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2019 Best Districts with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth AreaAbout this List

Explore the best districts with GATE (gifted and talented programs) based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Find the right school for gifted students near you. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 72
Best Districts
72 results

  1. Carroll Independent School District

    • School District
    • Southlake, TX
    • 33
    #1 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Freshman: Southlake Carroll provides a wide variety of activities, sports and programs for students. I am grateful of living in this community. Hard work is acknowledged. Teachers are approachable and listen to our needs. Our community has come together after racial incident and become stronger. Students are more respectful of one another. We want to achieve excellence in all areas from academics, sports and human relationships within our community.
    Read 33 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11 Total Schools
    • 8,208 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Highland Park Independent School District

    • School District
    • Dallas, TX
    • 19
    #2 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Junior: Highland Park High School is one of the few schools that feels and treats you like a private school while still public. We are EXTREMELY inclusive and although we love sports, all activities are greatly acknowledged and allreciated by all. Teacher typically try to work with you and it's very easy to find a place where you fit in!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 7,044 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Coppell Independent School District

    • School District
    • Coppell, TX
    • 47
    #3 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Parent: Coppell offers choice programs like IB and Dual Language Imnersion while also maintaining high academic standards in other areas.

    The teachers here are highly qualified and the schools are well-maintained and/or newly built. CISD utilizes modern teaching techniques and each child is supplied with the technology they need.

    PTOs are very involved and assist the schools, along with the Coppell Ed Foundation, by providing extra funds for enrichment activities and teacher grants.

    The GPA system does foster hyper-competitiveness and needs to be re-evaluated. There is a high-pressure culture of cheating at the high school. This is a district filled with involved parents with high expectations, though, so it is unclear how much the district can reduce the pressure-cooker environment some of the students live in.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17 Total Schools
    • 12,391 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  4. Sponsored

    The Village School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • PK, K-12
    • 129

    Works Here: I love The Village School, everyone is so friendly! My children attend PreK and Kindergarten. From a parent's perspective, I can really see a difference in all three of my children's development. The program is very good. They love their teachers and they are very happy.

    I have taught at The Village School for years and I absolutely love the students and the culture. The diversity of the population cultivates a welcoming atmosphere to new families who join throughout the year. From a teacher's perspective, I truly believe we have the sweetest and most caring students.

    Working at The Village School has also been a pleasurable experience for me. I love my colleagues and the friendships that I have developed from working here over the years. I enjoy the professional opportunities that The Village School has to offer and the flexibility and creativity I am allowed to develop my program.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,705 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Allen Independent School District

    • School District
    • Allen, TX
    • 123
    #4 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Alum: I attended this school district from K-12 and have had no bad experiences! The teachers have always gone above and behind to help the student in whatever they needed. The student population is quite diverse allowing for a well balanced community. The most impressive thing is the development of opportunities that were created at the high school. They have culinary, marketing, business, and healthcare options that even allow for shadowing of people who are currently in those professions. Another thing I admired about the high school teachers is that what they taught some have worked previously in that field.
    Read 123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23 Total Schools
    • 20,939 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Lovejoy Independent School District

    • School District
    • Allen, TX
    • 39
    #5 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Freshman: Lovejoy is a small district within a tight knit community. Everybody knows everybody, and that's unheard of today in such a transient world. Most teachers are passionate about what they teach and most go beyond the call of duty. The school prides itself on a high percentage of AP students, and rightfully so!

    Lovejoy has something extracurricular for everyone. There is the traditional football, cheer/ drill team, volleyball, baseball, 4H etc. And then there's opportunities unlike other high schools, like Fishing Club, Golf, Bowling, Medical Program, Lacrosse and many many more. Lovejoy supports all the activities and the school spirit can be really exciting when they combine in activities along side actual events, like Homecoming.

    Bullying exists. It still isn't handled to my standards, but overall the school offers a "safe environment". Like most high schools these day, Lovejoy also keeps a cop on the property at all times and the presence of a cop keeps everyone in line.
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6 Total Schools
    • 4,070 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Frisco Independent School District

    • School District
    • Frisco, TX
    • 266
    #6 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: I'm proud to be able to say I received my education from Frisco ISD. They are very good at preparing us for college and just life in general. They have top notch teachers that are able to prepare us well for AP tests and the rigor of college classes. They also offer a variety of sports and fine arts activities, as well as a variety of clubs. And if you can't find a club that meets your needs, their philosophy is let's create one! They also work on school climate and developing general character traits...empathy, perseverance, kindness, etc. I'm thankful I live in Frisco and have such a nice school and environment where I can learn and develop.
    Read 266 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69 Total Schools
    • 55,923 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Plano Independent School District

    • School District
    • Plano, TX
    • 181
    #7 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Freshman: Plano Independent School District has an excellent academic program that provides students with challenging curriculum to prepare them for college. They have a Health Sciences Academy that's available to apply for. I want to become a physician and I was accepted to the Health Sciences Academy. The experience is amazing! The curriculum covers the entire human body and we are required to learn all of the bones, muscles, veins, arteries, organs, all aspects of the heart, basically every function of every part of the human anatomy. We get experience with actual doctor and nurses and medical environments. We have our own 8 bed hospital in the school and we have awesome teachers that will work with every student to perform at their highest level.
    Read 181 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79 Total Schools
    • 54,173 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Prosper Independent School District

    • School District
    • Prosper, TX
    • 57
    #8 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: One thing I love about Prosper High School is all the programs my school has to offer. After the first semester, I will be a certified nurse assistant in the state of Texas thanks to the academic programs offered at my school district. I was given to opportunity to be more involved in school activities with being the Vice President of the National Thespian Society and the 2018/2019 Senior Spirit leader. While Prosper High School is amazing, we lack in professionalism within the administration. High School Counselors play a big part in student's lives by being a familiar face in the hallways. If you were to go into the officer, clearly distressed, they would ask if you've "made an appointment" and then send you away. While I do understand counselors are busy, they need to treat every kid with caution.
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11 Total Schools
    • 9,998 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Sunnyvale Independent School District

    • School District
    • Sunnyvale, TX
    • 16
    #9 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Niche User: Sunnyvale is a close-knit and loving community, and everybody practically knows each other! Great education system and caring teachers. I definitely recommend to go here if you're looking for an incredible community!
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,738 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Argyle Independent School District

    • School District
    • Argyle, TX
    • 11
    #10 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: I like the way there are so many activities that are available for students. Everyone is involved in something, whether it's sports, band, clubs, academics, etc. It's also amazing how well the school does in UIL competition in almost every category. There is excellent parent support too.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 2,445 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District

    • School District
    • Grapevine, TX
    • 49
    #11 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: The career-based teachers and English teachers are excellent! All AP teachers are excellent but they assign to heavy of a workldad, there is no workload for on-level classes however the teachers are clearly their to get their paycheck, 90% don't actually care about their students. The school wastes money on unnecessary things and yet the cafeteria is over-priced. A dollar won't get you anything for lunch, the parking lots are a mess wth too many unavailable spots. The counselors are excellent however the vice principals are on a power trip and lower morale. Also major issues with racism at these schools and faculty only pretends to care.
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21 Total Schools
    • 13,857 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District

    • School District
    • Bedford, TX
    • 96
    #12 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Junior: The HEB District is one of the top districts within the state, and I can say that I completely agree with this fact! This district keeps expanding everyday and helps every child to find a field of work to already pursue within. In addition, all the schools within the district allows all the children to have acces to both materials and technological advancements! I truly am thankful for being within this district and I wouldn’t ask anybody to change a thing!
    Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33 Total Schools
    • 23,120 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. McKinney Independent School District

    • School District
    • Mckinney, TX
    • 79
    #13 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: I grew up in McKinney, Texas and it is home to me and thousands of others. I have watched our small suburb grow into a pretty large city. The schooling system i believe is better than no other and every encounter i've had with with MISD i have been shown just how much MISD cares about their students and community!
    Read 79 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32 Total Schools
    • 24,851 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Keller Independent School District

    • School District
    • Keller, TX
    • 104
    #14 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: I loved my experience at Keller ISD. From second grade to my senior year, this district really cares about their students and student interaction! The teachers all have a relationship and understanding with their students and create a bond that makes the experience for the student special and memorable. The schools are clean and kept with hardworking administrators.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40 Total Schools
    • 34,660 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Lewisville Independent School District

    • School District
    • LEWISVILLE, TX
    • 172
    #15 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Alum: LISD is a great school district for students to attend. All schools within the district expect the highest of their students. The district provides great facilities like career centers where students can take courses more specific to career choices like law enforcement, computer science, auto shop, and more! The fine arts department is heavily valued by the district and the director is one of the greatest women you'll ever meet. This is truly a wonderful school district that values its parent input and the quality of education that the students are receiving.
    Read 172 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68 Total Schools
    • 53,257 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Wylie Independent School District (Wylie)

    • School District
    • Wylie, TX
    • 65
    #16 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: Wylie High is a wonderful school! The most of the teachers and staff are super friendly and are willing to help you with anything. However, there are a few staff members and teacher who are very rude and refuse to help anyone- whether it be a fellow teacher, parent, or student. The high school life is absolutely wonderful, especially with all the sports and extracurricular activities they offer. Wylie High is a great place to study for your high school experience.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21 Total Schools
    • 15,021 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Mansfield Independent School District

    • School District
    • Mansfield, TX
    • 350
    #17 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Parent: Mansfield High School was my daughter's first public school experience. Her transition from private school was rocky; however, she got involved in activities and is very happy! We switched because MISD had greater opportunities for her academically with AP, dual credit, & vocational courses, and also much better athletics than she would have had at private school. The teachers really care about the students and their success in class. My daughter will be attending college on an academic scholarship and will most likely be admitted to a top 30 university. We have been very satisfied.
    Read 350 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 43 Total Schools
    • 34,309 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Rockwall Independent School District

    • School District
    • Rockwall, TX
    • 46
    #18 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: The overall curriculum expectations are so high here, but that's simply because we have some of the best teachers in the state here! Our students win national and state level competitions all the time, and our overall atmosphere exudes confidence.
    The only real thing I have problems with are that the school is so competitive that some students that would be valedictorians at any other school become top 20% students here. We also have many, many students per class so you really have to compete for the attention of the teachers in some classes. The classes aren't tough to pass, but to keep track of more than 2 AP classes in one year is just exhausting and makes the experience stressful. This stress is assuaged slightly by the school events such as Jacket Feast (a day where food trucks from downtown DFW are available during lunch time) and Dodgeball/Volleyball tournaments though. Regardless of these cushiony extras, the school is high quality but difficult.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19 Total Schools
    • 15,822 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Richardson Independent School District

    • School District
    • Richardson, TX
    • 77
    #19 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Alum: RISD has some extremely dedicated teachers who love their students to death. The mix of kids is pretty balanced, too. The only thing is the overcrowding of the schools. The halls in the high schools get overwhelming, especially for freshman. The food could use a lot of work, like more healthy options and ways to reduce waste, etc. The classes are set at a good pace and do help a student to learn the course and interact with the material and other students often. Overall, RISD is an AWESOME district- one of the best!
    Read 77 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 55 Total Schools
    • 39,268 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Northwest Independent School District

    • School District
    • Justin, TX
    • 92
    #20 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Parent: Fantastic school district! Teachers and administration care about their students and their success. Students are challenged without being overwhelmed. High schools offer a variety of opportunities for students to prepare for their future. Whether they choose to go to college or to pursue a career, they will be prepared with the skills necessary to be successful. The school district itself is growing rapidly because of the economic development happening in North Texas. I think the district is keeping up with it as best as possible and doing great at avoiding any over crowding, while not compromising on the quality of education. I HIGHLY recommend this district!
    Read 92 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28 Total Schools
    • 22,044 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Denton Independent School District

    • School District
    • Denton, TX
    • 85
    #21 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Alum: Overall, my experience was good at Ryan High School. I had some great teachers who truly cared about my education and my future education.
    I think because of the recent tragedies at many high schools, the security needs to be improved. There should be metal detectors in every school. There also should be a dress code for all the students so we don’t have to worry about the baggy clothes or oversized trench coats or hoodies kids wear today.
    After all, we are the future of America and we need to feel safe and secure in our public schools!
    Read 85 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40 Total Schools
    • 28,628 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Waxahachie Independent School District

    • School District
    • Waxahachie, TX
    • 59

    Works Here: Waxahachie ISD, there is no better choice for your child’s education. Every students success is our primary concern, and success begins with passionate educators. Our teachers and administrators are the best! Students are given every resource to prepare them for life after graduation. We offer many opportunities for each students chosen path in life, advanced technology, superior curriculum, competitive after school activities and various clubs. WISD cares about the wellbeing of each student that attends one of our fabulous schools.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 12 Total Schools
    • 8,408 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School

  32. Red Oak Independent School District

    • School District
    • Red Oak, TX
    • 30
    #22 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Senior: I have went to the Red Oak Independent School District since I was in the first grade. My experience with the Red Oak School District has been great and I have loved every school I have gone to and every teacher in the schools. Red Oak has a great academic program that some very awesome teachers teach. The school district also has many great programs like athletics and the many clubs students can join. Overall, Red Oak is a great school that I am sure many parents are proud that their children go to Red Oak.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 5,749 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Birdville Independent School District

    • School District
    • Haltom City, TX
    • 50
    #23 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Freshman: Birdville High school is a great school, and it is an excellent place to earn your high school diploma. This school pushes the limits of any other high schools. Smithfield Middle school is also in this district, and was rated the number one school in all of Tarrant county, and even top twenty in the whole state of Texas!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34 Total Schools
    • 23,857 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Lake Dallas Independent School District

    • School District
    • Lake Dallas, TX
    • 17
    #24 Best School Districts in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

    Parent: We moved here from Washington State after just before our son started the first grade. He has been in a special education class since kindergarten for speech issues. In Washington he did not improve very much. In first grade, here in Texas but in a different ISD he improved but not very much with his speech. He was one of the kids that were on the edge of always being in trouble with average grades. Over the summer between 1st and 2nd grade moved out of company housing to a house of our own and that took us to Corinth Elementary. Our little trouble maker in the making started coming home with A's. His speech is has improved more than I can say. His cousins back in Washington can now understand him on the phone. The improvements have been so great that when we were forced to move again into another school district we bought a second car just to take him back and forth to school. We are now a two car family because Corinth Elementary School is the best.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 3,963 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  35. Sponsored

    The Branch School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • PK, K-8
    • 4

    Parent: This my oldest son 7th year and my youngest 5th year at the Branch school, we love the atmosphere it is peaceful and loving, our boys love everything about it, they are happy and eager to come to school every day.
    We are very glad we chose the Brand school for our kids.
    I highly recommend it!
    Read 4 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 145 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    The Awty International School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • PK, K-12
    • 144

    Parent: My kids have been attending Awty since Kindergarten. Now they are in middle school. We picked Awty because of the emphasis on languages as well as the diversity inside the classrooms. You can judge a school academically, by curriculum, by the teachers and by the sports and activities offered. The best way for me to judge? My children love to go to school. They have friends from different cultures, religion, etc. They enjoy learning and being in class. There are definitely challenges for the school as it grows, but the faculty and staff are supportive and focused on student success.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,644 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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