Friends of Solar Prep

Friends of Solar Prep is a volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization led by a board of parents and community leaders who work to ensure every Solar Prep student has equal access to educational opportunities to realize their full potential. We support the Solar Preparatory Schools, two challenging and inclusive schools, through fundraising for student and educator enrichment.

The main charge of Friends of Solar Prep, established in 2015, is to help bridge funding gaps between what the school district’s funding provides and what is needed on our Solar campuses for higher academic achievement.

"High performing teachers are the #1 indicator of success in schools. Solar Prep is able to invest in innovative professional development for our world class teachers because of the generosity from our community."

"As the proud principal of Solar Preparatory School for Girls, I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this school with the support of Friends of Solar Prep who has provided us the ability to create educational experiences that are not only impacting our own fierce trailblazers, but inspiring innovation and excellence in education across the nation. From supporting the professional development of our amazing teachers to ensuring that every student has access to high quality programming, I believe that FOSP has enabled our culture of leadership and innovation in education."

"Leading our teachers and young men at Solar Prep School for Boys is the honor of a lifetime, and also a responsibility I feel privileged to hold. Guiding our boys into becoming leaders among men takes dedicated teachers, parents, community members and resources. I am pleased to have the support of our Friends of Solar Prep donor community who have contributed more than $95,000 in nearly two years in support of our campus needs and vision."

"As a proud parent at both Solar Prep for Boys and Solar Prep for Girls, and as a board member of Friends of Solar Prep, I am extremely passionate about STEAM education and Social Emotional Learning for all students and providing enriching training for our educators and staff."

"I am supporting the Solar Prep schools on #NTXGivingDay because I believe in an equitable education in STEAM and Social Emotional Learning."

“I support Solar and FOSP because I believe in the benefits of single-gender STEAM education for elementary and junior high learners using a socioeconomic diversity model.”

"I am supporting the Solar Prep schools on #NTXGIVINGDAY because I believe in closing the achievement gap for girls through STEM education. A STEM education for girls is critical for the future of our workforce, and for economic equality; leading to a stronger, more equitable world for women and men everywhere."

This weekend, some of our Solar Girls dropped by the If/Then exhibit to celebrate Lyda’s commitment to girls in STEM education! On behalf of Friends of Solar Prep, we want to thank Lyda Hill Philanthropies for investing in our next generation of female innovators and scientists. Your gift will ensure our young scholars will soar! 

Campus Needs 2021-2022

$383,500

Solar Prep for Boys

Solar Prep for Girls

Peace Pantry $25,000

About Solar Prep Schools

Solar Preparatory School for Girls and Solar Preparatory School for Boys are public K-8* schools in the Dallas Independent School District in Dallas, Texas. The schools focus on three main tenants: single-gender education within a socioeconomic diversity model; integrated, performance-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning; and social emotional learning (SEL).

*Founded in 2015, the schools add a grade level each year until they reach 8th grade.

We support the Solar Preparatory Schools, two challenging and inclusive schools, through fundraising for student and educator enrichment.

Our Impact

Since its inception, Friends of Solar Prep has raised more than $900,000 to directly support our scholars and educators. View our impact here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are my donations used to support the schools?

FOSP prioritizes allocating funds for scholars’ education, educator needs and programs that will directly impact educational outcomes. The Solar Preparatory schools are part of the Dallas ISD public school system and receive funding through the district based on the same formulas that apply to neighborhood schools. These formulas fall short of what is needed to fulfill the Solar model to create an academically challenging and nurturing environment that develops and inspires our children to achieve greatness.

Four years after opening the first Solar Preparatory school, our scholars have proven the importance of SEL (social-emotional learning); Spanish immersion; a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum; and economic and ethnic diversity. However, we do not have the funding to perpetuate these programs without additional support. For example, STEAM alone increases each schools’ financial needs by approximately 15 – 20%.

How does Friends of Solar Prep differ from other school organizations at Solar?

PTO and PTA organizations (as well as The Solar League, Solar Prep Cares and Brotherly Love) do a wonderful job of engaging with parents and building community and culture among our schools and families. Friends of Solar Prep helps fill the funding gaps, specifically related to our scholars’ educational needs.

Can I donate to just one school?

Yes. You may write in “boys school” or “girls school” in your donation notes on Paypal.

The Solar Six

Curiosity

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

Humility

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

Self-awareness

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

Leadership

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

Empathy

I listen and seek to understand the feelings of another.

Grit

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