An entire school devoted to special education has reached a milestone.
For 50 years, Notre Dame School of Dallas has focused on serving children with special needs. Most of its students, ages 8 to 22, have Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities.
As the only independent school in Dallas specifically designed to serve these children, the school has thrived and enrollment has grown. And it makes a difference, according to many parents.
Karen Motes of Dallas said her son Chris, 18, has Down syndrome. He started at Notre Dame in the second grade.
“It’s very positive here,” Motes said. “I don’t get calls from the school asking me to fix my child.”
A major goal of the school is to focus on each child’s gifts instead of his or her challenges. The school motto is “No Limits — Just Possibilities.”
The positive attitude starts with Principal Theresa Francis, who’s been at the school for 27 years and principal for two decades.
“We see what our kids can do instead of what they can’t do,” said Francis. “It’s a joyful place being surrounded by smiling kids and amazing teachers.”
Her enthusiasm is reflected not only in her students but in her staff. She said 35 staffers have received the Work of Heart Award from the Dallas Diocese. The award recognizes “unsung heroes” who go the extra mile in serving the educational community.
“It’s a calling,” Francis said. “I love every day of it.”
Former teachers, like Sandy Theiss of Irving, often come back to volunteer. Parent volunteers sometimes end up on staff.
Kay Barry, development officer for the school, started as a Notre Dame parent. Her daughter Amanda was a student. What she found reassuring about the school was the sense of community.
“Our children have friends here,” Barry said. “They were missing that in the public schools.”
Barry exudes the same passion for her job as her principal. She points out the school offers small classes, up-to-date technology, vocational training and life skills programs. Plus, several extracurricular activities are available. Students can participate in sports, cheerleading and choir and take part in dances, field trips, a school carnival and more.
Students recently worked at 10 nonprofits as part of a Jubilee of Service program to kick off 50{+t}{+h} anniversary events.
Enrollment today is about 150 students. In 1963, the school opened with just 19 students. There is a lower school for ages 8 to 15, a bridges program for ages 15 to 18 and a vocational center for ages 18 to 22.
Francis and her staff will celebrate 50 years with events throughout the year. On Saturday, the school held a Jubilee of Faith event that included a Mass and reception at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Dallas.
TIMELINE: Notre Dame's school history
1963: The School Sisters of Notre Dame, Dallas Province, open the school.
1972: Notre Dame School moves to the University of Dallas and serves 102 students ages 6-12.
1973: A vocational program is added to meet the needs of older students.
1975: Congress passes legislation requiring public schools to serve children with disabilities.
1988: The school holds its first "Affair of the Heart" fundraiser.
1989: The school moves to Allen Street in Dallas, allowing for expansion.
1996: A capital campaign leads to the purchase of land next to the school for a parking lot.
2013: The school celebrates its 50th anniversary.
GO & DO: Upcoming events
Nov. 16: "Affair of the Heart" gala
Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Jubilee of Learning during Catholic Schools Week
April: Jubilee of Gratitude reception