Schools
Durham Elementary
Mylie E. Durham Elementary School has been educating the children of Candlelight Plaza since 1958. Located at 4803 Brinkman at Candlelight Drive, it offers a diverse, world-class education for students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade.
Durham is an HISD magnet campus for its IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP nurtures independent learning skills, while encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning. In addition, it offers a Spanish dual language immersion program for Spanish- and English-speaking students, taught together in an effort to develop full bilingualism, bi-literacy, and bi-culturalism. The campus boasts a unique, outdoor environment with an edible garden, outdoor classroom and chicken coop.
The school earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency in their 2022 School Report Card, with special distinction for achievement in science and academic growth. It was also recognized as a Platinum Family-Friendly School in 2022-2023 for exceptional levels of family and community support. In addition, the PTA has been named the most award-winning PTA in all of Houston Independent School District since 2021. To learn more about the school, visit http://houstonisd.org/durhames. Adult volunteers, with and without children at the school, are always welcome! Please contact the PTA at http://www.durhampta.org to get involved.
Frank Black Middle School
Waltrip High School
Local Clubs
Plaza Moms
New to the neighborhood, new to motherhood, or just now feeling ready to join a
mother’s group? Plaza Moms Society is the place for you! We are a group of local
moms that cultivates friendship and support for mothers in the Shepherd Park Plaza
and Candlelight Plaza area. We have large scale family events like Holiday in the Park
and an Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny. We also hold smaller monthly ‘mom night’
events during the school year like Durham Night and Spa Night.
We at Plaza Moms Society are busy planning our next event. Visit
plazamomssociety.wildapricot.org to sign up and get the latest
information. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. Come
join us, get involved, meet your neighbors, and have fun!
The Plaza Garden Club
The Plaza Garden Club has been promoting the love of gardening, supporting neighborhood events and projects, and fostering friendship for over 40 years.
Monthly meetings are held the 2nd Monday evening of each month, September through May, beginning at 6:45 pm. The meetings typically include snacks and desserts, a program, a business meeting, and socializing. Programs are varied and include guest speakers, hands-on projects, and demonstrations. The club also coordinates occasional outings to gardens or areas of interest, participates in various civic projects around the neighborhood, and hosts fundraising events. In December, in lieu of a meeting, members enjoy a festive annual Holiday Party.
Civic projects and fundraising events of the Plaza Garden Club include:
Maintaining the Memorial Beds in Shepherd Park
Gardening activities at Durham Elementary School
Assisting in the care of the Garden Oaks/Shepherd Park Plaza Community Garden on Alba
Supporting the maintenance of Ann’s Labyrinth in Shepherd Park
Hosting a biennial backyard garden tour of various neighborhood homes and points of interest where proceeds go towards local causes
Hosting an annual plant sale fundraiser