Darla's School was founded in 2001 as a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and life enrichment school for adults with mental retardation. The mission of the school is to nurture and enrich the lives of our student’s by providing an age appropriate, functional environment geared to each person’s individual needs with emphasis on promoting independence, a positive self image and forming interpersonal relationships through a curriculum based on continuing education, functional/social skills, recreation/leisure activities, art, and music.

The name-sake for Darla's School comes from my sister, Darla, who spent 31 years of her life in a Texas state institution for the mentally retarded before I brought her home to live with me over 11 years ago, says Esther Hobbs, Chairman and founder of Darla’s. Our carefully designed program combines reading, math, language and writing instruction with self-expression through art and music. In addition, we offer regularly scheduled field trips to museums, art openings, festivals, movies, concerts and other special events along with a recreation/leisure curriculum. The result is a richer, fuller life for our students and their loved ones.

This is a cause that is so near and dear to my heart. Each of our students has so much to offer and talents to share. Darla’s gives them the opportunity to express themselves and give back to society through their art, love and life.

Darla's is doing miraculous things to further the quality of life for our adult students. We provide a loving, and much needed, safe haven for learning and growth -- in an exceptionally caring environment that is fun and rewarding for our students and their families. From all of us at Darla’s School, we encourage you to come visit and experience Darla’s for yourself.

Should you like to discuss our school, its programs and the admission process, please contact:

Esther Hobbs
1007 W. Gray
Houston, TX 77019
713.523.2114 school, 713.494.3572 cell..