School District Profiles

THE DISTRICTS SPEAK

Though all school districts strive to give students a quality education, there are differences from district to district. The following information was provided to us by each of the school districts. School districts not included here simply didn’t respond to our survey prior to press time, but they may have responded later. For more extensive information on these and other DFW area school districts, go to mydallasmove.com. If possible, before you choose a school or a district, call and ask for a tour. There’s no substitute for getting a personal feel for a school and the people who run it.

ALLEN ISD

SIZE: 21,600 students, pre-K through grade 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Allen ISD is recognized as one of the top school districts by numerous third-party rating systems, including Niche.com, which gives Allen ISD an A+ rating and ranks the school district as the best district in Collin County and the sixth best district in Texas. Money Magazine ranked the City of Allen as the secondbest place to live in America, citing the school system as a major factor. While Allen High School is one of the largest schools in the state, having one high school lends to the feeling of community in Allen, and allows the district to offer a wide variety of programs to students. PHILOSOPHY: Allen ISD cultivates innovation in education that empowers every learner to realize his or her full potential.

ARLINGTON ISD

SIZE: 59,924 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Arlington ISD is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth and is known for its collaboration and innovative opportunities for students. Home to the Texas Association of School Boards’ 2016 Texas Superintendent of the Year—Dr. Marcelo Cavazos—and the 2014 Outstanding School Board of Texas, AISD has maintained a vision to be a premier school district and leader in education. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Arlington ISD is to empower and engage all students to be contributing, responsible citizens striving for their maximum potential through relevant, innovative, and rigorous learning experiences. The vision is that the AISD will be a premier school district and a leader in education.

AUBREY ISD

SIZE: 2,450 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Aubrey ISD is a fast-growth district located in the Dallas-Fort Worth region along the Highway 380 corridor in northeastern Denton County. Aubrey is just 18 miles from the Dallas North Tollway, yet still has that small-town atmosphere. Aubrey ISD serves the communities of Providence Village, Krugerville, Cross Roads, and Aubrey. Aubrey was a small rural district housed in one building for 20 years until the first elementary school was built in 1986. Today, Aubrey ISD has grown to over 2,400 students spread over five campuses. The district is expected to grow by 800 students in the next five years. PHILOSOPHY: Aubrey ISD is a small district with a big vision. The district’s plan has a vision of inspiring passion, empowering excellence, and nurturing innovation. The school district is challenging its students and teachers to be world class. The community is very excited about the progress made. Aubrey hires outstanding teachers who are focused on the individual needs of their students. Teachers are challenged to be world class, and to incorporate Aubrey ISD family values (integrity, respect, compassion, loyalty, service, and excellence) into everything they do.

BIRDVILLE ISD

SIZE: 23,565 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Birdville ISD is the fifth-largest school district in Northeast Tarrant County. The district’s 33 campuses serve the community of Richland Hills and portions of Haltom City, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Watauga, Colleyville, and Fort Worth. During the 2019–20 school year, BISD will continue its Schools with a Specialization (SWAS) initiative by adding an additional campus to the offerings. These programs go above and beyond the state-required curriculum. PHILOSOPHY: BISD’s vision of “Excellence, Integrity and Service” is the foundation for continued student and staff excellence in its 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools, and one career and technology campus.

BOLES ISD

SIZE: 540 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Boles ISD received a B rating in Texas’ A-F accountability system. All three campuses— elementary, middle and high school— are located next to one another, making it convenient for parents who have children at multiple campuses. We have a small teacher-to-student ratio, high academic achievement, and competitive extra-curricular activities. Boles ISD does not charge a transfer fee. PHILOSOPHY: Boles ISD produces productive people.

CEDAR HILL ISD

SIZE: 8,000 students, pre-K through 12. KEY ATTRIBUTES: In the last five years, the Texas Education Agency has awarded CHISD 180 distinctions. In 2018, the district was named to the AP Honor Roll because of its efforts to increase student participation in AP exams. PHILOSOPHY: CHISD’s curriculum focuses on rigorous STEAM education. Science, technology, engineering, art, and math are brought to life at every grade level. Also, CHISD develops scholar life skills through Longhorn Essentials, or 10 expectations. Students at every grade level are required to make eye contact when someone is speaking, stand to answer questions, and be the best person they can be. See a complete list at chisd.net.

COMMUNITY ISD

SIZE: 2,400 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Community ISD is a fast-growing district loaded with the small-town and rural charm you would expect in an area with deep agricultural roots. Community ISD was formed in 1947, when Lavon, Nevada, Copeville, and Josephine consolidated to form a single school district. Located in southeast Collin County, the district spans 89 square miles and is within a 25 minute drive of Greenville, Rockwall, Wylie, McKinney, Garland, Mesquite, and Rowlett. PHILOSOPHY: Come to Community ISD and #ExperienceTheBLUE! Home of the Brave Nation, where we are inspiring students, staff, and the community to believe, lead, unite, and excel.

COPPELL ISD

SIZE: 12,895 students, pre-K through 12. KEY ATTRIBUTES: Coppell ISD is considered a premier public school system with a statewide reputation for educational excellence and a storied legacy of focusing on

educating the whole student. While the City of Coppell is just over 14 square miles, Coppell ISD encompasses more than 23 square miles. Within Coppell ISD boundaries, 63 percent of the district is comprised of the City of Coppell, 33 percent the City of Irving, 3 percent the City of Lewisville, and 1 percent the City of Dallas (Cypress Waters). PHILOSOPHY: The district’s mission states: “Working together, we are committed to profound learning experiences for each child, while nurturing meaningful relationships to positively impact our world.” Coppell ISD achieves our mission through our Core Values, which revolve around the themes of Engagement, Great Teaching, Redefining Success, and Relationships. Coppell ISD’s new mission and core values evolved from the district’s recent Strategic Design process. Details on this process can be found at www.coppellisd.com/ strategicdesign.

CROWLEY ISD

SIZE: 15,700 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Crowley ISD is an acclaimed school district serving the southwest Fort Worth and Crowley communities. It’s bordered by two major interstates, I-20 and I-35W. The new Chisholm Trail Parkway runs through the middle of the district, with more interchanges of the Parkway in CISD than any other school district. A majority of the district’s 23 campuses are located in the city of Fort Worth. The district is home to two high schools: Crowley High School (5A) and North Crowley High School (6A). CISD has the highest percentage of high school students in Tarrant County enrolled in career and technical courses at the district’s B.R. Johnson Career and Tech Center. The district receives unprecedented community support from dedicated families, educators, corporations, and community leaders. PHILOSOPHY: Crowley ISD students benefit from a laser focus on excellence in education—academics, arts, athletics, and real-world applications. Our mission is to provide all students with excellence in education so they may achieve their full potential. Crowley ISD provides all students with a world-class, high-quality education, inspiring and empowering them to succeed in the global community.

DALLAS ISD

SIZE: 143,558 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Dallas ISD is the 14th largest school district in the U.S. and is home to several of the state’s and country’s top-rated schools, including the School for the Talented and Gifted, the School of Science and Engineering, and the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Texas’ first allgirls public school. Dallas ISD schools are among those perennially selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education based on improved student academic achievement. A 2019 rating of “B” from the Texas Education Agency reflects significant growth in student academic achievement. PHILOSOPHY: Taken together, these accolades have earned Dallas ISD the reputation as one of the country’s most-improved school districts. It boasts a growing selection of innovative school choice options, including magnet, STEAM, collegiate academies, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, single-gender schools and more—all highlight the district’s mission, “Educating all students for success.”

DENISON ISD

SIZE: 4,647 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Bordered on the north by the biggest and best lake in Texas, and set amid rolling hills and lush landscapes, Denison’s award-winning schools offer teaching and learning environments in one of the friendliest and most welcoming communities in Texas. Stimulating, supportive, encouraging, and challenging, Denison ISD’s educational philosophy is firmly rooted in student-centered learning facilitated by collaboration, innovation, and state-of-the-art technology. It is a progressive school district that supports its students and teachers with time, expert training, and valuable resources. Denison ISD values, recognizes, celebrates, and rewards the many successes of its teachers and students. Denison ISD is an integral part of a great community of friendly people who truly love, value, respect, and support their schools, teachers, and students. PHILOSOPHY: We believe our students are unique and valuable individuals capable of higher levels of learning. Therefore, our commitment is to maintain high expectations so that students take responsibility for their learning. DISD designs learning experiences to accommodate students’ mastery of tasks in different ways and at different times. We expect students to assume responsibility for behaviors and actions. Our faculty and staff provide each student the information, assistance, and support that enable him or her to develop educational and career goals. We believe every employee of the district has the responsibility to provide and support quality learning experiences for student success. Denison ISD focuses on our core business: student learning.

DENTON ISD

SIZE: 30,311 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Excellent schools and a community grounded in public education since 1882 are key factors that make Denton County one of the 10 fastest-growing communities in the country. Recently named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live in America,” Denton ISD covers 180 square miles and is one of the fastest growing school districts in the DallasFort Worth area. Denton ISD serves all or parts of 18 communities in the North Texas region. PHILOSOPHY: Empowering lifelong learners to be engaged citizens who positively impact their local and global community.

FORNEY ISD

SIZE: 11,223 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Forney ISD offers a number of college and career opportunities for high school students through the district’s Dual Credit program, the Synergy Program, and through the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program. Students can earn college credits while still in high school as well as earn trade certifications in such fields as cosmetology, welding, electrical, and health services. The district’s Synergy Program allows high school students to work hand-in-hand with district administrators and local businesses in real-world work environments. PHILOSOPHY: In partnership with parents and the community, Forney ISD shall create and sustain an environment to maximize the potential of each learner.

FORT WORTH ISD

SIZE: 74,850 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: With over 85,000 students in 83 elementary schools, 29 middle schools and 6th grade centers, 18 high schools, and 16 other campuses, Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population and strong community partnerships. Under the leadership of the superintendent and the board of education, the district is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform, and revitalize Fort Worth ISD schools. Fort Worth ISD is controlled locally through a board of education trustees elected by voters within each district. Nine trustees serve as single-member district representatives. All of the trustees serve four-year terms without pay. PHILOSOPHY: Our motto is singleness of purpose. Our mission: Preparing students for success in college, career, and community leadership. Our vision: Fort Worth ISD: Igniting in every child a passion for learning. Fort Worth ISD’s values include: student achievement, stakeholder collaboration, leadership development, respect for diversity, equity in access, perseverance and commitment, and continuous improvement.

FRISCO ISD

SIZE: 60,581 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: “Student opportunities model”—Frisco ISD has multiple high schools that are smaller than those in many school districts in the area and of similar size, with enrollment up to approximately 2,100 students in grades 9-12. This provides many academic and extracurricular opportunities and allows students to be more involved and engaged at school. PHILOSOPHY: Our mission is to know every student by name and need. That means meeting the needs of the whole child, including students’ academic, physical, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

GARLAND ISD

SIZE: 56,000 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: We’re a large suburban district offering big-city benefits with a small-town feel, true school choice, selective magnets, innovative programs, and strong communities. Garland ISD also offers a tradition of excellence dating back more than 100 years; Chromebooks for every middle school student and iPads for every high school student; free PSAT, SAT, AP, and IB tests; exceptional fine arts and extracurricular programs; a new natatorium, which opened in 2019; a new, state-of the-art career and technical center with over a hundred career, training, and certification programs; and competitive athletics. PHILOSOPHY: An exceptional education has long been the focus of Garland ISD. Our top responsibility is to provide a rigorous, innovative educational experience that prepares all students for life in college, career, or the military, along with developing meaningful relationships between schools, families, and the community in a safe and secure environment. GRAND PRAIRIE ISD

SIZE: 29,078 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Grand Prairie ISD is a district of choice with numerous schools and programs of choice. Specializations and program offerings include international baccalaureate, dual language, early college high schools, district/charter partnership, in-district charters, full-day pre-K, employee childcare, after-school care, early head start, career high school, single-gender schools, STEM, leadership, and fine arts academies. PHILOSOPHY: Grand Prairie ISD’s mission statement is: “We will ensure student success through engaging learning experiences, collaborative leadership, and a focus on maximizing student achievement.” The district’s vision statement is: “We are a learning community vigorously pursuing student success.”

HIGHLAND PARK ISD

SIZE: 6,834 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: More than 97 percent of Highland Park ISD graduates attend college, with many attending the most prestigious universities in the country. Highland Park High School students consistently score well

above the national and state average on college entrance exams. In the 2017-18 school year, Highland Park HS students scored a composite 27.5 on the ACT, 6.9 points above the state average. PHILOSOPHY: Highland Park ISD, grounded in tradition and with an unyielding commitment to excellence, academics, integrity, citizenship, and service, empowers each and every student to achieve post-secondary success.

HURST-EULESSBEDFORD ISD

SIZE: 23,364 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: HEB ISD is one of only 61 school systems statewide to earn the Postsecondary Readiness Distinction. HEB ISD is consistently ranked among the top Texas school districts by Education Resource Group based on a combination of student performance and operating efficiency. The district attracts and retains the highest-quality teachers in the area through a reputation for excellence and the strongest teacher salaries in the region. HEB ISD has a history of leadership that prioritizes what’s best for students and leads intentional, continuous improvement district-wide; the school board was one of only eight governing teams selected as an inaugural Lone Star Governance Exemplar Cohort by the Texas Education Agency. Stellar fine arts programs have placed HEB ISD on the prestigious listing of the “Best Communities for Music Education” for 12 years in a row. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD is to continue its proud tradition of excellence as a diverse, highperforming organization committed to ensuring each student is empowered today to excel tomorrow.

IRVING ISD

SIZE: 33,427 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Irving ISD’s distinguishing initiatives include its Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, the largest net-zero middle school (which produces as much energy as it consumes) in the world, and the district’s year-long Attendance Success Initiative designed to keep students in school. The district has partnerships with T-Mobile and Sprint, and is collaborating with Verizon to expand its Verizon Innovative Learning program for middle schools for 24/7 free access to technology in the classroom and at home. The district opened the Elise Walker Outdoor Learning Center to give students of all ages a chance to experience science outside the classroom. Irving ISD is home to the Robert Scott Pohl Planetarium at Nimitz HS, which is one of the first school planetariums in Texas. The district offers the comprehensive and nationally recognized Signature Studies Program, which offers students career-focused classes while in high school. The district also has three early childhood schools, which offer half-day and full-day, tuition-based pre-K. Irving ISD is only one of 11 districts in the state to offer H.I.P.P.Y. (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) to empower parents to become their child’s first teacher and to prepare them for preschool and beyond. Through Partners in Education, more than 200 companies and nonprofit organizations partner with Irving ISD schools and programs to provide time, talent, and treasure. PHILOSOPHY: District administrators and teachers are focused on maximizing the potential of every student.

PHOTO: DALLAS ISD

JOSHUA ISD

SIZE: 5,600 students, pre-K-12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: The district writes its own rigorous curriculum maps with learning objectives that are designed to challenge students at every grade level. Lessons are evaluated on a regular basis using the Continuous Improvement Model for student success. Students are encouraged to take Advanced Placement classes and to take advantage of the dual-credit program with Hill College. In order to better integrate technology, the Bring Your Own Device program has been implemented in grades 9 to 12. JISD offers the opportunity for students to prepare for and take the GED, as well as implements a rigorous credit recovery program at the middle and high school levels. JISD provides full-day kindergarten at each campus. Full-time guidance counselors and licensed nurses are available at all campuses. For more information, go to joshuaisd.org. PHILOSOPHY: Joshua ISD will be a highly acclaimed model of educational excellence. Joshua ISD develops productive citizens of exceptional character who are lifelong learners.

KELLER ISD

SIZE: 35,000 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Keller ISD has been one of the fastest growing school districts in the state of Texas over the last 20 years. Of the district’s 42 campuses, 26 of them are less than 17 years old. KISD serves a diverse population composed primarily of students living in Keller and Fort Worth but includes families from seven other municipalities as well. The district stretches from I-35W to Colleyville and Hwy. 170 to Haltom City. PHILOSOPHY: The community of Keller ISD will educate our students to achieve their highest standards of performance by engaging them in exceptional opportunities.

LAKE WORTH ISD

SIZE: 3,096 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lake Worth ISD is a mid-sized district in northwest Tarrant County. The heart of the district is nestled between Lake Worth and Marine Creek Lake. The district serves the City of Lake Worth, along with small portions of Samson Park and Fort Worth. PHILOSOPHY: Lake Worth ISD believes that every student has worth, is capable of learning, and can achieve high standards; that education and communication are the shared responsibility of the student, school, home, and community; in inspiring each other and holding one another accountable in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment; that all members of the school community are lifelong learners; and in the power of effective instruction, using sound research, data, and fidelity of practice.

LEWISVILLE ISD

SIZE: 52,000 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lewisville ISD (LISD) consistently has one of the highest numbers of National Merit Scholars across the state. In addition, the district has six National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, the highest designation a school can earn from the United States Department of Education. LISD has four 6A high schools, one 5A high school, and two career centers. LISD provides access to many digital resources while maintaining sound data security and privacy practices. Because of this, Lewisville ISD is one of a small number of school districts across the nation, and one of three schools in Texas, to earn the distinguished Trusted Learning Environment Seal from CoSN. PHILOSOPHY: Lewisville ISD’s promise to our students, staff, parents, and the communities we serve is simple—all of our students enjoy thriving, productive lives in a future they create. The district ensures it fulfills its mission by designing and implementing a learning organization that provides engaging, innovative experiences every day. LISD’s vision is built on four cornerstones: student experience, community engagement, resource stewardship, and student learning. These guiding principles underscore our commitment to real innovation and limitless opportunities for our students.