Exciting school days drive top-tier attendance at Sudie Williams TAG

At Sudie Williams Talented and Gifted Academy, school is an immersive experience where learning feels meaningful and vibrant.

“School is about more than just going from class to class and getting your work done,” Emily Brokaw, principal, said. “We create moments for our students to be celebrated, not only for attending school or passing a STAAR test, but for how they're growing as learners, in their leadership skills, and investing their talents and gifts into the community.”

Since 2022, Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy maintained an A rating, earning all seven possible state distinction designations from Texas Education Agency. It also ranks fourth in Dallas ISD for campus attendance.

Brokaw says the two achievements are directly connected: when students feel valued and excited about their environment, academic performance naturally follows. 

“You can't benefit from a great school environment and a great education if you're not present,” she said. “We want to see students grow as learners and leaders, and the best way for us to do that is to have them not only show up to school, but give them a school community where they can find a sense of belonging and identity.”

Culture at Sudie TAG is created through intentional work, like school traditions, in-school clubs, and the house system. In-school clubs differ from after-school programming by offering kids a chance to relax during the school day in a non-competitive environment. 

From e-sports and Legos to podcasting and book clubs, students can learn hair styling and esthetics at Sudie Salon, knit with their principal in Sudie Stitchers, or step outside to the parking lot where a teacher-led car club teaches basic automotive care.

Open to elementary and middle school students, these 45-minute periods allow students to try new things and pour into their passions.

The house system, which was introduced in 2018, offers a sense of purpose and responsibility for all students to build character, leadership, and community. And, after years of being in a space where they feel welcome, Sudie Williams' eighth graders transition to high school fully confident in their identity and eager to pursue their passions.

“We don't just view culture building as between teachers and students; we expand that to our whole community and create opportunities for them to invest in Sudie and learn what makes every day a ‘Super Day at Sudie.’ It is a special five years in a student's life where they view school as a place where they're cared about,” Brokaw said.