Project Excel
Assemblies bring the business world into the academic world. African-Americans in various professions are invited to speak to students. They share information about the work they do, why they chose to enter their particular field, how they prepared academically and then entertain questions from the audience. Project Excel assemblies are held every other month during the school year.

Second Grade Trip to Austin and San Antonio
The Austin-San Antonio trip is the culminating activity for the 2nd grade students after their study of the state of Texas. Students visit the Alamo, the Governor's Mansion, and other state buildings in addition to a fun-filled trip to Sea World.

Third Grade Art Exhibit
In April, 3rd grade students host the Annual 3rd Grade Art Exhibit. Artwork from students in 1st through 6th grades is displayed at the South Side on Lamar in an Art Extravaganza. Parents, faculty and staff, and friends attend and participate in a silent auction to purchase students' artwork.

Fourth Grade Retreat
In September, 4th grade teachers and students travel to Wolf Run near McKinney Texas for a 2 night, 3-day retreat. As their first middle school experience, the purpose of the retreat is to promote team building and how to work together with classmates and teachers.

Fifth Grade Civil Rights Trip
After a year-long study of African American civil rights, the 5th grade class travels to Selma, Montgomery, Tuskegee, Birmingham and Atlanta, in an effort to bring their studies of civil rights to life.

Sixth Grade Music Trip - The Promise
In September, all 6th grade students attend a music trip to Riverbend Retreat Center near Fort Worth to experience the breath-taking musical production, The Promise. This field trip provides students with the opportunity to experience growing through unity, cooperation, and leadership development. In addition, it provides first-hand knowledge of a musical production before their performance in the spring of their 6th grade year.

Young Strings
This program, sponsored by the Dallas Symphony, provides students who have exhibited a noticeable interest in music classes an opportunity to participate in a general music class. Students are selected and may continue in this program based on self discipline, general music aptitude and interest, parental involvement, and social skills. Upon completion and with recommendation by the Dallas Symphony teacher, the student will continue in the program and receive private lessons on a cello, violin, or viola.

Praise Dance
Girls and boys in 2nd through 6th grades are invited to participate in St. Philip's Praise Dance group. Students learn the ministry of dance while remembering the biblical scriptures related to dance. They practice several times a month and perform at various school-wide events such as Christmas Chapel, Easter Chapel, and Commencement. In addition, they host a Praise Dance Program during African American History Month.

Other Opportunities
The annual Oratorical Contest, Invention Convention, Sixth Grade Musical, Fifth Grade Talent Show, Heritage Celebration, Annual Fall Event and various programs throughout the school year provide students with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and talents.

Student Council
Many opportunities for student involvement and leadership exist in the Middle School. We believe that integrity, ethics and respect for the customs of the school and the law of the land are reasonable minimum expectations for all students. Members of the Student Council are elected by their peers and, by accepting leadership roles, agree to represent the school both on and off campus.

Saints of the Week
St. Philip's believes in rewarding students for daily accomplishments. We believe children learn best in an environment that is challenging and filled with opportunities to express their feelings about their newfound knowledge. Students are rewarded each Friday during Chapel for their classroom participation and overall academic and behavioral success during the week.