Research White Rock North School Private Schools in Dallas, Texas

“Love it, Love it, Love it....I live in the Park Cities and unfortunatley there are very few full-time infant/toddler programs in my neighborhood. The HPISD schools are accelerated and I am very confident that my child is getting a jump start on most the children in my area that attend a Mommy's Day Out program 2 or 3 times a week. My daughter is almost two and sings abc's, knows all the colors and shapes, counts 1-12 and even says the days of the week and months of the year. August to May is a normal teaching year, but June ans July they have a terrific camp program with field trips, swim days and other fun activities. The pricing is just amazing for what you get! I have not found a school in the area that comes close in comparison.”

“Our family has been at WRN for many years and witnessed many of the changes in the administration of the school. What has remained consistent is solid academic core curriculum (which is a year ahead of many of the other schools in the area) and the individualized attention our child has received. Our child loves to go to school everyday, and the extras like Ginger the horse who likes carrots and apples and the rollerskating on-site make it irresistable to almost any child. We feel so lucky to have found such a unique and wonderful school.”

“The changes that the school has made since the spring of 2008 are amazing. It's good to see the school's founder back. Her academics director and her office adminstrator are well organized and the school is neat and clean. We love the teachers. Some have been at the school a number of years. The music teacher constantly has performances for the parents to attend and the field trips are very educational.”

“There has been a remarkable change in the school since Mrs. Keeling took over as director. The level of professionalism with which the school is now run is a fantastic turn-around and provides much welcome leadership that is proactive, approachable and effective. This is a gem of a school tucked away in the big city, and the family atmosphere, unique activities,caring and dedicated staff, and reasonable tuition rates set it apart from others. It is clear that the school's focus on structure, learning, arts and music, social interactions, physical activity, and manners have made a difference for our girls. When I think back to the frantic day that we found WRNS while needing to make a surprise childcare change, I am so thankful that WRNS could accomodate both of our children on extremely short notice. My only regret is that we did not come to White Rock North sooner.”

“The new Director of the school along with the owner Mrs. Adams are doing a fantastic job. There is much more organization and calm in the school since Amy Adams the previous principal left. All of the teachers and staff have every child's interest at heart. The school offers a very professional, loving, warm and caring environment. The office staff is outstanding and cares about every child in the school. Come see for yourself.”

“I am an employee of the school. It is remarkable at the changes that have occured since the former principal has left. The school is very organized and the staff very professional. All of the children are loved, given excellent care and a wonderful education, and to boot, the parents are very happy. It is wonderful to see this school thriving again. There are no political issues at all, as stated previously by someone. Every one works very well together. Great environment!!”

“We have been very active parents at WRN for many years. Our child has received a wonderful education and has been nurtured and supported way beyond what a school is required to do. We love the teachers - they are very committed and a great group of educators. We miss Amy Adams - and yes, while the office is more organized, with the passing of Mr. Adams and Amy gone - what we originally loved about the school is missing. We can go to many other private schools for great academics, but the loving, warm, caring environment is not what it was and it makes me very sad. I hope that this precious school is able to regain in the future what it has been in the past.”

“My children have been going to WRN for 3 years. I don't think I will be sending them back next year because of all the political issues with the office. It is not the same since Amy Adams left and Mr Adams dies. The people that are runing the school now don't seem to have the children's best interest at heart. It use to have a family environment and great energy now it is very cold.”

“Our child has been at White Rock North School for the last year. This school is great. They combine the perfect mix of physical, emotional and social activities for active children. Everyone is always friendly and the administration is top notch. Our energetic son loves it! (At four and a half years old he's reading and communicating at a six year level.) Ms. Keeling is the best.”

“My two-year old started at WRN over the summer. I am so pleased with the teachers and the education she is getting, she sings, knows her letters and numbers and many other things she never worked on at ther previous shcool (a daycare) for about the same tuition. She loves her teachers and talks about them often. We are staring our infant there in the new year.”

“White Rock North is now run by a new, wonderful director and the original owner of the school. My 3 year old and 11 month old have been there they were 6 weeks old. White Rock has to be one of the best private schools in Dallas. The academics are serious, even for a three year old but there is structure and love and fun everywhere. There are so many special things for the children, a pool with lessons, a horse, three playgrounds, a roller rink and incredible caring teachers that will feel like family. Besides all of this my 3 year old is definitely at least a year ahead of children her age when it comes to socializing, listening and intelligence. This is a fabulous school that teaches valuable lessons and unequalled skills every day.”

“There are some wonderful teachers at this school. However, I agree with the post below that the low enrollment at the grade school has brought down the quality of the entire school. They need to scrap the entire grade school and focus on the preschoolers where the bulk of their enrollment is. They have 10-15 kids total in grades 1-6 who occupy a big, spacious new building, but they cram 15 three yr olds into tiny windowless rooms in the old building. And the 'Corner Cottage' is even worse. We will not be returning this year.”

“We were quite disappointed in the school's grade school last year and have decided not to return. I believe the school's grade school has suffered with low enrollment. 2-4 children per grade, for example. The administration is difficult to work with and we found they didn't keep regular office hours during school hours. I believe the school has problems keeping the best teachers. Over the last 2 years, our favorite and most qualified teachers went on the other schools each year.”

“I can't say enough about how well run the summer program at this school is! My kids never want to leave at the end of the day! Ilove that the kids are challenged and still have fun. I never thought we'd give up Lakewood , but I'm in love with this school and how much the staff really love the kids! We're attending the school this fall.”

“I had my son here since he was 11 months old. My son now 13 years old misses the school something bad. This is his first year being gone and wishes he could return. This school is like a tight knit family even a year later and I still get the calls asking ' how is he doing?' I couldnt have asked for a better school and experience. Yes, you do run into some problems from time to time. However, everyone will take the time to sit down with you and talk whatever your concern is out. Had this school been so bad as some have written.... as a single, high maintaince mom I would have never left my child here.”

“We love our principal! Mrs. Adams always looks out for the best interest of the students even when her decisions aren't popular. She always has so much energy and the families love her for it. She visits the classes daily and believe it or not, she knows all 400+ students... and their parents!”

“We have been very disappointed in the grade school this year, particularly in the way the school is run. Several parents and I have tried to discuss these issues with the head of school this year, but when she's approached, she's either too busy with her swim classes or pushes off parent concerns to 'difficult' parents. High teacher turn over and a dwindling student population should be red flags to the administration.”

“My son has attended WRNS for three years now and I can say that I am very pleased with this school and the outstanding staff”

“I am a WRNS alum and was excited to have my son attend the Corner Cottage, etc., but was disappointed by (lack of) discipline and overall safety and left. Poor administration, thanks to a principal who, while has the credentials (apparently), completely lacks tact with parents or sincerity/concern for the school's staff and children. We loved most of the teachers, but some weren't qualified or completely 'with it'. I'm looking elsewhere.”

“The preschool and cottage are awesome. My 2 year old can recite the pledge of allegiance, count to 20+, knows more nursery rhymes than I do, etc. I'm not a private school snob (then again, I was raised on long island where they're not very needed). My son goes to public school nearby. But, I wish I had him enrolled there when he was young. It would have made a major difference when he started kindergarten in RISD. We can't afford private and moved to an area with good public schools (right near White Rock North). But, rest assured, your kids are getting a good education at White Rock North.”

“Regarding the parent who posted that she had a good eperience with her child in the corner cottage and wished her other child could attend the WRN grade school, there's a big difference between the day care versus elementary school. In my estimation, WRN is not equipped to handle children beyond kindergarten. Day care is one thing, but I'd look elsewhere for school.”

“We were very disappointed to arrive at school and find that our favorite teacher and head of the grade school had left. We really believe that she was the reason that the school was so good and we would not have returned if we had known that she would not be there. We have no option but to stay this year but we will not be back next year. Poor management, unhappy parents, sad children and dissatisfied teachers=a negaitive school experience.”

“I have had a child at this school for four years and until this year was very happy. Unfortunately, management problems and a lack of guidance from the principal have lead to many, many unhappy parents and unhappy teachers. The quality of instruction is suffering due to the general negative atmosphere and also due to the dis-satisfaction of the staff. I have no choice at this time but to find another school to move my child to. I regret having to make this decision but I feel that this school is not able to provide my child with what she needs at this time.”

“Teachers are excellent at this school. Caring and loving environment. My child loves to swim and skate at this school. Disgruntled parents exist in every school. I have been very pleased with my experience at this school.”

“We've been at both the Corner Cottage and the Preschool. While we had a great experience with the Cottage the preschool has been just 'ok' with some disappointments. The only thing that has kept us here are the teachers and the fact it is impossible to change schools mid year for fulltime care. We will not be back next year. Principal has absolutely no business with preschool children nor does she care about what the parents think. The preschool classrooms have been clean with no issues there.”

“The school's enrollment is dwindling due to a mostly absent principal, dissatisfied parents, several recent teacher departures (including a really stellar director of the elementary school) and inconsistencies with what the administration told us during enrollment.”

“I believe the school does not operate the way it's marketed on the school's web site or during school tours. When we brought up minor issues or concerns about activities, safety, continuity in the classroom due to high teacher turnover, our questions fell on deaf ears. I also agree with the recent posting about cleanliness as well. The front office and other play areas are in disarray; it's organized chaos. However, I will say our teacher's classroom reflected her -- clean and orderly.”

“Cleanliness is an issue. There never seemed to be soap in the classrooms or bathrooms. Teacher concerns fell on deaf ears! 3 year olds doing pencil and paper work instead of hands on acitivies like sand/water play, nursery ryhmes, fingerplays, etc. is not appropriate. Children need social, emotional and physical stimulation. The general lack of respect for teachers' time, families and sanity is sad. Also when children are sick there is no nurse; nor do they send out alerts!”

“I am an alumni of this school and made a very conscious decision to send my kids back to my alma mater. I would challenge anyone to fill Mrs. Adams' shoes and try for just one day to juggle all that she does. Better yet, come in and be a part of making this great school even better. Any parent that thinks she's unapproachable must not really know her. She keeps me laughing all of the time and I find it charming that she taught me and is now teaching my kids!”

“Unique campus with great academic programs...well above that of a public school. A lack of organized sports is easily overcome by involvement in the community sport association. Parent involvement can be lacking, but that's at their own choice. The school is family-run BUSINESS and has been around for 40+ years...I think that speaks for itself. The principal does a fine job with the ever changing environment (turn-over). But, you can always go pay 25-50% more in tuition for your child to attend a religious private school sans horse, pool, skating rink. Or, just keep paying your taxes and send your child to the local public school...again, sans horse, pool, and skating rink. I'm pleased with my experience at WRN, to say the least. I can't say the same for the parents I've met here. Very demanding group of individuals (perhaps they should open their own schools).”

“It was with great sorrow that I learned the excellent head of the upper school would not be returning for the 2007 school year. I have had children at this school for five years and have been overall very satisfied. I believe that the head of the school was almost wholly responsible for the quality of the teaching staff and the curriculum and for the wonderful safe and homey atmosphere.”

“We believe, the WRNS family business gets in the way of this school realizing its full potential. Apparently it wasn't this way 40 years ago when it began, but generations change. I'm yet another disgruntled parent who is now forced to look at other schools.”

“As a parent of a former WRN student, I can tell you that I tried to be involved, but the school often gets in the way of keeping strong teachers and other decisions that would benefit the school. This has not been a great back to school so far.”

“White Rock North School has been a complete disappointment to my husband and me. Overall, the quality of the education is just not there for the tuition dollars. We thought our kids would have more advantages by attending a small, private, family-run school, but we have found a much better school experience with our local public school.”

“Completely agree - poor, poor administration and prinipal leadership. Common themes here.”

“We were at this school for a while. I have to say that we believe that the negative reviews of the administration more accurately represent our experience. At first we thought that the negative vibe here was just a few folks, but over time we came to realise that it is the general consensus. The class size does contribute to the positive teacher feedback, but we felt that our children's social development was severely hampered . The negative reviews should serve as a warning.”

“Have been at White Rock for 5 years. My son graduated last year and he and his classmates scored very highly on the entrance tests that they took to get into Junior High. Excellent academics! My daughter in 2nd Grade is working a grade level ahead and achieving excellent grades. This is a very safe, nurturing school with great teachers and an excellent PE and Music program. The families are great, very involved with their children. The school is affordable, meals are excellent, and the after school program is very convenient for working parents. Discipline is good. Tour the school and see for yourself.”

“Have been at this school for a while and there are some great teachers and some not so great. The administration is terrible. It's a shame because the school is potentially great. Wish someone else would buy it and turn it into a good school.”

“White Rock starts off great first impression, but it doesn't last for the long run. Good teachers, the low cost, and location are appealing, but I was greatly dissatisfied with the quality of the administration and the principal's ability to lead the school. I think this severely hampers the school's future. We were initially attracted to the school's curriculum like art, Spanish, music and swimming. (There are no athletics, however.) I found the teachers were above average. They were genuinely excited about the students. We were forewarned about the administration but discounted it at first. Unfortunately it proved to be an issue for us like many other parents. Why take the risk with our child's educational success? We moved on to other options.”

“My daughter absolutely loves going to school! She has two of the best teachers; Ms. Gran and Ms. Susan ( there is a 3rd teacher, but we just met her). It is apparent that these two teachers love their job and love the children! I have seen such an awesome change in Madelyn's behavior, vocabulary, and her overall abilities to communicate with us. She is two 1/2 years old and she and the rest of her classmates can say the pledge of allegiance, tell the name of the school and where it is at, tell what city and state they live in, and more. If you have a child who is about to turn 2, then I would, without hesitation, recommend that you have the pleasure, and experience of having these two wonderful people as your child's teacher!”

“I can't say enough about White Rock North Private School. It is wonderful because the children work ahead of there grade level and they are very polite. Everything is great about this school, my 2 kids go there now and are so sad that they have leave for the summer. Not for long they also have a wonderful summer program. I love this school and will keep my children there for as long as I can. :)”

“It's important for any parent to understand that yes, there are some wonderful educators at the school. We moved on to another school after too many negative experiences with the head of school and the teachers' hands were always tied by the management. It's a shame.”

“I beg to differ, I think the principal cares a great deal about the students.My daughter had a wonder experience, and I love the class sizes were small and the home room teacher was wonderful. Rena Lawrence”

“When we were there, we were frustrated with the lax approach to security (high foot traffic in and out of the building with little to no supervision on who was in and out of the school).”

“The director of the elementary school is strong however there are a lot of issues with the principal's leadership as others have noted. The class size seems to have gotten smaller (combined grades in the same classroom).”

“Despite having a few excellent teachers, the principal brings this school to new lows. Unfortunately for students and parents, the few good teachers that they have are severely overshadowed by those ultimately in charge. If I were you, and I was you at one time, I would dismiss this school as a possibility and pursue any other option that you have.”

“We didn't last long at this school. The principal has no business being in this environment. None whatsoever. I would warn parents to look elsewhere.”

“The Elementary School teachers are incredible and they are led by a great head of department. parents are kept informed through a Monday letter from the teachers. My son's teacher is young but very knowlegable and very committed and she has grteat discipline. The curriculum is very challenging and the children are required to work hard. The annual science, history and art fair is excellent. The children are rewarded for hard work every 6 weeks and the reward system of gaining Mustang bucks to spend at the school store is very motivating. There is an after care program. The school is safe and parental involvement is welcomed.”

“It's a decent school -- the teachers are the real differentiators. We've been attending for a year now. And it's nice that Mr. Adams, the founder, is still there. He seems to make a difference versus the headmaster, his daughter. I have seen people and even staff struggle with her and her decisions about the school. (We have had issues as well.) The enrollment is not always what the people in the front office say it is. In the grade school, there are several grades that are combined and their new 7th grade has only one student. But, again, there are some really excellent teachers (and families) there.”

“My daughter has attended White Rock for just over a year, and overall White Rock is a wonderful learning environment. I concur with the other reviewers who have noted that the principal and certain office staff can be a distraction. However, in light of the wonderful leadership given by Ms. Debbie and the fantastic teachers, I still believe that the school is one of the best learning opportunities available. I would note that the pre-school program has the same closing dates as the regular school which may make this program difficult for some working parents to utilize.”

“Our daughter has been at WRNS for several years in the elementary department & we love this school! Ususally those that are the least involved are the most demanding. People that are quick to criticize Mrs. Adams, the principal must not know her. She loves & cares for the kids, challenges them & makes them a priority. She's very knowledgeable about education, not to mention that she's really funny! She still teaches classes, becaue she loves the children & I don't know many principals of a school of 400 that teach anything any more. Get to know Mrs. Adams and you will know exactly why so many families are proud to tell others that their children attended this great school.”

“Our child attended wrns for preschool. The music program was wonderful. Dance, swimming, and roller skating is all offered at this school. This is a great school for working parents. However, there was alot of turnover for the teachers. Our child had 4 teachers in 5 months span. The head of school is somewhat unprofessional. Otherwise, this is a great school for working parents.”

“Our son loves his teachers, who are very warm and loving. The toddler program is structured but still fun. However, we plan for him to attend a different school beginning in kindergarten. We feel that leadership of a school creates the attitude & culture and unfortunately, their leadership is not inspiring.”

“We had three very happy years at WRNS and we were reluctant to leave. The teachers are so supportive and caring. Financial hardships made it impossible for us to continue at the school as there is no financial aid program. The school would however be better off without the current management team. The principal is ineffectual and the office staff are often unapproachable. When you get past all of this, the teachers are warm and welcomeing and if we could have afforded it we would have stayed.”

“Excellent Grade School staff and a great curriculum which is advanced by one year. Most children working above grade level, I believe. Excellent Science History and Art Fair. Children are encouraged to think of and assist others less fortunate with numerous outreach programs. Active Student Council. We love Art Club on Fridays.”

“White Rock has been a very nurturing and loving environment for my son.”

“White Rock North School recently opend the 'Cottage' which houses an infant/toddler program. It is a loving, fun, safe and educational environment for babies aged 6 weeks through 18 months. Their diverse staff is excellent - caring, smart, flexible. My daughter has learned so much in only a few short months and loves every minute she is there.”

“Our son has been at WRNS for 3 years and we have seen a complete turn around from a kid who was failing to a 6th grader who is well above his grade level in every subject. Class sizes are small and the teachers are skilled and responsive. The music program is remarkable. My son, who was already a skilled musician gained skills as an accompanist which he would not have ordinarily had an opportunity to do for several more years in the context of private lessons. His WRNS music teacher is fantastic. The school has a small indoor pool and an indoor skating rink with skates available for the kids who dont have any. THe playground is large and shaded. Althoguh the PE program is good, there is little in the way of organized sports. Super experience for us.”

“My daughter has attended this school for three years and has had wonderful teachers. The Pre-K and Kindergarten classes are excellent and the students are performing on a class level above. Parent involvement is high. The music program is excellent but Spanish, computer, science and art are very weak. There are extracurricular activities such as dance, gymnastics and swimming and they are good. My biggest disappointment is the administrator. She is challenging to deal with and getting a 'straight answer' can be pretty tough.”