After working as a public school teacher, I realized that many educational philosophies, pedagogies, and instructional methodologies could never be applied in the classroom due to the constraints and realities that public schools face.
When I relocated from Los Angeles to Houston, I had the opportunity to either return to teaching at a public school or start a school where I could apply what I had learned. In 1991, I founded The Honor Roll School. The school opened with 50+ students in the Infant through pre-kindergarten programs, aiming to add one grade each year until we reached 8th grade. This gradual expansion allowed us to create a cohesive educational program focused on child development and high student achievement.
I knew that our education must begin in the earliest years of a child’s life. Its impact can foster interest and success in students’ later learning. Research and my own experience have shown me that when children are nurtured in an enriched, motivating environment during their formative years, they not only acquire academic knowledge and skills but also foster curiosity, build confidence, and develop a genuine love of life-long learning.
As the school community grew, so did our need for space and opportunity. In 1994, we constructed a new building on a 4-acre campus, creating additional space for both physical and educational expansion. Over the next six years, we continued to invest in our facilities, adding a building approximately every three years to support our growing student body and evolving program offerings.
At the heart of the school was a clear vision and philosophy: to create a stimulating, creative, and challenging learning environment through age-appropriate strategies that inspired students to become lifelong learners. Equally important was our commitment to character development. We emphasized the values of honor, respect, and responsibility, as well as a strong work ethic, believing that education must shape not only the mind but also the character of each child.
We provided a strong framework for both students and teachers- establishing clear achievement goals and equipping classrooms with abundant learning resources. At the same time, we trusted and empowered our teachers by giving them the freedom to bring creativity and individuality into their instructions. This balance allowed educators to focus their time and energy where it mattered most: engaged and inspiring their students.
We also recognized that education is a shared journey. Parents were not just observers, but partners in their children’s education. Their involvement and support were integral to the success of our students and school.
In 2005, I decided to sell The Honor Roll to Nobel Learning Communities, embracing a new opportunity to extend my educational vision internationally by building a school abroad. While that chapter marked a transition, the foundational principles on which the school was built continue to guide and extend its original vision through many more committed and caring educators.
Over the years, I have continued to run into many former parents who let me know about their children’s accomplishments and the foundation we have given them. After 35 years, it is truly gratifying to see that this school, which began with the simple desire of promoting an enriched education to a small group of students, has grown into a vibrant learning community grounded in its vision, values, and commitment to excellence. It has been one of the greatest blessings and a privilege to have founded The Honor Roll School, which has definitely made my life more meaningful.
