Dallas is a cosmopolitan city in Texas famous for its countless restaurants, shopping centers, and buzzing nightlife. Also, beyond its vibrant cultural scene, Dallas is also home to some of the best schools in the nation. There are 230 schools serving over 150,000 students in Dallas ISD.
With many options available, deciding on the right school can be challenging. All schools are unique, and the right one for each student may depend on individual needs, goals, and interests. That's why it's essential to have a well-informed approach when looking for schools in Dallas.
On that note, we've compiled a list of some of the best schools in Dallas based on a combination of GreatSchools.org test scores and reviews. Here are our top picks in ascending order of rating.
Best Elementary Schools
Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
4518 Pomona Rd, Dallas, TX 75209
This highly acclaimed magnet school allows gifted and talented students to challenge their academic boundaries and reach their maximum potential. It has 204 students in grade levels 4-6. It has a gender split of 50% male and 50% female, and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Thanks to its strong commitment to academic excellence, Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy has a GreatSchools.org rating of 10/10. Its students have consistently achieved better than average math, science, and reading scores with 94%, 89%, and 87%, respectively.
The school has a diverse student body, with 44% Hispanic, 41% White, and 10% Black students. Further, it has an excellent teaching staff, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and beautiful grounds. It also has a modern sports facility where students can practice and compete in football, basketball, and baseball.
All these factors make the Sudie L. Williams Academy of Gifted and Talented Students one of the top schools in Dallas. If you're looking for an exceptional school that will help your child reach their full potential, this is the right choice for you.
Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy in the News
In early June 2023, The Hub Dallas reported that a team from the Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy won the 2023 Lone Star Challenge. Teams were challenged on their knowledge of this year's featured theme: 18th Century America. The subjects covered under this theme were literature, mathematics, science, and social studies. 71 schools competed in total. The challenge culminated in a parade where competitors could dress up in accordance with the theme.
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School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) in Pleasant Grove
9610 Bruton Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
At School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) in Pleasant Grove, students can unlock their intellectual potential with the support of an experienced faculty. This public school, boasting an impressive GreatSchools.org rating of 10/10, offers its 208 students in grades 4-6 a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, allowing each student to receive individualized attention.
With a core focus on academics, TAG students have consistently achieved far above the state's average scores in math (95%), science (94%), and reading (73%). Additionally, this school provides a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students. Those include debate, art, music, chess, drama, and music.
This diverse environment is home to a predominantly Hispanic student body, but also promotes an inclusive atmosphere with students of all races, faiths, and backgrounds. It boasts many resources, such as its library and modern football, basketball, and baseball sports facilities. This allows children to explore and learn beyond the regular curriculum.
TAG in Pleasant Grove is ideal for families looking for an academically rigorous school with a nurturing community.
School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove in the News
In April 2023, The Hub Dallas reported on Jonatan Joshua Cruz, a teacher at TAG in Pleasant Grove who was a finalist for Teacher of the Year. Cruz is a language instructional lead teacher and reading language arts teacher at the school. He teaches students in grades 4th – 7th. He has served on multiple committees in the school, and has been a leader of TAG in Pleasant Grove's dual language program. He was also selected to serve as Dallas ISD's curriculum and assessment writer.
For more news stories featuring the School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove, check out this report on the robotics program from March 2023 and this story on the visit the Dallas Mavs paid to the students of this school in May 2023.
William B. Travis Academy of Academic Excellence
3001 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Students receive a challenging yet supportive environment at William B. Travis Academy of Academic Excellence, rated 10/10 by GreatSchools.org. With a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, this public school offers 442 students in grades 4-6 individualized attention and guidance to ensure their success.
The school's students consistently exceed the state average with scores of 91% in math, 88% in science, and 76% in reading. Furthermore, its faculty is experienced and dedicated to giving each student the best possible education. 86% of said faculty have more than three years of experience.
Aside from academics, the school provides various extracurricular activities such as basketball, chess, and drama. It also features state-of-the-art facilities in the way of its library, computer lab, and outdoor playground.
William B. Travis Academy of Academic Excellence is a step above the rest in providing an exceptional educational experience. It is an excellent option if you're looking for a rigorous academic program in an environment that fosters social and emotional development for your child.
George Bannerman Dealey Montessori
6501 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75230
With a population of over 604 students in grades PreK-8, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori is dedicated to providing an excellent education for all its students. The school offers a challenging yet supportive curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning.
Its faculty is experienced and dedicated to providing the best possible education, with 95% having more than 3 years of experience. Moreover, the school boasts an excellent student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, ensuring that each student receives the utmost attention from their teachers.
The school's students supersede the state average with scores of 84% in math, 80% in science, and 72% in reading. Beyond academics, the school offers after-school clubs, sports activities, and a variety of extracurricular programs.
Reviewers have praised the school for its unique approach to teaching and learning, with one parent saying, “Excellent experience. The children are taught how to analyze problems rather than memorization. Teachers are amazing at creating a love for learning.”
George Bannerman Dealey Montessori is an excellent option if you're looking for an academically rigorous education focusing on hands-on learning. The school stands out in its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all its students.
Best Middle Schools
William B. Travis Academy
3001 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
William B. Travis Academy is the perfect blend of a challenging yet supportive academic program in an environment that fosters social and emotional development for students. It's located in the heart of Dallas, TX, and serves 521 students in grades 4-8.
The school embodies academic excellence and is consistently above the state average. Specifically, 98% of students attain proficiency in math, 96% in science, and 98% in reading. Moreover, the school boasts an excellent student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, and over 86% of its faculty have more than three years of experience.
Aside from academics, William B. Travis Academy is dedicated to providing an array of activities for its students. It offers a range of extracurriculars, including music, drama, debate clubs, and outdoor activities such as soccer and basketball.
Sure, the school offers an excellent education, but what sets it apart is its outstanding faculty and staff. Furthermore, reviewers have frequently praised the school's commitment to creating an ideal learning environment.
William B. Travis Academy is a great option if you're inclined toward a rigorous academic program that will bring the best out of your child. It's a perfect blend of academics, extracurricular activities, and great staff that make the school an outstanding choice.
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School
1718 Robert B Cullum Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210
This school was named after Irma Rangel, the first Latina elected to the Texas House of Representatives. It's a beacon for young women. It serves 549 students in grades 6-12. Moreover, its leadership program focused on creating socially conscious young ladies has given this school a good reputation.
70% of its students come from economically challenged backgrounds, and 94% identify as a minority. Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School also boasts impressive average test scores, with 95% in math, 93% in science, and 90% in reading. Additionally, the student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 allows each student to receive ample attention from their teachers.
The leadership program at this school goes beyond academics. In particular, it offers students the chance to become socially conscious, educated young women who can positively impact the world through public speaking, debate, mock elections, internships, and more. Furthermore, a very active parent-teacher association hosts career days, book clubs, and parent-teacher meetings.
This school is ideal for parents wishing to provide their daughters with a top-notch education and exceptional leadership training. With its strong academic record, engaging extracurricular activities, and dedication to fostering each student's social and academic progress, this school is a great choice.
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School in the News
In February 2023, Yahoo! Finance reported that Mary Kay, a global cosmetics company, hosted students from Irma Lerma Rangel for a day to explore opportunities in STEAM. The students spent the day at Mary Kay’s Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing / R&D Center, where they explored the technology that Mary Kay uses to develop and manufacture beauty products. Students had opportunities to hear from a panel of STEAM experts and to talk to mentors about career paths in STEAM fields.
George Bannerman Dealey Montessori
6501 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75230
George Bannerman Dealey Montessori is a school that offers stimulating learning environments where students can discover and explore, combining traditional teaching methods with progressive education techniques. Students can craft their educational journey by participating in activities requiring creative and critical thinking.
The teachers at this school are incredibly nurturing, providing students with a unique learning experience by going the extra mile to ensure they understand each lesson. The middle scholar's program is impressive, offering exciting experiences such as field trips, clubs, and sports.
Parents looking for more than the standard educational offerings should consider George Bannerman Dealey Montessori. With its commitment to providing a personalized learning experience, it is an excellent choice for those who want their children to receive a well-rounded education.
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Best High Schools
School of Science and Engineering
1201 E 8th St #216, Dallas, TX 75203
The School of Science and Engineering is a public magnet school focusing on STEM education. Its student population stands at 497, serving 9th-12th grade students. It has a 10/10 rating at greatschool.org thanks to its impressive academic performance.
All the students successfully graduate, and many of them go to esteemed colleges and universities. It offers a wide range of courses, from computer engineering to physics. It also provides students with an outstanding extracurricular program. From music to debating, chess to coding, students have many options.
The percentage of graduates pursuing vocational or in-state college programs is 75%, so the school is committed to helping students explore all their options. The faculty at this school are highly qualified and incredibly dedicated to supporting each student's academic and emotional success. 88% of them have three or more years of teaching experience. The school encourages collaboration and provides an enriched learning experience through career days, book clubs, and parent-teacher meetings.
Furthermore, the school has a low teacher-student ratio of 15 to 1, allowing teachers to provide personalized instruction and support. This creates an ideal environment for learning and personal growth. The School of Science and Engineering is a perfect choice for parents who want their children to acquire knowledge in STEM fields, making it one of the most sought-after schools in Dallas.
School of Health Professions
1201 E 8th St, Dallas, TX 75203
The School of Health Professions is a highly esteemed institution serving students since its establishment in 1970. It serves 549 9th-12th-grade students and is renowned for its medical health science program, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nutrition.
The school has earned a perfect 10/10 rating on GreatSchools.org. Moreover, it has a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates. With that, parents can rest assured that their child is receiving the best educational environment possible. With a low student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, teachers at this school can provide personalized instruction and support to each student.
The faculty is highly qualified, with 88% having at least 3 years of teaching experience. They are dedicated to helping their students reach their full potential and creating a friendly learning environment that helps young minds develop their skills and further their knowledge. The student body is diverse, so those looking for a culturally enriching learning environment will find this school a great fit.
Besides academic courses, the school also offers an extensive extracurricular program, including clubs, sports, and field trips to expand student development outside the classroom. With its unique academic resources and tremendous growth opportunities, the School of Health Professions is an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
School of Business and Management
1201 E 8th St, Dallas, TX 75203
This school specializes in business and management courses and currently serves 505 students from 9th-12th grades. It is based on a project-based learning framework that allows students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
The school has an impressive 10/10 rating on GreatSchools.org, and its graduates have a 100% college acceptance rate. The student-to-teacher ratio is relatively low at 16 to 1, allowing teachers more time to provide personalized attention and support. The faculty here are highly qualified, with 91% having at least 3 years of teaching experience.
Apart from standard academic subjects, this school also offers various extracurricular activities such as clubs and athletics. The school also provides students with internships in various businesses to give them practical experience and help build their resumes.
The School of Business and Management‘s diversity spans different cultures and backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment. Furthermore, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and many parents have praised the school's commitment to excellence, providing their children with the best possible educational experience.
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The Perfect Choice for Your Child — Get the Best of Both Worlds
Making the right decision for your child's education is no small task. In Dallas, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to schools that are rated highly and provide students with a great learning environment. You can be sure your child will get an excellent educational experience from the ten schools above.
When making this important decision, it's essential to look at what each school offers to ensure that the one you choose is a good fit for your child. Take into account which school will give them an education that is both stimulating and enjoyable. You want your child to develop academically and also have fun while doing so. You can get the best of both worlds with one of these schools.
Do your research and weigh the pros and cons with regard to your child's needs so that you can make an informed decision. Once you've found the right school, you can be sure your child is getting an education worth their while.
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