Long before our children even start to think about a career path, first we have to ensure they’re set up for success. And that means enrolling them in a school that will prepare them for life after high school. Living in Fort Worth, Texas, parents have so many options to choose from, including the many neighborhood public schools within Fort Worth Independent School District. Here’s a brief guide to what you need to know about Fort Worth ISD and the public school options available to you.
What is Fort Worth Independent School District?
Fort Worth ISD is the public school district that serves nearly 75,000 students across Fort Worth. It comprises 140 schools. That’s 81 elementary schools, 21 middle schools, 21 high schools and 17 schools of other types.
The district is currently undergoing a series of improvements and initiatives with the goal of transforming and revitalizing its schools, including:
- An all-hands-on-deck push for pre-K and kindergarten:
This initiative includes door-to-door visits and online registration drives to get as many students enrolled when they become age-eligible.
- Gold Seal Early College High Schools:
Students who graduate from these schools will do so with two diplomas—their high school diploma and an associate degree from Tarrant County College.
- Gold Seal P-TECH Academies:
The district is home to eight schools that offer this Pathways in Technology program, which gives students the opportunity to graduate with their high school diploma, an associate degree and industry-recognized certifications in fields like construction, medical, aviation, alternative energy and cybersecurity.
Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice
In addition to the neighborhood schools, Fort Worth Independent School District offers Gold Seal Programs of Choice and Gold Seal Schools of Choice. Students have to apply to both options and are admitted via a computer-generated lottery.
The Programs of Choice are specialized programs in traditional elementary, middle and high schools. Programs include agriculture, transportation, cosmetology, architecture and construction, fine arts, and hospitality. Schools of Choice, on the other hand, have a specific focus, such as STEM, visual and performing arts, single-gender, languages or Montessori.
Students who attend a neighborhood high school that offers Programs of Choice or is a School of Choice can graduate with a high school diploma. They can also earn an associate degree or industry-recognized certification to start a career right after graduating.
What are some of the best schools within the Fort Worth ISD?
According to U.S. News & World Report, the top schools in Fort Worth Independent School District are:
Elementary schools
- Overton Park Elementary (also ranked No. 3 in Texas)
- Tanglewood Elementary
- Burton Hill Elementary
- Lily B Clayton Elementary
- Westpark Elementary
Middle Schools
- Young Women’s Leadership Academy
- Daggett Montessori
- McLean Middle
- World Languages Institute
- McLean 6th Grade
High Schools
- World Languages Institute
- Young Women’s Leadership Academy
- Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
- I.M. Terrell Academy
- TCC South
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.
Guides for parents and things to know about school lunches
You can view your child’s daily breakfast and lunch menu options, along with nutrition and allergen information by selecting your school via MealViewer.
Does your student have special dietary restrictions? Whether it’s due to allergies or dietary needs because of a medical diagnosis, Fort Worth Independent School District requires parents to fill out the Dietary Request Form to the school nurse annually.
Plus, from early June through early July, the district offers its Summer Meal Programs. This program allows children ages 18 and younger, as well as enrolled students with disabilities ages 21 and younger, to get free breakfast and lunch at school locations throughout the district. You can find a location by:
- Calling 211
- Texting FOOD to 304-304
- Using the interactive map
Fort Worth Independent School District calendar
While the exact school calendar may change year-to-year, Fort Worth 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 Jr. Day
- Spring Break
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
Where to find info on Fort Worth Independent School District closings
When inclement weather or other school-related emergencies happen, the district immediately shares information via its communication platforms, including:
- fwisd.org
- Fort Worth ISD mobile app
- The district’s EdTV Channel (Charter Cable Channel 30 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99)
- Local radio stations, TV stations and newspapers
So make sure you’re tuned into your preferred method of communication.
Visit fwisd.org for more information about Fort Worth Independent School District, and find many more details about local schools of all types on DFWChild’s online directory.
Top image courtesy of Fort Worth Independent School District
