St. Philip’s believes in educating the whole child by providing students with the opportunities to engage and unfold their natural curiosity. Explore our STEAM, Academic Excursions and Special Programs below:
STEAM Overview
Innovation Lab/Makerspace
Our Innovation lab/MakerSpace exposes students to a multitude of technologies. It is a space for inventing, tinkering, and dismantling. Students in grades PK through 8th are encouraged to follow their own creative interests. The iLab is equipped with 3D printers, zSpace technology, VR equipment, wireless probeware, power tools, building/construction items, gadgets, solar energy, and other kits.
Coding and Robotics
Coding languages and robotics have become fundamental in education and in the workforce. For that reason, we are providing students with age-appropriate tools to succeed and to develop fluency in our tech-centered world. The challenges are based on real-world scientific topics. We strategically help to dispel age and gender-biased ideas by introducing all students to a wide array of STEAM opportunities.
Science Lab
Science at St. Philip’s is not limited to the classroom. We focus on standards-based instruction and hands-on activities in our three state-of-the-art science labs and outdoor/field experiences. Students are given opportunities to engage in health, earth, physical sciences, and engineering concepts. They learn to use scientific tools and equipment confidently, building essential processing skills that support success in science and across other subject areas.
Saturday Science Camp
To heighten student’s interest in science, they are exposed to a day of high-level, inquiry-based challenges. The camps offer rigorous and fun investigations in forensics, comparative anatomy, oceanography, health and nutrition, earth science, and other STEM topics.
Gwen's Garden
Our Community Garden gives students hands-on experience with food production, from seed to harvest. Each class selects, plants, maintains, and harvests its own vegetables and herbs. Students also engage in Investigation Stations that encourage exploration and discovery. The program teaches sustainability through our aquaponics system, solar energy panels, and water conservation practices. With support from St. Philip’s students participate in service-learning by helping stock our Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry with the goods they grow.
Academic Excursions
Experience the World Through Learning at St. Philip’s
At St.Philip’s School & Community Center, education extends far beyond the classroom. From PK through 8th Grade, students embark on thoughtfully designed academic excursions that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and prepare students to become thoughtful, compassionate and confident leaders in a global society.
PK – Kindergarten: Curiosity Takes Root
Our youngest learners explore the world around them through curriculum-based field trips that bring classroom lessons to life. Students visit exciting destinations like the Perot Museum, Jellystone Park, Crayola Experience, Dallas Zoo, Legoland, Children’s Aquarium, Dallas Library, and the Dallas Children’s Theater. These trips are curated to inspire discovery, creativity, and wonder.
1st Grade: Discovering Our City
First grade students learn about the important people and places that shape the city of Dallas. At the end of the year, they take a DART bus tour to explore the sites they have studied, followed by a day trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park where they examine real dinosaur tracks and connect science to history in a memorable, hands-on way.
3rd Grade: Outdoor Learning at Sky Ranch
Students experience science, history, and team building during a multi-day trip to Sky Ranch. Classes take place in dynamic outdoor settings led by engaging, trained instructors. This adventure helps students apply classroom learning in meaningful ways while also developing their critical thinking skills.
4th Grade Trip: Living Texas History
To enrich their Texas History studies, 4th graders travel to Austin and San Antonio on a two-day journey. Highlights include visiting the Texas State Capitol, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s childhood home, The Alamo, and historic sites. Students gain a real-world perspective of their state’s heritage.
4th Grade Retreat: Building the Middle School Bond
Early in the school year, 4th graders attend a two-night, three-day retreat at Wolf Run near McKinney, Texas. Like their first experience, this retreat focuses on building relationships, strengthening teamwork, and connecting through engaging outdoor adventures.
5th Grade Civil Rights Trip: Walking Through History
After a year of study of the Civil Rights Movement, students travel to Selma, Montgomery, Tuskegee, Birmingham, and Atlanta. Through guided tours, museum visits, and historical landmarks, students gain a profound understanding of how this movement shaped our country and the potential they possess to build a brighter future because of the efforts of their ancestors.
6th Grade Grand Canyon Trip: Exploring God's Wonders
This week-long excursion in May gives students the opportunity to experience one of the world’s natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. Guided by the Headmaster, teachers, and tour guides, students study Arizona’s geography and culture, then hike into the canyon itself. It is a journey that blends nature exploration and spirituality, while teaching young people about mental and physical fortitude.
7th Grade Civics Trip – Washington, D.C.: Democracy in Action
As part of their Civics curriculum, 7th graders spend a week in Washington, D.C., exploring the foundations of American government. From the Capitol Building to the Smithsonian Museums, students connect their classroom learning to real-world institutions, deepening their understanding of democracy.
8th Grade Leadership Trip – Ghana: A Global Perspective
The 8th grade class concludes with a transformative international trip to Ghana, West Africa. This powerful experience combines leadership development, cultural immersion, and service learning. Students engage with local communities, explore African heritage, and return with a broader, deeper sense of identity and global responsibility.
Special Programs
Middle school students may become members of the Student Council through peer elections. By accepting a leadership role, they agree to represent the school both on and off campus.
Saints of the Week
At St. Philip's, we believe in recognizing students for their daily accomplishments. We create a challenging and supportive learning environment, offering students the opportunity to be celebrated each Friday during Chapel for their classroom participation, academic achievement, and positive behavior throughout the week.
TITANS Award
The Titan Award strives to recognize students in grades 3rd through 6th grade who embody characteristics of citizenship, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness and caring. It is one of the highest honors of a St. Philip's students may achieve.
Grandparents' Day
St. Philips acknowledges the impact that many of our students' grandparents have on their lives. We celebrate their contributions each year during a special Chapel service, reception, and visits to the classrooms.
School-wide Service-Learning Projects
Students at each grade level are required to participate in community/service-learning projects throughout the year. We believe the service reinforces the philosophy that "to whom much is given, much is required", and students leave St. Philip's knowing the importance of gratitude and service.
Project-Based Learning
Supports St. Philip’s efforts to empower students for servant leadership and community/global awareness. Students at all grade levels learn by collaboratively addressing real-world issues through research, investigations, and product design. Students engage in scaffolding learning and reflection throughout long-term projects and meaningful contributions, and they respond to complex questions.
Storybook Character Day
It features students who dress as their favorite storybook or nursery rhyme characters.
African American Heritage Program
During our annual heritage program in February, the students assemble to highlight famous African Americans through oral presentations. Students, educators and parents from neighboring schools are invited to witness the enlightening presentations.
Other Opportunities
The Annual Oratorical Contest, Kidpreneur, Spelling Bee, Heritage Celebration, and various programs throughout the school year provide students with an opportunity to highlight their knowledge and talents.