Research and advocacy nonprofit, CHILDREN AT RISK, has identified a number of schools within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) as the top high, middle, and elementary schools in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.
CHILDREN AT RISK evaluates all Texas elementary and middle schools based on three primary criteria, and high schools based on four key areas:
- Student Achievement: This measures how well students perform on state standardized tests (STAAR).
- Campus Performance: It compares a school’s test scores with those of schools facing similar levels of poverty.
- Student Growth: This assesses students’ improvement on their STAAR tests over the course of a school year.
- College Readiness: This criterion evaluates the number of high school students graduating on time and engaging in other college-readiness activities.
The organization categorizes the Gold Ribbon sub-lists as high-performing, high-poverty schools that are conventional neighborhood campuses; magnet schools and charter schools are not included in these sub-lists. High-poverty schools are those where more than 75% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Principal Channel Hutchinson of New Tech H.S. at B.F. Darrell High School expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of the school’s team, emphasizing the belief in every student’s potential to succeed. The school’s project-based learning approach allows students to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios, fostering a supportive environment aimed at student empowerment and success.
CHILDREN AT RISK’s school rankings serve as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and community members, offering insights into the performance of local schools and encouraging discussions on the state of public education in Texas.
Principal Alessandra Mercon of William B. Travis Vanguard Academy highlighted the school’s dedication to cultivating a vibrant learning community, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and showcasing the positive developments within the institution. The commitment of the staff, coupled with unwavering support from school district leadership and Trustee Maxie Johnson, plays a pivotal role in nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and student growth.
Below is a list of the recognized Dallas ISD schools:
Top 5 High Schools
- School For The Talented And Gifted
- Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
- Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
- School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
- Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School at Mountain View
Top 5 Middle Schools
- William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted
- Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
- School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
Top 5 Elementary Schools
- Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
- School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
- William Anderson Elementary School
Top Gold Ribbon High School in NTX
- New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell
Top 5 Gold Ribbon Middle Schools
- School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
- Trinity Heights Talented and Gifted
- Rosemont Upper School
- D.A. Hulcy STEAM Middle School
Top 5 Gold Ribbon Elementary Schools
- School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
- Trinity Heights Talented and Gifted
- Central Elementary School
- William A. Blair Elementary School