The Galloway School
Where Learning Fits the Child

Every child is full of possibility, and their uniqueness is what makes them truly beautiful. While some shine in poetry, history, athletics, or debates, others are gifted in the field of STEM, and each path is just as valuable.

Nurturing the latter, however, is not commonplace. Many schools celebrate elocution and artistic expression, but few offer a learning environment designed to ignite curiosity, innovation, and analytical thinking from the earliest years.

That’s where The Galloway School stands apart.

The Galloway School is a hub of creative minds. The school is specially designed to cater to students who are naturally drawn to STEM fields, focusing on robotics, chess, and other STEM-related activities. With that recognition, the school embraces its academic identity, establishing itself as the premier STEM institution in Friendswood, Texas, just south of Houston.

For 32 years, Galloway has championed a culture where “design, build, and create” are more than just buzzwords; they are the foundation of learning. From preschool Lego robotics to competitive robotics teams, and from hands-on science projects to entrepreneurship initiatives, Galloway nurtures thinkers, makers, and innovators. Its small class sizes and individualized learning approach ensure that every child, whether gifted or still discovering their strengths, receives the support to excel.

With partnerships that extend as far as the International Space Station and programs that consistently place its students in the top national percentiles, The Galloway School continues to prove that when curiosity is cultivated early, brilliance naturally follows.

“As a STEM-focused school, we are driven by a direct response to what our students truly value—designing, building, and creating,” says Dr. Todd Herauf, Head of School. “We meet them where they are and help them grow from there.”

At Galloway, students are free to learn at their own pace, regardless of age or grade level, reflecting the school’s commitment to individualized learning. Some examples of this include a Kindergarten student in math classes above his current grade level, as well as multiple 5th graders taking a middle school math course. With small class sizes of 12- 14 students, teachers can deeply understand each child's strengths and weaknesses.

The Dean of Academics, Mrs. Bartholomew, plays a hands-on role, leading gifted assessments and monthly meetings with teachers to tailor support. The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning, from selecting after-school clubs to presenting projects. The after-school programs reflect student interests, such as a cooking class created by the PE coach, Jennifer Theobald, when she noticed a passion for culinary activities.

Students also engage in hands-on learning experiences like science fairs, where even the youngest learners, including kindergarten, participate to gain early exposure. Similarly, the robotics program, once limited to upper elementary grades, now includes Lego robotics for preschool as well.

Each program’s success is measured through the ERB assessment, which compares students against top private schools nationwide. Results show that students consistently score in the 90th percentile and above in many areas, outperforming their peers. This success is not limited to upper grades instruction; it reflects high-quality, consistent teaching that begins in preschool and continues through every level.

To further elevate learning, the school aligns with TEKS while integrating Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core in preparation for its December accreditation. As a result, students enter sixth grade a year ahead academically, and all identified gifted students gain acceptance into gifted programs.

Complementing this academic foundation are innovative initiatives. Galloway recently partnered with a company to send artifacts to the International Space Station, and a NASA representative was invited to speak at the school’s graduation event.

In the same spirit of student engagement, Galloway launched an entrepreneurship course for fifth graders last year. Students sold baked goods, crafts, and artwork, and one even earned over $1,000 selling plants at local markets. A schoolwide sale showcased their work, and this fall, they were invited back to sell at the school’s festival.

Such initiatives help every child connect with what excites them and provide the tools and space to thrive. Carrying that mindset forward, Galloway aspires to reach more students by offering them the same opportunity to explore their potential. This year, the school has revamped its online presence and developed its first marketing plan.

Previously, due to a lack of marketing strategy, minimal social media activity, and an outdated website, enrollment fluctuated. Although the Director of Admissions, Mrs. Terry, converted 75 to 80 percent of same-year tours and about 60 percent of future-year tours, outreach remained a challenge.

Galloway now aims to boost enrollment by adding 30 more tours over the next one to two years, bringing in 15 to 20 new students. The current enrollment is 119, with a short-term goal of 145 and a long-term capacity for 190 or more.

This vision aligns with what sets Galloway apart today as a STEM leader. By rejecting the cookie-cutter model and designing each student’s path with intention, the school continues to lead real, meaningful change in education.