Feature Story

AT ST. PHILIP’S, MIDDLE SCHOOL

RULES!

Year one of St. Philip’s highly anticipated launch of a full middle school program is underway. Our inaugural class of 7th graders are standing out not only by their khaki uniforms and red shirts, but through budding leadership and an undeniable sense of dignity and gratitude. “They are proud to be in 7th grade and are looking forward to being the first graduating class of St. Philip’s,” says Dr. Shaunaisea Henderson, the new Middle School Director. “They want to learn. In fact, their desire to learn is remarkable.”

St. Philip’s middle school program currently boasts 6th grade and 7th grade, with preparation to add 8th grade next school year, thus establishing St. Philip’s as the only predominately African American faith-based, ISAS (Independent School Association of the Southwest) accredited Pre-K through 8th grade school in Dallas and the region.

Most agree that the middle school years can be the most transformative for students, as they experience tremendous social/emotional, physical, and educational changes during this time. Middle school marks crucial years in both their educational and human development; all in preparation for high school and for leading successful, productive lives. For four decades, St. Philip’s School has proven itself to be a solid foundation for the educational, spiritual, cultural, and emotional development of younger students. With the implementation of a

full middle school program, we are positioned to ensure our graduates are then equipped and inspired to subsequently stand on such a foundation.

Last year, St. Philip’s embarked on a $2 million fundraising campaign to properly launch a full middle

school program over two years. To date, over $1.1 Million has been raised through 14 generous donors, thus allowing St. Philip’s to hire dynamic new faculty (Latin, Math, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts), a school counselor, and a Middle School Director. Funding also enabled the school to procure additional technology; begin implementation of its middle school curriculum, with a focus on The Arts, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship; kick-off a middle school athletics program; award tuition assistance; retrofit portables for 7th grade and begin renovation of our upstairs wing to house the full 6th – 8th grade program next school year.

St. Philip’s is committed to assisting middle school students and their families with confidently navigating through what can be deemed "the hardest part” of their schooling and development, especially in this day and age. “If this is the time when I’m supposed to be figuring out who I am and my destiny, I want to do it here at St. Philip’s where I know I am loved and my teachers want the best for me,” shared a middle school student. With proper guidance, support, a solid curriculum, and access to a variety of resources and experiences, we believe our students can overcome the challenges presented to them at middle and high school and become well-rounded people.

“Our students are building positive relationships with their peers and teachers,” says Dr. Henderson. “They love their new space. The growth I have witnessed with them in their Bible class is profound. They are moving onward and upward!” St. Philip’s is committed to assisting middle school students and their families with confidently navigating through what can be deemed "the hardest part” of their schooling and development…

MANY THANKS TO THE CURRENT DONORS OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LAUNCH. THEIR COMPASSIONATE INVESTMENT IS ALREADY PAYING OFF:

Anonymous Abigail and Todd Williams Barbara Wiggins Bercher Family Betty Regard Donell and Phillip Wiggins Ellen and John McStay Hamon Charitable Foundation Hillcrest Foundation Hoglund Foundation Lucy Billingsley Peggy Dear Pollock Foundation Prairie Creek Partners Charitable Fund