White Rock North School founders Mary and John Adams.
Drawing of White Rock North School.
White Rock North School is preparing to host a weekend celebration in honor of the school’s 60th anniversary. Amy Adams, current president and daughter of founders Mary and John Adams, says there will be fun events over two days for former and current staff, students and families.
Mary and John founded White Rock North at the corner of White Rock Trail and Walnut Hill, then called Kingsley Road. The original schoolhouse, known to current students as the Corner Cottage, housed the inaugural kindergarten class of twelve students.
Mary and John aimed to provide a challenging academic curriculum while also bolstering each student’s self-image. The school sought to teach the way each child learns while staying true to traditional educational principles.
White Rock North has grown over six decades and now educates children six weeks through sixth grade. The first campus addition was the original Main Building, then a large pool was built to permit swim lessons. In 1978, a full-service roller rink was added, which also functions as a school gym and performance hall.
In 1979, the Main Building was destroyed in a fire, but the Adams quickly rebuilt. They began construction of the Grade School Building in 1996 after earning accreditation. The Corner Cottage became an infant center in 2003.
John Adams died in 2008, and Mary followed in 2017. They are remembered for their bold vision and selfless care for children and families of Lake Highlands and surrounding areas.
Alumni, ex-staff and guests are invited for a campus tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19. The celebration carnival is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20, with a foam party, water slides, face painting, an electric train, games and more. White Rock North School is at 9727 White Rock Trail.
