Caroline Harrison Loehr

Caroline Harrison Loehr’s grandmother loved quotations so much that she would assign each of her grandchildren to bring one when they came to family lunches.

Loehr remembered one of those quotations — “see a need, fill a need” — when she realized that there weren’t enough seats in high quality private schools for all the Dallas area students who needed a place.

“I would get phone calls from friends who were crying,” Loehr said, “because they didn’t know what they were going to do.”

Loehr is working to fill that need as one of three founders and vice president of the board of directors of The Compass School of Texas. The school opened its doors on Northwest Highway between Inwood Road and the Dallas North Tollway in 2023. 

The Compass School offers a strong academic foundation while aiming to help students connect what they are learning in the classroom with how they can impact the world around them.

Loehr drew on her own experiences growing up in The Rosewood Corporation boardroom to help design the school’s curriculum. Programs such as financial literacy focus on skills students need to have to thrive as adults.

“Even a child can begin to understand how one’s life choices will affect them later in life,” Loehr said.

In addition to The Compass School, Loehr’s community service includes involvement with the junior group of the Dallas Garden club and Cattle Baron’s Ball Committee. She has been a member of the host committee this year for several events benefitting nonprofits. 

She also continues to take inspiration from her grandmother, Caroline Rose Hunt.

“She was a woman who believed in leading by example,” Loehr said. “She was involved in numerous organizations that helped changed the lives of many.”

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

I worked in a tax department, where I learned to pay attention detail. 

Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

I will still be involved with the school, helping it grow and thrive. 

What was your toughest business or personal challenge?

Being a mom and working, balancing those two worlds.

What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I have a HORRIBLE singing voice and was paid to stop singing. 

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

Read more books! Ohh, the places you can go while curled up in bed.

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?

I live across the street from my sister, so I would probably give her a family photo album to remind her of why she loves me … 

How do you motivate yourself and others?

I think the most important thing in life is your attitude; it’s contagious, positive or negative, so why not be positive? You never know what someone else is going through. I’ve heard that the most important thing is what you wear from ear to ear.  

What’s on your bucket list?

In a few years, I would like to take my children to Egypt. It would be like stepping back in time and getting to live through ancient history. My goal is to inspire my children to be lifelong learners. 

What advice do you have for other young professionals?

Life is about showing up and doing. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just keep showing up. 

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

I am proudest of being a mom. My two boys are my everything, my WHY. Even at their young age, I am proud of them, and who they are on their way to becoming.  

Is there anything else you think we should know about you?

I love the outdoors. I like to scuba dive, camp, and I took flying lessons in college. I believe it is important to conquer one’s fears, so I have conquered my fear of heights by going skydiving … there goes my three lies and a truth.