Submitted by the Student Activities Department
In Dallas ISD, the University Interscholastic League is more than a series of academic contests; it is a vertical climb.
This rigorous academic pipeline transforms curious students into elite competitors, proving that academics is a championship sport.
“Students need a place where they feel successful and where they can make themselves and their parents proud. I believe we provide that with our UIL programs,” Michelle Read, Student Activities coordinator, said.
The path to success begins in the elementary classroom, where UIL is about discovery and learning how to compete.
This year’s elementary competition saw record-breaking participation, drawing 1,974 students from 111 campuses. Student Activities hosted a two-division event to ensure every student had a moment to shine.
Students competed in categories ranging from number sense and spelling to creative writing and science.
“This turnout underscores Dallas ISD’s commitment to fostering a culture of high expectations and intellectual curiosity at the foundational level,” Lennon Formaggini, Student Activities coordinator, said. “As these students tackled mental challenges, they built the critical thinking skills necessary for the next level of their academic journey.”
As students transition to middle school, the stakes are higher. The middle school UIL program introduces critical thinking and impromptu speaking.
This year, J. L. Long Middle School took home 32 awards.
Long coach Juan Fernandez attributes their success to integrating UIL into both class time and extracurriculars.
“Our students are already very strongly committed to the Texas Math & Science Coaches Association competitions, and the chess program, so we are strong in those areas,” Fernandez said.
The vertical investment in UIL paid off at the 2026 High School Academic Regional meet.
The School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center became the Region II 5A Champions, and 18 students advanced to the state championship.
Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet qualified for UIL state in editorial writing, and Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School at El Centro College secured its spot on the UIL state roster in mathematics.
From the third grader winning their first ribbons to the high school senior preparing for the state championship, Dallas ISD students represent the cultivation of excellence at every grade level.
Elementary School UIL Results
Middle School UIL Results
High School UIL Results
