|  | The Winston School is a small college preparatory school designed to maximize the potential of bright students who learn differently.® Through individualized learning strategies our students are empowered to meet confidently the challenges of tomorrow. |
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| HistoryIn the early 1970s, a group of parents led by Lester Levy and Jerrold Trim decided that the Dallas community needed a school to accommodate their learning-different children. Originally these two Dallas businessmen envisioned a two-track system at The Greenhill School of Dallas, but a better idea prevailed - a new school solely devoted to children with learning differences -- The Winston School.
The Winston School opened in September, 1975, on the southern end of the Greenhill School campus for 51 children in grades 1-6, with the first Head of School, J. Wynne Harkless and a faculty of 6 teachers. The Winston School was established to provide individualized learning programs for students whose learning differences, including problems in reading, writing, language, and mathematics, as well as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, had hindered their reaching full academic potential in traditional classrooms.
On October 24, 1975 the Winston buildings were destroyed by a fire and the school began to occupy a group of business offices for the next three months. Winston returned to new buildings at the old site at Greenhill where the school remained until the fall of 1978.
Paul Erwin became the second headmaster in the fall of 1976. In 1977, Winston earned accreditation as a private day school from the Texas Education Agency and from the Independent School Association of the Southwest in 1978. In the fall of 1978 The Winston School moved into new buildings on Royal Lane in North Dallas, and the school continued to grow, reaching a student population of 135 for grades 1-9. That spring, the first ninth grade class was graduated from Winston.
Winston graduates successfully attended other private and public high schools, but education reform in Texas prompted Winston parents to request a college preparatory high school curriculum that addressed learning differences. In the fall of 1983, Winston parents completed a capital campaign to open Winston's upper school, which graduated its first senior class in May 1986.
In 1985, Winston's success encouraged the opening of The Winston School in San Antonio, a school that patterned its curriculum and teaching methods after Dallas' Winston School. In 1988, Paul Erwin, long-term Headmaster and designer of the Winston Grammar Program, left to establish a similar school in San Diego, California. Following his departure, Stuart P. Smith was appointed Interim Headmaster.
Smith inherited a school in severe financial difficulties. A group of parents, supported by several of Winston's original underwriters, raised the money needed for continued operation and revitalization. By February of 1992, Winston completely eliminated its nearly $1,000,000 debt thanks to the success of Operation Clean Slate, a plan implemented by the Board of Trustees under the leadership of Wilbur Smither and later by Emily Corrigan and Walter Levy.
In 1989, Rita J. Sherbenou, Ph.D. was hired as Head of School. She brought enthusiasm as well as strong academic credentials and experience. Also in 1989, the Upper School moved from its temporary facility at the University of Dallas into expanded facilities at the Royal Lane campus. Following the success of Operation Clean Slate in 1992, the Board began work on a capital campaign to remodel existing facilities and to build a new gymnasium and additional classrooms. Within 14 months, the goal of $2.6 million was achieved, and the groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 26, 1995. The following year construction was completed, and the addition 36,350 square feet, along with a totally rejuvenated campus, was celebrated on October 2, 1996.
Pamela K. Murfin, Ph.D. was appointed Head of The Winston School in 1999 and introduced the Block Structure to the Middle School, led the charge in increasing and improving the athletic department and established the Language Labs throughout the entire school. Dr. Murfin brought many key speakers to the school to educate and train the faculty, student body and parents. She also guided the Testing and Evaluation staff to proactively promote the services that they provided not only for our families and students but the greater community as well. In 2000 Dr. Murfin started the fundraising project for an endowment to support teacher salaries, professional development and to continue a speaker series. Under Dr. Murfin, The Winston School continued to flourish in the remarkable accomplishments of its students through 2006.
Winston welcomed its newest Head of School, Polly Peterson, Ph.D. in 2007. The school now boasts over 210 students in grades 1-12, with national and international success within The Hunt-Winston Solar Car Challenge and a growing Endowment of over $4 million. Dr. Peterson has led the way into the 21st century with by introducing technology across all divisions, ensuring that assistive technology is available for all students to access and she started the Middle School wireless laptop community of learners. Dr. Peterson worked to launch the new Winston School website www.winston-school.org with the staff and introduced distance learning to the community.
The Winston School launched their Academy programs in the fall of 2008 which now include: Fine Arts Academy, Solar Science Academy and Service Learning Academy. All academy programs are available to Upper School students who wish to work above and beyond their college preparatory program and graduate with portfolios and distinction on their diplomas. All divisions have revised their curriculum to be nationally aligned and mapped as they will continue to develop and change with the needs of the 21st century learners. The School is focused on developing critical thinkers who are equipped for a rigorous program and ready for post Winston experiences. |
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