The Solar Model

Solar Preparatory Schools (Solar Prep) are groundbreaking public schools in Dallas, established in 2016 for girls and expanded in 2018 to include boys. Built on a foundation of equity, innovation, and empowerment, Solar Prep serves a socioeconomically diverse community of scholars through an inclusive, research-driven educational model.

Led by award-winning educators and visionary administrators, Solar Prep blends STEAM-focused academic rigor with social and emotional learning to accelerate student growth and develop the next generation of confident, capable leaders. Every aspect of the school is intentionally designed to reflect how students learn best—ensuring they are not only prepared for academic success, but also equipped to thrive in life far beyond their years at Solar.

With a bold vision to create a challenging, nurturing, and performance-based learning environment, Solar Prep remains deeply committed to its mission: to be an inclusive school community that empowers scholars to live and lead with confidence and purpose.

The Solar Story

In the fall of 2015, four passionate educators united around a bold vision: to design a transformative public school that would meet the evolving needs of students in Dallas ISD. Responding to the district’s inaugural call for Choice School proposals—schools centered on innovative models and specialized learning approaches—they saw a unique opportunity not only to build their dream school but also to address long-standing gaps in public education they had witnessed over their combined 30 years of experience.

At the time, Nancy Bernardino, Jennifer Turner, and Cynthia Flores were colleagues at John Quincy Adams Elementary. Inspired by the opportunity, they immediately began developing a concept that would better serve the young girls of Dallas. They soon welcomed Ashley Toole—now the assistant principal at Spruce High School—whose expertise in secondary education rounded out the team’s vision.

Their extensive research led them to explore single-gender education, performance-based instructional strategies, and whole-child development. The result was a forward-thinking school model grounded in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)—an intentional blend designed to cultivate confident, capable leaders.

Following the submission of their proposal, the team advanced to a panel interview with Dallas ISD’s Choice School selection committee. There, they shared their vision in greater depth, answering questions from district leaders. In spring 2015, their proposal was officially approved by then-Superintendent Mike Miles.

As planning progressed in collaboration with the Office of Transformation and Innovation, it became clear that the new open-enrollment campus could also play a critical role in advancing socioeconomic diversity across the district. To support this goal, a weighted lottery system was implemented in February 2016 to ensure a balanced enrollment of scholars from both economically disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged backgrounds.

Now entering its 11th year, Solar Preparatory School for Girls serves a thriving, diverse community of scholars. With a dedicated and experienced staff, and under the leadership of Principal Olivia Santos, the campus continues to inspire and empower young women across Dallas. The success of Solar Prep for Girls led to the founding of Solar Preparatory School for Boys in August 2018. Today, the Boys campus is led by Principal Eric Martinez, who continues to advance the school’s mission of academic excellence and character development for young men. Both campuses are supported by the leadership of Ryan Zysk, Dallas ISD Associate Superintendent, and Ruby Garza, Executive Director of the Office of Transformation and Innovation.

Together, Solar Prep for Girls and Solar Prep for Boys remain committed to a shared mission: to build inclusive school communities that empower scholars to live and lead with confidence and purpose.

Solar Preparatory School for Girls

In response to a call for innovative ideas from Dallas ISD, four visionary educators came together in 2015 to imagine something entirely new for public education in Dallas—a school where girls could thrive academically, emotionally, and socially in a setting designed just for them.

That vision became Solar Preparatory School for Girls.

With a shared belief that the future is female, the founding team—Nancy Bernardino, Jennifer Turner, Cynthia Flores, and Ashley Toole—sought to build more than a school; they aimed to create a movement. Drawing from their deep experience in education and a strong foundation in research, they crafted a learning environment where girls would be seen, heard, and empowered.

Solar Prep is not just a school—it’s a launchpad for Trailblazers. Through a focus on STEAM, Social Emotional Learning, and leadership development, Solar girls grow into confident, compassionate changemakers. The Phoenix, their proud mascot, symbolizes resilience, strength, and the limitless potential each student carries within.

We are proud to be an inclusive school community empowering girls to live and lead with confidence and purpose. At Solar Prep for Girls, every student is encouraged to rise, lead, and ignite a future that reflects her brilliance.

  • I BELIEVE IN MYSELF.

    I PLAY BIG.

    I REFUSE TO LET ANYONE DEFINE ME.

    I KNOW THERE IS A NEED FOR ME.

    I RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
    TIME AND TIME AGAIN.

    I AM COURAGEOUS.

    I LET GO OF ANY NEGATIVITY
    THAT COMES MY WAY.

    I DO NOT COMPARE MYSELF TO OTHERS

    AND I CELEBRATE ME RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

    I PRAISE MYSELF, BUT I REMAIN HUMBLE.

    I TAKE RISKS. I EXPLORE.

    I LEAP EVEN IF THERE ISN’T A NET.

    I SHINE BRIGHTLY.

    I AM A SOLAR PREP TRAILBLAZER!

    THINK! ACT! SHINE!

  • I control my destiny through the ability to acquire knowledge.

    I believe success is determined by effort and perseverance and not by chance.

    I exemplify a nature of continual growth through exploration.

    I transform my mistakes into opportunities for learning.

    I accept responsibility for my actions and oppose excuses.

    I will acknowledge and honor the magnificence of every person.

    Our actions are guided by our character.

    We are accepting of others no matter their background.

    We are committed to excellence.

    We are committed to community.

    We are servants of humankind.

    We are our Brother’s Keeper.

    We are leaders today, tomorrow and forever.

    We are Solar Preparatory School for Boys.

Solar Preparatory School for Boys

In the fall of 2018, Dallas ISD opened the doors to a bold new vision for public education: Solar Preparatory School for Boys—a campus built to inspire and prepare young men for life. Modeled after the success of Solar Prep for Girls, this all-boys choice school was founded on the belief that with the right guidance, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

At Solar Prep for Boys, students are known as Explorers—curious, courageous, and ready to chart their own path. Through strong leadership, consistent mentorship, and a dynamic learning environment, educators work to cultivate the leader in your son every step of the way. The Solar program blends structure with inspiration, encouraging boys to rise to high expectations while discovering who they are and what they can become.

Serving grades Pre-K through 8, Solar Prep for Boys is open to all young men residing within Dallas ISD boundaries. Admission is determined by a randomized lottery system designed to achieve socioeconomic diversity, with no academic entrance requirements.

At Solar Prep for Boys, we’re not just educating students—we’re shaping the next generation of confident, compassionate leaders.

The Solar Six

Guiding Every Scholar, Every Day.

  • Curiosity

    I ask questions and have a strong desire to learn new things!

  • Self-Awareness

    I reflect on my strengths and limitations and possess a sense of confidence and optimism.

  • Empathy

    I listen and seek to understand the feelings of another.

  • Humility

    I act in a way that reflects a spirit of inclusion and respect for others.

  • Leadership

    I nurture abilities in myself and others in order to make a positive impact on my school and community.

  • Grit

    I bounce back after failure and persist in the face of obstacles.