Carlisle School

08/25/08

The Carlisle School- best kept secret in Dallas by Noelle W. at InsiderPages

Contributor at Insider Pages

Where to begin is easy. This is the best decision you will ever make regarding your child' education, character and happiness. I first heard about the Carlisle School through my Doctor- I was single, she had a successful practice and children at the Carlisle School. I made a mental note that anything and everything she did was thoroughly researched and planned accordingly. Fast forward a few years- I was the one with a small child and another on the way. I had already enrolled in all the usual pre-k schools to get on the list. My mother, an academic, founded the Dallas International School. When discussing my sons options she insisted I visit the Carlisle School- I had forgotten all about this hidden treasure. She explained that ALL ( with no exception) of the children DIS received from the Carlisle School were far beyond any other program. The children all came to DIS with a love of learning, a respect for themselves and the teachers, a vast knowledge of the arts & classics, along with reading, writing and math. It didn't look like the other schools- and that is it's charm. No perfect plastic antiseptic playground- but pictures all over the walls of past classes and children. Tchaikovsky , Mozart, Handel playing in the background. Paintings fresh with paint hanging to dry. Books about different countries in the book shelves. Charts on the walls full of knowledge. And... the balance beam casually in the middle of the room. Mother asked me to enter the school from a child's perspective- what would they see and think, then she asked me to look at the children currently enrolled, where they happy etc... I asked parents going into or out of the school their thoughts. Choosing a school was one of the most difficult decisions in the early years of my children's life. It set the tone for who they will be, how they will react and how they will process information. At least

11/10/07

Truly outstanding

by geniemeyer at Citysearch

The Carlisle School is truly amazing. Imagine sending your child to a cozy cottage with a large backyard full of playground equipment and toys. Imagine a schoolroom hung with pictures of the great masters of art, literature, and music. Imagine an easle for painting and creating. Imagine your kindergartner learning Robert Frost poems from memory and enjoying it. Imagine your child feeling loved, nurtured, respected and honored as an individual. Imagine your child learning more than you thought possible. Imagine the convenience of being able to drop off your child as early at 7:00 AM or pick up as late at 6 PM on the days when you need to, and not paying any extra fee. Imagine the best possible early childhood experience for your child, and you will perhaps get a glimpse of the Carlisle School.

• Pros: too many to name
• Cons: NONE

01/14/07

Top Notch School

by jimhillproduce at Citysearch

This small school doesn't advertise; you must learn of it from friends.My son and daughter attended, and I couldn't have been more pleased. It is a classic in every sense. The children leave more poised and refined from their experience with the Carlisles. In many ways, it's like stepping back in the good part of the 40's.

01/09/07

Probably the best kindergarten in Dallas

by sahpmc at Citysearch

My three grandchildren attended this school, and all have had very successful educations. They were always more academically confident than their peers.

Dr. Richard Carlisle is a scholar, and Mrs. Carlisle is a gifted Montessorian -styled teacher.

This school reminds me of the great prep schools of the forties.

• Pros: superior on small scale
• Cons: wish it were larger and included 1-12