TARRANT COUNTY EDITION
THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH
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Education Supplement · 2026
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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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8 The Big Switch What kids need most when changing schools 10
Missed Connection How to really get your kids to open up after school, beyond ‘How was your day?’
18 The Public & Charter School List Your local ISD and other tuition-free options
13 The Private Schools List The info you need to find the right fit in Tarrant County
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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.
dfwchild.com / 2026
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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 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
PK-12, COED, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH | TVS.ORG
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, a DFW-area pediatric psychologist. 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 “school6
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school” than it used to be, you’re not imagining it. Many districts have adopted more rigorous expectations across early grades in hopes of boosting longterm 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 Alice Contreras Elementary in Fort Worth, 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 Alice Contreras Elementary, sings its
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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?
praises. “In the last decade, I have seen a real shift in teachers trying to make those real-world connections. Amplify 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 whole-child 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 a DFW elementary school, 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
NO PRESSURE
A few ways to make learning feel supportive—not stressful: • Read together in a cozy way. No timers or quizzes. Just joy. • Celebrate effort, not achievement. “Wow, you worked really hard on that puzzle!” goes a long way. • Normalize frustration. Remind them (and yourself) that struggle is a natural part of learning. • Trust your gut. If concerns about your child’s learning linger, talk to their teacher or pediatrician. But try to swap panic for curiosity.
of pressure on ourselves, especially when it comes to what we expect of or want for our children,” she admits. 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?
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, 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 8
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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.”
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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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
WHEN TO STEP IN—AND WHEN TO STEP BACK You might naturally want to fix every problem, but transitions are also opportunities for independencebuilding. 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.
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.
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. dfwchild.com / 2026
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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 North Texas 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
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. dfwchild.com / 2026
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THE BEST QUESTIONS DON’T FIT ON A TEST. We build curious minds, courageous leaders, and confident problem-solvers. K-8 ON PURPOSE. BY DESIGN.
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Learn more about FWA.
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 Tarrant County.
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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.
dfwchild.com / 2026
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THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
ARLINGTON BURTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY burtonacademy.org Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 326 CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY childrensuniversity.com Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 160 GRACE PREPARATORY ACADEMY graceprep.org Religious affiliation: ChristianNondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 508
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GREEN OAKS SCHOOL greenoakseducation.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 3–12 Total enrollment: 20 MERRYHILL SCHOOL arlington.merryhillschool.com Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 250
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MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF ARLINGTON, THE tmaonline.org Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 209 NORTHSTAR SCHOOL northstarschool.net Grades: 7–12 Total enrollment: 41
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OAKRIDGE SCHOOL, THE theoakridgeschool.org Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 727 PANTEGO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY pantego.com Religious affiliation: ChristianNondenominational Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 824 See ad on page 17
ST. PAUL’S PREPARATORY ACADEMY stpaulsprep.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 264
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AZLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL azlechristianschool.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 275
BEDFORD
MIDCITIES MONTESSORI midcitiesmontessori.com Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 50
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FORT WORTH ALL SAINTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL aseschool.org Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 1,260 See ad on page 12 ALLIANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY- LITTLE SPROUTS PRESCHOOL acaknights.com Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 160
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BURLESON
HOLY CROSS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY hccaburleson.com Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 250
COLLEYVILLE
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY covenantchristian.net/welcome Religious affiliation: ChristianNondenominational Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 615 CROWN OF LIFE LUTHERAN SCHOOL colschool.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 115
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INSPIRE ACADEMY CHRISTIAN PRIVATE SCHOOL inspireacademytx.com Religious affiliation: ChristianNondenominational Grades: 2–12 Total enrollment: 75 See ad on page 15 WAYPOINT MONTESSORI waypointmontessori.org Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 102
CROWLEY NAZARENE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY nazarenechristianacademy.org Religious affiliation: Nazarene Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 350
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ANDERSON PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED, TALENTED AND CREATIVE
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andersonschool.net Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 25 BETHESDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL bethesdachristianschool.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 500
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CASSATA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL cassatahs.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12 Total enrollment: 115
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CHRISTIAN COTTAGE PREP
christiancottageprep.com Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 40
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PARK ROW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY parkrowchristian.net Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 250
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL, ARLINGTON stjosephtx.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 367 14
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SAINT MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL smgschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 160
a safe place to learn All children are unique & marvelously made by God We use differentiated and multisensory instruction techniques, allowing for multiple intelligence and strength compensations
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EdD, MEd, CALT, LDT Owner & Head of School
INSPIREACADEMYTX.COM SERVING STUDENTS WITH LEARNING CHALLENGES SUCH AS DYSLEXIA, DYSCALCULIA, ANXIETY AND ADHD
55 Main St. #293 Colleyville 817-803-5010
A Place Where Your Child Can Thrive At Jane Justin School, every child’s strengths are recognized and supported. We provide individualized education for K–12 students with developmental, learning and behavioral needs. • Small class sizes • Personalized instruction • Evidence-based teaching Our team helps students build confidence, independence and skills for school, home, community and life. Admissions: 682-303-9356 1300 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76102
Discover if Jane Justin School is right for your child. childstudycenter.org
dfwchild.com / 2026
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THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
COVENANT CLASSICAL SCHOOL covenantfw.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 498
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CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY crossroadsftworth.org Grades: 7–12 Total enrollment: 50
ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL stgeorgecatholicschool.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 135
FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY fwcd.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 1,118
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HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL hfcsfw.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 115
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JANE JUSTIN SCHOOL childstudycenter.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 90 See ad on page 15
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KEY SCHOOL AND TRAINING CENTER ksfw.org Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 101 See ad on page 15
LAKE COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL lccs.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 549 MERCY CULTURE PREPARATORY mcprep.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 353 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH msftw.org Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 215
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MOSAIC ACADEMY mosaicacademy.org Religious affiliation: ChristianNondenominational Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 80 NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL nolancatholic.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12 Total enrollment: 560 SAINT ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL standrewsch.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 702 16
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SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL southwestchristian.org Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 1,026
FORT WORTH ACADEMY fwacademy.org Grades: Kindergarten–8 Total enrollment: 200 See ad on page 12
HILL SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH hillschool.org Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 85
SAINT RITA CATHOLIC SCHOOL saintritaschool.net Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 120
2026 / guide to education
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ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL stpauleagles.org Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 200 TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL tcseagels.org Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 350
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TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY STARPOINT SCHOOL starpoint.tcu.edu Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 1–6 Total enrollment: 60 TRINITY BAPTIST TEMPLE ACADEMY tbtchurch.org/tbta Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 100
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TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL tvs.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 1,005 See ad on page 5
GRANBURY
GRACE CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY graceclassical.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 90
GRAND PRAIRIE
FLINT ACADEMY flintacademy.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 125 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL school.icgrandprairie.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K-8 Total enrollment: 125
GRAPEVINE
GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL grapevinefaith.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 834 HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL holytcs.org Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 352
SOUTHLAKE MONTESSORI southlakemontessori.org Grades: Preschool–6 Total enrollment: 39
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HASLET
LEGACY CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY legacyclassical.org Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 52
KELLER
HARVEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY keller.hasaints.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 288
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MESSIAH LUTHERAN CLASSICAL ACADEMY mlcatexas.org Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8 Total enrollment: 89 ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL seascs.net Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8 Total enrollment: 620
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TRINITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY trinityprepkeller.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 500
KENNEDALE
FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY fellowshipacademy.com Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 295
MANSFIELD
SCHOOL OF LEXIA schooloflexia.org Grades: 1–8 Total enrollment: 40
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NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
FORT WORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL fwc.org Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12 Total enrollment: 800
SOUTHLAKE
CLARIDEN SCHOOL, THE claridenschool.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Total enrollment: 225
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FUSION ACADEMY SOUTHLAKE
fusionacademy.com/campuses/ southlake Grades: 6–12 Total enrollment: 52 NOVUS ACADEMY, THE thenovusacademy.org Grades: Kindergarten–12 Total enrollment: 55
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Grow with us. PREPARING FOR MORE THAN JUST THE BABY
SARAH ROSE SUMMERS
MOM LIFE AFTER MISS USA
DALLAS & COLLIN COUNTY EDITION
THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH
Education Supplement · 2026
ION
THE MAKING OF A MOM
D PPROVE MOM-A SS WELLNE S SIONAL PROFES
@dfwchild
WHEN MORNING SICKNESS GETS SERIOUS
TO
BLUEY, BALLOONS, THE STATE FAIR & MORE
D A L L A S -F O R T W O R T H ’ S H Y P E R-L O C A L R E S O U R C E FOR ALL THINGS PREGNANCY AND BABY
IDE
UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT MADE FOR TINY THRILL-SEEKERS
CRACKING THE BABY SLEEP CODE
GU
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
2 02 6
C AT
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FAMILY EVENTS
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A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 02 6
VIRAL CONTENT CREATOR KRISTIN NICOLE MILLER
@dfwchildmag @dfwchild
BACK TO SCHOOL RATINGS EXPLAINED, PRIVATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS, LUNCHBOX IDEAS & MORE
R FIND YOU E MOM TRIB UPS GRO LOCAL JOIN TO
Here for DFW families at every stage. dfwchild.com / 2026
17
THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST
The Public & Charter School List
Your local ISD and other tuition-free options COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS
PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALEDO 817/441-8327; aledoisd.org ARLINGTON 682/867-4611; aisd.net AZLE 817/444-3235; azleisd.net BIRDVILLE 817/547-5700; birdvilleschools.net BURLESON 817/245-1000; burlesonisd.net CARROLL 817/949-8222; southlakecarroll.edu CASTLEBERRY 817/252-2000; castleberryisd.net CROWLEY 817/297-5800; crowleyisdtx.org EAGLE MOUNTAIN-SAGINAW 817/232-0880; emsisd.com EVERMAN 817/568-3500; eisd.org FORT WORTH 817/814-2000; fwisd.org GRAPEVINE-COLLEYVILLE 817/521-5200; gcisd.net HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD 817/283-4461; hebisd.edu KELLER 817/744-1000; kellerisd.net KENNEDALE 817/563-8000; kennedaleisd.net
LAKE WORTH 817/306-4200; lwisd.org MANSFIELD 817/299-6300; mansfieldisd.org NORTHWEST 817/215-0170; nisdtx.org WHITE SETTLEMENT 817/367-1300; wsisd.com
CHARTER SCHOOLS ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY acaedu.net Arlington, 817/987-1819 BASIS CHARTER SCHOOL basisedtx.com/texas Benbrook, 817/662-7080 See ad on page 2 EAST FORT WORTH MONTESSORI ACADEMY efwma.org Fort Worth, 817/496-3003 FORT WORTH ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS artsacademics.org Fort Worth, 817/924-1482 FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY foundersclassical.com Fort Worth, 817/661-0387 GOLDEN RULE CHARTER SCHOOLS goldenruledallas.org Multiple campuses
GREAT HEARTS ACADEMY arlington.greatheartsamerica.org Arlington, 817/260-0890 HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS harmonytx.org Euless, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, 214/570-1606 IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ideapublicschools.org Multiple campuses IGNITE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ignitecommunityschools.com/fortworth Fort Worth, 817/693-1987 INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS iltexas.org Multiple campuses MANARA ACADEMY manaraacdemy.org/o/asa Arlington, 972/304-1155 NEWMAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY newmanacademy.org Multiple campuses TEXAS LEADERSHIP CHARTER ACADEMY trinityleadership.net Arlington, 817/385-9338 TEXAS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS artsacademics.org Edgecliff Village, 817/732-8372 TITAN ACADEMY titanacademy.trinitybasin.com White Settlement, 817/600-6401 TREETOPS SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL treetops.org Euless, 817/283-1771 TRINITY BASIN PREPARATORY trinitybasin.com Multiple campuses UNITED METHOD OF EDUCATION
umeprep.org Mansfield, 214/545-0900 UPLIFT EDUCATION
uplifteducation.org Multiple campuses
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
WINFREE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS
winfreeacademy.com North Richland Hills, 817/590-2240 18
2026 / guide to education
ISTOCK (2)
westlakeacademy.org Westlake, 817/490-5757
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
MAPPING
114
Your Options
Westlake
287 81
keller
35W
azLE ISD35
ISD46
114
grapevine ISD38 Southlake colleyville
5 ISD44
ISD41 Saginaw
199
north richland hills ISD36
820
lake worth ISD48
121 ISD45
9
121
white Setlement ISD50
ISD39
30
1
fort worth
7
6
4
arlington
820
ISD43
8
ISD34
360
2 Benbrook
Euless
20
10 3
kennedale ISD47
35W
377 ISD40
everman ISD42
Crowley ISD37 Burleson
1 – All Saints’ Episcopal School
ISD49 mansfield
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
ISD42 – Everman ISD
2 – BASIS Texas Charter Schools
TARRANT COUNTY
ISD43 – Fort Worth ISD
3 – Fort Worth Academy
ISD34 – Arlington ISD
ISD44 – Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
4 – Museum School, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History 5 – Inspire Academy 6 – Jane Justin School 7 – Key School
ISD35 – Azle ISD ISD36 – Birdville ISD ISD37 – Burleson ISD ISD38 – Carroll ISD
ISD45 – Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD ISD46 – Keller ISD ISD47 – Kennedale ISD ISD48 – Lake Worth ISD
8 – Pantego Christian Academy
ISD39 – Castleberry ISD
9 – River Legacy Nature School
ISD40 – Crowley ISD
ISD49 – Mansfield ISD
10 – Trinity Valley School
ISD41 – Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
ISD50 – White Settlement ISD dfwchild.com / 2026
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