Hockaday and St. Marks applications (Dallas: preschool, university, live)

[jedolala]

I am relocating to Dallas and have been invited to submit a late application to Hockaday and St. Marks for my kiddiwinks and I need a bit more input if anyone has any...
Firstly, academic rigour is very important to me and I lean towards the principles of a classical education. Does anyone know whether these schools ascribe to that ethos..I realise that the teaching of Latin, Ancient Greek and Classical Civilisation as subjects may well be present but I'm wondering if the principles of Logic, Philosophy and Rhetoric are interweaved in any way with the formal curriculum?
Secondly, being British and unfamiliar with the culture of private schools here, I am curious to know about the general tone of the personal aspects of a successful application. In England, we're very big on a school contributing greatly to the character of a child and slightly less, I think, than America, on their academic performance. It seems to me that over here the outcome of their education is measured to a large degree, by their various scores, matriculation to a reputable University etc. Is that correct or am I mistaken?
My concern is that if I were to apply as I would at home, I would be emphasising the importance of Aristotelian virtue, self discipline and the ability to reason, aswell as to be provided with the opportunity to benefit from and contribute to meaningful relationships. Would this be an utterly redundant conceptual framework (ha!ha!) to present as a prospective family? What do people in America put on their applications do you think? I'm not suggesting that I would be in any way deceptive about my wishes, rather that I might more appropriately emphasise other aspects of my objectives for the children's education. Any ideas..?

[txgolfer130]

I'm assuming since you are considering both Hockaday & St. Marks that your children are both girls & boys going to each. I'm not that familiar with St. Marks, but have heard great things. I am familiar w/ Hockaday in that a few of my Sr. partners at work send their daughters there, and I have to say I am always impressed with them after each encounter.

The core values of the school are concern for their fellow man, friendship, love of learning and a foundation in ethical principals to last for life. I would say that at least on the surface and hearing what these girls are involved in, they have learned well.

This is from their site:

hrough small classes, creative teaching, and an approach which emphasizes the process of learning, Hockaday seeks to discover unique aptitudes and awaken the intellectual curiosity of every girl.

Through a strong physical education program and the challenge of competitive sport, Hockaday seeks to develop in each girl an enthusiastic spirit, a healthy body, and a sense of responsibility for herself and her actions.

Through a continual exposure to the arts, Hockaday seeks to engender an appreciation of beauty and joy in self-expression that will bring added enrichment to each girl’s life.

Through constant emphasis on moral and ethical values, Hockaday seeks to nurture a courteous attitude, a sense of grace, respect for the ideals of human worth and dignity, and a harmonious and mature character well equipped to make responsible choices and withstand the pressures of today’s society.

If I lived closer to the area I would love to have my girls in this program. I would highly encourage a visit to tour and analyze the campus/environment. I believe that your foundation and core belief(s), wishes and concerns vis-a-vis the Aristotelian ethics would be a good match to their ethos.

Good luck.

[SMS_Parent]

Although neither Hockaday nor St. Mark's seeks to deliver anything close to a classical education in the true sense of the term, you can definitely safely apply to Hockaday or St. Mark's "with a focus on Aristotelian virtue, self discipline and the ability to reason, as well as to be provided with the opportunity to benefit from and contribute to meaningful relationships." If you are indeed looking for a classical education, The Cambridge School might be worth a look -- it is definitely the most traditionally classical education among high schools in Dallas -- though its emphasis is perhaps too heavily Christian to appeal to many Europeans. (Among elementary schools Providence provides a very similar option -- classical education, but heavy emphasis on Christian worldview.)

[TurtleCreek80]

I was going to recommend Providence as well. They have a really unique curriculum as far as the Dallas private schools go.
It is absolutely a Christian school, but their commitment to providing a classical education rooted in philosophy, languages (Latin begins in elementary school), classic texts (classicap to the point their library doesn't even stock Harry Potter or other current books!) may be quite appealing to you.

It is co-Ed, preschool thru 8th grade and is on Lovers Lane between the Tollroad & Love Field (close to the Park Cities, if that is where you ended up focusing your search).

From their website:
Providence defines “classical” education in the broad sense of being traditional, time-tested, and intellectually rigorous rather than in the narrower sense of being centered in Latin and Greek studies. A classical education is based on great ideas, great books (including primary sources when possible), foundational truths and principles, and enduring traditions and skills. See the Core Values for further explanation.

Providence Christian School of Texas | Classical Education

[jedolala]

"...though its emphasis is perhaps too heavily Christian to appeal to many Europeans."

Spot on. I've found all of that somewhat tricky..we're more your sort of C.S. Lewis Christian types..


Thank you - those replies were very helpful and I'm grateful to you for taking the time to help. I am slowly figuring it all out.

[TX75007]

Originally Posted by jedolala

"...though its emphasis is perhaps too heavily Christian to appeal to many Europeans."

Spot on. I've found all of that somewhat tricky..we're more your sort of C.S. Lewis Christian types..
t.

The hideously strong kind.

[jedolala]

Originally Posted by TX75007

The hideously strong kind.