Wesley Prep begins each school day dedicating the day to God and their best...

At Wesley Prep, we value the individual child as a holistic being. Because of this approach we respect and nurture the curiosity innate in each child. This can be seen in the academic exploration found in the curriculum and practiced in the classroom that allows and encourages individual interpretation and expression. We believe children are inherently spiritual, so the spiritual component is a large element of life at Wesley Prep. This is practiced daily in Chapel as we acknowledge the sacred worth of each child and teach application of virtues, relevant themes, and weave Bible verses and characters into applicable and relevant lessons. Wesley Prep is a faith-based school in the Wesleyan (United Methodist) tradition, but we do not have specific beliefs requirements in the consideration of enrollment or admission. Because of this, we welcome students of other faith traditions.

Preschool students attend chapel twice a month to listen to a short lesson and give thanks to God by singing and being happy. All Elementary classes begin their school day with a devotional chapel service conducted by our School Chaplain, Mister Bruce. Included in the devotional is a character trait, i.e., respect, that is brought to life and referenced throughout the week to become part of the behavior of each elementary child. Parents are always welcome to join us for preschool chapel and our daily elementary chapel services.

Faith and character development are driving forces as we focus on the social and emotional development of children. We integrate these healthy qualities into our morning character development, chapel, and our classrooms, and model them on a daily basis:

• Understanding the importance of self-control

• Recognizing and eliciting trust, help, and praise for others

• Empathizing with the perspectives of others

• Choosing our friends wisely

• Sharing, waiting, and participating in groups

• Giving and receiving help and criticism

• Identifying one’s goals

• Expressing and accurately labeling feelings

• Employing the art of reflection and thinking in alternative ways to solve problems

• Considering short- and long-term decisions made and how they will affect oneself or others

• Practicing how to exercise leadership, accept diversity, and demonstrate desirable attributes such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, compassion, and caring

To be In Service to Others is a call we take seriously at Wesley Prep. It is important to find activities that children can participate in by contributing their time and effort, not just by asking their family and friends for a donation.

Wesley Prep has many partners in our outreach to the community and because we care about our children, our outreach efforts care for the children of the Dallas community. Different nonprofits are supported each year; for example: Austin Street Center, Wesley Rankin Community Center, The Birthday Party Project, Lovers Lane UMC Food Ministry (pictured above), Buckner International, Feed My Starving Children, North Texas Food Bank, and many more.

At Thanksgiving and Christmas and throughout the year, we partner with different non-profits to help fill a need. Teaching children about serving the community teaches children responsibility not only for themselves, but also for other people.

Student Outreach Activities:

• Creating Cards at Thanksgiving and Christmas

• Assembling Blessing Bags

• Assembling Hygiene Product Kits

• Diaper Drives

• Toy Drives

• Collecting new and gently used books to donate to a local library in need

• Packing food to support the Lovers Lane UMC Food Ministry

• Creating a Garden in partnership with Wesley Rankin Community Center

• Hosting Christmas and Valentines Parties for Austin Street Center clients

At Wesley Prep, we believe that it is important to bring younger and older students together because both have gifts to share with one another.

For our older students, modeling allows them to see themselves as important contributors to the school, developing leadership, confidence, and empathy. They see the importance of what they do in the eyes and actions of the younger children. Some examples of our Students as Leaders are the following:

• Sixth Grade Leadership - As our oldest grade, our sixth grade leaders spearhead the Thanksgiving Outreach Project by guiding all the younger students to reach this common goal. These students also act as ambassadors during prospective family tours and during the Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day Event.

• Carpool – As simple as it may sound, carpool sets the tone for all Panthers, big and small, to start their day off right. Fifth grade students lead carpool, through which they help the younger students and give a warm "Have a nice day!" to each parent as he/she goes off on her day.

• Buddy Program – Older students are paired with younger children for a unique teaching and learning situation. From creating special valentines together to sharing reading time, this special program begins building a bridge from preschool to elementary.