Mary and John Adams, Co-founders of White Rock North School
White Rock North School first opened in 1964, graduating 12 students its first year. John & Mary Adams, both veteran teachers, married during their public school careers. Unaware that it was against district policy for spouses to work in the same school or district, they were surprised when their principal asked which of them would like to resign their contracts! Mrs. Adams decided that she would issue her resignation, secretly knowing that she had always wanted to launch her own school! She wanted the freedom to teach the way each child learned, and stay true to traditional education principles, that were changing in the city. Her goals were to aggressively challenge her students’ minds, and bolster their self-images to greatness! From these hopes came the school’s first motto:
“Learning today. Leading tomorrow.”
Through the years, White Rock North’s expansion has been a labor of love. Growing one small project at a time, Mr. & Mrs. Adams decided that a horse would be a great edition to their school concept. With such an attraction in the city of Dallas, families all wanted to be a part of its’ uniqueness! Slowly, enough funds were saved and a swimming pool was the next project in mind. Swimming lessons, on-site, would be so convenient for parents and a great supplement to W.R.N.S.’ P.E. program.
Steadily growing, the 70’s roller skating craze began and White Rock North’s very own skating rink was completed in 1978! Mr. & Mrs. Adams’ own daughter attended the school during the early years, through the completion of 6th grade. With so many kids joining the White Rock North, ranks, it was a pleasure for the Adams’ to know that their goals were being realized. Frequently they would hear parents say how wonderful the school had been for their children.
With so much progress being made in the community, an arson fire in 1979 was not something they ever anticipated dealing with. During that event, the original “school house” was lost and new construction began shortly thereafter, on what is now known as “the main building”.
In 1993, the Adams’ daughter, Amy joined the school ranks. Early in 1995, she began the process to earn accreditation for the school. This desire promoted another step of growth and in 1996, W.R.N.S. became recognized by the Texas Education Agency (T.E.A.) and received its’ first accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (S.A.C.S. ).
With so many parents realizing the benefits of their children attending an accredited school, the Adams’ began the project of building a wing, strictly for school aged children in Kindergarten through 6th grade! This project took a year and a half and the new edition opened in 1998.
Growth in the school continued and visits from new mothers became more prevalent. Realizing that the “baby boomers” were now becoming grandparents and young families were again moving into the area, a concept for an infant program began to develop! “The Corner Cottage Infant Center” opened in 2003 and already boasts a full house!
Through the years, this school has proudly educated thousands of children and currently has 14 second-generation students enrolled. It’s exciting to know that so many prior students wanted to give their children the unique experiences they themselves had, as White Rock North students.
Always growing to promote the best in education, the Adams family welcomes your visit to White Rock North School. Surely, just upon entering, you’ll be able to experience the feeling of home our families have come to expect.
White Rock North School………….
”Educating the World-Class Leaders of Tomorrow.”
