In August of 2023, Life School launched its 4-day school week. It was bold, against the landscape of delayed post-Covid TEA ratings; a tumultuous restructuring of how school ratings are calculated; and court battles that delayed knowing how the move impacted performance. That landscape makes the results of the latest TEA ratings especially notable as Life School finds its “B” rating near the top of the pack.
In 2022, leaders recognized that the field of teaching talent was narrowing. High-performing teachers are crucial for high-performing students, and districts were grappling with how to attract them. The introduction of a 4-day school week was one way that Life School sought to reignite teacher enthusiasm.
Three years into its 4-day journey, the TEA ratings tell a compelling story. Life School has seen 2 consecutive years of performance improvements. Its 2025 “B” rating (82) places it near the top of the pack with area ISDs Midlothian (85) and Dallas (83). It also holds good company with high-achieving public charter schools—alongside UME Prep (90), Harmony (88), and IDEA (83).
Was the 4-day school week the cause of its rating success?
According to Dr. Stephanie Colwell, Chief Talent Officer, “It certainly played a part. The 4-day school week boosted Life School teachers’ average of years of teaching experience. We have a lot of happy, motivated teachers who choose teaching because it is their calling. You can see their intentionality in the classroom.”
Intentionality is the true catalyst. One of the district’s core values is Continuous Improvement. Sometimes that means uncomfortable change.
The shift to 4-day was intentional. Parents have voiced their support, emphasizing the school-life balance that it affords their children.
Efforts to attract top teaching talent were intentional. Teachers have shared how it allows them to rest and recover during weekends so that they are energized to start each week of learning.
Transitioning to an immediate intervention model—ensuring that students who need extra help receive timely support—was intentional. Students are continuously evaluated for mastery of content. Those who need help receive it in the moment, while students who have already mastered the concept are permitted to explore through extended learning activities.
Repositioning Life School Lancaster as Life School Innovation Academy was intentional. The district is reimagining the campus through the lens of career exploration; purposeful field trips (STEM labs, career centers, and industry sites); flexible learning environments; collaboration; hands-on learning and experimentation.
Contending for the right to build a new high school and middle school in Duncanville to serve area families is intentional. Despite initial setbacks, the district remains committed to providing new learning opportunities for families at the heart of the Best Southwest area.
Dr. Brent Wilson, Superintendent, says, “Success comes through hard work and flexibility. Today’s victories are because of the intentional efforts of dedicated teachers and staff who want to do more. We serve alongside other districts to make sure Texas students have the means to achieve their full potential. That friendly competition keeps public ISDs and charter schools sharp and focused on our shared objective. Isn’t that what Texas families deserve?”
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Mountain Creek, Red Oak, Oak Cliff and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships and embrace making students ready to learn, ready to lead and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
