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Radford School History

Radford is the oldest private school in El Paso, Texas. It is an independent, non- sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory school that serves a diverse student body, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Founded in 1910, as the El Paso School for Girls it was re-named Radford School for Girls in 1930 in honor of George and Julia Brown Radford who purchased the school and established its initial endowments. The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1923. In 1976, when it became co-educational, the school was renamed Radford School.

Radford School provides a quality education by maintaining high academic standards. A caring and experienced faculty, administration, and Board of Directors offer a high degree of individual attention and opportunities for character development. Students are encouraged to think critically and exercise their innate creativity. The faculty and administration strive to enrich students' basic education by providing extracurricular activities, travel, and opportunities for community service relevant to academic pursuits. Students are given opportunities to develop socially and are expected to behave appropriately with decorum. The faculty and administration, with the assistance of parents, help students profit from intellectual challenges they will face in the future so that they develop as learners and productive citizens to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the development of self-esteem is fostered, as is respect for others, while developing social awareness. Students are assisted in formulating short and long-range goals for self improvement leading to a fulfilling and rewarding life after graduation.

Parents are considered to be full partners in the education of their children. They are encouraged to visit the school, consult with teachers and administrators, and to visit classes. Parental input is encouraged and valued. Radford School provides a positive, self-fulfilling education to meet the needs of individual students in a family atmosphere conducive to learning.

Radford has demonstrated the quality of its academic programs by passing rigorous accreditation review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS accredits more than 12,000 public and private educational institutions, from pre-kindergarten through the university level, in 11 states of the Southeastern United States and in Latin America, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Radford also is a member of the following organizations:


Radford School Traditions

A foundational part of the Radford educational experience are the great many traditions and special occasions observed throughout the schools' history. These events, passed from one generation to the next, are always highly enjoyed by the students and looked back upon with pleasure by Radford Alumni.

Convocation

Held in honor of the first day of school. It is an opportunity for parents and students to meet the Radford Administration, Board of Directors, Faculty and new students.

Flag Assembly

A presentation held every month in honor of the flag. The presentations are usually associated with patriotism and the flag as well as special events (i.e. Black History month, Washington's Birthday, etc.

Family Night

A long-standing tradition where parents get an opportunity to meet administration, faculty, staff and students.

Fall Festival

A time for Radford families to have fun together in a safe carnival environment. It is held on the amphitheatre and for the most part, is make up of various game booths as well as a costume contests.

Spirit Week

Radford's preparation for Radford Day. Spirit Week is a week of contests and friendly competition between classes for the spirit stick (first prize.) This is the biggest event among Radford students.

Radford Day

A day to recognize the alumni and hold reunions. It takes place on the last day of Spirit Week and it is also the day that the spirit stick is traditionally awarded.

Radford Dinner

It once was a night of dinner, drama productions, dances and follies. It is now predominantly a dinner theater and talent show.

Operetta

Radford's winter holiday program presented by the elementary school.

Yule Log

One of the most important and meaningful tradition of all. Yule Log is the ceremony in which the senior class passes the brand and ashes of last year's yule log to the junior class. It is a ceremony that symbolizes the transition that the juniors undergo to become seniors.

Chuck Wagon

A western-style, outdoors dinner prepared for parents and students given during rodeo week.

Senior Dinner

A time for the Senior class to acknowledge and thank their parents, teachers, siblings and their friends for their support.

Curriculum Plus

Extra-curricular trip that gives classes an opportunity to receive education outside of the traditional classroom setup. It can be anywhere from Carlsbad Caverns to Florence or Paris. It takes place during the week before Spring Break.

May Fete

It is a gift from grades Pre-Kindergarten through 11 to the Senior Class. The gift consists of a performance presented by each grade individually. The May Pole Dance is another significant par of May Fete. It is performed by the Senior Girls in honor of the arrival of spring.

NHS/NJHS Induction and Banquet

Radford Schools National Honor Society and Junior National Honor Society Members are inducted in a formal ceremony followed by a banquet for all members and their families to recognize these outstanding students.

Baccalaureate

An inspirational speech presented by a guest speaker for the Senior Class. It is also a blessing for the Seniors as they leave for college.

Kinder Graduation & Elementary Honors Program

It celebrates the graduation of the Kindergarten students and their admittance into the elementary school program. The Elementary Honors program acknowledges the academic achievements of the elementary school students.

8th Grade Graduation

It celebrates the graduation of the Eight grade students and their admittance into the high school program.

Directors Breakfast

Breakfast prepared for the Senior Class and family, Executive Director wishes the class well and presents them with the Radford pin. The ring-turning ceremony for Juniors is also held. The dress traditionally consists of white or pastel dresses for the girls and suit for the young men.

Honors Convocation

Award ceremony held immediately after Director's Breakfast to honor those students who had superior academic achievement throughout the school year.

Senior Graduation

Ceremony where the school gathers at the end of the year to wish the Seniors well. An inspirational guest speaker gives his/her advice and the Seniors present their gift to Radford School. The Seniors receive their diplomas and the Valedictorian and Salutatorian are recognized.

Etiquette Classes

Etiquette is often overlooked to other educational institutions and is a must in create a winning image, sharpening social skills and preparing for life for such things as college entrance and job interviews, and making personal connections. Classes include introductions, including handshakes, greetings and dressing for the occasion, verbal and non-verbal communication, different styles of eating, table place settings, proper use of the napkin, glassware, and tableware and overall dining dos and don'ts.