Advice on Parish Episcopal school in Dallas (Bishop, Midway: 2013, transfer to)

[Uninformed]

Is there anyone who could share some light/advice on Parish Episcopal school in Dallas? Our family applied for the upcoming 2013-14 school year for open and attrition grades (2nd,3rd and 5th). I was wondering, how this school compares to the Tier 1 schools like Hockaday, Greenhill and ESD? When we visited the school and attended parent coffee, Parish made a great impression on our family, but they emphesize the fact that Parish is not worried about the statistics of GPA, AP honors classes or merit lists. Instead they nurture the individual student personal needs. We loved the fact the school felt as a smaller community,personalized environment and the individual attention the other schools we felt just like a number or another application. Any information on the school is greatly appreciative.

[TurtleCreek80]

From a rankings perspective, it's definitely a Tier 2 school (a big leap below St Mark's / Hockaday / Cistercian/ Greenhill) and a "half leap" below ESD / Ursuline/ Jesuit. I'd put it on par or a bit above Bishop Lynch & TCA.

The fact that they don't care about "stats" like NMSF, AP, etc means they aren't prioritizing the things that the schools perceived as "above" them are. It's not a bad thing- if it's where you and your family felt the best fit, that's the most important thing and that's where your kid will probably "bloom" and develop a love of learning. Not every kid is meant to be in a high-stakes academic environment. It's hard to compare them statistically since they don't push the stats, you know?

[Uninformed]

Thank you for your input, this is very helpful and much appreciated.

[Bypass13]

It's a nice school and cheaper than top tier ones but you go there for enviorment not for academics. If that is your priority than send kids to a good public and save that money for college.

[Uninformed]

Originally Posted by Bypass13

It's a nice school and cheaper than top tier ones but you go there for enviorment not for academics. If that is your priority than send kids to a good public and save that money for college.

Definitely something seriously considered and many family conversations have taken place already as the price tag for Parish is the same as the Tier 1 schools in North Dallas.

[Bypass13]

You are right to expect more with this tuition fee. One advantage that I see in Parish over tier ones( public & private)is that its more relaxed so for some kids it works better.

[Uninformed]

Sounds like to me the spiritual well being of students at Parish is a hefty price tag to pay. For this price our whole family can receive at our local church for 10% or less our income, more a frugal, well-thought out route

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by Bypass13

It's a nice school and cheaper than top tier ones but you go there for enviorment not for academics. If that is your priority than send kids to a good public and save that money for college.

Errrr......

1. Parish is only a little less, a few percent, than ESD - ESD has been the most expensive local private for a good while. I can't look up all the numbers but I'd bet Parish is similar to Greenhill, Hockaday and Saint Marks in terms of costs - it certainly isn't substantially cheaper.

2. Academics at Parish are just fine. Parish is part of a growing trend seen in HSs who have decided that there is far too much emphasis on the PSAT test - and a growing number of well regarded universities agree. As an example The University of Texas has almost completely abandoned PSAT scores as metric for awarding scholarships. UT has decided that SAT scores plus grades paint a better picture.

[Johnhw2]

I can add that Parish's facility just north of LBJ (west of the Galleria - near Alpha and Midway I believe), is an IM Pei designed building, formerly owned by Mobil but sold to Ray Hunt who donated it to Parish as I understand things..

I cant speak to the more important elements of results/learning environment or costs etc.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by Johnhw2

I can add that Parish's facility just north of LBJ (west of the Galleria - near Alpha and Midway I believe), is an IM Pei designed building, formerly owned by Mobil but sold to Ray Hunt who donated it to Parish as I understand things..

I cant speak to the more important elements of results/learning environment or costs etc.

I'm pretty sure that's right on. The HS's physical plant is definitely an IM Pei work - and it is really awesome. I believe Ray Hunt spearheaded the purchase and transfer to the school as well.