Dr. Terry J. Flowers

Perot Family Headmaster & CEO

 A native of Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Flowers discovered his calling early in life: to work with and empower young children through education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University and a Master’s in early childhood education from the University of Northern Iowa. He earned two more Master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration from Columbia University. Remarkably, Dr. Flowers turned down an invitation to try out for the Chicago Bears to pursue graduate studies. In 1995, he completed a Doctorate in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Dr. Flowers has taught in Iowa, Chicago, and Harlem, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by inner-city neighborhoods. These experiences deeply shaped his belief in the need for holistic approaches to education that address both academic needs and the broader issues affecting children and families.

Since 1983, Dr. Flowers has been instrumental in developing a curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, a positive self-image, and a faith-based approach to life. Under his leadership, the school has grown into a model for education that integrates rigorous academics with vital social services and community development efforts to support the surrounding neighborhood.

Beyond his role at St. Philip’s, Dr. Flowers is also an accomplished author. He has published three children’s books and a memoir, all available on Amazon. He has served as an adjunct professor at both Southern Methodist University and Cedar Valley College and remains deeply involved in the Dallas community. His board and advisory services include the Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Symphony’s Young Strings Program, JPMorgan Chase, Baylor Specialty Hospital, Dallas Summer Musicals, SMU Simmons School of Education, Oak Hill School, Shelton School, and the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, Dr. Flowers was awarded the prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award in 2016. He and his wife, Gernise, are the proud parents of three daughters, all graduates of St. Philip’s.

Tara Garrett

George T. Lee, Jr. Principal 

Tara Garrett is an experienced instructional leader and educator whose work is rooted in a deep belief in the potential of every individual. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, she is the proud mother of two young men who received their formative education at St. Philip’s School—an experience that continues to shape her commitment to strong school communities and student-centered leadership.

Guided by the belief that every person holds unique value, Tara entered the field of education with a clear purpose: to recognize, nurture, and elevate the “diamond” within each student and educator. She began her career as an elementary teacher in Dallas and continued her educational journey in Memphis, where she expanded her impact as a teacher, instructional leader, dean, and assistant principal. Across each of these roles, she has remained committed to building teacher capacity, using data to inform instruction, and creating systems that support both academic achievement and social-emotional growth.

Tara holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Education. She will soon begin pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, continuing her lifelong commitment to growth and excellence in education.

Beyond her professional life, Tara enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking, cheering on her hometown Dallas Cowboys, and looks forward to one day starting “her garden.” She also values her role as the youngest sibling in a close-knit family of four, a dynamic that has shaped her perspective on relationships and community.

At the heart of Tara Garrett’s leadership is a simple but powerful belief: when you invest in people, you help uncover their brilliance.