2023 Best Public High Schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  196 reviews

Junior: I highly recommend applying to TAG if you are in DISD. This school prepares you for college. Most of the teachers are user-friendly and willing to accommodate you as long as you communicate; work can pile up at times, and it can get challenging to juggle it all, but you can definitely power through. I've had a positive experience so far, and I am glad I came here!... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  217 reviews

Senior: The academic program truly helps students be prepared for college. As part of the School of Science and Engineering's accelerated math track, I took Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus AB as part of a double-block schedule during my freshman year. I also took SuperLab, a unique science track offered during Junior Year consisting of AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Chemistry, and a hands-on Lab & Experimental Design course. The teachers are approachable and very dedicated to their students' education. Almost all of the teachers offer tutoring hours before and/or after school and sponsor extracurricular activities. In addition, the school culture is unique compared to most other schools. Students genuinely care about their learning and academic opportunities, so this produces a cooperative and academics-driven culture. While social events have been lacking in previous years, the PTSA has started sponsoring monthly school-wide social events, bringing the community closer together.... Read 217 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 513

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Carroll Independent School District, TX•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  493 reviews

Senior: One of the best School District in Texas. One mascot for the whole district. School pride starts in Elementary school level and continues throughout High School. Wonderful Teachers and Staff. Top rated athletes. Several AP Classes and a few duel classes. Lots of State Titles in every sport except Softball. Great Robotics, STEM,Debate, Art & Theater Department. Gifted and Talented program is excellent. Lots of Student clubs, community activities to join. Some cons would be having to shuffle between High and Senior High Schools( not all classes available at one school). Not enough parking spaces for students at Senior High. Very competitive school district both academically and athletically. Which adds a lot of pressure and stress on the students. Bullying issues aren’t taken seriously. Victims told to walk away or ignored them. No really punishment for the bullies. Hopefully that will change soon.... Read 493 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,349

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Plano Independent School District, TX•

• 9-10

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: Jasper is quite the unique school with a widely diverse student population! The school pushes academics and the arts a lot, making it an overall academically balanced school environment! The teachers here are really connected with students and put a lot of effort into making sure students are ready for college and the workplace afterward! The schedule is also unique with the implementation of a block lunch system encouraging students to complete homework, attend tutorials, and catch up with teachers and friends! One of my favorite school traditions is no-homework Thursdays where literally no homework is due on Friday, encouraging students to support the sports teams as well as enjoy their high school experience!... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,344

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Coppell Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  864 reviews

Junior: Coppell High School is a diverse school with multiple clubs and classes where everyones interests are included in. Every sports, fine arts, and academic programs are highly funded and successful-- mainly football, DECA, HOSA, debate, and basketball. With a variety of classes (with different difficulty levels), students have easier chances at increasing their gpa and for classes that relate to their major picks in college, which of course gets them ready for the next steps in life. The teachers have a clear passion for teaching, and the students have great work ethic as well. Although the building has some awkward spaces, which combined with a large student population makes it difficult to walk to classes, it really isn't much of an issue. Overall, Coppell High School is an amazing school!... Read 864 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,789

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  118 reviews

Freshman: From Kindergarten onward, I have always felt connected to my classmates. Reedy fosters those connections and relationships, whether that be with a coach or a lunch lady. I have learned so many valuable life skills along with my education. Additionally, the teachers express a sense of understanding toward the students. I love how the school is run and the sense of belonging that comes with it!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,100

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Highland Park Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  182 reviews

Junior: I am a junior at HP and I love it! The culture can be a little closed-minded, but it’s far better than Southlake or a private school. I’ve been to 2 other top private schools in Dallas and HP is so much better. The administration is pretty nice and the teachers are all very qualified and intelligent. My only bad experiences stem from the academic pressure, but to be honest that’s really not HP’s issue, I just take a lot of hard classes. It’s a wonderful school and I love it!... Read 182 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,212

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  568 reviews

Senior: I think there were many teachers that cared about giving students the best learning experience possible. They seemed to be involved with students are their lives. Other teachers, on the other hand, didn't get involved and acted as if they didn't want to be present. While I understand some people aren't necessarily thrilled bout their jobs, I wish I felt more passion from some staff members instead of the grimace of pain. Counselors didn't get involved unless they were approached first, which isn't encouraging to students. Overall, my experience was okay.... Read 568 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,002

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Mckinney, TX•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  55 reviews

Junior: I have been attending Imagine International Academy of North Texas since the first grade. This school has allowed me to grow by strengthening my communication and critical thinking skills with the IB program and has given me some of the best friends I could ask for. The school is small so students are able to form meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers, influencing them to make the most out of their learning and school experience. I can confidently say that this school prepares its students for college with the amount of rigor and resources it offers.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,435

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Westlake, TX•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: This school is a great fit for my kids but it’s not for everyone. In our experience the academic aspect is very strong. I like that the teachers don’t just teach to the staar like surrounding districts. However, it appears most teachers are still covering the staar material as 2 of my kids received perfect scores on the math and reading staar several times. The sports and extracurricular activities are limited compared to surrounding districts but most people who choose this school are aware of this and don’t expect the same. We actually prefer the low-key aspect of the sports since it allows kids the opportunity to be on their school team in sports they might not have a lot of prior experience in. Most the teachers and administrators have been very responsive when I have a concern. It seems some people who have issues don’t really research what the IB curriculum is actually like or what sports and extracurricular programs are offered before choosing to send kids here. Surprising.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 865

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lewisville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  909 reviews

Alum: I was able to have unforgettable experiences at this school. The majority of my experiences leaned towards the fine arts programs at Flower Mound High School, and that is perhaps where this school shines brightest. All the fine arts programs at this school have incredible staff and support from the students' parents. My activities were particularly with the band program, which has become one of the premier programs of the entire state and country among public schools, not just its peers in the D/FW Metroplex. But this level of excellence is evident throughout the rest of the school's activities as well, including athletics. Flower Mound High School is one of the most prolific high schools in UIL Athletic competition. It has a very academically competitive environment as well, and teachers are very often great at giving students access to resources they need to further their academic opportunities. Go Jags!... Read 909 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,682

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Plano Independent School District, TX•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,160 reviews

Senior: My experience at Plano West Senior High School is one of many fond memories and joyful encounters that I will remember forever. There are so many people and hopefully lifelong friends that I have laughed and cried with from studying for my difficult exams to playing board games in the library. The academics and school itself provide a lasting education although some teachers weren't as enthusiastic as others in teaching their subject. I feel like Plano West has helped me academically prepare for college by teaching me skills and studying habits that will greatly benefit me in college with my academic life. Although my time in Plano West Senior High School was long it still feels short, and it's hard to comprehend that the college season is rapidly approaching. overall, I would say my time in high school was full of fun and lots of great memories along with my academic success that I will cherish even as I continue my journey in college.... Read 1,160 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,717

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  90 reviews

Senior: The four years at this school I have spent have taught me numerous valuable life lessons. Handing down my advice and experience in a high school could potentially help quite a number of incoming students/freshmen but the thing is, everyone will have a different high-school experience. My experience involved commitment, strength, determination, and faith, which will apply to many students bound for this school. My experience at Lebanon Trail was nothing more than exciting, engaging, and heart-warming. Not everything in high school is perfect, sure there were a few things I experienced that changed my view but those types of situations will happen in anywhere you go to gain an education. The teachers at this school were positive, heart-warming and were more than ready to go out of their way to help a student. Out of everything, my four years spent there, and all of the football games I attended, I can say one thing and that is, the time spent here has made me into the person I am today.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,886

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  195 reviews

Senior: Independence High School in Frisco, Texas, is known for its academic programs and extracurricular activities. The school has a diverse student population, and its staff is committed to providing a supportive learning environment. Here are some reasons why Independence High School in Frisco, Texas, may be considered a good school: Strong academic programs: Independence High School offers a range of academic programs, including advanced placement courses and dual credit programs that allow students to earn college credits while in high school. The school has also received recognition for its high academic standards and the achievements of its students. Furthermore, Extracurricular activities: Independence High School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, theater, and clubs. These activities allow students to explore their interests and develop skills outside of the classroom.... Read 195 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,278

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Lovejoy Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  245 reviews

Senior: At Lovejoy High School the teachers and administrators provided us with high-quality education and opportunities for social, arts, and sporting activities. I enjoyed having the freedom to choose different kinds of clubs and be part of certain fundraisers. It was a time to also figure out who, among my friends, I could develop healthy and long-lasting friendships with. The teachers were great, respectful, passionate, and helpful. In my 9th grade, I was able to meet a great Biology teacher who had vast knowledge of Biology and always tried to have fun in her class. She handled serious issues with students well and always tried to solve them. She had impacted my life with basic biology knowledge that I had gotten interested in it for a long time during high school.... Read 245 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,569

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  528 reviews

Senior: This school has a very compassionate staff that loves what they do and the kids they support, which makes the atmosphere enjoyable. The staff attends extracurriculars and stays supportive of the school by wearing the colors proudly! The students are mostly respectful to one another during class. The curriculums are well-planned and allow students to ask for help if they don't understand. The only real issue that could be fixed is overall respect from students to teachers, but it is a very minor issue. Being involved in both dance and art classes, I love the teachers I've had and the skills I've learned along the way. Overall, the almost 4 years I've attended this school have been a rollercoaster, but a good one. Go Coyotes!... Read 528 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,102

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  524 reviews

Senior: Wakeland Highschool gave me a great opportunity to spread my musical talents across the globe. We recently won a international percussion competition in Indiana and there was no experience like it! I’ve made some really close friends these past few years. Friends who I know who will keep in touch while we are college. The teachers are astounding and the effort they put into preparing us for the future is like no other. I genuinely could not ask for a better high-school experience.... Read 524 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,099

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  626 reviews

Senior: After 3 years at CHS, I think that the school offers so much that I totally took for granted. I could blame my freshman year counselor for skipping information about the school, but it was mostly me not being proactive enough. During the 1.5 years spent online, I felt that most teachers did amazing at their job. The social culture is definitely very cliquey. Everyone mostly sticks to the people from their extracurricular activity and/or those who they have grown with. It’s definitely important to stick to something that has substance at school, I would say. In all realms, there is a place for anyone willing to try new things. Of course, there might be some difficulty adjusting to balancing workload/activities. Another thing is that students are pretty ambitious about maximizing their well roundedness and building a strong profile for college. This causes students to skip sleep and cheat to keep their friends and social status. This is a problem but it seems to be part of the spirit.... Read 626 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,092

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  512 reviews

Junior: I really like Booker T., and I think it's a great school to go to! One thing about it is that before my time here, I heard a lot of people telling me things like "We're all one big happy family", and maybe people say that about every school, but it is not the experience I'm having. It's still a great school though, and it pushed me to challenge myself in a lot of new ways, both in my arts and academics. I just want to make sure no one incoming has super unrealistic expectations- it's not perfect, and it can be super frustrating, especially as there's a lack of communication about important things at pretty much every level. But still, this school has led me to a lot of opportunities that I am very, very grateful for.... Read 512 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 999

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  555 reviews

Alum: I liked my time at colleyville heritage high school a lot. I transferred there my junior year of high school from California and the transition was smooth. The teachers are all very welcoming and nice, and the football team and coaches were the same way. If you’re thinking about high schools in the area, colleyville heritage is for sure a top pick!... Read 555 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,879

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Uplift Education, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  278 reviews

Junior: I have been an Uplift North Hills Preparatory student since kindergarten in 2012. Now, as a high school junior, I've been able to see my school evolve and grow throughout the years. While I do think that parent involvement and some aspects of connection in school have diminished over time, I can confidently say that I attend a great school. The academics are highly rigorous, and our teachers do an excellent job of motivating their students to strive to learn. One thing that I love most about North Hills is the student body culture. Our school is highly diverse, and practicing kindness and acceptance is central to our identity. Our school has many cultural traditions that are special to the student body. I feel that I am not only in an environment in which I am rigorously learning but also a place where diversity is valued and encouraged. Having been at North Hills for almost 11 years now, I have seen our school grow and develop further into a great learning and cultural environment.... Read 278 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Frisco Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  382 reviews

Senior: I am in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program at Frisco High School and can say that my overall experience at Frisco High School has been good. I've been to a lot of schools and believe that Frisco is one of the best schools that I've been to. I've made a lot of friends and have goods relationships with my teachers. I especially like how considerate the school is because they have retest and late work policies that prevent students from feelings stressed and overwhelmed. One of the schools that I went to before, Vandegrift High School, made me really stressed due to the grading policies, but Frisco High School has allowed me to worry less about school work and has also allowed me to find a balance between life and school. On top of that, I'm really grateful that my school has the IB program because it's helping me prepare for college and has allowed me to develop valuable traits for the real world.... Read 382 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,836

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Waxahachie Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  191 reviews

Senior: Waxahachie Global high-school is a smaller school, independent of the regular high school. It has a smaller pool of students, but what it lacks in student body it gains in everything else. Teachers are extremely helpful, qualified, friendly, and can give much more attention to a struggling student. Their are very few classes, some classes must be taken over the summer or after school, like economics and psychology, because these are classes only Navarro college teachers are qualified for. Because the student body is small, students have more lasting bonds as they have more time to spend together. Overall the school provided me with what I needed for success, it gave me hands on learning, new ideas, and lasting friendships. I would highly recommend this school as it is an experience of a lifetime.... Read 191 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lewisville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,080 reviews

Alum: I attended Hebron High School for 4 years and had before that attended camps and events at the campus. I had a great time during my student career, meeting amazing friends, making good connections with my mentors and teachers, and getting involved in elective activities and clubs. I was a member of the theatre and choir programs, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed my time in. Most of the staff is very positive and truly goes to an extra effort to make the educational environment inviting and a place where students can grow without being afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. It is a fairly competitive school, having anywhere from 700-1,000+ students in each grade level at a time, but there are still plenty of opportunities to shine here, especially in student organizations such as Student Council, FCCLA, campus diversity groups, JROTC, etc. The school offers classes on level, advanced, and collegiate level for students at any level in their schooling. I would recommend the school!... Read 1,080 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,646

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Lewisville Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  790 reviews

Senior: Marcus High School is one of the better high schools in te district. It has good programs, a diverse student base, and not too many problems like drugs or alcohol. The school is also competitive in class rank and GPA. The one thing it lacks is teachers that invest in their students. Most of the teachers won't form a relationship with students, and don't care about what's going on in students lives which is can greatly affect their performance in class. Most teachers aren't willing to accomodate what some students need to be successful but for the most part the school is great and there are still a lot of wonderful teachers!... Read 790 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,062

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1