By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published February 7, 2025.

Schools across North Texas are showing signs of recovery from pandemic-related learning loss, according to the 2023-24 school rankings released by Children at Risk, a nonprofit research and advocacy group focused on Texas education.

The annual rankings, which assess public schools based on student achievement, campus performance, student growth, and college readiness, highlight both top-performing schools and areas that need improvement. This year’s report, released on Feb. 5, underscores an increase in high-achieving, high-poverty schools and notable gains in college readiness metrics.

Children at Risk ranked 1,128 public schools across North Texas, including 717 elementary schools, 279 middle schools, and 132 high schools. The ranking system, established in 2006, evaluates schools using data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and other publicly available sources.

Top-ranked high schools in North Texas include Carroll Senior High School, Highland Park High School, and School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas ISD. Among middle schools, Coppell Middle School North and Dallas ISD’s William B. Travis Vanguard Academy led the rankings, while top elementary schools included Prairie Creek Elementary in Richardson ISD and Walnut Glen Academy in Garland ISD.

The rankings also highlighted an increase in Gold Ribbon Schools—high-poverty, high-performing traditional neighborhood schools—by 50% compared to last year. Gold Ribbon Schools exclude magnet and charter schools and serve student populations where at least 75% are economically disadvantaged.

Children at Risk’s ranking system scores schools based on four key indices:

• Student Achievement (33% for elementary and middle schools, 25% for high schools): Measures raw performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams.

• Campus Performance (33% for elementary and middle schools, 25% for high schools): Adjusts achievement scores to account for economic disparities, evaluating how well schools perform relative to similar campuses.

• Student Growth (33% for elementary and middle schools, 25% for high schools): Tracks year-over-year improvement in standardized test scores.

• College Readiness (25% for high schools only): Factors in graduation rates, SAT/ACT participation and scores, AP/IB exam success, and dual-credit course participation.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Only 17% of low-income schools statewide earned an A or B grade, indicating a continued need for targeted support.

One of the major takeaways from this year’s rankings is the rebound in academic performance following years of pandemic-related disruptions. According to the TEA, North Texas schools saw improvements in STAAR test scores, particularly in reading and math, aligning with the student growth data reflected in the rankings.

“Schools are demonstrating resilience, especially in middle and high school performance,” Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, said. “While there is still work to be done, the data shows that educators and students are making significant strides in closing learning gaps.”

The rankings aim to serve as an accountability measure for schools while also helping parents make informed decisions about their children’s education. Children at Risk emphasizes that its rankings are not just about listing top schools but also about identifying ways to improve educational outcomes for all Texas students.

In the context of educational decision-making, recent developments in Keller Independent School District (ISD) have garnered significant attention. In late January 2025, a proposal emerged to divide Keller ISD into two separate districts in a secret board meeting, leading to internal disagreements among board members and concerns from the community. A recent report highlighted Keller ISD's financial challenges, including overestimated revenues and reliance on budget amendments. Community members are questioning whether splitting the district would effectively address these issues.

These events underscore the importance of accessible and comprehensive school performance data. Resources like the Children at Risk rankings become invaluable tools for parents and policymakers, providing insights that inform decisions impacting students' educational experiences.

For a full list of ranked schools and more details on the methodology, visit https://childrenatrisk.org/ntx-school-rankings-2025/