Natalie Childress named principal of Worthington Middle School

Natalie Childress

The Northwest ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Natalie Childress, current principal of Wilson Middle School, to the same position at Worthington Middle School. The selection provides the community with a familiar face as head of the school, which will open in 2023 a few miles from Wilson.

Mrs. Childress has served as principal of Wilson since 2018, and she previously served as associate principal of Northwest High School. Prior to entering administration, Mrs. Childress spent several years as a teacher in instructional support and mathematics. In addition to teaching in Texas, she has taught in Arkansas and California.

Opening a new campus marks an exciting time for the community, and Mrs. Childress is eager to work with community members and staff as she begins establishing a culture of excellence at the school.

“I’m thrilled to have the privilege of serving as C.W. Worthington Middle School’s inaugural principal, and I look forward to meeting our future students and families,” she said. “It’s a bittersweet moment to leave Truett Wilson, but I know the Wildcats will continue to thrive.”

Mrs. Childress earned her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Harding University.

Worthington Middle School remains under construction in the LeTara master-planned community, which is also home to the new Haslet Elementary School campus. LeTara and the surrounding area currently stands as the district’s fastest-growing housing development, adding hundreds of students this school year alone.

The rezoning process for Worthington will take place throughout the 2022-2023 school year to determine the best boundaries for the school. Worthington is expected to relieve Adams and Wilson middle schools, though the rezoning process will determine a full list of schools that will receive relief.

Mrs. Childress will continue to serve as principal of Wilson through the end of the 2021-2022 school year. As the current school year concludes, she will begin the staffing and planning process for Worthington. Trustees will name her successor as principal of Wilson at an upcoming board meeting.