDERGARTEN REALLY THE NEW FIRST GRADE? If it feels like kindergarten is a little more “schoolschool” than it used to be, you’re not imagining it. 6
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Many districts have adopted more rigorous expectations across early grades in hopes of boosting long-term success. To support these rising standards, Texas schools have brought in research-backed tools like Bluebonnet Learning, a TEA-developed curriculum that helps meet required reading, writing and math benchmarks in classrooms. Sandra Carranza, a dual language teacher at a North Texas elementary school, says, “Bluebonnet Learning is incorporated in our classroom and helps guide students from concrete experiences to more abstract reasoning. It’s really helpful in meeting state standards like TEKS [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills]. The curriculum also includes letters in English and Spanish that go to parents and tells them what their child’s class will cover in the coming lessons.” Many schools also use Amplify, a supplementary program designed to make reading instruction interactive and engaging. Amelia Cortes-Rangel, principal of a DFW-area elementary school, sings its praises. “In the last decade, I have seen a real shift in teachers trying to make those real-world connections. Amplify
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YOU’RE STANDING on the playground, outside the classroom after school, or making small talk at the PTA meeting, and the conversation drifts to how the kids are doing. Someone casually says their child has started on multiplication tables. Another parent mentions weekend reading practice or how their son won the spelling bee. You nod along, but something inside you tightens. You start to wonder: Should my child be doing all that? Are we moving too slowly? Did I miss something?
is great in helping to do that because it’s so hands-on and interactive,” she says. But even with high standards and shiny tools, educators still believe deeply in relationships and wholechild development. “Academic readiness is about specific skills, like knowing letters or counting,” says Cheatham-Johnson. “While developmental readiness includes things like self-regulation, language, social skills and physical development that allow a child to use those skills in a classroom. In the early years, strong developmental readiness is the foundation that helps academic learning stick.” THE PEER COMPARISON TRAP Just like kids crawl, walk or lose their first tooth on different timelines, the same goes for learning to read, write, focus and figure things out. Take a group of 20 kindergartners, and you’ll find they’re each arriving at learning moments at their own pace. That kind of variability is more than normal, it’s expected. Cheatham-Johnson says, “There is a wide range of ‘normal’ in early elementary school. Children in the same classroom can differ by a year or more in reading level, handwriting, or attention span and still be on a healthy developmental path.” Think of early development as a marathon, not a sprint. “The most helpful thing parents can do is focus on their own child’s growth over time and nurture their joy in learning, rather than constantly comparing them to peers,” Cheatham-Johnson says. And if real developmental concerns do arise, she says, it’s important to look for patterns. “A developmental concern shows up as ongoing difficulties across settings (home and school), delays in multiple areas, or a loss or plateau of skills—those patterns are a cue to talk with the pediatrician or request a formal evaluation.” A REAL PARENT’S STORY: LETTING GO OF THE PRESSURE For Lindsey, a mother of three who asked that we not use her last name, the pressure to keep her children “on track” showed up earlier than she expected. Her daughter Caroline, now in fourth grade at Highland Park ISD, had been attending tutoring—not because she was falling behind, but because Lindsey wanted to give her a head start. “We all put a lot of pressure on ourselves, especially when it comes to what we expect of or want for our children,” she admits.
NO PRESSURE
A few ways to make learning feel supportive—not stressful: •
Read together in a cozy way. No timers or quizzes. Just joy.
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Celebrate effort, not achievement. “Wow, you worked really hard on that puzzle!” goes a long way.
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Normalize frustration. Remind them (and yourself) that struggle is a natural part of learning.
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Trust your gut. If concerns about your child’s learning linger, talk to their teacher or pediatrician. But try to swap panic for curiosity.
That pressure intensified when one of Caroline’s standardized test scores came back lower than anticipated. Lindsey felt a familiar rush of worry—until a meeting with the tutor shifted everything. The issue wasn’t a lack of knowledge. It was anxiety. “Caroline knew the information,” Lindsey says. “She wasn’t comfortable in the environment, so she was rushing through the test.” They also realized that in the classroom, Caroline sometimes hesitated to ask for help. Instead of raising her hand, she’d quietly take out a book, afraid she’d look like she didn’t understand. “She’s not being disrespectful,” Lindsey explains. “She’s just afraid.” With that insight, Lindsey began to see her daughter’s challenges through a new lens. Academic skills weren’t the problem—confidence was. “When it comes to academic and social-emotional development, it’s all one beast,” she says. MEANINGFUL SUPPORT INSIDE—AND OUTSIDE—OF SCHOOL As Lindsey expressed, kids don’t thrive on academics alone. They need love, routine, encouragement and connection. Cortes-Rangel emphasizes how parents can partner with schools. She says, “We highly encourage parents to come and interact and be a part of the school community ... We want to partner with parents so we can have the same goals, and they can provide support at home for what the kids are learning in the classroom.” Meanwhile, teachers are watching carefully, not in judgment but in care. “We use a comprehensive approach for gauging if our students are on track. For example, we look at the state standards, and then we dig into the data. Our team meets regularly throughout the year to make sure interventions are being successful. If a student still isn’t showing the growth we desire, we have a committee that meets and determines what can be done to close as many gaps as possible,” says Cortes-Rangel. You can’t change national test standards or curriculum policy overnight, but what you can control is your home environment. You don’t need to become a tutor, a drill sergeant, or an expert in phonics. Some of the best learning moments at home happen between the lines. “Simple routines like reading together using dialogic reading (pausing to ask questions, letting your child predict or retell), following your child’s interests, and praising effort rather than speed or perfection all build language, curiosity, and confidence without turning home into ‘more school,’” advises Cheatham-Johnson. She also suggests keeping it playful. “Unstructured play, pretend play, building and drawing, outdoor exploration, and simple back-and-forth conversations during everyday routines are all especially helpful for attention, problem-solving, and self-regulation—and children experience them as play, not drills.” The pressure to “keep up” starts earlier than ever, but it doesn’t have to steal your peace. Your job isn’t to race ahead; it’s to walk beside your child as they learn and grow. So, the next time those benchmark charts or sight-word goals start making your heart race, pause and ask yourself: Is my child curious? Are they progressing, even if it’s slowly? Are they enjoying learning? If the answer is yes, they’re probably doing just fine. dfwchild.com / 2026
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The Big Switch
What kids need most when changing schools WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
I’LL NEVER FORGET my son’s first day of first grade. It couldn’t have possibly gone worse. We both were in tears as I slunk away, feeling like the worst mom in the world for tearing him from the comfort of his tiny nature Montessori school and moving him to this big, cold public school. All I could think was: How are either of us going to survive this transition?
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It turns out, we’re not alone. Whether it’s switching districts, leaving a small school for a bigger one, or maybe moving to a new private school, these transitions can shake even the most resilient kids—and parents. New routines, unfamiliar buildings, shifting expectations and the loss of predictable friendships can create a perfect storm of jitters. But experts say families can navigate these moments with confidence and even come out stronger on the other side. START WITH EMPATHY Every expert agrees: the preparation starts long before the first day. “Let the child know you’re moving to a new school and ask what questions they have,” says Dr. Linda Metcalf, professor of Graduate Counseling at Texas Wesleyan University. “Then let them know what you’re excited about and the opportunities they’ll have. Do it with confidence—if a parent is really is expecting the child to do well, it sets the stage.” Dr. Leda Owens, Director of ADHD & Learning Services at The Housson Center in Dallas, echoes the importance of validation. Rather than brushing off fears with “You’ll be fine,” try: “I know this is a big change, and it makes sense you’re feeling nervous or unsure.” This normalizes their emotions and helps them feel seen. Creating familiarity makes a big difference. Look at the school’s website together. Drive by the campus
or take a tour. Meet a counselor or teacher. Ask about a buddy system for new students—a simple but powerful bridge into a new environment, Metcalf says. And don’t forget, kids watch their parents closely. “I think it’s important that a parent can express to a kid, ‘You know, it’s hard for me too when I start a new job,’” Metcalf says. “Kids look to parents so much.” HELPING KIDS MAKE NEW FRIENDS For many children, the scariest part of a school move isn’t academics—it’s making friends. Owens suggests using the “friendship pyramid,” which emphasizes that relationships develop gradually. “When starting a new school, have your child focus on making acquaintances,” she says. “Smiling, saying hi, sharing more interactions in class, finding similarities. This can take the pressure off an expectation to have friends right away.” Parents can boost confidence by highlighting their child’s unique strengths—kindness, humor, persistence, inclusiveness. These qualities matter far more to peers than being “the new kid.” If your child is particularly nervous, Owens recommends predicting how interactions might unfold and practicing simple scripts. This kind of rehearsal helps unfamiliar social situations feel more manageable. Extracurriculars are another great connector. Clubs and sports naturally place kids in smaller groups with shared interests, making friendships easier to form. dfwchild.com / 2026
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MAKING THE GRADE
KEEP ROUTINES FOR SECURITY Both experts stress the importance of keeping routines consistent. Kids thrive on predictability, especially when everything else feels new. “The parent should keep similar routines that they had at the previous school…similar time when they did homework, etc.,” Metcalf says. Maintaining established rhythms at home—morning rituals, afterschool routines, bedtime—helps kids feel grounded. Owens adds that using visual calendars or planners can support executive functioning as children adjust to new expectations. “And maybe most important, parents should be aware of their own emotions and tolerance in order to be patient with their child during this transitionary period,” says Owens. COLLABORATING WITH THE SCHOOL Parents often hesitate to reach out to school staff, unsure of what’s appropriate, but both experts encourage open communication. “Emailing your child’s new teacher with a brief introduction and to share important background information … can be a way to establish a connection,” Owens says. Metcalf notes that school counselors are an invaluable resource during transitions. “When they enroll their student in a new school, [parents] can talk to a school counselor up front and share what worked for them in the other school.” This might include what excited your child, their learning preferences, or any emotional needs. If your child previously had a 504 plan—or might benefit from one—bring it up early. Metcalf emphasizes that 504 plans can offer short-term accommodations, such as extra time on tests or modified assignments, to ease the transition. “Sometimes that’s just what a child needs to get started and be successful,” she says. WHAT’S “NORMAL” STRESS—AND WHAT ISN’T A big change like starting at a new school often triggers anxiety, especially for children who thrive on routine. “Changing schools is a major shift in a child’s life,” says Owens. “This means new people, new routines, new expectations and a loss of what was familiar and predictable.” Stress in this context is expected and often fleeting. But parents should pay attention to frequency, duration and intensity of behavior. Are the outbursts or withdrawal happening more often? Lasting longer? Hitting harder? If yes, Owens says this could signal that a child is struggling to adjust and may need more support. Parents know their child best—so trust your intuition. A temporary dip in motivation, frustration with new routines, or increased tiredness can be typical. But “consistently lower grades, engagement, or effort level are not to be expected,” Owens says. And watch for the “honeymoon period”—a smooth first few weeks followed by a dip once the novelty wears off. That, too, can be normal. WHEN TO STEP IN—AND WHEN TO STEP BACK You might naturally want to fix every problem, but transitions are also opportunities for independence10
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ADJUSTMENT CHECK
Adjustment doesn’t look perfect, but it should trend in the right direction. Positive signs include: • Curiosity about the new school • Willingness to follow new rules • Typical academic engagement • Mention of new acquaintances • Decreasing complaints or tears • Maintaining normal activities, playing, etc. • Red flags include physical symptoms (like stomachaches), sharp academic decline, avoidance, frequent meltdowns, or excessive clinginess. “The key is whether difficulties are decreasing over time rather than escalating,” Owens says.
building. Owens urges parents to let children “be in the driver’s seat” when possible—ask them what they think the problem is and how they want to solve it. This builds confidence and coping skills. Metcalf suggests a similar approach: invite kids to reflect on what has worked for them in the past. “Ask kids, ‘What worked for you at this school? What were things that you enjoyed?’ And make a list of things,” she says. “That helps the student begin to identify on their own who they are and what they’re all about and what works for them.” These conversations not only give kids agency but also help them draw on their own strengths as they navigate a new environment. However, in rare cases where stress is significantly interfering with routines, sleep, relationships, or enjoyment—or when behaviors escalate rather than ease—more active intervention or professional support may be needed. A NEW CHAPTER Change asks a lot of kids—and of parents—and transitions naturally come with ups and downs. But with time and consistent support, most children settle into a new school just fine. One way to help, says Metcalf, is to steer kids toward noticing what did go right. “You can say, ‘Tell me what went a little bit OK?’ Not to force positivity, but to help them see it’s not all awful— and then build on that the next day or so.” That was true for my son. Eventually, the hard mornings gave way to small markers of progress: recognizing classmates, bringing home new stories, settling into the rhythm of a bigger school. Those small moments became easier to spot when I shifted my own questions, too. As Metcalf puts it, instead of asking “How did you like school?” try “What did you like about school?”—a subtle nudge that helps kids identify what’s working. For many families, that’s the kind of shift that signals a child is finding their footing. Yes, those first days may feel rough, but take heart—they rarely define the rest of the year.
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Missed Connection
“How was your day?” falls flat. Here’s how to really get your kids to open up after school WORDS ERIN HAYES BURT + AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
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YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD to seeing them all day. The moment they hop in the car or walk through the door, you’re eager to connect: How was your day? But instead of a play-by-play, you get the all-too-familiar shrug. Fine. I don’t remember. Nothing happened.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. For many parents, the after-school conversation feels like a dead end. But it’s not that your child doesn’t want to talk, it’s more likely that your questions and your timing aren’t quite hitting the mark. Here’s the thing: a simple “How was your day?” just doesn’t work. It can be brushed aside with a plain “good,” and it doesn’t invite deep thought or discussion. It’s painfully vague and inadequate to express specific, individual care for someone. Plus, after a day of navigating social dynamics, academic expectations and rule-following, many children simply don’t have the bandwidth to dive into conversation right away.
Instead of forcing a conversation, think of yourself as setting the stage—creating calm curiosity to move past the “fine” and into real connection. GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED To dig deeper, first consider your child’s capacity. For preschoolers, a day at school feels like a whirlwind, and they might lack the language to truly describe it. Elementary kids can recall more details, but may resist talking when tired or distracted. Older kids, who may be going through adolescence or are just exercising their newly discovered right to privacy, may be especially tough to get answers out of. And naturally, some kids just aren’t as chatty as others. dfwchild.com / 2026
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The key to connecting, says Kristina Quinn, a DFW-area licensed professional counselor, is consistency. Pick a few open-ended questions to ask each day and rotate through them. For the littlest kids, try using specific, routinebased prompts. For example, you could ask your preschooler or kindergartner “What story did your teacher read today?” or “Tell me your favorite thing about snack time.” With early elementary kiddos who are gaining more independence, but still crave validation, ask questions that help them identify emotions or recall full details. Try “What part of your day felt the longest?” or “Did anything make you feel proud day?” Tweens may be more reluctant to open up, but they’re also more capable of reflection. Try to help them think about their day on their level. “One conversation starter that I think is brilliant for middle schoolers is, ‘If your feelings had a playlist today, what songs would be on it?’” suggests Quinn. Teens may be even more guarded or short, so give them options. You might ask, “Was today meh, ugh or decent?” or “What classes are really dragging lately?” “If I ask these questions pretty consistently from August to December, one of those days when the child is feeling talkative, it’s going to be this moment where it is answered,” says Quinn. And when you don’t get an answer, don’t fill the space. Keep the focus on them, she says. TIME AND PLACE It’s not just what you ask, it’s the why, when and how too. Every child has their own rhythm and time of the day when it’s easier or harder to connect. If you have younger kids, after-school pick-up can be overwhelming until everyone’s had a snack and a moment to themselves. Instead, tuck-ins or bedtime might be your best opportunity for connection. Ashley Maddern, a Wylie mom of two young boys, says they have a family connection moment carved out at dinnertime. “It’s usually something like, ‘What was the best part of your day?’ or ‘What was your favorite part of your day?’ And we go around the table and all four of us talk about what the best or favorite part of our day was.” For older kids, especially night owls, later in the evening might find them more open to conversation. Commuting to sports, activities or running errands together can be good times, too. Setting is key too. As kids get older, sharing at the dinner table in front of everyone may be embarrassing. Squeezing in one-on-one time with each child can give them an opening to converse freely with you. This can be as easy as going on an after-dinner walk, doing chores or running errands together, or you can plan weekly or monthly one-on-one trips out to their favorite restaurant or to get ice cream. WHAT DO THEY NEED FROM YOU? When kids are little, often all they need from us is our attention. It can be exhausting, but it pays to hang in there. “The best advice that I received was to show interest in what they want to talk to you about,” says Maddern. “Our 7-year-old plays Minecraft, and I’m so tired [of it], but I am going to say yes to everything he wants to show me, and I’m going to ask him questions, and I’m going to tell him that it’s awesome because he’s excited to show me today. If he’s excited 14
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10 QUESTIONS TO ASK INSTEAD OF “HOW WAS YOUR DAY?” Counselor Kristina Quinn offers this cache of questions ready to provoke thoughtful answers and help kids process what went on around them during the day. •
Did you laugh really hard today? What was it that was so funny?
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If you could redo one part of today, what would it be?
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Did you notice anyone else’s feelings today, and what made you notice it?
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Did you notice someone being kind today?
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Did you learn something today that surprised you?
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What challenged you today? How did you handle it?
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Was there something you didn’t do perfectly, but you tried your best?
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What’s something you’re curious to try or learn tomorrow or in the future?
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Can you name a feeling you had today, and where you felt that in your body?
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If your day was a color, what color would it be and why?
to talk to me about that, maybe he’ll be excited to talk to me about other things later.” At the heart of it, what we are trying to do by asking “How was your day?” is to find out what our kids need from us. Do they need comfort? Reassurance? Celebration? Attention? When our kids do start talking to us, says Quinn, it can be tempting to jump in, especially if they are describing a problem or a challenge they are going through. “We often go into problem-solving mode. I think we feel as though to be a good parent, I must already know what my child needs.” Don’t be afraid to ask what they need—do they just want to share, or do they want your advice? Above all, children need to know that they’re heard. Thoughtful, open-ended questions show you care, invite honest conversation, and build trust—plus give you that peek into their world outside of home.
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Could an Evaluation Help Your Child? Evaluations for:
ADHD • Learning Disabilities • Autism Spectrum Disorders Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation Includes a detailed report and IEP recommendations
Schedule an Evaluation Dr. Derrick Blanton, Psy.D., BCIAC 214-662-0044 • doctorblanton@gmail.com
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Staying Back
What to consider before holding your child back a grade WORDS GINA MAYFIELD
AS PARENTS, we play an important role in keeping our children on track academically. And according to Texas law, parents may decide whether or not to hold their children back in pre-K through third grade. Surprisingly, about one in 10 students across the country repeat at least one grade. Similarly, many parents elect to “redshirt” their kids—postponing kindergarten by a year to give them more time for socioemotional, intellectual or even physical growth. But knowing that these early grades provide a strong foundation for both academic and social skills, there’s a lot to think about when making that decision. If you’re considering holding your child back, here are some things to keep in mind.
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IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
If you’re considering redshirting a kindergartner, it’s often because you have a suspicion that something’s not quite right. So, what’s next? “First, consider your child’s birth date,” says Ann DeVille, a certified teacher and therapeutic educational consultant in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Sometimes kids born later in the year are not as ready to start school. Maybe they’re on the hyperactive side, or they’re a little too shy to interact with other kids their age.” If they go to preschool or daycare, ask their teachers if they’re keeping up in class and able to follow simple directions. With older students, there’s more to consider. “Of course, we’re always going to look at grades, but that doesn’t always give a clear picture,” says Brittany Lopez, a certified teacher and educational therapist with Brighter Futures, a North Texas microschool. “Ask about the biggest foundational skills in your child’s grade level and if your child grasps those concepts at all, because that’s what they’re going to be building on from year to year.” Also take note of what you’re seeing at home: How’s homework going? What’s the frustration level? How’s your child’s self-esteem?
Before making any big decisions, meet with your child’s teacher and school administrators to discuss your options. Consider a transitional or extension program for kids that aren’t quite ready for kindergarten. Also consider diagnostic testing such as a psychoeducational evaluation to detect potential underlying issues. “It’s a way for parents to get more concrete data,” says DeVille.
THE PROS AND CONS
In years past, research focused on the potential pitfalls of grade retention, such as fitting in with younger classmates now and in the future and the perceived stigma attached to being a year behind. But new studies focus on something different: holding back kids who don’t meet academic standards gives them an advantage in academic achievement. “Holding back a child can really give them the foundational skills they need,” Lopez says. That’s true beyond academics. “If your child is not quite academically ready to sit still or maintain focus for extended periods or socially ready to connect with other peers, it could give them an edge ahead,” DeVille says. “Your kid has a little bit more maturity, experience, self-control, ability to focus.” But she cautions parents about the socioemotional pitfalls. “I don’t think it’s always the best idea to hold older kids back, unless you’re moving from one school to another,” she says. “That makes it a little easier because there’s no pre-existing peer group to tease them. Even in kindergarten, kids start making relationships and friendships, and if they get held back it’s like a cloud that follows them.” Plus, if an older child has already been through that grade level, there’s a chance they can get bored and distracted easily, considering they’ve already learned the material. “To me, it’s a real balancing act,” Lopez says. “Is the child’s self-esteem going to be more hurt by knowing they’re being held back and separated from friendships they’ve made or are they really just being ‘held back’ from constantly struggling and not feeling capable? We need to look at the mental and emotional aspects for the child and ask which one will affect them more.” If you do decide to hold back your child, look on the bright side. “Say to your child, ‘This is your chance to get ahead. You have done all this. Maybe this time you can help other kids too,” DeVille says. “‘This is a fresh start.’” dfwchild.com / 2026
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The Private School List The need-to-know details to find the best fit for your child COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS
FINDING THE RIGHT school means looking beyond the basics. For some families, a private education offers the opportunity to prioritize everything from specialized academics and smaller learning environments to faith and educational philosophy. Start your search with our annual guide to private schools in Dallas and Collin counties.
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= LEARNING DIFFERENCES
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= SPECIAL NEEDS
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= GIFTED
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= NONTRADITIONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
= INFORMATION FROM 2025 LIST
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Editor’s Note: Campuses listed here offer at least four primary grades or three secondary grades. The listing details are provided by the schools and reflect the most current information available.
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2026 / guide to education
COLLIN COUNTY
Total enrollment: 150 See ad on page 8
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CORAM DEO ACADEMY, COLLIN COUNTY coramdeoacademy.org/collincounty Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 655
ALLEN
ACADEMY AT CHURCH ELEVEN32, THE academyeleven32.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–8 Total enrollment: 102 GUTHRIE SCHOOL, THE guthrieschool.com Grades: Preschool–5 Total enrollment: 100
EINSTEIN SCHOOL theeinsteinschool.com Religious affiliation: None Grades: 5–12 Total enrollment: Not provided
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INSPIRED LEARNING ACADEMY inspiredlearningacademy.org Grades: 6-12 Total enrollment: 30
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LUCAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY lucasca.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 455
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MCKINNEY
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ACTON ACADEMY MCKINNEY
actonmckinney.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 30
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CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ccawarriors.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 405
LOGOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL logoschristianschool.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–6 Total enrollment: 50 See ad on page 25
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CHALLENGER SCHOOL INDEPENDENCE challengerschool.com/campus/texas/ plano/independence Grades: Preschool–4
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PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PLANO plano.prestonwoodchristian.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 1,630
SPRING CREEK ACADEMY springcreekacademy.com Grades: 2–12 Total enrollment: 125
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NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY ntpa.org/academy Grades: 6–12 Total enrollment: 60
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC SCHOOL popschool.net Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 792
MCKINNEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY mckinneychristian.org Religious affiliation: ChristianNondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 700
PLANO
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JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL johnpauliihs.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12 Total enrollment: 700
KIDS USA MONTESSORI OF FRISCO kidsusamontessori.org Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 348
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL planochristianschool.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 105
RICHARDSON
fusionacademy.com/campuses/plano Grades: 6–12 Total enrollment: 100 GREAT LAKES ACADEMY greatlakesacademy.com Grades: 4–12 Total enrollment: 120
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ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL stmcs.net Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 562 See ad on page 25
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ST. TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY staplano.org Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 47
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC SCHOOL smdpcatholic.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 385
BRIDGE BUILDER ACADEMY bridgebuilderacademy.com Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 30
FUSION ACADEMY PLANO
PRINCE OF PEACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING CENTER popcs.org Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 850 See ad on page 16
LUCAS
FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL flsplano.org Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 170
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CARROLLTON
FRISCO
PROSPER
PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY NORTH north.prestonwoodchristian.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 700
I.A.N.T. QURANIC ACADEMY myiqa.org Religious affiliation: Islamic Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 325 NORTH DALLAS ADVENTIST ACADEMY ndaacademy.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 210 SAINT PAUL CATHOLIC CLASSICAL SCHOOL spsdfw.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 142 ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL, RICHARDSON sjcstx.net Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 285
WYLIE
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WYLIE PREPARATORY ACADEMY wylieprep.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 340
DALLAS COUNTY ADDISON
GREENHILL SCHOOL greenhill.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 1,436 See ad on page 23 TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, ADDISON trinitychristian.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 1,496 WESTWOOD SCHOOL, THE westwoodschool.org Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 235 See ad on page 2
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dfwchild.com / 2026
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THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
CARROLLTON
OAK CREST PRIVATE SCHOOL oakcrestschool.org Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 55 ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, THE thestanthonyschool.com Grades: 3–12 Total enrollment: 80
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DALLAS
ACTON ACADEMY LAKEWOOD actonlakewood.org Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 36
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AKIBA YAVNEH ACADEMY akibayavneh.org Religious affiliation: Jewish Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 452
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ALCUIN SCHOOL alcuinschool.org Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 640
ANN AND NATE LEVINE ACADEMY levineacademy.org Religious affiliation: Jewish Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 444 BISHOP DUNNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL bdcs.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 6–12 Total enrollment: 375 BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL bishoplynch.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12 Total enrollment: 1,025 CALVARY LUTHERAN SCHOOL calvarydallas.org/school Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 92 CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF DALLAS, THE cambridgedallas.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 5–12 Total enrollment: 120
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CAMPBELL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY campbellchristianacademy.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–6 Total enrollment: 60
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CORAM DEO ACADEMY, DALLAS coramdeoacademy.org/dallas Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 524
DALLAS ACADEMY dallas-academy.com Grades: 1–12 Total enrollment: 180 See ad on page 23 DALLAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY dallaschristianacademy.org Religious affiliation: Adventist Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 98
FUSION ACADEMY DALLAS
fusionacademy.com/campuses/dallas Grades: 6–12 Total enrollment: 100
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DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, PRIMARY CAMPUS dallasinternationalschool.org Grades: Preschool–4 Total enrollment: 690 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, SECONDARY CAMPUS dallasinternationalschool.org Grades: 5–12 Total enrollment: 690 DALLAS LUTHERAN SCHOOL dallaslutheranschool.com Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: 6–12 Total enrollment: 62 EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS, THE esdallas.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 1,100
COMPASS SCHOOL OF TEXAS, THE compassschooltx.org Grades: Pre-K–5 Total enrollment: 105 See ad on page 21
FAIRHILL SCHOOL fairhill.org Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 130 See ad on page 21
2026 / guide to education
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COVENANT SCHOOL, THE covenantdallas.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 750
CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL cks.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 480
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FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY fbacademy.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 470
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GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL gsesdallas.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 590 See ad on page 23 GRACE ACADEMY OF DALLAS graceacademy.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 220 See ad on page 23 HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL highlandschristianschool.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 136 HOCKADAY SCHOOL, THE hockaday.org/admission Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 1,114 See ad on page 12 HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL htcsdallas.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 188 JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF DALLAS jesuitdallas.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12 Total enrollment: 1,164
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ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL allsaintsdallas.org/school Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 378
Educating Students with Learning Differences • Grades 1-12 (Fully Accredited) • Personalized Instructional Support • Small Student-Teacher Ratio • Dyslexia Intervention • Multisensory Instruction • Executive Functions Program • College Prep Curriculum Supported by Technology • Sports, Fine Arts & Leadership Options
Join us for one of the
Admissions Preview Coffees October 22, 2026 January 21 & April 1, 2027 10 – 11 am Scan for registration
>>>>
16150 Preston Rd | Dallas, TX | 75248 | 972.233.1026 | fairhill.org
dfwchild.com / 2026
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THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
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KESSLER SCHOOL, THE thekesslerschool.com Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 125
PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL phps.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–6 Total enrollment: 95
KINGDOM COLLEGIATE ACADEMY, DALLAS ourkca.org Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12 Enrollment: Not provided
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PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF TEXAS pcstx.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 476
LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL lakehillprep.org Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 400
SAINT TIMOTHY SCHOOL, THE thesainttimothyschool.org Religious affiliation: Anglican Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 56
LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL, THE thelamplighterschool.org Grades: Pre-K–4 Total enrollment: 459 See ad on page 12 LUMIN EDUCATION lumineducation.org Grades: Pre-K–3 Total enrollment: 143
SANTA CLARA OF ASSISI CATHOLIC ACADEMY santaclaraacademy.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 120
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MOUNT ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL msmcatholic.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 138 NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY newlifechristianacademy.net Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 20
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NOTRE DAME SCHOOL OF DALLAS notredameschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 1–12 Total enrollment: 200 OAK HILL ACADEMY oakhillacademy.org Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 145
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OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL olphschooldallas.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 150
SCHOLARIS ACADEMY scholaris.org Grades: 1–8 Total enrollment: 16
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SCOFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL scofieldchristianschool.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–6 Total enrollment: 265
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SHELTON SCHOOL shelton.org Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 1,069 See ad on page 25
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SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY swchristianacademy.org Religious affiliation: Adventist Grades: Preschool–10 Total enrollment: 60
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ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CATHOLIC SCHOOL stbernardccs.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 160
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ST. CECILIA SCHOOL stceciliacatholic.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 170
ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY saintspride.com Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 170
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ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL stjohnsschool.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 500
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ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS smtexas.org Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian Grades: 1–12 Total enrollment: 924
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ST. MARY OF CARMEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL smcschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 156 ST. MONICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL stmonicaschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 750
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ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL spsdallas.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 385
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ST. PHILIP & ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC ACADEMY spsacatholic.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 325 ST. PHILIP’S SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTER stphilips1600.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 240
OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN SCHOOL ordallas.org Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 235 See ad on page 21
PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, MIDWAY CAMPUS parish.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: 3–12 Total enrollment: 1,220 22
2026 / guide to education
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PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, HILLCREST CAMPUS parish.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Pre-K–2 Total enrollment: 1,220 See ad on page 15
dfwchild.com / 2026
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THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC SCHOOL spxdallasschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 193 ST. RITA CATHOLIC SCHOOL strita.net Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 791 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL staschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 883
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KINGDOM COLLEGIATE ACADEMY, DESOTO ourkca.org Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12 Enrollment: Not provided
•••
FARMERS BRANCH
MARY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL mischool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 485
GARLAND
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BRIGHTER HORIZONS ACADEMY bhaprep.org Religious affiliation: Islamic Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 1,190
FIREWHEEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY firewheelca.org Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 225 GARLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY garlandchristian.com Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 360
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL zlsdallas.org Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 287
DESOTO PRIVATE SCHOOL desotoprivate.org Grades: Pre-K–6 Total enrollment: 300
VANGUARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL vanguardprepschool.com Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 120
WHITE ROCK MONTESSORI whiterockmontessori.org Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 167
WINSTON SCHOOL, THE winston_school.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 150
DESOTO
URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS ursulinedallas.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12 Total enrollment: 880+
WESLEY PREP wesleyprep.org Religious affiliation: Methodist Grades: Preschool–7 Total enrollment: 420
WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL whiterocknorthschool.com Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 377
GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC SCHOOL gscschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 150
IRVING
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CISTERCIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL school.cistercian.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 5–12 Total enrollment: 363 HIGHLANDS SCHOOL, THE thehighlandsschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 405 HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC ACADEMY hfca-irving.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 144 HUMANIST ACADEMY, THE thehumanistacademy.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 96 ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF IRVING islamicschoolofirving.org Religious affiliation: Islamic Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 900
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REDEEMER MONTESSORI SCHOOL redeemermontessori.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 151 SAINT FRANCIS MONTESSORI stfrancisirving.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 140
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STONEGATE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY sgca.net Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 60 24
2026 / guide to education
ISTOCK
SLOAN SCHOOL, THE thesloanschool.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–5 Total enrollment: 100
WHERE PLAY HAS PURPOSE
and families find home.
A play-based approach for your child to learn and a supportive community for you to belong.
Enrollment is open.
Schedule a tour today! FO R AG ES 3 M O N T H S TO 5 Y E A R S A N D T H E I R FA M I L I ES
dfwchild.com / 2026
25
COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
The Public & Charter School List Your local ISD and other tuition-free options
ANNA 972/924-1000 annaisd.org CARROLL 817/949-8222 southlakecarroll.edu CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH 972/968-6100 cfbisd.edu CEDAR HILL 972/291-1581 chisd.net CELINA 469/742-9100 celinaisd.com COPPELL 214/496-6000 coppellisd.com
DALLAS 972/925-3700 dallasisd.org See ad on page 11 DENTON 940/369-0000 www.dentonisd.org DESOTO 972/223-6666 desotoisd.org DUNCANVILLE 972/708-2000 duncanvilleisd.org FRISCO 469/633-6000 friscoisd.org GARLAND 972/494-8201 garlandisd.net GRAND PRAIRIE 972/237-4000 gpisd.org HIGHLAND PARK 214/780-3000 hpisd.org IRVING 972/600-5000 irvingisd.net LANCASTER 972/218-1400 lancasterisd.org LEWISVILLE 972/350-9500 lisd.net LOVEJOY 469/742-8000 lovejoyisd.net MCKINNEY 469/302-4000 mckinneyisd.net
PLANO 469/752-8100 pisd.edu PROSPER 469/219-2000 prosper-isd.net RICHARDSON 469/593-0000 risd.org
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS iltexas.org Garland & Lancaster, 972/479-9078
WYLIE 972/429-3000 wylieisd.net
Multiple campuses
CHARTER SCHOOLS
A+ ACADEMY apluscharterschools.org Dallas, 214/275-1200
AW BROWN FELLOWSHIP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY awbrown.org Dallas, 972/709-4700
BASIS CHARTER SCHOOL basised.com/texas Plano, 469/750-0046; Richardson, 469/998-0055 See ad on page 5
BRIDGEWAY PREPARATORY ACADEMY bridgewaypreparatory.org Farmers Branch, 214/257-8883 BUCKNER PREPARATORY cityscapeschools.org Dallas, 469/905-0336 COPPELL CLASSICAL ACADEMY foundersclassical.com Coppell, 972/339-3077 EAST GRAND PREPARATORY cityscapeschools.org Dallas, 469/905-0336 EVOLUTION ACADEMY evolutionacademy.org Richardson, 972/907-3755 FAITH FAMILY ACADEMY faithfamilyacademy.org Dallas, 972/224-4110 FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY foundersclassical.org Carrollton, 972/245-2900; Frisco, 972/532-0952; Prosper, 972/845-8128 FOUNDATION SCHOOL OF AUTISM foundationplano.com Plano, 972/696-0505 GATEWAY CHARTER ACADEMY gatewaycharter.org Dallas, 214/375-1921 GOLDEN RULE CHARTER SCHOOL goldenruledallas.org Dallas, Desoto & Sunnyvale, 214/333-9330 GREAT HEARTS ACADEMY ghilsinfo.greatheartstxschools.org Irving, 469/759-3030 HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS harmonytx.org Multiple campuses, 214/570-1606
MESQUITE 972/288-6411 mesquiteisd.org
IGNITE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ignitecommunityschools.com/mesquite Mesquite, 469/453-0977
2026 / guide to education
IMAGINE LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY lonestartx.org Plano, 972/244-7220
SUNNYVALE 972/226-5974 sunnyvaleisd.com
MELISSA 972/837-2411 melissaisd.org
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IMAGINE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NORTH TEXAS imaginenorthtexas.org McKinney, 214/491-1500
KIPP PUBLIC SCHOOLS kipptexas.org LEADERSHIP PREP SCHOOL lpsfrisco.com Frisco, 972/370-3650 LEGACY PREPARATORY CHARTER ACADEMY legacypreparatory.com Mesquite, 469/249-1099
LIFE SCHOOL lifeschool.net Cedar Hill & Dallas, 469/850-5433 See ad on page 15 LUMIN EDUCATION lumineducation.org Dallas, 214/824-8950 MANARA ACADEMY manaraacdemy.org Irving, 972/304-1155 NEWMAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY newmanacademy.org Cedar Hill & Irving, 682/207-5175 PEGASUS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES pegasuscharter.org Dallas, 214/749-5677 PIONEER TECHNOLOGY & ARTS ACADEMY texas.ptaa.org Dallas & Mesquite, 469/405-8967 ST. ANTHONY ACADEMY stanthonydallas.org Dallas, 214/421-3645 TRINITY BASIN PREPARATORY trinitybasin.com Dallas, Grand Prairie & Mesquite, 214/946-9100 TRIVIUM ACADEMY triviumacademytx.com Farmers Branch & Plano, 469/854-9007 UNITED METHOD OF EDUCATION umeprep.org Dallas & Duncanville, 214/445-6243 UNIVERSAL ACADEMY universalacademy.com Coppell & Irving, 972/255-1800 UPLIFT EDUCATION uplifteducation.org Multiple campuses, 469/621-8500 VILLAGE TECH SCHOOLS villagetechschools.org Duncanville, 469/454-4441 WINFREE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS winfreeacademy.com Multiple campuses
ISTOCK
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ALLEN 972/727-0511 allenisd.org
Celina ISD2
377 289
MAPPING MAPPING
ISD7 prosper ISD5
380
Your Your Options Options
mckinney
ElmSECTION SPECIAL Little ADVERTISING
Frisco ISD3
289 the colony
dallas north to llway
35E
m sa
2
lewisville h
121
eo president g
coppell ISD11
r
ISD9
635
farmers branch
161
1
allen
turnpike
1
5
addison
9 19 15
15
10 11 7 8
ISD8
18 13
17
12
Murphy Wylie
183 irving ISD18
richardson
75
ISD21
garland
6
Rowlett ISD15
highland park ISD17
635
4
67
80
dallas ISD12
30
78
190
14 3
Lucas ISD4
75
Plano
35E
114
2
ISD6
ge
CARROLLTON
bu s
16
ISD1
ay lw ol nt ur b y ra
mesquite ISD20
grand praIrie
12
161 ISD16
20
12
360
45 175
Duncanville ISD14
12
67
Cedar Hill ISD10
35E Desoto 12 ISD13
Lancaster ISD19
1 – BASIS Texas Charter Schools (2)
12 – Life School (4)
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
2 – Challenger School (2)
13 – Logos Christian School
COLLIN COUNTY ISD1 – Allen ISD ISD2 – Celina ISD ISD3 – Frisco ISD ISD4 – Lovejoy ISD ISD5 – McKinney ISD ISD6 – Plano ISD ISD7 – Prosper ISD ISD8 – Wylie ISD
3 – Compass School of Texas 4 – Dallas Academy
14 – Our Redeemer Lutheran School
5 – Fairhill School
15 – Parish Episcopal School (2)
6 – Goldberg Early Childhood Center
16 – Prince of Peace Christian School
7 – Good Shepherd Episcopal School
& Early Learning Center
8 – Grace Academy of Dallas 9 – Greenhill School
17 – Shelton School
10 – Hockaday School
18 – St. Mark Catholic School
11 – The Lamplighter School
19 – The Westwood School
DALLAS COUNTY ISD9 – Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
ISD10 – Cedar Hill ISD ISD11 – Coppell ISD ISD12 – Dallas ISD ISD13 – DeSoto ISD ISD14 – Duncanville ISD ISD15 – Garland ISD ISD16 – Grand Prairie ISD ISD17 – Highland Park ISD ISD18 – Irving ISD ISD19 – Lancaster ISD ISD20 – Mesquite ISD ISD21 – Richardson ISD
dfwchild.com / 2026
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