Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools

Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools is a non-profit organization that serves as the governing body for private and parochial schools in Texas, providing a framework for interscholastic competition and cooperation among its member schools, including St. Mark's School of Texas, Episcopal School of Dallas, and Ursuline Academy of Dallas. The organization was established in 1978, with the goal of promoting athletic and academic competition among private and parochial schools, such as Dallas Christian School, Fort Worth Christian School, and Lubbock Christian School. TAPPS is affiliated with the National Federation of State High School Associations and works closely with other organizations, including the Texas Catholic Interscholastic League and the Texas Christian Athletic League.

● History

The history of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools dates back to 1978, when a group of private and parochial schools in Texas came together to form an organization that would provide a framework for interscholastic competition and cooperation, including schools like Bishop Lynch High School, John Paul II High School, and Prestonwood Christian Academy. The organization was established with the support of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, and other denominational organizations, such as the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Over the years, TAPPS has grown to include over 200 member schools, including Houston Christian High School, Second Baptist School, and The Woodlands Christian Academy. The organization has also expanded its activities to include not only athletic competitions but also academic and fine arts competitions, such as the TAPPS State Academic Meet and the TAPPS State Fine Arts Competition, which are held at various locations, including Baylor University, University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.

● Membership

Membership in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools is open to private and parochial schools in Texas that meet certain criteria, including Incarnate Word Academy, St. Agnes Academy, and The Village School. Member schools must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission, and must demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of TAPPS, which are similar to those of the National Association of Independent Schools and the Council for American Private Education. Member schools also must pay annual dues and participate in TAPPS-sponsored activities, such as the TAPPS State Football Championships and the TAPPS State Basketball Championships, which are held at venues like AT&T Stadium, Toyota Center, and United Supermarkets Arena. TAPPS has a diverse membership, including schools from various denominations, such as Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Baptist, as well as non-denominational schools, like The Awty International School and The British International School of Houston.

● Governance

The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from member schools, such as Bishop Dunne Catholic School, Greenhill School, and Hockaday School. The board is responsible for setting policies and making decisions about the organization's activities and operations, in consultation with the TAPPS Executive Committee and the TAPPS Athletic Committee. TAPPS also has a number of committees, including the TAPPS Academic Committee and the TAPPS Fine Arts Committee, which are responsible for overseeing specific areas of the organization's activities, such as the TAPPS State Science Fair and the TAPPS State Music Competition. The organization is headquartered in Waco, Texas, and has a staff that includes an executive director, athletic director, and other support personnel, who work closely with organizations like the Texas High School Coaches Association and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

● Activities

The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools sponsors a wide range of activities, including athletic competitions, academic competitions, and fine arts competitions, which are held at various locations, including University of Houston, Rice University, and Southern Methodist University. TAPPS offers championships in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball, as well as in activities like debate, speech, and music, with events like the TAPPS State Debate Tournament and the TAPPS State Speech Competition. The organization also provides training and resources for coaches, officials, and other school personnel, in partnership with organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations and the American Sport Education Program. TAPPS is committed to promoting the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play, and works to provide a positive and supportive environment for all participants, including those from schools like Faith Christian School, Grapevine Faith Christian School, and Liberty Christian School.

● Championships

The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools sponsors a number of championships throughout the year, including the TAPPS State Football Championships, the TAPPS State Basketball Championships, and the TAPPS State Baseball Championships, which are held at venues like Globe Life Park in Arlington, Minute Maid Park, and Dr Pepper Ballpark. These championships bring together teams from across the state to compete in a variety of sports and activities, with schools like Argyle Liberty Christian School, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic High School, and Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy often participating. TAPPS also offers championships in activities like track and field, swimming and diving, and golf, with events like the TAPPS State Track and Field Championships and the TAPPS State Golf Championships, which are held at locations like University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Baylor University. The organization's championships are highly competitive and provide a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and talents, with many participants going on to compete at the next level, including at colleges like University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Southern Methodist University.