LBJ-Founded Preschools, Leading Quality Child Care Since 1968

Introduction
Stonewall Head Start, Inc. is an independent 501 ©3 non-profit preschool corporation in the Texas Hill Country offering three accredited education centers in Fredericksburg, Harper and Johnson City. Schools are tuition-based and CCS-partner affiliated for eligible families. As a non-profit, schools operate through grants, community donations and volunteerism.
SHS, Inc. was founded in 1968 by President Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson to directly assist children near the LBJ Ranch and homestead.

Mission Framework:

We advocate for the rights and development of children by supporting families across the local area through non-profit services, school resources and partner programs
We recognize that true educational success is deeply connected to the health and well-being of family stability. Our goal is to break down potential barriers and offer families guided assistance, so that their children’s potential can be nurtured.
We provide high-quality early childhood education that empowers children from all backgrounds. Our comprehensive programs are designed not only to prepare children academically but prepare them internally as confident, self-aware, independent and mindful students ready for the next road ahead.

Dawn of a New Era: 1964–1968
In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson highlighted major gaps in children’s education and health. Moved to act, he and Lady Bird launched two programs to expand early learning and care — National Head Start (1965) and Stonewall Head Start, Inc. (1968). After incorporating in 1968, Stonewall Head Start opened schools in Fredericksburg, Harper, and Johnson City, Texas.
2016–Present
In 2016 SHS, Inc. separated from National Head Start to operate as an independent sole‑member 501(c)(3), strengthening local governance and preserving its charter and namesake. SHS continues to champion children’s education as envisioned by the Johnsons.

Present Day
In 1968, inspired from the vision articulated by President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, Stonewall Head Start Preschool (SHS, Inc.) was established as part of the national effort to address educational inequities for underserved children in the Texas Hill Country.
President Johnson’s commitment to ensuring that every child—a right to education coupled with comprehensive health, nutrition, and family support services—laid the foundation for our mission.
At Stonewall Head Start, Inc., we carry forward this legacy by providing high-quality early childhood education that empowers children from all backgrounds. Our comprehensive programs are designed not only to prepare children academically but also to support their overall well-being, recognizing that true educational success is deeply connected to health and family stability.
By honoring the principles set forth through the establishment of SHS, Inc.’s Non-Profit Charter of 1968 in lieu of President Johnson’s notable State of the Union Address of 1964, Stonewall Head Start remains dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and nurturing the potential of every child in our community.

Core Values
Since its inception over fifty years ago, Stonewall Head Start’s steadfast dedication to nurturing the growth and development of children has remained unyielding. Our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the community while maintaining our core objectives has been a fundamental aspect of our organization’s success.
Guiding Principles
Guided by core principles, we continue to foster an environment where each child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential. Our commitment not only reflects the visionary ideals set forth by our founders but also aligns with the contemporary challenges facing families today, ensuring that we remain a vital resource within the Texas Hill Country.
Mission:SHS, Inc. is committed to offering a safe and developmentally appropriate environment, promoting interactive and engaging learning experiences that enrich children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Vision:The organization strives to equip young children with fundamental life skills, nurturing their confidence and independence for a promising future.
Values:Led by a dedicated executive team, SHS, Inc. honors the vision of its founders while continuing to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. The organization remains a vital resource, advocating for the rights and development of children and supporting families across the Texas Hill Country.

CEO/CFO
From a long-term tenure of 26 years serving the financial communications industry for international capital markets, Paul Carlyle embarked upon a career transition into early childhood education. In 2011, Carlyle joined Stonewall Head Start as Chief Financial Officer, and in 2013 assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. He enjoys the reward of helping children and their families carve a bright and positive learning future.

Education/Executive Director
As a true local with ancestral history deeply rooted within the local area, Kimberly Porter knew her calling was to work with children. She began teaching at former SHS location - Stonewall Center - in 2002, and in 2005, received a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After taking a few years off to raise her children, she came back to accept a position on the school board and then shortly after became Center Director in 2009.

Timeline of Historical Events

1964

President Johnson’s powerful State of the Union in 1964, inspired a new dawn of education opportunities and access for children’s services.
1965 - 1968

National Head Start debuted for children nation-wide in 1965, while Stonewall Head Start, Inc. debuted only to serve children in his hometown area in 1968.
1968-2016

Following Stonewall Head Start’s Certificate of Incorporation schools were immediately built in Blanco and Gillespie County.
2016

In 2016, Stonewall Head Start, Inc. became a sole-member non-profit organization, to preserve charter integrity.

“For our young friends at Stonewall Head Start with high hopes for your years ahead. Lyndon was so proud of Head Start, one of the achievements he values most in his Presidency.”

Lady Bird Johnson