For more than 60 years, PHPS has served students with diagnosed learning differences, providing a foundational learning environment with individualized instruction that fosters academic growth, builds self-confidence, and supports social and emotional development.
Specialized instruction for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia Focus on
Managing editor Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen.
WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
that Texas is home to one of the largest education systems in the country? Raising a family here today means you have more choices than ever when it comes to where and how your kids learn—from traditional public schools to charter programs, private academies, microschools and more. With so many options, deciding on the right path can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the right school is one of the bigger decisions you’ll make for your child. It’s not just about academics; it’s about finding the place where your child will make friends, discover their passions and build the foundation for their future. No pressure, right?
That’s why we created our Guide to Education, an annual special issue that provides resources, advice and lists to help parents in Dallas-Fort Worth navigate their children’s education. Whether you’re leaning toward public school, considering a charter program, exploring private options, or
curious about other emerging models, this guide is here to help.
In this issue, we unpack the basics to starting off right, with guidance on choosing the right elementary school and a look at the importance of a foundation in social-emotional learning. We also look ahead, with tips on how you can really measure your child’s academic progress through the years (hint: it’s not their report card), and give you a crash course on opening up a 529 plan (because, no, it’s never too early).
Plus, you’ll find directories of private, public and charter schools across DFW starting on page 27, so you have all your options, right here at your fingertips.
Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual—but when it comes to your child’s education, we hope this guide gets you one step closer to the right choice.
At Dallas Lutheran, we serve a diverse community of 6th–12th grade learners in an intimate, faith-based setting where each student is embraced, engaged, and equipped for a bright future.
• Individualized Learning – Small class sizes empower our expert teachers to reach every student and invest in their growth on a personal level.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities – Opening Fall 2026: A brand-new academic building featuring a modern Science Lab, Art Room, and Media Center.
• College Counseling Excellence – Our focused program leads the DFW metroplex in scholarships and financial aid, averaging $650,000 per graduate.
• Inclusive Academic Environment – With AP offerings, 60+ Dual Credit courses, and a dedicated Academic Success Center, we serve students at every level— including those with dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and more.
• Dynamic Student Life – From athletics and performing arts to STEM and leadership, we provide opportunities for every passion.
difference—where faith and academics come together to shape leaders of tomorrow.
• Faith-Filled – Rooted in Jesus, actively serving Him.
• Academically Empowered – Recognized nationally for scholarship and lifelong learning.
• Living Authentically – Embodying Christian character, compassion, and service.
• Global Leaders – Bold, determined, and ready to make a difference in the world.
for details.
costs, eligibility & impact of the new
COMPILED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER
STARTING IN THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, Texas parents have a new option when it comes to their child’s education. The state’s new school voucher program—offered through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—gives families public funds to help pay for private school tuition, homeschooling supplies and other learning expenses. Whether you’re considering switching schools or simply want to understand how this might affect your child’s education, here’s a by-the-numbers breakdown of what the program offers, who qualifies and how it could impact local families.
~$10,000
The annual amount that students participating in the program are eligible to receive towards private school costs, or 85% of the state and local funding a public school would receive for that student
9/1/25
The date when the new voucher law went into effect, with the program expected to launch in late 2026
90,000
The number of students the new voucher program could support in its first year
Children with disabilities may be eligible to receive up to $30,000 annually
$2,000
The amount homeschoolers could be eligible for each year
2026-27
The school year in which the voucher program will officially launch, and funds dispersed
5.3 MILLION
Families can expect to apply for the program through the Texas Comptroller’s office once the program rolls out. If demand for the voucher program exceeds available funding, applicants will be prioritized in the following order:
• Students with disabilities from families with an annual income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (less than $160,000 for a family of four)
• Families at or below 200% of the poverty level ($64,300 for a family of four)
• Families between 200% and 500% of the poverty level
• Families at or above 500% of the poverty level (capped at 20% of the program’s budget)
The number of public school students in Texas the program is open to, as well as current private school students and homeschoolers (all school-age children)
WORDS GINA MAYFIELD
WHEN A CHILD COMES HOME with a report card filled with A's and B's—fast followed by an awards assembly invite and an honor roll certificate—parents may think all is right with their child’s education. But is it?
Many local moms and dads just got a rude awakening when STAAR test results arrived in June. Research shows more than 90% of Tarrant County parents falsely believe their children are on grade level—but STAAR testing reveals that the number of students with on-level results hovers around only 50%. The disconnect isn’t just an issue there—it’s a national one, with almost 9 in 10 parents thinking their children are on grade level, despite a steady stream of data that shows otherwise.
Why the discrepancy? Many parents rely on those report cards as the primary source of information regarding their student’s progress, but grades provide just one piece of the puzzle. A nonprofit called Learning Heroes has launched a
nationwide parent engagement campaign called Go Beyond Grades to not only explain that to parents, but to empower them to partner with teachers to best understand student achievement.
The campaign began in spring 2023 and, after being in several other cities across the country, arrived in Tarrant County after the Fort Worth-based Sid W. Richardson Foundation contacted them to join forces. Since then, more than 80 corporations, foundations, nonprofits, school districts, universities and community organizations with ties to our community have stepped up to meet parents where they are.
One of those organizations is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, which is helping
Free learning resources for parents and students.
Readiness Check: Learning Heroes’ Readiness Roadmap acts as a guide to—or gut check for—what’s expected in each grade in terms of key skills. bealearninghero.org
Get Ready courses: Khan Academy designed these courses to help students master the skills they’ll need for the next grade—and to help find and fill gaps before the school year begins in earnest. khanacademy.org
PBS LearningMedia: Browse by subject and grade to find educational videos and interactive lessons that bring concepts to life using fun activities. pbslearningmedia.org
parents know how to navigate their child’s academic progress and take the next steps as their child’s best advocate. “It takes all of us who care about our kids to help them reach their goals in life,” says CEO and president Daphne Barlow Stigliano. “Knowing what to do and where to turn to help your children can be a daunting task though. Parents are busy!”
So cutting to the chase, here is what you really need to know.
The primary reason there’s such a gap between parents’ perception and actual achievement is because of that belief that a report card summarizes the whole story of a child’s academic performance. While good report cards still deserve respect, celebration and their rightful place magnetized to the kitchen fridge, they don’t tell parents everything they need to understand, such as what grade level their child is at in reading and math.
Truth be told, those report card grades represent a mixed bag of factors, says Cindi Williams, co-founder of Learning Heroes. “It’s behavior, it’s participation, getting your homework in on time, and it’s the mastery of the things you’re supposed to know and understand in that grade,” she says. “When you bundle those things, you get a reflection of that student that’s way more than whether or not they know and understand the things they’re supposed to know.”
Those STAAR results are a different tool parents can use to evaluate student performance. “What that gradelevel assessment needs to be for a parent is a gut check,”
Williams says. “If your child is getting A's and B's and didn’t do well on the STAAR, that’s a nod for you to go ask your teacher, ‘Is my child on grade level? These two pieces of information don’t match up.”
Let’s acknowledge that while the STAAR test isn’t winning any popularity contests in Texas anytime soon, it does have real value. “No single piece of information identifies or labels our children. However, that does not negate the fact that the STAAR is useful as one piece of the puzzle for parents to be able to understand the right questions to ask,” Williams says.
While teachers are experts in classroom learning, parents are the experts when it comes to their children. “There’s nobody more equipped to help children in their learning trajectory, year after year, than their parents. We’re the continuous link. We see them every year—not just one year—and we know what they struggle with and what they don’t,” Williams says.
That being said, the best way to know your child’s true progress is to connect with their teacher and ask. These days, educators have a wealth of helpful data at their fingertips for a more accurate picture of your child’s progress. Perhaps they have a Lexile score, a system that measures a student’s reading level or a text’s difficulty, or other assessments embedded in the curriculum. Those assessments can offer a clearer understanding of your child’s achievement.
Many parents also don’t realize that STAAR test results include not only detailed insights into how your child answered each question but specific recommendations on how you can support their academic growth at home.
Each school year presents the perfect opportunity to get off to good start with your child’s teacher. Learning Heroes provides a “Dear Teacher” letter to help introduce your child, including where they need academic skill support. It also offers a Parent-Teacher Planning Tool for the fall that includes example questions such as: What are the key math skills my child is expected to learn this year? How will you know where my child needs more help?
“Finding out where your child stands is the first best step,” Stigliano says. “Be curious and find out how your child is doing. Don’t assume because your student is getting A's and B's that everything is okay.”
Understand that teachers won’t have all the answers on the first day of school, but diagnostic testing takes place early in the school year, and teachers will know where your child stands and can share that information once the school year gets rolling. “This was important for me with my daughter. Once my daughter’s teacher knew my concerns and knew that I was committed to helping her, that teacher became a great resource for our family,” Stigliano says.
“Come to that conversation with a spirit of collaboration. Ask,‘How do we work together? How do we co-create a plan that says, here’s where my child kills it, and here’s where we need to work harder. Maybe we need extra support,” Williams says, noting
Parent-teacher conferences are great opportunities to learn more about your child’s education, but don’t feel like you’re limited to only speaking to your child’s teacher once or twice a year.
You can ask how your child can make progress in important skill sets, and how you can support those skills as a parent. Check in often to make a real connection, including at the end of the year to take advantage of any necessary summer learning programs.
Here are a few of the questions Go Beyond Grades suggests parents ask to get the best idea of their child’s academic progress. The Texas Education Agency also offers a helpful, one-page Parent Teacher Conference Tool for parents.
READING
Is my child reading at grade level? If not, find out why. Ask how they are doing with foundational skills such as phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
Does my child need support with foundational skills? If so, once you know which specific skills they’re struggling with, ask about tutoring, after-school programs or additional practice you can do at home.
How can I help my child with vocabulary and comprehension? Ask your child’s teacher about the topics covered in class— e.g., weather, historical figures—so you can help your child build on that knowledge.
What do I need to know about choosing books? For early readers, ask if you can get access to decodable texts that contain words with the sound-spelling patterns students were taught.
MATH
Is my child at grade level in math? Ask how the school is finding out what your child understands and where they go from there.
Can you tell me how our school teaches math? Learn the name of the curriculum and ask if it includes parent resources you can gain access to at home.
What else should I be looking out for as my child does match homework and classwork? Does your child seem to really understand how to apply the skills required to do the work? If not, work with your child’s teacher to create a game plan.
that when a parent knows their child isn’t on gradelevel, they make different decisions about that child’s time. “When parents know the truth, they’re able to make better decisions on behalf of their child. You can’t solve a problem you don’t know you have.”
If your child isn’t where they need to be and you want to figure out what they need to learn to get back on track, you can even ask for grade-level examples to get a better understanding of your child’s goals. Ask how they’re being supported through what’s often called “intervention” and “remediation” while working to catch up through “acceleration.” Likely, there’s support available through tutoring or after-school programs, or maybe some additional practice at home is all that’s needed.
“Ask your teacher specifically, ‘What can I do at home to help my child with … ? And then do it,” Stigliano says, noting there are some practical steps that parents can take outside of working with the school. “Make sure your child has access to out-of-school activities like quality after-school programs. Programs like these can be a great way to support your child,
Almost 9 in 10 parents think their children are on grade level, despite a steady stream of data that shows otherwise.
especially during the summer when it’s easier for some students to fall even further behind,” she says.
Try to create learning opportunities for your children at home, Stigliano says, acknowledging that it’s tough to stay on top of all of our responsibilities as parents. “Try incorporating learning as a part of your daily activities,” she advises. “Ask your child to read out loud as often as possible, turn everyday activities like cooking into math challenges, or have dinner together and encourage fun and stimulating topics for discussion for dinner conversation.”
Parents can log in to the STAAR test’s Family Portal to be given doable strategies specifically for supporting their child. For example, you might notice that your fifth grader struggled in a section called “Computations and Algebraic Relationships.” If so, you’ll also be given the strategy of cooking with your child and asking them how much of each ingredient is needed if you were to double the recipe, cut it in half, or cut it in thirds. Helping your children get to where they need to can be done in small, doable steps.
Navigating your child’s education can seem like a daunting task, but it can be a joy when you know you’re on the right track and partnering with your child’s educators. “Be confident and move forward,” Stigliano says. “It can be very intimidating to have these conversations with teachers. It is for them too. Remember you are not alone, and no one knows your child like you do.”
Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
Legacy (PS–K) (469) 573-0077
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Independence (PS–G3) (469) 642-2000
10145 Independence Parkway, Plano
WORDS GINA MAYFIELD
UP, families typically sent their school-age children off to the nearest elementary campus, one that was often in walking distance. Today we have many valuable public and private school options for our own children that go far beyond what’s offered within our zip code.
Navigating the educational landscape means deciding between elementary schools of all types—charter, magnet, Montessori, parochial, STEAM, dual language— there’s even that new biomedical prep school in Dallas that starts with preschool. So how do we make the right choice with mindfulness and intention, to set up our students with a foundation for a love of lifelong learning? Here, we take a look at some of those determining factors in the age of open enrollment and school choice.
WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? START WITH THE CHILD. When parents seeking guidance reach out to Adina Rich, director and educational consultant at Rich Educational Consulting in McKinney, she starts with a simple question: What are you looking for in a school? Then she asks about the learner and the family’s goals for educating that child.
“Some people want their child in a single-gender environment, for other people, it might be that their child has a learning disability, or they’re neurodiverse, and maybe they need a different environment. Some people want to have some type of religion as part of the curriculum,” says Shannon DeVilbiss, an educational and therapeutic consultant with Wolf Strategic Advice in Dallas.
Think about those big priorities, then go from there. “Do you want a high-tech school with lots and lots of technology available? Some families want to go back to pencil and paper and low tech. Those are the kind of things that we look at when we’re trying to match schools with families,” DeVilbiss adds.
FAMILY DYNAMICS & SCHEDULE
Beyond determining the type of school, consider not just the cost, but the schedule. Some schools offer a
hybrid environment with in-person classes only two or three days a week, and independent work at home or online on the other days.
Before you get your heart set on any particular school, it’s important to consider after-school care, bussing and even the commute. “If your learner has extracurricular activities at night, say they want to participate in theater or a sports activity, you may be driving to school multiple times, not just at 8 and 3,” Rich notes about those rush-hour drives.
Also consider your lifestyle. Are you up for a school with lots of family involvement, fundraisers and special dress-up days and events? When you make your decision, you want a school that reflects your family’s priorities, down to whether or not you’re comfortable with school uniforms.
ACADEMIC APPROACH
Beyond test score data, ask about curriculum, learning style and even how discipline is administered. Is it a STEAM school with tables for lots of group collaboration, a growing suburban public school with 30 kids per class, or a Montessori school with a garden out back? Also determine if the philosophy on homework will work with the demands of raising a young family, and the amount of time and patience you have each night.
Rich also recommends asking how the teachers are certified and what kind of professional development they’re offered, plus what kinds of clubs and communities they’re building for students. She also says that
Make sure you’re being honest about your family and your child, both with others and yourself. Sugarcoating who your child truly is can lead to a disappointing mismatch, and you want your decision to be the right one.
teacher turnover is a major issue right now in every academic arena, so be sure to inquire about those stats.
Look beyond elementary school for feeder-pattern middle and high schools that won’t require a whole new set of friends or academic standards, and ensure those schools are a good fit too.
EXTRACURRICULARS
As much as students need a strong academic program, be sure and inquire about opportunities beyond reading, writing and arithmetic. “Specials,” as we call them here in Texas, matter for both academic and socioemotional growth, plus they provide a pathway for uncovering hidden gifts and talents that may serve your child well through adulthood.
Rich says it’s important to simply ask what the offerings are because many schools such as charters won’t have the same opportunities as a large urban or suburban school.
Tour the school and see for yourself. Is the art room a work of art and loaded with supplies? What condition
1. What does a typical day look like?
2. What are the class sizes and the teacherto-student ratio?
3. What is the school’s philosophy on homework?
4. What specialty classes are offered?
5. How is discipline handled?
6. How much recreation time do students get?
7. What curriculum does the school use and what topics are covered at each grade?
8. What does parent involvement look like?
9. Is there before- or after-school care?
10. How long have staff been working there?
is the gym and sports equipment in? Are there holiday concerts and plays?
“I look for what I call that well-rounded, big box approach. Even in a small school, I still want there to be access to things like art, foreign language and athletics,” DeVilbiss says, before suggesting to also ask about the school’s approach to recess and access to outdoor activity. “Make sure that kids are getting that very precious outdoor and rec time because that’s also where they develop those social skills.”
Get to know the campus before making a final decision. “So much of school is, how do you feel when you walk in the building? Do you feel like this is a place where you could see your child?” DeVilbiss says, advising that an open house may not give you a full and accurate picture. “Get a tour during the off time, because then you’re going to see what’s really going down. Ask a lot of opinions of people that attend the school—the good, the bad, the ugly.”
And pay attention to the little things. “How are the students’ experiences? How do the teachers look walking down the hall? How open is the campus, are there opportunities for you to volunteer, to be a part of and integrate in that community?” she says. “If you’re able to go and observe a campus, sit down and meet with an administrator and see if their philosophy is aligned with your expectations.”
While you’re there, make sure you’re being honest about your family and your child, both with others and yourself. Sugarcoating who your child truly is can lead to a disappointing mismatch, and you want your decision to be the right one.
In the end, school choice comes down to a personal decision. “It all really depends on what you’re looking for and what your child’s needs are,” Rich says. “Finding a good fit for your learner is the most important thing you can do.”
Jane Justin School provides state-of-the-art, evidence-based special education to children, adolescents, and young adults with learning and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to foster the knowledge and life skills necessary for our students to achieve productive and meaningful lives while respecting and embracing the individuality of each child. Jane Justin School is accredited by Cognia.
1300 W Lancaster Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76102 childstudycenter.org
Tiffany Bronner
Admissions Coordinator 682-303-9356 tiffany.bronner@cookchildrens.org
The faculty at Jane Justin School strongly believes the following about children and education. First, and most important, all children can learn. Second, students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning. Third, each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. All faculty work from the perspective that learning is personal and instruction must be individualized. Learning at Jane Justin School extends from the traditional classroom to our enrichment spaces, into the community, and into job internship sites for our Upper School students.
Jane Justin School operates on a traditional school calendar and offers a six-week summer program. We know that finding the right school for children with learning differences can be overwhelming. We invite you to give us a call so we may help you navigate this difficult road and help your child get on the path to meeting his or her full potential.
How social emotional learning helps kids build confidence, manage big feelings and thrive in school and in life
WORDS LESLIE J. THOMPSON
BRADY STARTED SHUTTING DOWN AS A TODDLER At an age when other little boys are eager to explore their surroundings, he was reserved, even cautious. In and out of the hospital due to an unrelated illness, Brady continued to withdraw and increasingly expressed anxiety. By the time he was 3, mom Angie Maher knew something was wrong and tried to protect him as much as possible.
“But we realized,” says the Fort Worth mom, “we were actually doing him an injustice by keeping him sheltered.”
Maher and her husband decided to enroll Brady at Camp Fire First Texas in hopes that the organization’s child development specialists could help him better learn to navigate his surroundings and ultimately come out of his shell.
The Camp Fire program focuses on social emotional learning, a critical part of a child’s early development that sets the stage for future success in school and in life. When children don’t develop social emotional skills during their formative years—or
when that development is interrupted by trauma, like Brady’s hospital stays—they may become withdrawn and fearful or, worse, act out their insecurities with tsunami-like force. In either case, children’s behavior and how they process information has a significant impact on their ability to learn.
“Their academics can be affected greatly because they don’t know how to regulate their emotions or develop positive relationships,” explains Tasha Moore, chief executive officer for Communities In Schools of North Texas, a nonprofit that works with local schools and families to help at-risk students.
Social emotional learning, or SEL, helps children
These strategies to foster social emotional learning can help you equip your children with the skills they need for academic success.
Foster attachment. Connect in a positive way with your children every day regardless of their behavior. “People need to know [they’re] loved, no matter what,” says early childhood consultant Lyn Lucas. A hug and words of affirmation help establish a positive self-image.
Learn to self-regulate. You need to have a handle on your own emotions before you can help him to calm down. Take several deep breaths, and remember that he is responding out of fear and is looking for safety.
Remember the good times. When a little one is driving you nuts, Michelle Kinder of Momentous Institute recommends the “flashback” technique: Picture the child when she was little and you were reveling in that overwhelming connection so you can respond from a place of love instead of frustration.
Watch for signs. “If you see a young child who is not spontaneous and doesn’t access joy in the same way that most children do, we need to be as concerned about that as we are about the kid who’s throwing the chair,” says Kinder. Recognizing when a child is struggling is the first step to offering the support he or she needs.
Ask for help. If your child shows signs of emotional dysregulation, ask your child’s school or pediatrician what support is available.
develop five key skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. Because learning is intrinsically social and interactive, fostering the ability to collaborate with teachers and peers and manage emotions in the face of challenges ensures that kids are able to fully engage in the classroom. In fact, research indicates that social emotional learning has a far greater impact on a child’s future success than academics alone.
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Setting kids up for success in school actually happens before schooling begins. A child’s brain reaches 80
percent of its adult volume by age 3, and the events that transpire during those first years—especially interactions with adults—have a long-term impact on the child’s cognitive, emotional and social abilities.
Social emotional learning leverages this early stage of growth to develop critical skills, like emotional regulation, and to promote attachment, the emotional bond between child and caregivers.
The process of social emotional development can be interrupted by repeated or unresolved trauma causing a child’s still-growing brain to essentially misfire. The result is what mental health experts call “emotional dysregulation,” which can manifest in aggressive behavior as the child externalizes his or her pain (think angry outbursts, throwing objects or threats of self-harm), or internalizes the hurt (often indicated by lack of eye contact, refusing to speak, rocking or extreme anxiety).
“If your brain is always on high alert—you’re waiting for somebody to yell at you or you’re left alone and nobody is paying attention to you—your brain is firing in the areas of fight, flight or freeze,” explains Pam Rinn, program director for professional growth at Camp Fire First Texas. “They’re not firing in that frontal lobe, which is your problem-solving lobe, where you do your planning and imagining.”
Instead, all activity is focused on the midbrain, or amygdala, and the child goes into survival mode. The simplest interactions trigger a crisis response, and learning simply can’t happen. Only when the child feels safe and has a strong sense of self can other learning take place.
“Social emotional health precedes academic success,” explains Michelle Kinder, executive director of the Momentous Institute, a Dallas-based nonprofit focused on building social emotional health through its preschool program and therapeutic services.
Although kids from low-income families are disproportionately affected by adverse experiences in early childhood, affluent kids are also at risk of emotional dysregulation, but for different reasons. Kinder explains it could be an overcrowded schedule and heavy expectations, not to mention the trauma caused by divorce or dysfunctional family dynamics.
Ultimately, building kids’ social emotional health is a shared responsibility that requires the ongoing commitment of every adult, at school and at home. “The ability to regulate your nervous system and manage your inner world … only happens if children have the experience of mutual regulation,” Kinder says. “If I have a safe adult who is helping me learn to calm down, the next step is that I can learn to calm myself down.”
Many area school districts are integrating SEL into professional development for teachers and providing expanded opportunities for students to develop relationship-building skills during the school day. Experts believe the benefits will be felt in the short term and over time—in the form of happier, well-adjusted adults.
Everything Texas parents need to know about saving for college—how 529 plans work, what you can use the money for & how to start today without feeling overwhelmed
WORDS JENNIFER CASSEDAY-BLAIR
BETWEEN SIPPY CUPS AND SOCCER PRACTICE, figuring out how to pay for college feels like a problem for “future you.” But here’s a secret: the sooner you start—even with just a little—the less overwhelming it all becomes. This guide is your crash course on 529 plans, those handy tools that help you save for college (or trade school, or even a Broadway-bound adventure) without needing a math degree or a genie’s lamp. We’ll break down the basics, bust some myths, and show you how to open an account in less time than it takes to negotiate bedtime. From Texas-specific tips to what happens if your kiddo takes a detour on their educational path, we’ve got you covered.
A 529 plan is basically a college savings account that comes with some tax perks. It’s a way to put money away for your child’s education and let it grow over time without paying taxes on the earnings, as long as you use it for qualified education expenses. Think of it like an educational nest egg. You set it up, contribute to it when you can (a little or a lot, there’s no right amount to start), and that money grows right along with your child. It’s designed to make the financial side of college more manageable by the time freshman year rolls around.
Kevin Lyons, agency spokesperson for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, explains, “There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans. The state of Texas offers a prepaid tuition plan, the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, and two
college savings plans, the direct-sold Texas College Savings Plan and the advisor-sold LoneStar 529 Plan.”
For parents saving for their child’s education, the right plan depends on what kind of flexibility you want, especially if your child might head out of state or take a non-traditional path. Here’s what to consider: College Savings Plans: This is the most common kind. You put in money, and it gets invested, kind of like a retirement account for college. You can choose different investment options depending on your comfort level, and many plans offer an “age-based” option that gets more conservative as your child gets closer to college.
Prepaid Tuition Plans: These let you lock in today’s tuition prices at in-state public schools (like UNT, UT Austin, or Texas A&M) so you don’t have to worry
about rising costs. You buy “tuition units” that cover future semesters at today’s rates.
Texas doesn’t have a state income tax. That means you don’t get a state tax deduction for contributing to a 529 like some other states do, but you do get all the federal tax perks. So, your investment grows tax-free, and you don’t pay taxes on the money you take out for qualified expenses.
You might be surprised by how far that money can go. Funds can be used for:
• Tuition and fees at four-year colleges, community colleges and certain trade schools
• Room and board
• Meal plans
• Textbooks, required supplies, laptops and anything needed for class
• K–12 tuition, up to $10,000 a year, if your child goes to private school
Edward Jones financial advisor Stonie Hamilton says, “Some less common expenses that are covered include qualified apprenticeships and student loan repayment (up to $10,000 per beneficiary) in connection with enrollment and attendance at eligible institutions.” One thing to keep in mind: don’t just assume a school is eligible. Double-check using the Federal School Code Search on the FAFSA site to make sure the program qualifies.
START EARLY (EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH)
You don’t have to hit some magical number to begin saving. “Any savings or contribution is meaningful because it provides a start to a university education and means that much less a student or parent will need to borrow,” Hamilton says. “Because these plans offer tax-free growth and withdrawal for qualified expenses, the sooner you start to save, the more time the investment can grow … There’s also a greater potential for tax savings.”
Here are some tips for getting started without the stress:
Start small: Even $10 or $25 a month is a win. You’d be amazed how fast it adds up with a little help from compound interest. Think of it like planting a tree: the sooner you do it, the more shade (and acorns, or in this case, tuition money) you’ll have down the line. Automate contributions: Life is busy. Between work and playdates, remembering to transfer money isn’t always top of mind. Most 529 plans let you set up automatic transfers from your bank account or paycheck. Set it and forget it…future you will be grateful. Round up your change: Some banks and apps let you round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and stash the change in savings. Link this to your 529 and watch those coffee runs and diaper purchases quietly turn into college cash. Take advantage of found money: Some employers offer matching contributions for 529 plans, similar to a 401(k). Ask your HR department if that’s an option. Harness gift-giving holidays: When birthdays and holidays roll around, let your family and friends know that pitching in to the college fund is just as appreciated as another set of blocks. Many 529 plans have easy ways to share a link for contributions, so family
1. Go to texascollegesavings.com and read through the College Savings Plan info.
2. Open an account online, which takes about 15–20 minutes.
3. Choose an investment option.
4. Send the link to grandparents and other relatives who might want to contribute.
5. Set up auto-drafts. Some plans let you begin at $25.
can help build that college nest egg with just a click. Review and adjust annually: Each year, take a quick peek at your budget and see if there’s room to bump up contributions. Remember, you’re not locked into any amount, and every little bit helps.
If your child chooses not to use the money for school, you’ve got options. You can change the account to another family member (another kid, yourself, even a grandchild someday). And, as of last year, you can even roll unused funds up to $35,000 into a Roth IRA for your kid, assuming a few rules are met.
If you do pull it out for something that isn’t a qualified educational expense, you’ll pay income tax and a 10% penalty on the earnings. But there are exceptions, such as the scholarship rule. Hamilton says, “If 529 owners do not have any other students with qualified expenses and have a surplus of funds due to scholarship, then they can withdraw the funds without the 10% penalty, however any gains are still subject to federal taxes.”
Lyons says that unused assets in the 529 plan account that aren’t needed for education purposes may be transferred to a Roth IRA to be used for the beneficiary’s retirement purposes instead. “This way, purchasers won’t have to pay taxes and penalties as the rollover wouldn’t be considered a non-qualified withdrawal (a withdrawal for other than qualified education expenses).”
Yes, but not in a scary way. If the 529 is owned by a parent, only a small portion of the balance counts toward the FAFSA’s expected family contribution. That’s compared to 20% if the account is in your child’s name.
Lyons suggests that parents consult a financial aid professional and/or the state or educational institution offering a financial aid program to determine the impact of participating in the plan. “Texas law provides that a Texas 529 plan account may not be considered in determining eligibility for Texas-sponsored student financial aid. For school-based financial aid, the effect of being a purchaser or beneficiary will vary from institution to institution,” he says.
It’s worth noting that 529s don’t affect merit-based aid at all. That’s the kind of scholarship money your child earns based on performance, not income. So, while having a 529 might slightly reduce your needbased aid, most families would still rather have the savings than rely on loans or hope for full-ride aid.
SMALLER CLASS SIZES, unique academic tracks and alignment with your family’s faith or cultural values are just a few reasons you may choose a private school for your child’s learning journey. Our yearly roundup of private schools makes it easy to explore the many choices across Dallas–Fort Worth and discover the one that best meets your needs.
Editor’s Note: Campuses
ACADEMY AT CHURCH ELEVEN32, THE academyeleven32.com
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: K–8
Total enrollment: 110
See ad on page 26
INSPIRED LEARNING ACADEMY • inspiredlearningacademy.org Grades: 6–12
Total enrollment: 30
PRINCE OF PEACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING CENTER popcs.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 745
See ad on page 21
KIDS USA MONTESSORI OF FRISCO• kidsusamontessori.org Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 348
LUCAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY •** lucaschristianacademy.com
Religious affiliation: Christian–Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 437
ACTON ACADEMY MCKINNEY •** actonmckinney.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 30
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • ccawarriors.org
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 420
MCKINNEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY mckinneychristian.org
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 700
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL planochristianschool.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 105
CHALLENGER SCHOOL, INDEPENDENCE
challengerschool.com/campus/texas/ plano/independence Grades: Preschool–3
Total enrollment: 180
See ad on page 14
CHALLENGER SCHOOL, LEGACY challengerschool.com/campus/texas/ plano/legacy
Grades: Preschool–3
Total enrollment: 80
See ad on page 14
CORAM DEO ACADEMY, PLANO • coramdeoacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 500
FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL flsplano.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 150
GREAT LAKES ACADEMY • greatlakesacademy.com Grades: 4–12
Total enrollment: 120
JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL
johnpauliihs.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12
Total enrollment: 720
LOGOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL logoschristianschool.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–5
Total enrollment: 25
See ad on page 17
NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY •• explorenewhope.org
Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 120
NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY • ntpa.org/academy Grades: 6–12
Total enrollment: 80
PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PLANO plano.prestonwoodchristian.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 1,650
PRINCE OF PEACE
CATHOLIC SCHOOL popschool.net
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 785
SPRING CREEK ACADEMY •• springcreekacademy.com Grades: 2–12
Total enrollment: 130
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL stmcs.net
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 563
See ad on page 33
ST. TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ••• staplano.org
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 45
PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, NORTH north.prestonwoodchristian.org
Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 669
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC SCHOOL smdpcatholic.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 392
RICHARDSON
BRIDGE BUILDER ACADEMY •••• bridgebuilderacademy.com
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 40
I.A.N.T. QURANIC ACADEMY myiqa.org
Religious affiliation: Islamic Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 300
NORTH DALLAS ADVENTIST ACADEMY ndaacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Adventist Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 250
SAINT PAUL CATHOLIC CLASSICAL SCHOOL • spsdfw.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 142
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL sjcstx.net
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 293
WYLIE PREPARATORY ACADEMY • wylieprep.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 343
GREENHILL SCHOOL greenhill.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,404
See ad on page 29
TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY trinitychristian.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,468
OAK CREST PRIVATE SCHOOL •• oakcrestschool.org
Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 53
ST. ANTHONY
SCHOOL, THE • • • thestanthonyschool.com
Grades: 3–12
Total enrollment: 80
DALLAS
ACTON ACADEMY LAKEWOOD •• actonlakewood.org
Grades: Pre-K–6
Total enrollment: 28
AKIBA YAVNEH ACADEMY akibayavneh.org
Religious affiliation: Jewish Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 476
ALCUIN SCHOOL alcuinschool.org
Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 605
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL allsaintsdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 360
ANN & NATE LEVINE ACADEMY levineacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Jewish Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 425
See ad on page 26
BISHOP DUNNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL bdcs.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 6–12
Total enrollment: 400
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: 103
CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF DALLAS, THE •** cambridgedallas.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 5–12
Total enrollment: 120
CAMPBELL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • campbellchristianacademy.com
Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 60
CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL cks.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 466
COMPASS SCHOOL OF TEXAS, THE compassschooltx.org
Grades: Pre-K–4
Total enrollment: 60
CORAM DEO ACADEMY, DALLAS ** cdalions.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 443
COVENANT SCHOOL, THE covenantdallas.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 729
DALLAS ACADEMY • dallas-academy.com Grades: 1–12
Total enrollment: 185
See ad on page 26
DALLAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • dallaschristianacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Adventist Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 100
DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, LOWER dallasinternationalschool.org
Grades: Preschool–4
Total enrollment: 430
DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, UPPER dallasinternationalschool.org Grades: 5–12
Total enrollment: 240
DALLAS LUTHERAN SCHOOL dallaslutheranschool.com
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: 6–12
Total enrollment: 100
See ad on page 8
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS, THE esdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 1,188
FAIRHILL SCHOOL • fairhill.org Grades: 1–12
Total enrollment: 150
See ad on page 22
FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY fbacademy.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 410
FUSION ACADEMY, DALLAS • fusionacademy.com Grades: 6–12
Total enrollment: 100
GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL gsesdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 596
See ad on page 29
GRACE ACADEMY OF DALLAS graceacademy.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 214
See ad on page 22
HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
highlandschristianschool.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–7
Total enrollment: 118
HOCKADAY SCHOOL, THE hockaday.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,113
See ad on page 14
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL, DALLAS htcsdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 185
JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF DALLAS jesuitdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12
Total enrollment: 1,149
KESSLER SCHOOL, THE thekesslerschool.com
Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 140
KINGDOM COLLEGIATE ACADEMY ourkca.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 527
LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL
lakehillprep.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 395
LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL, THE thelamplighterschool.org
Grades: Pre-K–4
Total enrollment: 450
See ad on page 17
LUMIN LINDSLEY PARK COMMUNITY SCHOOL • lumineducation.org
Grades: Preschool–3
Total enrollment: 143
See ad on page 31
MOUNT ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL msmcatholic.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 154
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • newlifechristianacademy.net
Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 33
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL OF DALLAS • notredameschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 142
OAK HILL ACADEMY •• oakhillacademy.org
Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 145
OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN SCHOOL ordallas.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 245
See ad on page 25
PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL parish.org
Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,190
See ad on page 21
PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL • phps.org
Religious affiliation: Presbyterian Grades: Kindergarten–6
Total enrollment: 130
See ad on page 2
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF TEXAS • pcstx.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 470
See ad on page 33
SANTA CLARA OF ASSISI CATHOLIC ACADEMY • santaclaraacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 135
SCHOLARIS ACADEMY • scholaris.org Grades: 1–8
Total enrollment: 18
See ad on page 33
SCOFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL scofieldchristianschool.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 260
SHELTON SCHOOL & EVALUATION CENTER • shelton.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,112
See ad on page 33
SOUTHWEST ADVENTIST
JUNIOR ACADEMY • swaja.org
Religious affiliation: Adventist Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 42
ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX •• stbernardccs.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 151
ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL stceciliacatholic.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 169
ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY
CATHOLIC SCHOOL • saintspride.com
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 172
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL stjohnsschool.org
Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 500
ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS • smtexas.org
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian Grades: 1–12
Total enrollment: 917
ST. MARY OF CARMEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL • smcschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 147
ST. MONICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL • stmonicaschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 750
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL • spsdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 395
ST. PHILIP & ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC ACADEMY spsacatholic.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 325
ST. PHILIP’S SCHOOL & COMMUNITY CENTER • stphilips1600.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 255
See ad on page 25
ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC SCHOOL • spxdallasschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 207
ST. RITA CATHOLIC SCHOOL strita.net
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 793
See ad on page 35
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL • staschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 875
SAINT TIMOTHY SCHOOL, THE thesainttimothyschool.org
Religious affiliation: Anglican Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 55
URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS • ursulinedallas.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12
Total enrollment: 880
See ad on page 35
VANGUARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL •• vanguardprepschool.com
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 112
WESLEY PREP wesleyprep.org
Religious affiliation: Methodist Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 400
WESTWOOD SCHOOL, THE • westwoodschool.org
Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 300
See ad on page 35
WINSTON SCHOOL, THE •• winston-school.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 150
WHITE ROCK MONTESSORI • whiterockmontessori.org
Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 155
WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL whiterocknorthschool.com
Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 180
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL zlsdallas.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 300
DESOTO
DESOTO PRIVATE SCHOOL desotoprivate.org
Grades: Pre-K–6
Total enrollment: 300
MARY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ** mischool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 467
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: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 365
GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC SCHOOL goodshepherdcatholicschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 200
CISTERCIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL • cistercian.org/school
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 5–12
Total enrollment: 358
HIGHLANDS SCHOOL, THE thehighlandsschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 400
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC ACADEMY • hfca-irving.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 145
HUMANIST ACADEMY, THE •• thehumanistacademy.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 102
ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF IRVING islamicschoolofirving.org
Religious affiliation: Islamic Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 920
REDEEMER MONTESSORI SCHOOL • redeemermontessori.org
Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 163
SAINT FRANCIS MONTESSORI • stfrancisirving.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 140
SLOAN SCHOOL, THE ** thesloanschool.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–5
Total enrollment: 100
STONEGATE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY sgca.net
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 80
LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL libertychristian.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 1,320
SELWYN SCHOOL selwynschool.org Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 135
HARVEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LANTANA lantana.hcasaints.org
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 220
DENTON CALVARY ACADEMY • dentoncalvary.org
Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 260
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL •• catholicschooldenton.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 175
KOAN SCHOOL •••• koanschool.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 75
CORAM DEO ACADEMY, FLOWER MOUND coramdeoacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 674
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ** gcapatriots.org
Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 125
ACTON ACADEMY FRISCO • actonacademyfrisco.com
Grades: Pre-K–7
Total enrollment: 21
LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY legacyca.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,400
STARWOOD ACADEMY OF FRISCO • starwoodacademyoffrisco.com
Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 351
LAKELAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY lakelandchristian.org
Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Preschool–11
Total enrollment: 240
E.A. YOUNG ACADEMY •• eayoungacademy.com
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 80
LAKESIDE MONTESSORI ACADEMY ** dfwmontessorischool.com
Grades: Preschool–3
Total enrollment: 150
BURTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY burtonacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Adventist Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 340
CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY •• childrensuniversity.com
Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 180
GRACE PREPARATORY ACADEMY •** graceprep.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 500
GREEN OAKS SCHOOL •• greenoaksinc.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 1–12
Total enrollment: 35
MERRYHILL SCHOOL •** merryhillschool.com
Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 230
MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF ARLINGTON, THE • tmaonline.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 200
NORTHSTAR SCHOOL • northstarschool.net Grades: 7–12
Total enrollment: 41
OAKRIDGE SCHOOL, THE theoakridgeschool.org
Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 700
See ad on page 18
PANT E GO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY pantego.com
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 636
See ad on page 31
PARK ROW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY parkrowchristian.net
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 200
SAINT MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL •• smgschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 160
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL stjosephtx.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 350
ST. PAUL’S PREPARATORY ACADEMY stpaulsprep.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 257
AZLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL azlechristianschool.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 253
MIDCITIES MONTESSORI • midcitiesmontessori.com Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 45
HOLY CROSS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY hccaburleson.com
Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 210
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
covenantchristian.net
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 620
CROWN OF LIFE colschool.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 150
INSPIRE ACADEMY CHRISTIAN PRIVATE SCHOOL •• inspireacademytx.com
Religious affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational Grades: 2–12
Total enrollment: 75
WAYPOINT MONTESSORI • waypointmontessori.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 110
NAZARENE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • nazarenechristianacademy.org
Religious affiliation: Nazarene Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 350
ALL SAINTS’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL aseschool.org
Religious affiliation: Episcopal Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 1,281
ALLIANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY •• acaknights.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 165
ANDERSON PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED, TALENTED & CREATIVE •••• andersonschool.net
Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 25
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • bethesdachristianschool.org
Religious affiliation: Interdenominational Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 550
CASSATA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL • cassatahs.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12
Total enrollment: 130
CHRISTIAN COTTAGE PREP ••
christiancottageprep.com
Religious affiliation: Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 40
COVENANT CLASSICAL SCHOOL
covenantfw.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 509
CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY •• crossroadsftworth.org
Grades: 7–12
Total enrollment: 50
FORT WORTH ACADEMY fwacademy.org
Grades: Kindergarten–8
Total enrollment: 180
FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY fwcd.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,116
HILL SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH • hillschool.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 73
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL hfcsfw.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 115
JANE JUSTIN SCHOOL ••• childstudycenter.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 90
See ad on page 17
KEY SCHOOL • ksfw.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 100
See ad on page 22
LAKE COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL lccs.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 585
MERCY CULTURE PREPARATORY mcprep.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 308
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH • msftw.org
Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 215
MOSAIC ACADEMY • mosaicacademyfw.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 100
NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL • nolancatholic.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: 9–12
Total enrollment: 566
SAINT ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL standrewsch.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 688
SAINT RITA CATHOLIC SCHOOL saintritaschool.net
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 125
School is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a well-rounded education. Browse these services and opportunities that can help your child reach their full potential.
DESCRIPTION
Adventure Kids Playcare
North Dallas 214/295-5877 adventurekidsplaycare.com
Focused Assessments
940/489-2464 focusedassessments.com
LinkED 817/336-0808 link-ed.org
National Children's Chorus
646/308-1744 nationalchildrenschorus.com
Natlingo 945/270-2869 natlingo.com
River Legacy Nature Center 817/860-6752 riverlegacy.org/education
Swimming Elite 213/432-8966
swimmingelite.fun
Texas Zoofari Park 469/966-4608
texaszoofaripark.com
Adventure Kids Academy is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am–2pm to assist children with Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness. Choose the days that work best with your schedule. Prepare for success!
Focused Assessments provides comprehensive neuroeducational evaluations for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and related learning differences, along with college major and career assessments. We uncover strengths, clarify challenges and offer personalized recommendations for lifelong success.
LinkED offers thorough neuroeducational assessments to identify your child's learning differences or disabilities, or ADHD. College and career readiness assessments are also available!
Experience excellence with one of the nation’s top youth choirs! The Dallas Chapter of the GRAMMY® Award-winning National Children’s Chorus rehearses in Preston Hollow on Thursday evenings, offering superb vocal training for singers ages 5–18.
Kids learn Spanish from home with Natlingo’s live one-on-one online sessions with native Spanish speaking tutors, flexible scheduling, packed with culture and unforgettable live online field trips like llamas in the Andes of Peru.
River Legacy Nature Center offers engaging environmental education for preschool and elementary-aged children, including Nature School, summer camps, enrichment classes, STEM-aligned field trips and homeschool programs that spark curiosity and a love for nature.
Swimming Elite’s certified instructors provide private, adaptive and inclusive swim lessons across DFW. We specialize in water safety, confidence-building and lifelong skills for children of all abilities through personalized, patient and professional instruction.
At Texas Zoofari Park, guests discover wildlife through immersive experiences, guided encounters and interactive presentations. Visitors of all ages learn fascinating facts about animals, habitats and conservation, inspiring curiosity and a deeper appreciation for nature.
SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
southwestchristian.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,015
ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC SCHOOL stgeorgecatholicschool.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 128
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL stpauleagles.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 202
TCU STARPOINT SCHOOL • starpoint.tcu.edu
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 1–6
Total enrollment: 60
TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • tcseagles.org
Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 375
TRINITY BAPTIST TEMPLE ACADEMY tbtchurch.org/tbta
Religious affiliation: Baptist Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 100
TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL tvs.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 1,021
GRACE CLASSICAL
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ** graceclassical.com
Religious affiliation: Christian–Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 100
FLINT ACADEMY flintacademt.com
Religious affiliation: Christian–Nondenominational Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 126
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL school.icgrandprairie.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 110
GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL grapevinefaith.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 835
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL, GRAPEVINE holytcs.org
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 331
NOVUS ACADEMY, THE •• thenovusacademy.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 55
See ad on page 31
LEGACY CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • legacyclassical.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 36
DFW PERFORMING ARTS
CONSERVATORY ••** dfwpac.com
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: 4–12
Total enrollment: ~30
HARVEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, KELLER keller.hcasaints.org
Religious affiliation: Christian–
Nondenominational Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 225
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CLASSICAL ACADEMY mlcatexas.org
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Grades: Preschool–8
Total enrollment: 87
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL seascs.net
Religious affiliation: Catholic Grades: Pre-K–8
Total enrollment: 615
TRINITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY • trinityprepkeller.org
Grades: Kindergarten–12
Total enrollment: 460
FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY fellowship-academy.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 345
MANSFIELD
SCHOOL OF LEXIA • schooloflexia.org
Grades: 1–8
Total enrollment: 38
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
FORT WORTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • fwc.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Preschool–12
Total enrollment: 720
See ad on page 26
CLARIDEN SCHOOL, THE theclaridenschool.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 193
FUSION ACADEMY, SOUTHLAKE •• fusionacademy.com/campuses/ southlake
Grades: 6–12
Total enrollment: 70
SOUTHLAKE MONTESSORI • southlakemontessori.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Total enrollment: 30
WILLOW PARK
TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY tcaeagles.org
Religious affiliation: Christian Grades: Pre-K–12
Total enrollment: 504
See ad on page 25
facebook.com/dfwchild
WHETHER YOU NEED INFORMATION on curriculum, calendars, sports or extracurriculars, here’s how to contact your local school district.
ALEDO
817/441-8327; aledoisd.org
ALLEN
972/727-0511; allenisd.org
AN NA
972/924-1000; annaisd.org
ARGY LE
940/464-7241; argyleisd.com
ARLINGTON
682/867-4611; aisd.net
AUBR EY
940/668-0060; aubreyisd.net
AZ LE
817/444-3235; azleisd.net
BIRDVILLE
817/547-5700; birdvilleschools.net
BRO CK
817/594-7642; brockisd.net
BURLESON
817/245-1000; burlesonisd.net
CARR OLL
817/949-8222; southlakecarroll.edu
CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH
972/968-6100; cfbisd.edu
CASTLEBERRY
817/252-2000; castleberryisd.net
CEDAR HILL
972/291-1581; chisd.net
CELI NA
469/742-9100; celinaisd.com
COPP ELL
214/496-6000; coppellisd.com
CROWLEY
817/297-5800; crowleyisdtx.org
DALL AS
972/925-3700; dallasisd.org
See ad on page 4
DENTO N
940/369-0000; www.dentonisd.org
DESOT O
972/223-6666; desotoisd.org
DUNCANVILLE
972/708-2000; duncanvilleisd.org
EAGLE MOUNTAIN-SAGINAW
817/232-0880; emsisd.com
EVER MAN
817/568-3500; eisd.org
FORT WORTH
817/814-2000; fwisd.org
FRISC O
469/633-6000; friscoisd.org
GARLAND
972/494-8201; garlandisd.net
GRAND PRAIRIE
972/237-4000; gpisd.org
GRAPEVINE-COLLEYVILLE
817/521-5200; gcisd.net
HIGHLAND PARK
214/780-3000; hpisd.org
HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD
817/283-4461; hebisd.edu
IRVING
972/600-5000; irvingisd.net
KELLER
817/744-1000; kellerisd.net
KENNEDALE
817/563-8000; kennedaleisd.net
KRUM 940/482-6000; krumisd.net
LAKE DALLAS
940/497-4039; ldisd.net
LAKE WORTH
817/306-4200; lwisd.org
LANCASTER
972/218-1400; lancasterisd.org
LEWISVILLE
972/350-9500; lisd.net
LITTLE ELM
972/947-9340; littleelmisd.net
LOVEJOY
469/742-8000; lovejoyisd.net
MANSFIELD
817/299-6300; mansfieldisd.org
MCKINNEY
469/302-4000; mckinneyisd.net
MELISSA
972/837-2411; melissaisd.org
MESQUITE 972/288-6411; mesquiteisd.org
NORTHWEST
817/215-0170; nisdtx.org
PILOT POINT 940/686-8700; pilotpointisd.com
PLANO 469/752-8100; pisd.edu
PONDER 940/479-8200; ponderisd.net
PROSPER 469/219-2000; prosper-isd.net
RICHARDSON 469/593-0000; risd.org
ROCKWALL 972/771-0605; rockwallisd.com
SANGER 940/458-7438; sangerisd.net
SUNNYVALE
972/226-5974; sunnyvaleisd.com
WEATHERFORD
817/598-2800; weatherfordisd.com
WHITE SETTLEMENT
817/367-1300; wsisd.com
WYLIE 972/429-3000; wylieisd.net
AUTONOMOUS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL districts but still overseen by the Texas Education Agency, charter schools are on the rise in Texas. Browse the options here in Dallas-Fort Worth.
A+ ACADEMY apluscharterschools.org Dallas, 214/275-1200
ACADEMY OF DALLAS academyofdallas.com Dallas, 214/944-5544
ADVANTAGE ACADEMY advantageacademy.org Multiple campuses, 214/276-5800
ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY acaedu.net Arlington, 817/987-1819
BASIS CHARTER SCHOOL basisedtx.com
Multiple campuses, 817/662-7080 See ad on page 3
BRIDGEWAY PREPARATORY ACADEMY bridgewaypreparatory.org Farmers Branch, 214/257-8883
CITYSCAPE SCHOOLS cityscapeschools.org Multiple campuses, 214/545-6554
EAST FORT WORTH
MONTESSORI ACADEMY efwma.org Fort Worth, 817/496-3003
EVOLUTION ACADEMY evolutionacademy.org Richardson, 972/907-3755
FAITH FAMILY ACADEMY faithfamilyacademy.org Multiple campuses, 972/224-4110
FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY foundersclassical.com Multiple campuses, 972/316-3663
FOUNDATION SCHOOL OF AUTISM foundationplano.com Plano, 972/696-0505
GATEWAY CHARTER ACADEMY gatewaycharter.org Dallas, 214/375-1921
GOLDEN RULE CHARTER SCHOOLS goldenruledallas.org Multiple campuses, 214/333-9330
GREAT HEARTS ACADEMY greatheartsamerica.org Multiple campuses, 210/888-9475
HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS harmonytx.org Multiple campuses, 214/570-1606
IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ideapublicschools.org Multiple campuses, 817/885-4200
IGNITE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ignitecommunityschools.com Multiple campuses, 972/316-3663
IMAGINE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NORTH TEXAS imaginenorthtexas.org McKinney, 214/491-1500
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS iltexas.org Multiple campuses, 972/479-9078
KIPP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS kipp.org Multiple campuses
LEADERSHIP PREP SCHOOL lpsfrisco.com Frisco, 972/370-3650
LEGACY PREPARATORY CHARTER ACADEMY legacypreparatory.com Multiple campuses, 469/759-7529
LEWISVILLE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY scitechtx.com Lewisville, 972/317-2470
LIFE SCHOOL lifeschool.net Multiple campuses, 469/850-5433 See ad on page 18
LUMIN EDUCATION lumineducation.org Dallas, 214/824-8950
MANARA ACADEMY manaraacdemy.org Multiple campuses, 972/304-1155
NEWMAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY newmanacademy.org Multiple campuses, 682/207-5175
NORTH TEXAS COLLEGIATE ACADEMY ntxca.org Multiple campuses, 940/383-6655
PEGASUS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES pegasuscharter.org Dallas, 214/749-5677
PIONEER TECHNOLOGY & ARTS ACADEMY ptaaschool.org
Multiple campuses, 972/375-9672
RESPONSIVE EDUCATION responsiveed.com
Multiple campuses, 972/316-3663
ST. ANTHONY ACADEMY stanthonydallas.org Dallas, 214/421-3645
TEXAS LEADERSHIP CHARTER ACADEMY texasleadership.net Multiple campuses, 817/385-9338
TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS + ACADEMICS artsacademics.org Fort Worth, 817/732-8372
TITAN ACADEMY trinitybasin.com
Multiple campuses, 214/946-9100
TREETOPS SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL treetops.org Euless, 817/283-1771
TRIVIUM ACADEMY triviumacademytx.com Multiple campuses, 469/854-9007
UNITED METHOD OF EDUCATION umeprep.org Multiple campuses, 214/445-6243
UNIVERSAL ACADEMY universalacademy.com
Multiple campuses, 972/255-1800
UPLIFT EDUCATION uplifteducation.org
Multiple campuses, 469/621-8500
VILLAGE TECH SCHOOLS villagetechschools.org Duncanville, 469/454-4441
WESTLAKE ACADEMY westlakeacademy.org Westlake, 817/490-5757
WINFREE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS winfreeacademy.com Multiple campuses, 972/200-3512
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
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
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
DENTON COUNTY
ISD22 – Argyle ISD
ISD23 – Aubrey ISD
ISD24 – Denton ISD
ISD25 – Krum ISD
ISD26 – Lake Dallas ISD
ISD27 – Lewisville ISD
ISD28 – Little Elm ISD
ISD29 – Northwest ISD
ISD30 – Ponder ISD
PARKER COUNTY
ISD31 – Aledo ISD
ISD32 – Weatherford ISD
ROCKWALL COUNTY
ISD33 – Rockwall ISD
TARRANT COUNTY
ISD34 – Arlington ISD
ISD35 – Azle ISD
ISD36 – Birdville ISD
ISD37 – Burleson ISD
ISD38 – Carroll ISD
ISD39 – Castleberry ISD
ISD40 – Crowley ISD
ISD41 – Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
ISD42 – Everman ISD
ISD43 – Fort Worth ISD
ISD44 – Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
ISD45 – Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
ISD46 – Keller ISD
ISD47 – Kennedale ISD
ISD48 – Lake Worth ISD
ISD49 – Mansfield ISD
ISD50 – White Settlement ISD
