More people each year are selecting the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroxplex to call home. In fact, it now ranks as the 4th largest area in the U.S. That is because it has low cost of living, plenty of good neighborhoods, abundant BBQ, and of course, great schools.

But instead of talking about the other factors that make a metroplex, let’s focus on schools. With classroom budget cuts every year, combined with a demand for new innovation and leaving no child behind, being in a good school district is paramount. Not only for a child’s education, but for the resale value of your home.

Too many factors can determine a good or bad school district. A school district with high test scores is great but that might not teach a child how to accept diverse people groups and work well with others–something needed to be successful in the corporate world.

Your property tax dollars and resale value of your home are affected by the school district so don’t dismiss your research just because your child won’t attend the public schools.

Success in education starts long before a student graduates from high school or college.

Factors can be determined based on diversity, school programs, awards and accolades, test results, college readiness, college acceptance, and the list goes on and on. In this article, we are basing the top school districts on academic performance, STAAR testing, and college readiness.

So, as we get ready to start 2019 and another year of families considering that state-wide move, here are the best 4 districts in Dallas-Fort Worth we could find.

1. Carroll

Carroll ISD students live in Southlake, Westlake, and parts of Colleyville and Grapevine. Carroll boasts many accolades in the DFW area and shines in all three areas we are using to determine great school districts. With over 8,000 students in 12 campuses all meeting the Texas standards, any home in Southlake is a great choice. Carroll won many awards and ratings locally and nationally.

Carroll ISD ranks #1 Best School District for Athletes in Texas, #3 Best School District in Texas, #4 District with the Best Teachers, and #10 Best School District in America, just to name a few of the accolades and notoriety.

A major backing for the ratings Carroll receives are their STAAR testing results. As a whole, Carroll ISD scored a 95 out of 100, with 97% of the student body proficient in reading and 98% proficient in math. The STAAR is the Texas standard testing for all public schools.

Southlake is home of the dragons and one of the best ISDs in the country.

One of the highest achievements Carroll ISD accomplishes is having a 99% graduation rate. Students are encouraged to receive higher education, their curriculum preparing students to not only getting accepted to colleges but being prepared to handle the course load, too.

Carroll takes great pains to ensure their students are prepared for the real world with an average 88% ready for college, career life, or the military.

2. Lovejoy

Students living in Allen attend Lovejoy ISD. This district has 6 schools with 4,200 students enrolled. The small size of the ISD appeals to most parents and homeowners. With a tight-knit community, Lovejoy has been able to gain recognition in recent years, too.

Lovejoy recently won the State of Texas HEB Excellence in Education Award. Lovejoy also achieved other rankings such as #8 Best School District in Texas, #9 Safest School District in Texas, and #8 Best Place to Teach in DFW.

As a top-rated, public school district in Texas, Lovejoy strives to ensure their students’ educational success by using the STAAR testing as a barometer for measuring their academic standing. Their overall STAAR rating of 95 out of 100 appeals to those moving to the area. Lovejoy not only successfully passes the Texas standardized test, their students also have a 96% proficiency in math and reading.

Lovejoy creates their curriculum around the whole student.

As a result, the district has a 99% graduation success rate. Teachers and principals work hard to ensure a prestigious education with the benefits of college readiness combined with the skills of entering the workforce. Therefore, they average 91% in college, career, and military readiness.

3. Highland Park

Highland Park ISD consists of the Highland Park and University Park area of Dallas County. One of Texas’ best public districts, Highland Park ISD includes seven schools with over 7,000 students enrolled.

Highland Park has a combination of history and standards that is hard to beat anywhere in the state.

HPISD has long been recognized for its academic excellence. In 2017, 27 students attained the honor of National Merit Semifinalists. Some other notorious accolades are #1 Safest School District in Texas, #3 Best Places to Teach in Texas, #4 Best School District for Athletes in Texas, and #4 Best School District in Texas.

According to state test scores, 98% of Highland Park students are proficient in math and 97% proficient in reading. STAAR testing results state a 94 out of 100 rating.

Highland Park focuses on preparing their students not only for their next phase in life, whether that be college, career, or military. As a result, 92% of the student body proves prepared for success after high school with a 99% graduation rate.

4. Coppell

Students living in Coppell attend Coppell ISD. CISD consists of over 12,500 students and has 15 schools in the district. Coppell is one of the top school districts because it not only has a strong academic presence, but also has a diverse culture.

Coppell has been mentioned on many of the top ISD lists in Texas in recent years.

Coppell also received many high rankings, including #37 Best School District in America, #5 Best School District in Texas, #7 Best School District for Athletes in Texas, and #4 Best Place to Teach in DFW

STAAR results for the students of Coppell ISD is a 94 out of 100. 91% of the students are proficient in reading and 92% proficient in math.

Coppell’s forward-thinking, student-centered culture helps prepare students for college. With a 99% graduation rate, students have many opportunities to continue with higher education. CISD works hard on teaching the whole child so they are ready for the next step. After graduating, students are 84% prepared for college, career, or military.

Make sure you research possible districts before you buy a home in Dallas-Fort Worth.

These are just a few top-rated districts in the area. No matter where you live and no matter what district in DFW you choose to move to, there will always be a great school to attend.

Did your school district make the list? Leave a comment below!