Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.

That’s what happened in 1966 when M.J. and Alice Neeley searched for help for their grandson, Russ, who struggled in school. The Neeleys combed the nation for a teaching method that would work for Russ’ learning challenges. When they found a successful one, they set about creating a center on TCU’s campus to help other children. They convinced a special- education expert to move from New York to Texas, and Fort Worth’s Starpoint School was born.

For 50 years, Starpoint has offered an individualized learning environment for children ages 6 to 11 who have learning differences, preparing them for an educational future through innovative academic programming. Starpoint’s dedicated faculty and staff help children build on their strengths in a setting that nurtures a positive attitude toward learning. Continuing in the spirit and vision of the Neeleys, the school teaches aspiring educators how to address the needs of children with learning differences, serving as a laboratory school for TCU students in the College of Education as well as other academic programs.

Starpoint’s 65 students, with their campus nestled within our campus, are a valued part of the Horned Frog family. These kids embrace everything purple — attending TCU events and rooting for the Frogs. But it is what they give back to us at TCU that is remarkable: They teach our students how to teach.

Starpoint School provides opportunities for breakthrough and discovery for both its students and ours, allowing TCU students to immerse themselves in one-on-one encounters with the children. This unusual learning lab prepares them for teaching the next generation’s spectrum of learners. Everyone wins.

The Starpoint model for success is an inspiration for all of us, and I believe Horned Frogs enjoy an academic culture based on a similar approach. TCU has long been a place where differences can become strengths, where personal attention brings success, and where great things happen when we learn from one another.

Please join me in wishing a happy 50th birthday to Starpoint. Here’s to a bright future — for this wonderful program and all those it continues to touch.

Victor J. Boschini, Jr.