[Update here] It would seem so, based on a Nov. 25 Blackland Prairie Conservatory & Atelier Facebook post, which alerts users that the school will be accepting applications in February for its “mixed-age kindergarten” and that an opening is expected before the next academic year.
The school founders ostensibly value outdoor time and artistic endeavor and reject the idea of standardized testing and assessment.
The key players have been sworn to secrecy (a.k.a. signed nondisclosure agreements) as it relates to some of the finer details such as where, exactly, this conservatory will settle and build. They do say it will be in “East Dallas” (a source close to the project tells us this could possibly include the Lake Highlands area).
So you don’t have to Google it, an atelier, a word with French origins, is a workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or designer.
Here is a bit more about the school philosophy and logistics, from Facebook:
“… We are very excited. The community is excited. Because of the response, we are opening a year early. We are working out the logistics of the property. So, until then, we can not release the location. But, it is in east Dallas. We enthusiastically hope we will be accepting applications for our mixed age kindergarten no later than February 2016; for a start date of August 2016. With the positive response to the idea that children will be outside for a minimum of 1.5 hours a day, along with the art studio access, and portfolio assessment instead of certain other types of testing … we are looking at the option of a 1st grade this year as well. Then, phasing in an additional grade each year. Stay tuned!”
We should have more details soon. We will update you as we learn more.