Texas

These are the best public schools in Texas, Niche says. Is your child’s on the list?

Parents and children arrive at T.A. Simms Elementary School for the first day of school on Monday, August 14, 2023, in Fort Worth.
Parents and children arrive at T.A. Simms Elementary School for the first day of school on Monday, August 14, 2023, in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives

Every parent wants the best for their child, and this especially true when choosing a school.

Niche recently compiled a list of the best school districts in America, as well as every state and city. Data from the U.S. Department of Education, test scores, college data and Niche ratings determined the outcome.

Overall, three schools in Illinois took the No. 1 through No. 3 spots. However, Texas shows up on the list for the first time at No. 7, with Eanes Independent School District in Austin making the ranking.

According to the Texas Education Agency, there are 1,209 school districts in the state. Of those, 764,310 teachers serve more than 5 million students daily.

Check out the list of best school districts for Texas and Fort Worth.

Best school districts in Texas

Best school districts in Tarrant County

Niche ranking methodology

Niche only uses the most up to date data from the U.S. Department of Education, Census and FBI.

Factors considered for the school districts ranking are the following.

  • Academics Grade: Based on state assessment proficiency, college enrollment data, and survey responses on academics from students and parents– 50%.

  • Teachers Grade: Based on teacher salary, teacher absenteeism, state test results, and survey responses on teachers from students and parents– 15%.

  • Culture & Diversity Grade: Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents– 12.5%.

  • Parent/Student Surveys on Overall Experience: Niche survey responses scored on a 1-5 scale regarding the overall experience of students and parents in the district– 12.5%.

  • Resources & Facilities Grade: Based on expenses per student, staffing, and survey responses on facilities from students and parents– 5%.

  • Clubs & Activities Grade: Based on expenses per student and survey responses on clubs and activities from students and parents– 2.5%.

  • Sports Grade: Based on the number of sports, participation, and survey responses on athletics and athletic facilities from students and parents– 2.5%.

This story was originally published October 8, 2024 at 12:12 PM.

Ella Gonzales
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.
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