1

Inquire

Thank you for your interest in The Parish School for your child! We look forward to meeting your family and supporting you on your journey to finding the best program for your child. 

Please fill out this form to begin the process to learn more about The Parish School.

2

Schedule a Tour

We encourage all families to tour our campus to learn about the programs we offer and the children we serve. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and include an overview of the campus and classrooms, as well as a presentation from the director of admissions.

Group tours are generally held twice a week. Please call, email, or log on to the Parish Portal for specific dates and times.

3

Submit an Application

Visit www.parishschool.org/admissions/apply for instructions on how to apply. Once we receive your application and application fee, your child is placed on our applicant list. Candidates are processed in the order of completed file.

Please submit the required documents listed on our application checklist.

4

Formal File Review

Once a file is complete, the director of admissions reviews the completed application and required accompanying documents. Recommendations are made to continue the admissions process or discuss other program recommendations at this time.

5

Informal Screening

If it is recommended from the file review, an informal screening/meeting with a speech-language pathologist will be scheduled. The screening is a one-on-one session that will help determine if your child is a candidate for a classroom visit. No formal report is provided.

Optional: Apply for Financial Assistance

Applications for financial assistance may be submitted at any time during the year, however, it will not be reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee until after you have completed your contract, provided funds are available. The Parish School provides tuition assistance for qualified families of any race, color, religion and ethnic origin.

Learn more about how to apply on our Financial Assistance page.

6

Classroom Visit

If recommended, a classroom visit is scheduled. Classroom visits are typically two days. The admissions and instructional teams observe and interact with your child during the visit. Areas observed consist of group participation, ability to be redirected, peer engagement, response to intervention in group settings, follows routines, transitions, play skills and the ability to work independently. Because we tailor a child’s placement specifically to his or her educational, social and language needs, the class each child visits may not necessarily be the class in which he or she will be eventually placed, if admitted.

During the visit, parents have the opportunity to schedule a one-hour classroom observation. Parents may provide written feedback that will be considered in the admissions process.

7

Admissions Decision

The final step of the admissions process is an internal meeting consisting of members of the school staff who have been involved in your child’s admissions process. If accepted, a contract will be issued. In order to secure placement, the contract deposit must be remitted when the contract is returned.

Questions? Please contact:

Sarah Martin, M.Ed., LPC
Director of Admissions
Phone: 713.467.4696 x 1116
Fax: 713.275.0246

Application Checklist

Applicants are processed in order of their completed file. The following items are required before moving forward in the admission process. All documents are found and submitted on the Parish Portal.

Minimum requirements for early childhood students:

  • Application – must be submitted with a $50 application fee
  • Early Childhood Questionnaire – completed by your child’s teacher
  • Child Development Inventory – for children under age 6
  • Speech-Language Evaluation
  • For more information on our immunization policy, please view the FAQs below

 

Minimum requirements for elementary students:

  • Application – must be submitted with a $50 application fee
  • Elementary Questionnaire – completed by your child’s teacher
  • Full evaluation completed by neuropsychologist OR developmental pediatrician OR diagnostician (private or through your local school district
  • For more information on our immunization policy, please view the FAQs below

Other documents such as occupational therapy evaluations, medical evaluations, hearing and vision screenings, etc. are also helpful and accepted.

Contact the Carruth Center if you are in need of an updated speech-language or developmental/educational evaluation to complete the application process.

Admissions FAQs

Do you accept new students during the school year?
Yes. We have rolling admissions through spring of the current school year, provided a classroom opening exists. Children are placed on a waitlist if no opening exists.
What are the hours of the school day?

The hours of the school day depend on which level is the most appropriate placement for your child. They are as follows:

  • Emerging Language (2 and 3 years): Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Preschool and Pre-primary (3 – 5 years): Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Elementary: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Do you offer before or after school childcare?

Yes! There are before and after school optional programs that are available for additional fees. 

See optional programs for more info.

How do I complete my child’s file?
View our Application Checklist for a list of required forms.
What is a screening?

It is a one-on-one informal assessment with your child. Your child will meet one-on-one with a speech-language pathologist for 30-45 minutes and then parents will be asked to join. Only one parent is required to attend, but both are welcome. The screening fee is $150.

What is a “level”?
Children are placed in classrooms based on developmental levels, not chronological age or grade level. We offer multi-age classrooms and children are taught at a developmentally appropriate level.
What happens after the screening?

Based on the speech-language pathologist’s findings, she may or may not recommend your child for the next step, which is to visit in the classroom. The visit will be a minimum of two days. Various professionals on staff will be observing and interacting with your child while he/she visits the classroom.

Will I get to see my child in the classroom while he/she visits?

Yes, you will get a chance to observe your child behind a one-way mirror on the second day he/she visits.

Who determines if The Parish School is appropriate for my child?
  • The Director of Admissions
  • The Director of Early Childhood/ Elementary
  • The instructional team from the classroom your child visited
  • The Head of School
When do I find out if my child will attend The Parish School?

Within a few days after your child has completed his/her visit.

Do I have to pay up front?

For all families, a minimum tuition deposit of $3,850 is due when you return your contract. The remaining balance is paid according to your payment plan of choice (see below).

There are three (3) payment plans:

  • Total payment plan: Full amount is due in June.
  • Two-payment plan: The first half of tuition is due in June; the second half is due in January.
  • Ten-payment plan: Tuition is paid over ten months, starting in June (or if starting after the start of the school year, however many months until April). A 3.5% carrying charge will apply.

If you have any questions about payment plans, please contact the business office at businessoffice@parishschool.org.

Tuition seems expensive. What does my tuition pay for?
Tuition provides specialized services from a professional staff in a classroom where the student-teacher ratio is a minimum 5-to-1. An individualized curriculum gives each child the intensive language therapy he or she needs and the tools to identify and utilize strengths and compensate for weaknesses. Students benefit from high-quality staff that includes 18 speech-language pathologists, 9 masters-level educators, certified music, art and occupational therapists, and licensed counselors.

Tuition covers approximately 80% of operating costs. The remaining amount is raised through contributions from the school’s annual fund, foundation gifts and other friends of the school.

Learn more…

How do I find out about financial assistance?

The application process for financial assistance can be found online under Financial Aid. Any questions can be directed to the Business Office, at 713.467.4696 × 1112.

I’ve heard that our health insurance may reimburse us. How does this work?

If your child attends The Parish School, as an out-of-network provider we are able to provide the Services Provided Form, which some health insurance plans reimburse. The process can be a lengthy one and payment results vary. Insurance reimbursement information can be obtained by clicking the following link: http://www.carruthcenter.org/fees-forms/insurance-and-tax/.

After reviewing the webpage and contacting your insurance carrier, if you have additional questions, please reach out to The Parish School’s Business Office.

Are there other resources to help with insurance reimbursement?

Group Speech and Language Therapy provided during your child’s school day may be eligible for reimbursement through your private insurance. Although we do not accept insurance and are considered out-of-network, the business office will provide you with an itemized statement upon request so you can submit to your health insurance provider for reimbursement.

Where do children go after attending The Parish School?

As a school of intervention, the ultimate goal is to prepare children for a more typical classroom setting. Many children transition to a variety of public and private schools in Houston and surrounding areas. While all students make substantial progress at The Parish School, some may continue to demonstrate learning differences, which require a specialized learning environment into junior high and high school. Our staff works closely with parents and other schools in determining the next placement for a student so he or she is able to continue to experience success.

What is The Parish School's policy on vaccinations?

State law requires that all children receive certain immunizations. For the health and safety of our community, parents will be required to provide a current record of all state-required immunizations upon enrollment to The Parish School each year (effective June 6, 2019). The only exemptions considered for the Elementary program will be for medical reasons. However, per childcare licensing, students enrolled in the Early Childhood program may seek an exemption for reasons of conscience. Contact the Healthcare Coordinator, Angela Burris, with questions.

Jorge

Alumni Student: 2008-2014

Jorge first came to The Parish School at age 4 after receiving an unspecified pervasive developmental disorder diagnosis. His speech and comprehension were very limited.

From the beginning, his parents recognized that everyone at Parish was so supportive and made Jorge feel at home.

“We are especially grateful to his speech therapists and teachers—Jorge always felt safe with them, and we could sense that they truly loved him,” said parents Jorge and Lore.

With the help of Parish’s teaching staff, Jorge learned to speak fluently. In addition, the Social Learning approach worked wonders for Jorge and his whole family. He enjoyed going to Adventure Play at Camp Acorn, where kids used their imagination to create and explore. He still loves building, especially with Legos. In fact, when Jorge grows up, he says he wants to be an engineer like his dad!

Jorge transitioned to a new school after many great years at The Parish School. He is now 12 and in his third year at a traditional private school, where he is succeeding and excelling. “We will be always grateful he had the opportunity to go to The Parish School!”

Dylan

Alumni Student:  2009-2012

Dylan was diagnosed with an expressive language disorder and oral motor function disorder when he was 2 years old. He saw a speech therapist twice a week without much success, so his parents decided to enroll him in The Parish School.

“We felt like Parish staff knew what we as parents were going through and we finally found the support system we needed,” said Dylan’s mother, Jennifer.

After more than three years at the Parish School, Dylan enrolled in St. Francis Episcopal School, where he has excelled in academics, earned awards in drama, joined the choir and is active in cub scouts.

Where Dylan has truly found his passion is in gymnastics. While at Parish, he was identified as needing additional occupational therapy supports. Jennifer decided to enroll him in gymnastics to build his self-esteem and core muscles. Since then, he joined a competitive team, working his way through skill levels and competing in trampoline and tumbling. This past summer, Dylan was crowned National Champion on the trampoline for boys ages 9/10 at the USAG Stars & Stripes Junior Olympics in Tulsa, OK.

“The Parish School was a safe and loving environment for Dylan,” said Jennifer. “I know that Dylan would not be where he is today if it were not for The Parish School.”

Sidhu

Alumni Student: 2006-2009

Sidhu was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder at 10 months old. As he grew older, he dealt not only with life threatening seizures; he also developed severe speech delays. Private therapy wasn’t enough. At the age of three, Sidhu started his journey at The Parish School in its award-winning preschool program. After one month, his parents saw a tremendous change in Sidhu’s ability to communicate.

His parents credit the teachers for giving him the personalized instruction he required to help change his speech and motor skills all while building his confidence, not always an easy task. His discovered a love for art, drama and music while at The Parish School as well. After three years of intense support and guidance, Sidhu was ready to join a mainstream school system.

Now, seven years later, he is in sixth grade at Beckendorff Junior High in Katy, Texas. He is a straight “A” student, two-time runner up in the spelling bee competition, member of the Katy ISD gifted and talented program and recipient of the President of United States education award for academic excellence. Sidhu holds a third degree Taekwondo black belt, participates in the school choir and plays trumpet in the school band.

Jocelyn

Alumni Student: 2011-2017

When Jocelyn was born, she met all of her initial milestones. However, by age 3, signs of a delay began to appear.

“We began to notice that Jocelyn was not speaking and, when she did, no one could understand her,” said mother Joelle.

After a rough year at a traditional preschool, The Parish School was recommended. Fast forward six years later, and Jocelyn is a self-confident, happy, expressive child, who loves The Parish School, where she can “perform, act, sing, dance, learn (math is my favorite) and make friends.”

“Thank you, Parish School, for finding the keys that unlocked Jocelyn's untold song and unlimited scale,” said Joelle.

Harrison

Alumni Student: 2006-2009

At 18 months, Hudson was not speaking at all, not even saying mom or dad. While his parents, Laurie and Alfredo, were told to “give him time” and “boys are often delayed,” Laurie knew she needed to act early and persisted with having Hudson evaluated. After a series of tests, the family was referred to a speech therapist.

A friend recommended The Parish School, and the couple enrolled Hudson soon after his second birthday. He loved going to school each day, especially music and art. Eventually, Hudson was talking up a storm.

“Most importantly, the school took my husband and me under its wings,” said Laurie. “We were scared and felt helpless. We attended parent education classes, met with his teachers and his speech therapist. We were given the tools we needed to be one of the many advocates in Hudson’s life.”

After 3 years at The Parish School, Hudson transitioned to a traditional school setting, while continuing to attend speech therapy, occupational therapy and Social Learning groups at The Parish School and The Carruth Center.

Hudson has since gone on to prove he has a talent for being on-stage. He is actively involved in musicals, ballet and even participated in his school’s ComedySportz® Improv. He attends Houston Christian High School, where he joined theater, dance and Model UN. He has also taken Spanish throughout school and will begin AP Spanish this fall. Laurie says, “his accent is excellent!”

The Gutierrez family has continued to remain highly involved with The Parish School. Laurie is an active member of the Parish board of trustees, and the family hosted former Head of School, Nancy Bewley’s retirement party in their home last year. Additionally, Hudson has spent his past five summers volunteering in classes at The Parish School’s summer program – Camp Acorn.

“I really like working with the kids at camp,” said Hudson. “It feels nice to provide the help here because I went through the same thing when I was a kid.”

“The Parish School and The Carruth Center have had an instrumental impact on the success that Hudson is experiencing,” adds Laurie. “We are indebted to the school for giving Hudson and us the skills needed to enable Hudson to be successful in life.”

Gracen

Alumni Student:  2003-2005

Gracen Fisk attended The Parish School’s early childhood program for two years before transitioning to a traditional school setting in 2005. Early on, it was evident that Gracen had a talent for being on stage and thrived when it came to participating in The Parish School’s drama and music classes. She later went on to graduate from Houston Christian High School, where she became active in the theater arts program.

Under the direction of Parish’s Director of Integrated Arts & Sciences, Terri Garth, Gracen and Brandon Newell (Parish student 2005–2009) returned to Parish to perform in the 2018 Upper & Lower Elementary Musical, which celebrated the school’s 35th birthday and the past 25 years of annual musicals. The duo practiced with Parish students for weeks during the spring semester to later make their debut to a packed house of friends and families. Their performance of “Together Wherever We Go” brought a roaring applause. According to Gracen’s mom, Jill, this time spent in The Parish School’s musical was a valuable experience.

Gracen now attends Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in theater with an emphasis in acting and directing. She is excelling in school, has made the Dean’s list, and has many friends. Crediting Parish for instilling a love of the arts in her, Gracen decided to return once more to teach the drama class for The Parish School’s 2019 summer program, Camp Acorn.

Fast forward to today, and Gracen recently announced that she’s accepted a role as a cast member in Disney’s College Program. We’re so excited to see what more is to come from her!

David

Alumni Student: 2010-2016

When he first arrived at The Parish School nearing his 6th birthday, David had a hard time forming sentences of more than three words. With a seemingly endless list of learning and social differences, parents Jennifer and Chris were afraid David would forever have a hard time fitting in amongst the “normal” crowd.

In the six years that David spent at Parish, he gained the communication, social and academic skills needed to succeed in school. After aging out of Parish’s program, David has gone on to attend a public middle school. The transition was tough at first due to an increased workload and responsibilities, but his parents are happy to report that after a few weeks of settling into
a routine, David managed to exceed their expectations in his new environment. In fact, shortly after arriving at his new school, their special education liaison recommended to remove David’s in-class support, deeming it unnecessary – he didn’t require any additional help to keep up in his classes. David is now making all A’s and excelling in a public middle school.

Where he truly blossomed, though, was in Adventure Play, the afterschool program at The Parish School where children create their own playground using nothing but their imagination and scrap materials. It was at AP that David found a place he truly loved and was able to make lasting friendships.

For his 12th birthday, Jennifer and Chris offered to take David to dinner, bowling, a movie…wherever he felt like going to celebrate. David respectfully listened to their suggestions but had already made up his mind – he wanted to go back to Adventure Play. Jill Wood, Director of Adventure Play, was delighted to accommodate David’s request.

“He couldn’t stop smiling on the ride home, beaming over how he got to lead the younger students on a walk through the tall grass before making himself at home again on the various structures that he’d seen assembled over the years,” said Chris. “Most of all though, he was happy to be reunited with Jill. ‘I just love her,’ he told us.”

David continues to attend Parish functions when he can, including this year’s Adventure Play 10-year anniversary celebration, Flight’s going away party and the annual Spring Fling. Additionally, he is volunteering as a Junior Playworker with the Adventure Play summer camp, where he helps other kids to expand the space he’s grown to appreciate so much.

Dan

Alumni Student: 1990-1996

Nearing his 3rd birthday, Dan arrived at The Parish School with the same attitude he carried into any new experience – optimism and a big smile. Dan had some physical and learning disabilities from complications he sustained when he was born three months premature, and later contracting Group B strep meningitis while still an infant. As fate would have it, Dan’s grandmother was one of Parish School founder, Robbin Parish’s earliest supports, and knew exactly where to find the best help for Dan.

Recalling his time at The Parish School, Dan remembers that he especially enjoyed writing in his “Good News Book.” Many of his entries were tied to his love of sports. He decided at an early age that he wanted to be a sports announcer. The Parish School set him on the road to developing his writing and speaking skills with confidence. Additionally, he became avid reader. These were the building blocks he needed to reach his future goals.

After graduating from boarding high school and passing the New York State Regents Exam, Dan was determined to go to college. He first attended St. Edwards University in Austin. When his girlfriend mentioned how strong the radio and journalism departments were at nearby Texas State University, Dan decided to transfer. In 2014, Dan graduated with a degree in Mass  Communications and later married his beautiful girlfriend, Amber.

Today, Amber and Dan live in Houston where Dan works at his family’s commercial real estate company. He is also a contributor for FanSided, a growing sports website, where he writes  articles about what’s going on in the world of Houston sports. Continuing his dream, Dan is currently working to launch his own sports website.

The Parish School was the right place at the right time for Dan. He has always been appreciative of the many people who helped him along the way. When visiting the “new” campus recently, he and his family were amazed at the growth of the school.

Cameron D.

Alumni Student: 1998-2003

Cameron first came to The Parish School at age 2 after receiving a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) — one of the four autism spectrum disorders. He could only utter a handful of words, most of which were hard for others to comprehend. The neurologists who diagnosed Cameron recommended several schools that could help him with his language deficiencies, one of which was The Parish School.

“We looked at all the recommended schools and were immediately drawn to Parish,” said Wendy, Cameron’s stepmom. “We could see it was such a loving environment and was focused on innovative methods for helping children overcome their language and learning differences.”

Through The Parish School’s education, training and care, Cameron gained fluency of speech and discovered his super power — his memory. Not only did The Parish School allow Cameron to gain communication skills, but it also provided him an invaluable sense of self-esteem and confidence, which continue to serve him well. Thanks to early intensive language and learning intervention, Cameron was able to transfer to a mainstream private elementary school in second grade.

Cameron, now 22, is a proud senior at Texas Tech University studying communications, who drives and holds part-time jobs.

Cameron

Alumni Student: 2006-2008

From an early age, Cameron struggled to communicate, leaving his family and himself with feelings of frustration. During an evaluation, a specialist recommended The Parish School. From the moment they stepped foot on campus, Cameron’s family knew it was a special place.

“Thanks to the generosity of many, our family received financial assistance to attend,” said Rosie, Cameron’s mother. “Otherwise, we never could have afforded the life-changing education and therapies that The Parish School offers. The school not only helped Cameron, but changed our entire family.”

To this day, Cameron maintains that Parish is his favorite school because of the encouragement, understanding and care that was provided to him by everyone – from the teachers to the staff. Parish also awakened his love of the arts and outdoors that continues to this day.

Today, Cameron is a junior in Katy ISD. He pursues his passion for music by playing tuba in the marching band and learning the trombone for the jazz band. He recently went hiking and survived in his own tent in the Cascade Mountains near Seattle. Cameron also recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, completing a service project to make toiletry and school supply bags for homeless teenagers. He also has a passion for filmmaking and was accepted into the film program at the Miller Career Center in Katy ISD. Cameron plans to pursue a career in the film industry in the future.

“The Parish School has planted seeds with Cameron that changed the course of his life…and for this, our entire family is eternally grateful.”

Adam

Alumni Student: 2015-2019

As a young child, Adam had great difficulty communicating and interacting with others. With the help of teachers and classmates at The Parish School, he was able to significantly improve his communication skills and sociability.

Since transitioning from Parish, Adam has come a long way. He earned a degree in economics and political science from the University of Chicago, and dual graduate degrees in law and public affairs from the University of Texas-Austin. Currently, Adam works as a law clerk for a federal judge in El Paso and looks forward to what the future holds.

“It was a joy to visit The Parish School’s new campus several years ago and observe what a difference the school continues to make in children’s lives, as well as see quite a few of my teachers - like Nancy Mosley and Terri Garth,” said Adam. “They are still doing a wonderful job helping kids! I am convinced that The Parish School helps create bright futures.”

Brady

Alumni Student: 2015-2019

Brady’s young life has been filled with obstacles. With multiple medical diagnoses under his belt and enough hours of therapy to deserve a certification, a very bumpy and seemingly hopeless path led his family to The Parish School.

“It wasn’t easy finding a school that could provide Brady with the specialized education and instruction that he needs,” said mother, Rachel. “As a student at The Parish School, Brady received individualized classroom education as well as various therapies onsite.“

When Brady began attending The Parish School at 8 years old, he had few reading or writing skills. Since his first school year at Parish, Brady has achieved tremendous academic and social growth. He has found a love for drama and music through the classes offered at The Parish School. Brady has gained so much confidence and has made some wonderful friends.

“We feel so fortunate to have had our son in a school that appreciated his differences and highlighted his strengths. Our lives have been forever changed because of The Parish School!”

Gracen

Alumni Student: 1991-1995

Gracen Fisk attended The Parish School’s early childhood program for two years before transitioning to a traditional school setting in 2005. Early on, it was evident that Gracen had a talent for being on stage and thrived when it came to participating in The Parish School’s drama and music classes. She later went on to graduate from Houston Christian High School, where she became active in the theater arts program.

Under the direction of Parish’s Director of Integrated Arts & Sciences, Terri Garth, Gracen and Brandon Newell (Parish student 2005–2009) returned to Parish to perform in the 2018 Upper & Lower Elementary Musical, which celebrated the school’s 35th birthday and the past 25 years of annual musicals. The duo practiced with Parish students for weeks during the spring semester to later make their debut to a packed house of friends and families. Their performance of “Together Wherever We Go” brought a roaring applause. According to Gracen’s mom, Jill, this time spent in The Parish School’s musical was a valuable experience.

Gracen now attends Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in theater with an emphasis in acting and directing. She is excelling in school, has made the Dean’s list, and has many friends. Crediting Parish for instilling a love of the arts in her, Gracen decided to return once more to teach the drama class for The Parish School’s 2019 summer program, Camp Acorn.

Fast forward to today, and Gracen recently announced that she’s accepted a role as a cast member in Disney’s College Program. We’re so excited to see what more is to come from her!