Highland Park Independent School District

The Highland Park Independent School District, with an unyielding commitment to excellence,
will provide an exceptional academic program that recognizes the unique potential of each
student and integrates the intellectual, social, cultural, and physical aspects of learning.

This program will empower each student to become an eager lifelong learner committed to
academic excellence, integrity, responsible citizenship, and service to others.

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Dear HPISD Parents & Friends,

Highland Park High School is listed this month among the top high schools in the nation by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek includes HPHS, ranked number 14, for its students' academic participation and success on Advanced Placement exams.

This is the fourth year Highland Park High School has made Newsweek's "Top 100" listing.  HPHS was the highest ranked comprehensive high school, outscored only by magnet or charter programs.

Newsweek's article, "America's Best High Schools," compiled a listing of 1,000 high schools, with public schools ranked according to a ratio that divides the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests taken schoolwide by the number of graduating seniors in the school.   

Using that ratio, Highland Park High School scored a 5.727, up from 4.735 in 2006 and 4.558 in 2004.

"We are absolutely delighted to be recognized by Newsweek magazine as the 14th-best high school in America," said HPHS Principal Patrick Cates.

"This recognition brings honor to our students, their parents, our school district, and to our faculty and staff.  The combination of bright, talented, hard-working students, supportive families, and the highly creative and talented adults who inspire and mentor these students makes HPHS one of the truly outstanding high schools in this country."

Superintendent Dr. Cathy Bryce was also thrilled by the recognition. 

"This is a tribute to our incredible students, who choose to challenge themselves by taking Advanced Placement courses to prepare for college," she said. "This would not be possible without dedicated teachers who work diligently to ensure their students' success. Finally, we thank our parents for working in partnership with us by supporting their students' decisions to follow this rigorous learning journey."

To read the article, go to:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id /18754326/site/newsweek

Dallas Independent School District

Dallas Independent School District's mission is to prepare all students to graduate with the
knowledge and skills to become productive
and responsible citizens.

The DISDs commitment to student success and a progressive learning environment is
reflected in a challenging core curriculum and special programs, such as career education,
character education, Advanced Placement, talented and gifted, science and engineering,
fine arts, and multilingual and multicultural enrichment

Private Schools

All Saints Catholic School offers educational opportunities to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Students are accepted after a personal interview and a screening of academic performance. All Saints considers itself a "Faith Community," an "Academic Community," and a "Family Community," where Christian ideals and a challenging academic curriculum are present in a place where each person is appreciated. click here to visit website

Bending Oaks High School was founded on the ideals that kids should look forward to classes and receive more personal attention. The classes are small with student/teacher ration of eight to one. Bending Oaks has been accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since the 1985-86 school year. click here to visit website

Bishop Dunne Catholic School is a college prep institution for students in seventh through 12th grade. Bishop Dunne integrates a strong Catholic education with high academic standards so their students reach their potential. It has been recognized by the National Catholic Education Association for its technology program which is among the top twelve in the nation. click here to visit website

Bishop Lynch High School provides a college prep atmosphere for students in ninth through 12th grades. It has been recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission. Bishop Lynch offers an environment where Christian values are taught and lived along with a strong academic education with emphasis on the arts and community service. click here to visit website

The Cambridge School of Dallas opened its doors in 1996 and has intentionally remained small to give each student the individual attention that he or she needs in the classroom and as a participant in the Christian community. Cambridge takes above average students in the 5th through the 12th grade based on their ISEE performance. Along with an intense curriculum of language and math, students study Western literature, philosophy, and languages - both modern and ancient. 100% of Cambridge graduates attend college, and 90% attend their first choice university. click here to visit website

The Covenant School's mission is "to glorify God by equipping students with the tools necessary to pursue a lifetime of learning so that they may discern, reason, and defend truth in service to our Lord, Jesus Christ." Covenant's curriculum is a traditional one which includes language arts, math, history, science, and foreign language. In addition to these classes, students can take art, music, drama and numerous other electives. Beginning in third grade, students are required to take Latin and participate in extracurricular activities.
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Christ the King School Christ the King School provides quality education for 425 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Catholic Conference Education Agency. click here to visit website

Dallas Academy offers structured learning environments for students with learning disabilities in 7th through 12th grade. The classes are very structured which helps students who have problems with concentration and who have been diagnosed with dyslexia and other types of learning differences. The average class has about nine students and follows the curriculum guidelines set by the Texas Education Agency. click here to visit website

Dallas International School provides a bilingual, multicultural education for students of 20 nationalities. Forty percent of the students are American, 40 percent are French and Canadian and 20 percent are other nationalities. Currently, there are 380 students in preschool through 12th grade. click here to visit website

Episcopal School of Dallas is a college prep school for PreK through 12th grade that also teaches its students the core values of Judeo-Christian beliefs. It is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools among other organizations. click here to visit website

First Baptist Academy is a college prep institute for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Current student enrollment is about 680 students who attend 210 churches in the metroplex. First Baptist prepares its students for college, not only through academics, but through teaching the Bible so each student can attain his or her potential for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
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Good Shepard Episcopal School Good Shepard Episcopal School uses basic but strong curriculum guidelines which include language arts, math, social studies, science and Spanish. In addition, students attend daily chapel services, physical education classes, technology classes and an extensive fine arts program. As a way to instill a sense of citizenship in their students, Good Shepard offers school-wide projects of community service. click here to visit website

Grace Academy of Dallas provides education to PreK - 6th graders with a Biblically integrated curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence. The environment encourages Christ-like attitudes, habits and character and teaches that each child is made in God's own image with a unique personality. Grace Academy is accredited by Texas Private School Accreditation Commission along with the Association of Christian Schools International. click here to visit website

Highlander School was founded in 1966 on the foundation of the Carden Method curriculum. The Carden Method has a phonetic approach to reading and a way of integrating language arts in other core subject areas. Highlander is located in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas and has an enrollment of about 200 students. click here to visit website

Hillier School focuses on providing understanding and patience to children who "demonstrate a significant discrepancy between intellectual potential and academic performance." The staff uses multi-sensory techniques in small classes of three to ten students. Hillier offers after-school programs and a parent's club as a way to become involved in school activities. click here to visit website

Hockaday School is an all girls school that still remains committed to its founder's vision of the four cornerstones - character, courtesy, scholarship and athletics. The school accommodates a diverse population of more than 1,000 students from six states and ten countries at their North Dallas campus. Average class size is 15 students, and 100 percent of graduating seniors attend prestigious colleges and universities. click here to visit website

Holy Trinity Academy is an Orthodox Christian school that integrates academic excellence with integrity of character and faith in God. The curriculum for each grade is designed and implemented based on the age group. click here to visit website

Holy Trinity Catholic School was founded in 1914 and has been accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department and is approved by the Texas Education Agency. The mission of Holy Trinity Catholic is to provide each student with the highest quality Catholic education while also providing a well-balanced curriculum that emphasizes mind, body and spirit. They offer a core curriculum that also offers different electives including foreign language, speech, music and art. click here to visit website

Jesuit College Prep School of Dallas is an all boys school that offers an education in the Jesuit tradition. Jesuit offers a chance for young men to achieve academic excellence and to be intellectually challenged. They also offer a variety of athletic opportunities including the traditional football, baseball and basketball teams, but also hockey, lacrosse and rugby. Jesuit's sister school is Ursuline Academy.
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Lakehill Prepatory School is an independent college prep school that accommodates about 400 students in Pre K - 12th grade. Their philosophy is that through academic excellence in the social and applied sciences, humanities and fine arts, students will develop perseverance, discipline and an appreciation for the community. In turn, the belief is that this will guarantee success, both academically and socially. click here to visit website

Lakewood Montessori School has taken the traditional Montessori views and has established them in an educational curriculum that teaches children to develop self-motivation, inner-discipline and respect. The kindergarten and elementary programs are designed to teach students basic subjects along with "Practical Life," "Sensorial," and all sorts of cultural differences. click here to visit website

The Lamplighter School considers itself to be not only a school, but also a place where students learn to value themselves and develop healthy self-esteem. Learning to work in groups and cooperate with each other is a very important aspect of Lamplighter's curriculum. The school also emphasizes good stewardship of the environment by using an outdoor education center. click here to visit website

Lighthouse Christian Academy believes that a complete education must impact four aspects of life: spiritual, mental, physical and social. It is a child's choice to participate in the knowledge that is made available, but Lighthouse tries to make their curriculum as inviting as possible. Parents and teachers work together to "train up our children in the way they should go." click here to visit website

Lutheran High School of Dallas offers a very structured and organized curriculum that will challenge and push students to use their "God-given talents." Athletics and extra-curricular activities are available at but Lutheran High puts academics as the highest priority with solid work habits and study skills. click here to visit website

Metropolitan Christian School offers a high-quality, yet affordable education for the children of Southeast Dallas. It is a relatively young school that just graduated its first senior class in May of 1999. Athletics is included in the educational program and athletes are encouraged to put forth their best effort regardless of the outcome. click here to visit website

Oak Hill Academy is for talented and gifted students who have a language or learning difficulty. Oak Hill is dedicated to educating and stimulating their students by offering success-oriented learning. They also offer individualized programs to allow each student to develop at his or her own pace. click here to visit website

Our Redeemer Lutheran School is an extension of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and a vital part to the church's ministry. The school seeks to support families as they lead their children to faith and provide a well-rounded education. click here to visit website

The Parish Episcopal School has become well known for its "contributions toward the development of its students' confidence and spiritual anchoring." Because of the growing need for private school Christian education, Parish Episcopal has added a high school to their program. The first senior class will graduate in May of 2007. click here to visit website

Preston Hollow Presbyterian School was founded in 1962 as an outreach ministry of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. The students have identified learning differences that have kept them from performing well in a regular classroom. Each year, 118 students with an IQ of 95 or above are enrolled in 13 classes. click here to visit website

Providence Christian School of Texas considers itself devoted to sharing the joy of learning in a Christian and classical environment. They pride themselves in providing students with a challenging educational experience that is designed to show them how to live with purpose and intelligence. The curriculum is based on the classical model of grammar, logic and rhetoric. click here to visit website

Scofield Christian School's provides children with an IMPACT Education that is academically challenging, well balanced, nurturing, comprehensive and integrated with Biblical truths and principles. Scofield has a primary mission to impact students for Christ, so they will in turn, impact those in their homes, churches and communities. click here to visit website

St. Alcuin Montessori School is the largest "single roof" Montessori campus in the country with the largest student body of more than 500 students. It was also the first school in Dallas to be recognized by the Association Montessori International and the first Montessori school in Dallas to become part of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. click here to visit website

St. Cecilia Catholic School accommodates 220 students in the Southeast and Southwest districts of Dallas. St. Cecilia provides after school care and Saturday morning tutoring sessions for no charge. There are many extra-curricular activities to choose from including sports, Drama Club, Student Council and much more. Each school day begins with a morning prayer that ends in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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S t. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School St. Elizabeth's offers a Catholic education within a safe and diverse environment to prepare their students to fulfill their dreams and make a difference. It is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and the curriculum includes religion, math, science, English and other core subjects. The religious instructions are based on the Christian faith and all students are expected to participate regardless of other religious affiliations. click here to visit website

St. Mark's School is an all boys school that prepares their young men not only for their academic careers, but for all the characteristics and qualities that boys need. "Marksmen" learn to think critically about arts and sciences at all grade levels. Hockaday School for Girls is St. Mark's sister school. click here to visit website

St. Monica Catholic believes the cornerstones of each child's life includes history, service and faith development. The school day includes daily prayer, religious instruction and integrated Christian values in the curriculum. St. Monica's is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education and uses the core curriculum of the Diocese of Dallas. click here to visit website

Tyler Street Christian Academy accepts students base on their academic performance on entrance tests, previous school records and an interview with the student and parents. The school is a ministry of Tyler Street United Methodist Church in North Oak Cliff. Tyler Street was ranked 14th among private schools in the Dallas Fort Worth area by "D" Magazine in 2002. click here to visit website

Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic college prep school for young women in high school. Ursuline has been educating women for more than 130 years and is the oldest continuously operating school in Dallas. Ursuline has a very diverse population of 800 young women. click here to visit website

Westwood School is an accredited Montessori school that teaches students to strive for excellence in all areas of their life. The teachers and staff provide a liberal arts education that also emphasizes personal ethics and morals. Westwood follows the Montessori model closely which encourages multi-aged classrooms so young children can look up to older children for guidance both socially and academically.
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White Rock Montessori School was one of the first Montessori elementary programs in the country and is still recognized today as one of the city's best programs. Founded in 1975, the school serves 160 students by providing an environment where each child is enabled to reach his or her fullest potential. White Rock Montessori helps its students develop self-esteem and respect for others. click here to visit website

White Rock North School was founded on the ideal of having freedom to teach the way each child learns and to stay true to traditional education principles. The motto is "Learning today. Leading tomorrow." click here to visit website