Dear readers,
This issue is one of my favorites, where I have the opportunity to focus on one of the most significant topics in our neighborhood: education.
It’s no secret that Preston Hollow schools are one of its biggest bragging points. The Hockaday School and St. Mark’s School of Texas were some of the top private schools in the state for producing National Merit Semifinalists. W.T. White, Thomas Jefferson and Hillcrest High School all received a B in the recent state accountability ratings.
But rankings and ratings only tell part of the story.
This issue looks at some of the people and decisions shaping local education right now. At Thomas Jefferson High School, longtime principal Ben Jones is stepping into a new role as executive director of the Conrad feeder pattern, while Philip Meaker leaves Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy to take his place. At Hockaday, one student takes us inside the school’s decision not to participate in Texas’ new private school voucher program.
An education issue doesn’t have to feel like homework. So we also ventured beyond the classroom to take a look at what’s ahead for the Preston Royal development and stop by Fortune House, which recently brought its soup dumplings and Shanghainese dishes to Preston Hollow Village.
Whether you have children in a Preston Hollow school, graduated from one yourself or simply pass one on your morning commute, these campuses help shape the community we share.
I hope you enjoy the stories in this issue, and maybe you’ll even learn something.
Thanks for reading,
Alyssa High
