After recently being closed for an entire school year due to campus improvements, construction and renovations, Geneva Heights Elementary re-opened to the community and neighborhood this past spring! The renovation process took a bit longer than normal due to the community and school district choosing to preserve historical elements of the school while modernizing the campus for the future. The school's red-brick exterior and art deco design have long been a symbol of pride in the historic East Dallas neighborhood, so elements of the old campus are still visible throughout.
During the spring, I visited with the principal, Mr. Israel Verver, several times and subsequently joined the school's SBDM Advisory Committee as a community member. I've gotten to tour the campus multiple times, and it's truly one of the best elementary school campuses Dallas ISD has to offer. As of the 2024-2025 school year, Geneva Heights had approx. 384 students. The renovated campus can accommodate up to 700 students, so there is definitely room for growth! With all the school has to offer and the upgraded campus, the anticipate having more students this fall! The school has a pre-K program, along with curriculum for first through fifth grade. Geneva Heights prides itself on its diverse population, and they are one of the few campuses that accepts transfer students (approx. 54% of their population is currently from transfers). The school offers a free pre-K program for students of certain socio-economic statuses, and there are tuition spots available as well. All in all, Geneva Heights is truly a neighborhood, as many of the families that live in the community walk to school!
Geneva Heights has a ton to offer! They have strong community and parent involvement, including the PTA, the Dad's Club and the Pre-Geneva Association. According to Instagram, the Pre-Geneva Assoc. is "coolest group of parents you'll ever meet with kids ages 0-5". The school offers French as part of their dual-language program, and also is an IB World School. Dallas ISD is home to 11 authorized International Baccalaureate schools, and 4 of those schools are located within the Woodrow Wilson High School feeder pattern! There are only 5 elementary schools that offer the program, with Geneva Heights being one of them! In addition, the school offers a fantastic theater program, for second graders through fifth graders. I attended the spring production of Willy Wonka, and the kids and faculty did a great job!
As I toured the school, I took note of some of the really unique and special renovations that will greatly impact the school in a positive way. Most of the classrooms now have "observation windows", which allow for a transparent and collaborative environment. There are also a lot of special and unique educational spaces for students to learn outside of the classroom, called "learning zones". In addition, the playground is truly special, with a great design collaboration between the campus and Cool Schools!
I’m excited to watch Geneva Heights grow and see students and families taking full advantage of the great facilities and programs the campus has to offer! I'm proud to serve on the school's SBDM committee as a community member at large, and be a small part of the incredible community within this amazing East Dallas school!