our story
begins in 1964... more than 40 years ago when The Kessler Park United Methodist Church began a Day School with Ms. Bertha Mae Cox as its first teacher/ director. Her assistant, and later the director, was Betty Zumwalt.

Over the years, young families in Oak Cliff came to rely on the Day School for their children's preschool education. In pursuit of the highest possible educational standards, families began moving from the neighborhood, or would make a lengthy drive away from the neighborhood, thinking that was the only educational alternative. In 1999 a group of parents, who were not willing to move, joined together to begin The Kessler School. The rest, you could say, is history!

Under the current leadership of Gayla Dobbins, her outstanding faculty, and with our NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children) Accreditation covering our early childhoood offerings (up to age 8), then our SACS/CASI (Southern Association of Colleges & Schools) Accreditation covering our elementary to grade 5 offerings, The Kessler School is poised to produce well-educated and balanced children who are prepared for success in education and living.

We invite you to join us in our journey.

our future
North Oak Cliff has needed a quality, independent private school to keep families in the area throughout their children’s educational years. In cooperation with Kessler Park UMC this vision is now a reality. With the additional support of the larger community, the vision of an outstanding school is destined for success.