11 minute read
Choosing a District
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.
MIDLOTHIAN 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 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.
MILLSAP ISD
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
PHOTO: DALLAS 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
PHOTO: DISD
CHOOSING A DISTRICT
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.
of state, national, and international winners and champions in fine arts, athletics, science, and career and technical education. PHILOSOPHY: Plano ISD schools empower students to be able to adapt to new learning and career opportunities throughout their lives, and collaborate with and contribute to the global community, and to be disciplined and creative in their thinking. The district’s mission is to provide an excellent education for each student. District goals include ensuring continued improvement in student success and ensuring efficient use of financial resources.
PROSPER ISD
SIZE: 14,600 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Prosper ISD is the fastest-growing school district in DFW with enrollment expected to more than double by 2025. Prosper ISD currently offers a wide variety of CTE and STEM options, G/T and AP offerings, a comprehensive SPED program, and an unrivaled duallanguage program through middle school. PHILOSOPHY: Prosper ISD believes that students are first in all decisions. We value their success and wellbeing. Innovation in curriculum and technology is important. We are intentional in creating opportunities that will propel students forward. We believe in recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with the Prosper heart. We also value the importance of a supportive and demanding community and try to protect our small-town feel. We have a commitment to the Graduate Profile and in providing a safe and nurturing environment for students and staff. We are grounded by tradition and soaring to new beginnings.
RED OAK ISD
SIZE: 5,900 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Red Oak ISD is a highly acclaimed district currently ranked top 3 percent in the nation and No. 1 for teachers in Ellis County by Niche.com. At the state accountability level, we received a B rating with 11 distinctions. We are a small, suburban district covering 42 square miles just 20 miles south of Dallas, in north Ellis County. We serve 5,900 students from Red Oak, Glenn Heights, Ovilla, Pecan Hill, and Oak Leaf, with seven campuses and over 900 employees. Highly ranked for diversity and safety, we offer excellent academic and extracurricular programs toward our mission of Realizing Our Individual Students’ Dreams (ROISD). PHILOSOPHY: All Red Oak ISD students and staff strive to incorporate the 4 Talons of the Hawk—Academic Readiness, GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity), character, and service toward our mission of Realizing Our Individual Students’ Dreams.
RICHARDSON ISD
SIZE: 39,000 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Richardson ISD is an established, successful, tradition-rich school district with commitment to the success of all students. Smaller, neighborhood schools with a history of parent and community involvement and support put a strong emphasis on college and career readiness and STEM. Richardson ISD’s offerings include: school-wide enrichment model blending gifted instruction and techniques into general curriculum for all students; focus on differentiated instruction for each student based on individual learning profile and understanding of curriculum; commitment to smaller, neighborhood schools; magnet school options at all grade levels; wide range of career and technical education offerings across many industries; high community expectations and exceptional community support for schools; a wide range of co- and extracurricular options; investment in teachers and staff development for professional and paraprofessional employees; emphasis on school safety and security. PHILOSOPHY: Richardson ISD’s mission is to serve and prepare all students for their global futures. Whether students will continue their education in college or are interested in entering the workforce, RISD seeks to equip all graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ability to confidently succeed in whatever path they choose.
ROCKWALL ISD
SIZE: 16,536 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Rockwall ISD is composed of 14 elementary schools, two high schools, one alternative high school, and one college and career academy. The Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy, which opened in 2018, is a vital part of the STEM program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The academy offers pathways designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore career options and professional certifications. Rockwall ISD’s high-school graduation rate is 97.6 percent; 88 percent of the district’s students met STAAR standards. The average number of years of experience for a Rockwall ISD teacher is 12.4 years. PHILOSOPHY: Rockwall ISD empowers learners to embody independence, value relationships, and achieve excellence as thriving members of a dynamic global community.
ROYSE CITY ISD
SIZE: 6,254 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: RCISD encompasses 74.48 square miles and claims a tri-county boundary: Rockwall, Collin, and Hunt Counties. All campuses in the district are accredited by the Texas Education Agency and our secondary campuses by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. From kindergarten to high school, diverse programs are available to support the regular curriculum along with gifted and talented and special needs students. Royse City ISD is located in a rural-but-growing area located 30 miles east of Dallas. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of Royse City ISD is to provide meaningful and innovative educational experiences that cultivate a passion for learning. We believe that every student is capable and deserves to learn each day in order to meet his or her unique potential; that building relationships is key to educating every student; that uniquely meaningful work engages students in profound learning; that Royse City ISD will prepare students for successful, meaningful, and fulfilling futures; and in upholding the traditions and values of the district and community.
WAXAHACHIE ISD
SIZE: 8,900 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: Waxahachie ISD is home to one traditional high school, one early college high school, three junior high campuses, eight elementary schools, an early learning (pre-K) center, and an alternative education campus. Waxahachie ISD’s mission is “excellence in education,” and the district consistently outperforms the state averages in STAAR testing and SAT/ACT scores. In its state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education center, WISD provides training in 15 of the 16 career clusters. The district’s fine arts programs are among the best in the state: Waxahachie ISD is home to this year’s TMEA honor band. In addition, WISD is a top athletic competitor, even in the “district of doom,” which many say is the toughest 6A district in the state. PHILOSOPHY: We believe that meaningful engagement and relationship building are essential for student success; that students have unique qualities and deserve a unique education; that parents, educators, and the community guide each student in designing and fulfilling his or her educational vision; and that every student deserves the opportunity to learn through success, failure, and discovery. We also believe that change and growth occur best in a stimulating and innovative learning environment; that students learning to voice their individual thoughts is imperative for progress in both themselves and the community, and that all students deserve to be taught by highly effective teachers who are committed to professional growth and passionate about learner success.
WHITE SETTLEMENT ISD
SIZE: 6,900 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: White Settlement ISD, home of the Fightin’ Brewer Bears, offers a hometown, community atmosphere with all the benefits of city living. The district is composed of nine schools and has nearly 900 employees. WSISD offers four elementary campuses (one of which is a certified STEAM Academy), a Fine Arts Academy, an intermediate school (grades 5 and 6), a middle school (grades 7 and 8), a high school (grades 9 through 12), and an alternative campus. WSISD is a growing suburban school district that serves more than 6,900 students who reside in the City of White Settlement and a portion of the City of Fort Worth. PHILOSOPHY: WSISD fosters a culture of excellence in which all Brewer Bears are empowered to be innovators and leaders of tomorrow through engaging, hands-on instruction, the latest technology, and extracurricular programs that meet the needs and interests of every student.
WYLIE ISD
SIZE: 16,500 students, pre-K through 12 KEY ATTRIBUTES: For more than 100 years, Wylie ISD has emphasized academic excellence through outstanding educational opportunities and award-winning extracurricular activities, all based on community values. And as we continue through the 21st Century, we remain focused on ensuring our students are prepared for a lifetime of success through a world-class education. Wylie ISD offers an outstanding academic program with a focus on character education beginning in elementary school. The curriculum includes a wide range of programs from culinary arts to television production. The district emphasizes technology in the classroom and as a communications tool for parents. PHILOSOPHY: The Wylie Way is a movement in our schools that fosters responsible, caring, and ethical young people through an emphasis on the core values of the Wylie ISD community. The core values are fundamental beliefs of Wylie ISD. They are the guiding beliefs that dictate the behavior and actions of our employees and students. They include: respect and responsibility, caring and giving, grit and preparation, and gratitude and celebration.
