2023 Best School Districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

• Southlake, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  84 reviews

Senior: The Carroll Independent School District makes a great attempt at unifying the people of Southlake with its mascot, the dragon. The dragon is meant to exemplify a "tradition" of excellence, which is shown with the quantity and variety of achievements awarded to students of Southlake compared to other cities. This excellence, however, makes Southlake become ignorant to the rising issues within the district. The worst problem in Southlake is the amount of pressure that the students feel they have to succeed. The students here take away from their childhood because of the constant reminder to "protect the tradition." They begin to feel that without achievements, they don't show excellence, and are therefore worthless. Although it is good to make sure people understand that hard work pays off, and it is good to promote a culture supporting people following their passions, CISD needs to put more efforts into making sure students do not waste what should be the least stressful years of life.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 11

• Students 8,324

• Allen, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  84 reviews

Sophomore: Personally, this school had given me so much opportunity. Like other schools the more you put into it, the more you get out; however, if one doesn't put in much effort they will still be rewarded with experience. The teachers are all hardworking and communicate with you. Your education takes primary importance however well roundness is a virtue of this school. All the sports, academics, fine arts, and student organization are well developed. The only downside is the lack of diversity among the student, particularly African American students, but this is connected to the demography of this region of Texas than the school itself. Lovejoy High school is #301 Nationwide placing it in the top 1% of the high schools in the nation, and #46 in Texas. This is an amazing school!... Read 84 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,206

• Coppell, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  105 reviews

Senior: I spent all twelve years of my education at CISD. Throughout elementary school, middle school, and early high school, I was part of the district's gifted and talented program, which encouraged students to further their individual learning both in and outside of school. The selection of courses available at the high school level is incredibly diverse, and almost all of the teachers here teach because that's their passion. In high school, I was part of the band and drumline, both of which were amazing programs that did amazing things. As someone who was part of (and founder of) several clubs, I'd say there is absolutely something for everyone. Our athletics teams, arts programs, STEM programs, and other activities developed a reputation in our area as some of the best of the best. All in all, Coppell Independent School District is host to many incredible learning opportunities for children, and I would definitely recommend the district to those who want the best for their children!... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 16

• Students 13,052

• Frisco, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  591 reviews

Junior: The Frisco Independent School District provides wonderful academic curriculums and learning environment for students. The schools within this district are heavily diverse and offer opportunities for students to understand multicultural ethics! The teachers and staff here are very much caring for the student's growth in both knowledge and wisdom as it provides a wider range of viewpoints for the students. The school's in the district is also very bright and neat as the staff members work hard inorder to give students comfortable and open learning experiences throughout their school lives.... Read 591 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 74

• Students 63,493

• Grapevine, TX•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  113 reviews

Senior: My experience in the GCISD district has been great! People are kind and friendly. I love the social environment where everyone has a friend. We have so many clubs where anyone and everyone are welcome, and the teachers are amazing and very knowledgeable.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 21

• Students 13,935

• Dallas, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: The High School has been recently renovated so the hallway congestion is much better. It is easy to make it to class if your classes are at opposite ends of the building. Students do not use hallway lockers, everyone carries backpacks. Transferring classes is easy if you follow the procedures. Classroom size is good and overall teachers are high quality and care about their students success. You need to have specific questions to attend tutorials, so that could be better. Parking around the school is tight, there is only one main parking garage and it is mainly for seniors. Security is great and the sucurity guards are friendly. The school trys to promote an all-inclusive atmosphere. There are tons of clubs so everyone at the school can find something to join and be part of a group. AP classes are very challenging. Cafeteria food is okay. They have tons of options and the lines are not bad. I brought my lunch because I didn't care for the food they provided.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 6,648

• Prosper, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  158 reviews

Senior: I've lived in Prosper my whole life and I love their schools. All throughout elementary school I loved it, prosper is a very social school district and has so much going on and you can get involved with anything. Middle school was hard for me, but I had resources available to me during middle school because I was going through a rough patch. I was at 2 high schools during my 4 years in high school. I attended prosper high school during my freshman year and it was an okay experience but it got ruined by the death of my dad and covid-19. I moved to the new high school that opened up in 2021, Rockhill, and I loved it. The staff there is super supportive and always considers students' mental health before just their academic ability. I got involved in student council, and track and field and loved the experience as a whole. Rockhill also has some super good classes that prepare yall for college and picking your major and what you're interested in. 10/10 experience!... Read 158 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 19

• Students 19,138

• Allen, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  208 reviews

Freshman: The district funds both sports and fine arts a fair amount and offers several opportunities for real-world education. Allen also offers college credit classes to high school students and even allows participating students to earn an associate's degree before their high school graduation. The main thing I'd like to see change is the standard for elementary school teachers. While I was attending one of the primary schools in the district, there were several teachers who were rude to students, negligent, and on occasion, uneducated in their subjects. That said, I also had quite a few teachers that were well-educated and kind.... Read 208 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 24

• Students 21,617

• Wylie, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  151 reviews

Senior: Wylie has always been the most welcoming school the first time I ever stepped into a building almost 12 years ago. We have Wylie Way days where we step forward as a community and show how amazing of a school district we really are. The faculty and staff are amazing as well. Everyone is always making sure we have a perfect learning environment as well as making class fun. If I didn't go to Wylie, I wouldn't be where I am today. I feel safe walking into my classes everyday and I am always ready to learn! We have so many amazing clubs and after school activities that help me feel more welcomed each and everyday. I have never not felt welcomed in Wylie ISD. If I could stay with this community forever, I sure would!... Read 151 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 20

• Students 17,482

• Plano, TX•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  264 reviews

Senior: The Plano Independent School district has three academy high school that students can attend. The IB academy , the STEM academy, and The Health Sciences Academy. I will graduate from the Health Science Academy program in 2021. It was absolutely great! I will have Certified Nurses Assistant, Electrocardiogram Technician, and Emergency Medical Technician certifications when I graduate High School as well as an Associates degree. I have gained tremendous exposure to the health care field from my clinical experience. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about the human body from the anatomical structure to the cellar level. I feel like I already have a head start on medical school and I haven’t even graduated high school.... Read 264 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 79

• Students 50,154

• Argyle, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: We have been in the Argyle for 2 years. We used to homeschool and some of our kids wanted to try public school. Having experience with the Hilltop Elementary , Argyle Intermediate, & Argyle High School...we have loved our experience. The transition was very smooth for the kids. I will tell you I was very selective on what school district we would place our kids. There is no perfect school, but Argyle ISD has exceeded my expectations. I will also share we foster kids as well, some have not had the best academics and Argyle ISD, teachers, & staff have made the process very smooth for all of our kids. They have gone above and beyond to help with the needs of our kids. Now looking for a larger home, we don’t want to leave Argyle!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,795

• Sunnyvale, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.62 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: I like how friendly everyone in the district is. Sunnyvale isn't just a school, it feels like a family because everyone knows each other. The teachers and administration make me feel loved, and important, and they are always ready to work every single day. The teachers are willing to help any student, no matter what. They even go as far to help students not just in school, but they help them with their personal problems and things in their lives. The teachers are so much more than just teachers. I wouldn't change anything about the school.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,025

• Lewisville, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  336 reviews

Alum: It was a privilege to attend elementary through high school at LISD. The emphasis on academic excellence provided many opportunities to learn and grow. I felt completely comfortable with the resources available; it allowed me to explore different career options and gain high level skills. For instance, through the AP/varsity arts program, I got lots of helpful critique from teachers, had total creative freedom to make all kinds of artwork, and was able to submit my work to many competitions. I also attended a class at the career center which helped me make a better decision about my future. The only issue with my schools was the lack of diversity and culture, as they were all majority white. It also appears there may have been a wealth and opportunity division between the schools I attended and some of the other ones in the district.... Read 336 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 64

• Students 49,361

• Rockwall, TX•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  111 reviews

Niche User: 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 111 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 22

• Students 16,987

• Keller, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  221 reviews

Junior: Great school district! I have been enrolled now for six years. Starting in 6th grade and now entering my junior year of high school, I think it's great. It has amazing opportunities such as the Keller Center for Advanced Learning, where I am currently studying to become a CNA and further myself in the medical career field. I am so lucky to be in this district. I went to middle school at Timber View and couldn't have asked for a better experience. My freshman and sophomore years of high school were spent at Timber Creek which is also a phenomenal school, and now I am attending Central, hoping for a great year. Keller also has some of the best teachers around, they are devoted to their students and know what they are teaching. I am so glad that I am in the Keller ISD school district.... Read 221 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 41

• Students 34,319

• Bedford, TX•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  223 reviews

Senior: I've been in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District my whole life. I went to elementary school at Spring Garden and Meadow Creek, attended junior high at Harwood, and am currently enrolled at Trinity High School. This school district is among the top in Texas due to its academics, diversity, and high graduation rate of 99.5%. As far as academics go, HEBISD is unique because of the high level classes and programs that are offered like the International Baccalaureate Program or the BCTEA classes. HEBISD is also special because of its Spanish Immersion Program. I was in this program for 9 years and felt like I learned a lot about the language and culture. I personally have enjoyed growing up in this district because it's a very personal and community-based environment. I've always felt comfortable and encouraged by my amazing teachers and staff. I would highly recommend this district to other people!... Read 223 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 33

• Students 22,962

• Mckinney, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  132 reviews

Senior: I have had a wonderful experience with the McKinney School district. It has many excellent teachers and staff members who are willing to help the students as soon as they are asked. It has amazing facilities that are always being improved, whether by remodeling old facilities or making them more modern. It is a district that prides itself on the diversity that it has, as is always looking for more ways to be inclusive.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 32

• Students 23,398

• Mansfield, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  576 reviews

Senior: Mansfield ISD just started this new thing called College, Career, and Readiness program to ensure that students are academically prepared for college, trade school, and life. This new program has changed the whole outlook on education because now students are required to take these classes and if they don’t pass the class they cannot graduate high school. To some it might sound unfair because for some people school is just not their thing, but that’s okay they want students to be well rounded. That’s why they require students to take at least 2-3 electives a school year to ensure they dive into different fields that may peak their interest.... Read 576 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 44

• Students 35,127

• Melissa, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  20 reviews

Junior: Melissa ISD is an amazing place to have your children. They are constantly improving facilities and programs, and with a new middle school and new high school additions, as well as the elementary schools being built, the district will remain amazing for some time. The academics are excellent, and the only thing the district could improve on is some of the administration decisions on things like Mega Lunch at the High School and the academic calendar, which frequently take heat from many parents in the district. Other than that, Melissa is a premier place to be!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,104

• Denton, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  138 reviews

Junior: Denton ISD has been the district I’ve grown up in. Throughout the years I’ve had the opportunity to watch it progress, flourish, and continue to inspire numerous amount of students. The courses they offer are unlimited. They truly care about their students, starting from their teachers to their office staff. It is a welcoming place and wonderful environment for children of all ages.... Read 138 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 42

• Students 30,267

• Fort Worth, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  115 reviews

Parent: Great school district. One on one teaching and not overcrowded in classes. Counselors are awesome! AVID program really prepares the students for the future and they are so involved with the students interests and academics. I love the fact Boswell is very informative with everything is going on in the schools. Parents are so involved when they are informed. I highly recommend this school district they are so much more educated versus brushing the students off just t so they can pass.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 29

• Students 21,245

• Justin, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  185 reviews

Junior: I never fully appreciated schools in the NISD district until I came back from another school (a charter school). In my experience back to NISD, I had better care, education, and overall experience. I managed to go from C's and D's back to my usual average, A & B average when I came back to this district. I now have qualified teachers and more opportunities within schools in the NISD district. And for that I am forever grateful!... Read 185 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 30

• Students 25,383

• Richardson, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  126 reviews

Senior: I really liked going to school in Richardson ISD. It is very diverse and I have made friends with backgrounds very different from my own. It made me aware of many different cultures and beliefs from the comfort of my own school. RISD also gave me the opportunity to excel in many interests due to the Magnet Programs available in the district. I was fortunate to attend elementary, middle and high school magnet schools. I feel the education that I received here in RISD schools has prepared me for life outside of school. I will be able to attend college already prepared for the diversity that most don't experience prior to higher education, as well as the work force which is no longer centralized as it was in previous generations.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 55

• Students 37,787

• Fort Worth, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  16 reviews

Alum: the community of FWAFA is something that is difficult to describe to someone unless they have experienced it first hand. In college, I have found it a strange experience trying to tell stories of my middle school and highschool experiences and making it sound normal. Because nothing about FWAFA is normal. And that’s the beauty of it. FWAFA is a place to come and learn more about yourself through the guidance of caring teachers and wonderful artistic expression. While the academics are not the strongest, the connections you make with your educators is far more valuable. This is a safe space for anyone willing to be themselves. FWAFA is a school filled with connection, honesty, vulnerability, uniqueness, boldness, accountability, and expression. My time at FWAFA was wonderfully frustrating. I would not change a thing about it.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 2

• Students 635

• Haltom City, TX•

• School District

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  103 reviews

Senior: I liked how there has never been a fight on campus, which is surprising since public schools are know for having kids starting drama and all sorts of shenanigans. The only complaint I have are that dress code and wearing a lanyard is made more important than the harassment I have seen on campus. I, for one, have been trailed and searched for, videoed without permission, and even whistled at. It even upset me to hear from a close friend that teachers had talked about my appearance. School is not only a place to socialize and learn, but a way to express oneself in a safe environment. In this way, students can make an impact on their society without the judgement of adults and those alike.... Read 103 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 34

• Students 22,736