Arrvel Wilson was no stranger to the poverty, violence, and desperation of West Dallas, home to infamous outlaws such as Bonnie and Clyde, and one of the nation's ten poorest communities at that time. He grew up in a public housing development designated for African-Americans--two other projects housed Hispanics and whites separately. At eighteen years old, Arrvel left to join the Marines and vowed never to return. A few years later, he was led to return with his wife, Eletha, and begin a ministry in the West Dallas Housing Projects.
Troubled by the poor educational choices in West Dallas, God began to lay on Arrvel's heart the need for a school that promoted academic excellence while developing a worldview that integrated Christian faith in all areas of learning. Unknown to Arrvel, God was also impressing the same vision on Carole and Norm Sonju (co-founder & retired president/general manager, the Dallas Mavericks), and Robin and Michael Lewis. Through some seemingly happenstance situations, the three couples joined together to found West Dallas Community School, with each bringing a different critical element. The Wilsons had the trust and respect of the West Dallas residents; the Sonjus were able to rally support from the greater Dallas community; finally, the Lewises brought the academic expertise and experience in starting a new school.
Much has changed since opening day in 1995. The first eighth grade class graduated in May 2002. Today, the student body numbers some 233 students in grades pre-k through eight. In addition, the founding headmistress, Carole Sonju, stepped down in 2001 and was followed by Tom Neuhoff who served for eight years. Currently, Jay Hohfeler serves as headmaster and president.
Located across the street, Priscilla Tyler Elementary School was acquired by WDCS in May 2005. The entire Dallas community rallied support for the "Building Today + Shaping Tomorrow" campaign to transform the building into new facilities for the school. Construction began in July 2005 and students entered the beautifully renovated building on September 5, 2006 to begin the new school year. The facility allows for further expansion of the school as well as community outreach ministries.
