Explorations Preparatory School

1501 Flower Mound Road

Flower Mound, TX 75028

41 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 09, 2022

Best School ever! Learning is always dynamic. Small school with a really warm community . We switch from public system because our kids were not challenged nor encouraged to learn, not even at the gifted program. EPS not only motivated them but also empowered them to grow. Nothing similar around this area. Love EPS!
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2022

Best learning environment, best teachers, best staff, best curriculum we've seen. Highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2022

When your kids love their school so much that they actually miss going to school during the holidays, you know you have found the best place possible! We are so pleased with how our children have progressed at EPS. EPS has a very warm, safe, fun, and enriching environment for kids. The principal, the teachers, and all of the staff are extremely helpful, caring, friendly, highly qualified, and easy to communicate with! As parents, it’s comforting to know our kids are getting a great education while having fun, and are in very good hands! We have seen many schools, but have not found such competent and dedicated teachers anywhere else!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2022

My kids attended EPS for many years. We are just finishing our first year out of EPS and can really appreciate the elementary and middle school education they received from EPS. 1. The teachers were AMAZING. This school is small enough that by the time the kids get to middle school, they teachers already know the kids and have an understanding of their social/emotional needs. I got to know all of the teachers on a personal level and don’t for a second believe anyone is lying about any sort of degrees or certification. This goes against everything the school is trying to do. Yes, learning math, being able to write a paper and understanding science are all important. But this school is truly helping to create kind, considerate humans who think outside the box and ask questions. 2. The curriculum has been my absolute favorite part. Being private, the teachers can mold their teachings to match what is going on in the world. I have been so so thankful for the in depth conversations my kids were part of. 3. Students. Being a small school, the kids get to know each other across all grades. There was never any taboo about a 6th grader going up to a kindergarten student to give a high five and ask about their day. Older kids would push younger ones on the swings and invite them to participate in games. If someone falls in the hallway (for example) no one would ever walk away, they would jump in to comfort and help. We all always appreciated EPS, but being away we are always reminded how special of a school it was.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2020

Unfortunately, it has been very disappointing, no resources.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2019

We love the school. The environment is warm, homey, and feels personalized. The thing I love the most is that the teachers really seem to understand each child, they appreciate their unique qualities and I never feel like they are being pushed into a box or expected to be just like everyone else. I like that the learning is not rigid, that the topic they are learning about is often taken across disciplines, I appreciate that the students have an opportunity to be both mentors and mentees. My kids are happy here, are really learning, and feel at home.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2019

We have had two children at EPS for the entire run of the elementary school and have had a wonderful experience -- the community experience of the school, combined with the outstanding academics, has made it a terrific place for our children to grow and come to love learning. We could not be happier with our EPS experience.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2019

We would have rated this school as 3 stars on academics alone, had it not been for the bullying our child experienced in middle school and the very disappointing manner in which the school chose to respond. Academics: Upon entering public school with A/B grades, academic performance was on par with public school curriculum in English, Intermediate Math and Social Studies. Spanish was 1 1/2 years ahead, and Advanced Math 1 year. There were knowledge gaps in Science, due to specific concepts that had not been introduced at EPS, but it was manageable.On social developmental side, we have to echo previous posts.The bullying and how it was handled, had a significantly negative impact on our child and our family, which required not only financial means but also a year's plus time to remediate. Initial denial, minimization and half-hearted attempts to mediate "the problem" - contrary to publicized professional recommendations and guidelines - ultimately gave way to stonewalling and unprofessional behavior. We had believed the principal's words of assurance and had trusted the school's philosophy of nurture and community. We also wanted the bullying child to receive the help needed, so we hung in there, doing what we thought was 'collaborating' with the school. Instead of intervention, we witnessed biased treatment and invitations for manipulation. We found the table turned and our child not only continuously facing daily harassment by the bullying student but also experiencing inappropriate and biased punitive treatment by teachers and peer exclusion. Rumors & judgment followed. Empty reassurances that 'something would be done'; self-announced timelines for action were not kept.When our pediatrician became concerned enough to recommend a school change, we left. Our paid tuition was not refunded, despite the school admitting mismanagement. There was no exit interview. No accountability. Only when other parents complained did the school implement a social program - but did not address our child's situation with the bullying student. Sadly, no action veiled in "taking care of all students", in the end, failed all of the students involved. A year into the social program, the bullying student's behavior remained unchanged and he/she continued to attempt to contact/reach our child online and through third parties. Bullying policy at the school remained the same.
Submitted by student on March 09, 2018

Explorations was my second home for many years. As I have gone to other schools, I always think back to EPS. I was more than prepared for my highschool years and I am constantly grateful for my time spent at EPS. I learned, while having fun. It challenged me, but also always kept my interest. I loved to learn, and was always happy to come to school in the morning. Many of my fellow graduates wish our highschools could teach as well as EPS did, with the same challenging, and fun environment.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2017

Explorations Preparatory School was a God sent to us just when I was feeling frustrated with the local public school in the area and was looking to send my child to a non-religious private school that focused on challenging students and not merely catching them up to par with state standards. I particularly appreciate the Differentiation used in classrooms based on students' aptitudes and capabilities. It is imperative for the healthy growth of a student to be challenged appropriately so they don't get bored and become apathetic OR find things too hard and fall behind. The curriculum is designed to keep students engaged at their appropriate levels. I've heard some comments from parents who are not appreciative of Differentiation and prefer all kids to be at the same level of instruction so as to prevent some sort of a complex amongst students (inferiority or superiority which in the parents' opinion leads to bullying) , but in my humble opinion, Differentiation is the key to success of students. Teachers in Public Schools are trained to teach using Differentiation techniques. Students excelling are usually tested for Gifted and Talented curriculum and are placed accordingly starting as early as Kindergarten in some schools. Similarly, some students are tested for Special Needs to identify what style of teaching may best suit them. I think EPS finds the right balance, plays the right note, strikes the right chord, any which way you look at it. EPS teachers are genuinely interested in the success of their students ensuring they fully understand concepts before they move on to newer concepts. They also have the luxury of spending quality one on one time with each student because of small class sizes, especially in grades 3 and up. Grades Pre-K to 2 have a teacher and a teacher's assistant in each classroom. I have been very satisfied with the growth of my child, and I appreciate the teachers volunteering to spend a little extra time before or after school to help students work through any extra help or academic or emotional needs they may have. I like how students are taught to resolve conflicts amongst themselves in a mature manner. They may not always be resolved, but they are facilitated the tools which they are learning to use.
Submitted by other on February 06, 2017

Even if I enter a PhD program after college, I would have still spent more time as a student at EPS than any other school. To me, this speaks volumes about just how special a place EPS is. Although I do not currently attend EPS, my past attendance has played a crucial role in enabling my academic success to date. Perhaps the most central aspect in my experience with EPS has been the people. The teachers at EPS have always gone beyond simple instruction, to be personally interested in helping me. Looking back, I can clearly note many instances of teachers going out of their way to make me a better person and refine my rough spots. Academically and personally, teachers at EPS are probably the second biggest influence, after my family, in determining who I am today and who I will be in the future. Today, these people are no longer my teachers, but remain good friends whom I visit often and think of fondly.
Submitted by other on February 02, 2017

Explorations Preparatory School has helped me figure out who I am. EPS taught me so many imperative life lessons on how to become a successful student and person. I have learned over the years how vital it is to have good relationship with your teacher; it really has an impact on your academics. The teachers at Explorations pushed me academically, through this work I found value in a good work ethic. I have been able to apply this work ethic to my academics and art in high school. All EPS teachers are committed to their jobs and truly wish for your success; which is something I believe you do not find in other schools. They go out of their way to tutor you in academics or lend an ear when you are feeling blue. EPS to me is home, welcoming, inviting, and always comfortable.
Submitted by other on August 11, 2016

I began my eight-year journey as a student at Explorations Preparatory in 2007. When people ask me what EPS gave me as a long-time student, this is what I wish I had the time to tell them. EPS was and always will be my home. Even though I have graduated from EPS, whenever I return, I feel invincible.I have just completed my freshman year at Greenhill School. Was I prepared? Yes, I definitely was. I already knew how to talk to teachers, and the homework load was nothing new to me. Greenhill is a great school, but it is not quite yet the gem for me that Explorations was.So, what makes EPS so different?First, no other school has a staff like EPS. A friend, who attended another middle school, once bragged to me that her teachers gave her hugs. My teachers, I wanted to say, read the stories that I write, loan me their books, let me stay after school and talk with them for hours, banter with me, let us play jokes on them, play pranks on us back, ask us our opinions on things, give those opinions weight, have inside jokes with their students, defend the underdog, use their own money in addition to their school-granted budget, understand their students’ limits, and know how to gently tease those limits up. Second, no other school treats differences quite like EPS does. I was in a class with people of all different backgrounds, religions and races, but the discussion of our differences almost never came up in all of my eight years. Silently, mutually, we had all come to this conclusion: differences weren’t good and differences weren’t bad. They were simply there, like the sky, and you can only stand there and shake your fist at the sky for so long before you look silly. If you had a problem with differences, it was just that: your problem. Lastly, is everything...No other school will ever take our families on country-wide trips. No other school will ever clap for us to pursue our dreams as loudly as EPS does. No other staff will spend their time-off working simply because they want to give their kids the best as earnestly as those at EPS. No other school will make us feel like we matter as much as EPS does. It is impossible to not feel the intense love and enthusiasm all the staff and classmates fan in your direction.EPS is an oasis in today’s education. It hosts a pool of camaraderie, knowledge, and nurturing that I wish all students could experience.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2016

This school has no policies and procedures to speak of to deal with bullying. Most kids (and parents) have a chip on their shoulder about how "smart" and "superior' they are but once we left we realized it is a mirage and not based on a strong curriculum. Most if not all of the teachers are hired from preschools and are inexperienced with superficial knowledge of the curriculum. The administration is focused on fund-raising (at which they are not good at - the school runs on a deficit) and leaves the teachers to their own devices. While a couple of teachers are competent, most are not and treat their jobs more as a hobby. They advertise an advanced curriculum and yet more often than not students were treated to parties and filler material such as watching videos so teachers would not have to do real work. Their student attrition rate is very high as parents (like us) realize they are not getting much for their money besides a bad experience. This results in as few as 5 or less students in grades 5-8. Now one would think that with such favorable teacher-student ratios, the teachers would be very involved in developing the kids intellectual and emotional needs. Unfortunately, one would be wrong as bullying is rampant on the playgrounds and even in the classroom! And to top it all, most teachers have their kids in the same school, receiving preferential treatment. Save your hard earned money and go to a public or charter school instead where they actually have policies and procedures to deal with student conflict and some good teachers who are devoted to their jobs!
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2016

We've had our kids here for 5 years and couldn't be happier. Not only is this an intellectually challenging/stimulating school, it is a beautiful and loving family community. After reading some of the discouraging reviews, I can only surmise that some parents (because I've had the unfortunate first hand interaction with a few of them) will not be satisfied regardless of which school they choose. If you'd like to select a school for your children that encourages curiosity (hence "exploration"), supports diversity and has devoted and supported faculty then this school is an excellent choice.
Submitted by other on July 22, 2016

As a former board member, I feel some responsibility to respond to the comment immediately below. EPS is a non-profit, 501c(3) organization and in no way is compensation awarded based upon enrollment nor are there EPS ‘owners’ that are financially incented. For a private school without a religious affiliation (and thus without external financial support), tuition is quite low. If finances were the incentive, those involved would not be working in education. All teachers have an education degree and are qualified to teach in public schools but choose to teach in an environment where they feel they no longer have the same ‘teach to the test’ constraints. The administration has both undergraduate and graduate education degrees and have spent most of their professional lives in education. Before the current administration was hired we did bring aboard a former public school principal and it became quickly apparent that the strategic direction and cultural fit was poor. The board, composed of educators, professors, business owners, are well-positioned to select and evaluate outstanding administration staff. Criticism of the Iowa test can be found online along with criticism of any standardized test such as the SAT or ACT. This is why the Iowa test serves as only one of several internal assessment data points. In my mind, the single most compelling data point is that in EVERY case, when teachers or administrators have school-aged children, they as parents choose to send their children to EPS.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2016

Very dissappointed with this school. Read between the lines. If your child was struggling in public school and upon enrolling in EPS, miraculously turns into an A student who now loves coming to school every day, maybe that should throw up a red flag. We were naive. So much so that we dug a little deeper after the fact and learned there really isn't anything you can do other than withdraw your child. Don't worry, it's in your "contract" that if you do, you are still responsible for the entire years tuition. If the school does not accept any public funding they are not held to the same standards or federal and state laws as public schools. They market and sell private education services and we took the bait. They don't guarantee the level of their education service and are only bound to their own "code of conduct" which is very vague. You have no recourse and they have no accountability.Ask about the school administrators formal training and experience as an administrator. Don't be fooled, EPS is a business, Google the owners and directors of EPS. It's registered with the Secretary of State and is easy to find. See if there is a link between the school and administrator. Most administrators spend years and years in the education system before being trusted as even a vice principal. Also google the IOWA test, when it was developed, how many states still use it, and why they don't.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2016

My husband and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the experience our children have had at EPS. We are both educators so we both take education very seriously and have very high standards for our children. Both of our kids are excellent students, but more than that, they have developed a deep love of learning and an amazing internal confidence in who they are that I don’t often see in kids their ages. EPS is an extremely special place that educates children not only on challenging academic topics, but also on social expectations and interactions. Our children have learned to weather the storms of adolescent relationships under the special love and direction of teachers who care for them as they do their own children. In doing so, our kids have successfully learned to work through issues with friends and to cultivate friendships with individuals who believe differently than they do. I can’t think of a more important or more valuable lesson than learning to accept, respect and work with others who are different than us. I am heartened to know that both of my children will move from EPS with the ability to work with anyone. It is a skill often overlooked by schools and yet one of the most important to any student’s future success. The quality of education that our children have received at EPS is unparalleled. We are continually impressed by the wealth of knowledge that our kids bring home. However, the most impressive aspect of an EPS education aren’t the facts and information, but it is the ability of our children to apply and think through what they’ve learned. EPS does not spoon feed students facts for regurgitation on a test, but rather expects them to use their brains to make connections between what they’ve learned and the larger world context. In my book, this is what sets EPS apart and is the biggest reason why we hear frequently about former EPS students moving on to other schools and performing at the top of their class. EPS does a great job of teaching kids to really think (not memorize) and this most definitely sets EPS students apart.Finally, I can’t say enough about the family atmosphere at EPS. It is truly a warm and loving place. We have always been welcomed and cared for by the lovely teachers, admin, students and parents who make up this one of a kind school community. My family is most fortunate to be a part of EPS!
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2016

A wonderful school with dedicated staff where students from many backgrounds work together to learn through both conventional and unconventional techniques. The teachers know all the students' names; the parents all have a direct relationship with the administration. Our child has been put in a great position to succeed upon graduation. Some of the negative comments on the forum are perplexing. Interestingly, the comments through Google reviews, which are not anonymous, are all positive. I suspect some helicopter parents have had their sensitivities violated when their child brought home a 'B' or had to be reprimanded for behavior. Rest assured EPS does not compromise its values when dealing with such parents, a consequence of which is a festering resentment manifest in some of the existing comments.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2016

We entrusted this school with ourr happy child with a 160 I.Q and they had no idea how to teach her anything except how to hate herself. We were blindsided by this unbelievably bad school which has managed to put on a very positive false face. We've been gone two years are still trying to repair the damage done to our child.