THE DISTRICTS SPEAK
LIVING
PHOTO: DISD
EDUCATION
CHOOSING A DISTRICT PHOTO: DALLAS ISD
sophomores organized into four schools based on their selected program of study. MISD students from any of our five high school attendance zones can attend Vanguard. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Mesquite ISD is to educate all students and empower them to expand their opportunities to enrich our community. Mesquite ISD operates within a set of four core values: people first; cultivating culture; continuous learning; and commitment to community.
safe, engaging, rigorous, and diverse learning environments provide the best opportunity for students to reach their fullest potential. We believe a high quality staff with appropriate resources is essential to creating educational experiences that promote student success. We believe that effective communication, purposeful collaboration, and strong partnerships create an atmosphere of trust and a strong sense of community vital to student achievement.
MIDLOTHIAN ISD
MILLSAP ISD
SIZE: 9,410 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: In Midlothian ISD, we believe our culture is the heart and soul of our schools. Our culture provides more than a legacy of excellence— it’s something much more meaningful. Our culture speaks to how much we truly care for every child, teacher, and staff member, along with their families. We are passionate about our students and learning. We treat each person with respect, and kindness always matters in every interaction. We believe in celebrating the power of diversity. Honoring and celebrating every individual is powerful. It’s where heart and kindness foster a family environment. Because we see each person as an individual, learning is personalized, resulting in achieving new heights. PHILOSOPHY: In Midlothian ISD, we inspire excellence today to change the world tomorrow. We believe that
2022
SIZE: 1,010 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Millsap ISD is a small, rural community with traditional values where students’ needs are met on an individual basis, and we do whatever it takes to make each child’s dreams come true. Your child, their dreams, our mission. PHILOSOPHY: Every decision is based on the district’s mission to inspire, develop, and educate every student in a safe environment to be a productive, responsible citizen prepared for lifelong success. We value the development of the whole child, community/ parental partnerships, and mutual respect; value positive relationships with students, staff, and parents; believe student success is our ultimate measure; and practice ethical behavior and personal integrity.
NORTHWEST ISD
SIZE: 24,200, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Northwest ISD
is uniquely situated in Fort Worth and serves families in more than 14 different communities, spanning 234 square miles, and parts of three counties (Denton, Tarrant, and Wise). As one of the fastest growing school districts in the area, demographic projections show enrollment in NISD will increase by 6,800 students during the next five years, exceeding an enrollment of 30,900 by 2023-2024 and reaching 38,000 by 2028-2029. As a fast-growth district, NISD strategically plans for new facilities that enhance the student learning environment. PHILOSOPHY: Northwest ISD, in collaboration with students, families, communities, and global partners, will engage in a culture of learning that prepares all students to confidently navigate their futures. Built on a dream to provide children with the best educational program possible, Northwest ISD was formed in 1948 when four single-schoolhouse districts joined together. Now, 70 years later, our community’s belief to put kids first and provide the best education possible is still evident.
PLANO ISD
SIZE: 53,057 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTE: Plano ISD is ranked among the top school districts in Texas and the nation. Plano ISD has been recognized among the best places to work, most recently “Best Place to Work in Plano” by Star Local Media. Strong academic and extracurricular programs make Plano ISD home to a number
In Texas, public school districts operate independently and are governed by elected school boards that implement state guidelines through a selection of instructional programs, curriculum, and local expectations that often exceed state minimums. Districts are governed by an independently elected school board of trustees that hires a superintendent as CEO; sets a district philosophy (vision and mission) and local policies; selects a curriculum within the state guidelines; and sets the ISD tax rate, budget, and district boundaries. Here’s what you need to consider in finding the right school district for you. THE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL’S PHILOSOPHY VS. YOUR FAMILY’S INTERESTS AND NEEDS > > > > >
Vision, mission, goals Size of school and class size Grade-level alignment (K-4, K-5, K-6, etc.) Curriculum variations Parent engagement
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (INCLUDING STAFF AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE)
The Dallas County area education coalition, COMMIT!, and its partners offer a way of best assessing student achievement within schools and districts. Find it online at commit2dallas.org. PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND COMPATIBILITY WITH YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS AND NEEDS > Athletics > Career and technology > Dual credit > Extracurricular activities > Fine arts > Gifted and talented > Performing arts > Special education DISTRICT CHARACTERISTICS Each district has a unique profile. Visiting district websites and reading the expanded district profiles at mydallasmove.com will reveal their distinct features and offerings.
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