Several Dallas ISD schools are being recognized by Children at Risk, a research and advocacy nonprofit organization, for its continued academic excellence and growth.
This year’s rankings highlight success on the middle and high school levels, and include an increase in the number of Gold Ribbon Schools, which are high-performing, high-poverty campuses. Notably, the top four high schools in the ranking are all Dallas ISD schools.
Children at Risk evaluates Texas public schools based on key performance indicators:
- Student achievement – Performance on state standardized tests (STAAR)
- Campus performance – Comparison of test scores to schools with similar poverty levels
- Student growth – Improvement in STAAR scores over a school year
- College readiness – Graduation rates and participation in college-prep activities (for high schools only)
According to Children at Risk, rankings reveal significant trends shaping public education in Texas. Schools across the state continue to show improvement, particularly at the middle and high school levels, with college readiness seeing the most progress.
In Dallas ISD, School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center earned the title of Best High School in North Texas.
Lasandra Gillard, principal of the school, attributed the school’s success to its strong partnerships with the local healthcare community.
“Our health science staff brings expertise from a variety of DFW healthcare programs, volunteering their time to mentor and equip students with the skills they need before graduating and pursuing careers in healthcare,” she said. “Their dedication ensures our students are not only prepared but confident in their future paths.”
William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted is among the many Dallas ISD middle schools that was recognized by Children at Risk.
In fact, it was once again recognized as the Best Middle School in North Texas. Travis TAG’s principal, Alessandra Mercon, credits the achievement to the school’s students, families, and educators.
“The magic at Travis TAG comes from our remarkable students, team members, and families. This recognition is a testament to their collective effort,” she said. “We are setting the standard for gifted and talented education by inspiring lifelong learning and nurturing each student’s unique potential.”
New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell High School is one of Dallas ISD campuses that received the Top North Texas Gold Ribbon Award, an honor recognizing high-performing economically disadvantaged schools.
“Our project-based learning model sets us apart, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations,” said Channel Hutchinson, principal of New Tech. “With the support of our dedicated teachers and staff, we focus on the whole child—fostering agency, collaboration, communication, and a deep understanding of the subjects. Our success comes from believing in our students and building them up every day.”
The list of Dallas ISD schools recognized is below:
Top high schools:
- No. 1: School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
- No. 2: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
- No. 3: Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School at Mountain View
- No. 4: Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
Top middle schools:
- No. 1: William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted
- No. 2: Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
Top elementary schools:
- No. 2: Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
Top Gold Ribbon High School in North Texas:
- No. 1: New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell
Top Gold Ribbon Elementary Schools:
- No. 1: Margaret B Henderson Elementary School
- No. 2: Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School
These annual rankings from Children at Risk provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and community members across Dallas ISD. The continued recognition of district schools underscores the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
