When it comes to choosing where to live in North Texas, school district ratings often play a big role in decision-making. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released its 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 A–F accountability ratings for school districts across the state. These scores provide insight into how districts are performing in academics, progress, and student support — factors many families consider when buying a home or planning a move.

Let’s take a closer look at what the ratings mean, which districts came out on top, which ones are struggling, and how these scores might impact both current and future homeowners in North Texas.

How TEA Ratings Work

The TEA evaluates school districts using three major categories:

  • Student Achievement – Focuses on how well students perform on the STAAR test, graduation rates for high schools, and college/career readiness.

  • School Progress – Looks at how students are improving over time, and compares performance among schools with similar levels of economic disadvantage.

  • Closing the Gaps – Measures how well districts are supporting student groups such as English language learners, students with special needs, and other historically underserved populations.

Student achievement and school progress make up 70% of the final grade, while closing the gaps accounts for the remaining 30%. The end result is a letter grade from A to F, with numerical scores attached.

While advocates say this helps families quickly understand school quality, critics argue the system can penalize districts with higher levels of poverty, where outside challenges often affect test results and outcomes.

Top-Rated School Districts in North Texas

For 2024–2025, several school districts in North Texas earned top marks. These high performers not only highlight academic achievement but also reflect consistency across multiple campuses.

Top 10 Highest-Rated Districts

1. Highland Park ISD: A (96)
2. Carroll ISD: A (95)
3. Lovejoy ISD: A (94)
3. Sivells Bend ISD: A (94)
3. Huckabay ISD: A (94)
6. Sunnyvale ISD: A (93)
6. Coppell ISD: A (93)
6. Palo Pinto ISD: A (93)
9. Melissa ISD: A (92)
9. Wylie ISD: A (92)
9. Argyle ISD: A (92)
9. Graford ISD: A (92)
9. Aledo ISD: A (92)

Districts like Highland Park and Carroll ISD are well known for their strong academic programs and high community support, but it’s worth noting that smaller districts such as Sivells Bend and Huckabay also secured top spots, showing that excellence is not limited to size or location.

Districts Facing Challenges

On the other end of the spectrum, some districts received “D” ratings, indicating room for significant improvement in student achievement, progress, and gap-closing efforts.

10 Lowest-Rated Districts

1. Lake Worth ISD: D (62)
2. Greenville ISD: D (65)
2. Gainesville ISD: D (65)
4. Bridgeport ISD: D (66)
5. Poolville ISD: D (68)
5. Kemp ISD: D (68)
5. Commerce ISD: D (68)
8. Corsicana ISD: D (69)
8. Crandall ISD: D (69)
8. Venus ISD: D (69)

These lower scores don’t necessarily mean students aren’t learning, but they do point to challenges in test performance, graduation rates, or in supporting special student populations. For families considering a move, it’s helpful to dig deeper into what each district is doing to address its challenges rather than focusing solely on the grade.

Why School Ratings Matter for Homeowners

For parents and homeowners alike, school ratings often influence real estate values and neighborhood desirability. A home located in a district with consistently high ratings may command higher prices and attract more buyers. Conversely, homes in lower-rated districts may face pricing pressure, though they can sometimes offer more affordability and potential for growth if the district improves over time.

It’s also important to remember that ratings don’t tell the whole story. A school’s culture, extracurricular opportunities, community involvement, and individual teacher quality can all have a major impact on a child’s education. Families should use the TEA ratings as one tool among many when evaluating where to live.

Balancing Numbers with the Bigger Picture

When interpreting these ratings, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Ratings change yearly – A district that scores lower one year could see significant improvements the next, especially if leadership and resources align.

  • Local context matters – Districts serving more economically disadvantaged populations face unique hurdles that impact scores but don’t necessarily reflect teacher quality or student potential.

  • Community investment pays off – Districts that prioritize teacher development, extracurricular programs, and student support often see stronger outcomes over time.

What This Means for Families Moving Forward

If you’re a parent or a soon-to-be homeowner in North Texas, these ratings provide a valuable snapshot of where districts stand today. But beyond the letter grades, the most important factor is finding a school and a community that aligns with your family’s needs.

For some families, that might mean seeking out the top-rated districts like Highland Park, Carroll, or Coppell. For others, it may involve choosing an up-and-coming community where schools are working hard to improve and where housing is more affordable.

Ultimately, the TEA ratings give families a clearer picture — but it’s always worth visiting schools, talking to parents, and considering your child’s unique needs before making a decision.

Final Thoughts

School ratings may shape the housing market, but they also provide valuable insights for parents looking to make informed decisions. Whether you’re already a North Texas homeowner or considering a move, understanding how districts are evaluated and where they currently stand can help you plan with confidence.

 

The TEA’s latest results show that North Texas has no shortage of high-performing districts, while also highlighting areas where support and resources are still needed. Families should use these ratings as a starting point — not the final word — when weighing school quality and community investment.