Private, religious, charter, magnet, Montessori, virtual, home school … With so many education options for school-aged kiddos, deciding which type of school your child attends can make your head spin. (And, of course, we put pressure on ourselves when choosing because setting our little ones up for success is an important decision!) One tried-and-true option is Dallas Independent School District’s public schools.
But don’t think that ISD schools are any less reputable because they’re public. Dallas ISD aims to be a premier urban school district, according to the district’s website. To achieve this, it has five Student Outcome Goals it seeks to accomplish by June 2025, including increasing state assessment performance across various grade levels and increasing the percentage of high-school graduates who are college, career or military ready.
So whether your family just moved to Dallas or your little one has reached the preschool enrollment milestone, here’s a brief guide to what you need to know about Dallas Independent School District and the options available within the public schools.
What is the Dallas Independent School District?
Dallas ISD is the public school district that serves nearly 140,000 students across the Dallas area, including Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Hutchins, Mesquite, Seagoville, University Park and Wilmer.
It comprises 138 elementary schools, 35 middle schools, 23 multi-level schools and 36 high schools. And these aren’t just your typical neighborhood public schools. Dallas Independent School District prides itself on understanding that each child’s learning journey can look different. That’s why it offers unique programs, learning models and opportunities for all students, including:
- Magnet schools
- Montessori schools
- Single-gender schools
- Talented and Gifted schools
- Hybrid and virtual schools
- Dual-language schools
- International Baccalaureate programs
- Schools with early college programs
- Career institutes and collegiate academies
- specialized schools for STEAM/STEM and visual and performing arts
School choice in Dallas ISD
With all of the programs, learning models and opportunities available in Dallas ISD, parents and students are encouraged to find the school that best fits students’ academic, social and extracurricular needs. You can use the district’s School Finder to discover your neighborhood school or find a program of choice.
Every school-aged child that lives in the Dallas Independent School District is guaranteed a seat at their neighborhood school. However, if you or your child is interested in a different school, you must submit an application between November-January to enter the specialized programs’ lotteries. All applications are considered equitably, and families will be notified via email on March 1 of their child’s application status.
For more information about school choice, including ranking choices, waitlists and school offers, read Choose Dallas ISD Frequently Asked Questions.
What are some of the best schools within Dallas ISD?
The top three high schools in Texas, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, are within the Dallas Independent School District, with eight others ranked in the top 50 high schools in Texas. The top three are:
- The School for the Talented and Gifted
- Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
- Science and Engineering Magnet School
U.S. News & World Report determines these rankings based on a number of factors, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, breadth of college curriculum and graduation rate.
Dallas Independent School District calendar
While the exact school calendar may change year-to-year, Dallas ISD schools are typically closed for the following holidays and school breaks:
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break, including Christmas and New Year’s
- Martin Luther King Day
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
What to know about school lunches
Dallas ISD offers free breakfasts and lunches for all students, regardless of family income. These free meals must include 3 out of 5 components from the school café and one must be a fruit or veggie. Students can also purchase a la carte items, such as sides, fruit and yogurt parfaits and extra beverages.
With the district’s goal of providing nutritious meals to students, Dallas ISD sources locally grown fruits, veggies and dairy products from local farmers. You can view your school’s daily breakfast and lunch menus, nutrition information and allergens on MealViewer.
Does your student have special dietary restrictions? Dallas Independent School District also accommodates special dietary needs due to life-threatening and nonlife-threatening allergies, special dietary needs, religious or cultural beliefs and more. Parents must fill out the Food and Child Nutrition Services Dietary Request Form, get it signed by their child’s doctor and submit it to the school nurse.
Where to find info on Dallas Independent School District closings
When inclement weather or other school-related emergencies happen, the district shares information via:
- dallasisd.org
- School Messenger, the district’s automated calling system
- Local radio and TV stations
- The district’s emergency hotline: 972/925-5810
Visit dallasisd.org for more information about Dallas Independent School District, and find many more details about local schools of all types on DFWChild’s online directory.
Top image of teacher Soo Mee at Preston Hollow Elementary School, courtesy of Dallas ISD
