Our mission is to be a premier urban school empowering girls to lead and live with confidence and purpose, to be trailblazers in STEAM, and to carry with them a depth of knowledge, capacity for leadership, strength of character and awareness of self.
What’s different? Kinder to 8 th Grade STEAM Socio- economic diversity Girls! Social/ Emotional Learning
Socioeconomic Diversity 50/50 socioeconomic diversity model o 50% economically disadvantaged students o 50% non-economically disadvantaged students Research shows improved outcomes for all students
Social-Emotional Learning Focus on emotions and goals each morning and afternoon Reinforce character and values in daily whole-school meetings Connections through literature and current events Lessons about the brain and mindsets
SOLAR SIX Competencies Preparing girls for next- generation success Self-Awareness Growth Mindset Curiosity Empathy Leadership Grit
STEAM Computer science and coding Inquiry-based science & engineering Theater program Arts integration across all content areas
Technology Integration Online math curriculum Small-group collaboration Face-to-face teacher time Personalized learning Limited whole-class teaching
Real-world problem-solving Demonstrate “SOLAR SIX” Long-term projects Opportunities to create Collaborate with female mentors
Makerspace Choice Time Garden Robotics Art projects Library
Clubs during the school day Clubs curriculum presented during specials rotation Partnership in the works with Girl Scouts Allows all girls to participate in enrichment programming
Parents and Family STEAM Nights for Families Parent workshops Student work exhibitions Parent-teacher-child conferences every 6 weeks
Measures of Success 100% of student achieve 1.5 years of academic growth each year in reading and math 100% of students score 80% or higher on end-of-year district tests 100% of students accomplish at least 80% of their personal goals each year
Beyond Solar Distinguished Diploma Track STEM track in high school Best-fit high school College and career ready
Teachers Already receiving inquiries from across the country Rigorous selection process Experienced teachers with proven history of success Extended collaborative planning time
Building Renovations to current facility to begin in Spring 2015 Expansion approved in bond election Built to serve K-8 needs
Transportation Provided by Dallas County Schools Available districtwide Pick up/drop off at DISD schools Routes announced in August
Safety Security upgrades top priority in renovation plan Fencing around blacktop Video-monitored access points IDs required for entry
Applications No academic entry requirements Students chosen through lottery Students not selected in lottery will be placed on waitlist Preference given to siblings
Applications Application window: Jan Letters of acceptance sent Feb. 15 Decisions must be made by March 21 Students accepted from waitlist will be notified
Empowering girls to live and lead with confidence and purpose. Join the Solar Prep family!