A significant achievement has emerged from North Texas schools, showcasing the impact of recent educational reforms. In particular, Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary, located in Vickery Meadow—a culturally diverse area of Dallas—has been recognized for its exemplary performance. The school, where staff and students communicate in 25 different languages and 98% of the student body comes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, received an A rating from the nonprofit organization Children at Risk.
This accolade is not an isolated case. Across North Texas, public schools are making strides in providing quality education to low-income students. The number of schools designated with the prestigious Gold Ribbon award for high performance in high-poverty environments nearly doubled this year. In total, 90 schools received this recognition for the 2024-25 academic year, a notable increase from the previous year’s 52 awardees. This figure rises to 101 when including magnet and charter schools, which were assessed for the first time this year.
Assessment of Educational Progress
Children at Risk employs a comprehensive methodology to evaluate schools, focusing on student achievement and growth. Their A-F rankings assess schools based on performance metrics including STAAR test scores while considering poverty levels. High schools are additionally evaluated for their college readiness programs. The latest rankings indicate that several school districts in the region, including Frisco, Plano, and Coppell Independent School Districts as well as the Uplift Education charter system, have been recognized for their performance.
The recent results affirm the efficacy of educational reforms implemented in Dallas ISD and surrounding districts. Earlier this summer, substantial progress in DISD was highlighted, showcasing a positive trend in the number of high-performing schools while decreasing the number of failing institutions. This growth represents a significant milestone for the largest school district in the region.
According to Robert Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, these improvements have occurred even in the absence of additional funding from the state legislature for several years. Recent legislation has allocated $8.5 billion to public schools, underscoring the importance of adequate funding alongside the implementation of effective reforms.
The Path Forward
Key to sustaining this upward trajectory is the continuation of in-system school choice, which allows parents to select schools that best meet their children’s needs and interests. The success of programs like the Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) in DISD serves as a model for other districts in Texas. This initiative emphasizes the importance of investing in highly qualified teachers and school leaders, reinforcing the notion that quality education is a collaborative effort.
The overall grade for DISD has improved from a C to a B in the latest state ratings, reflecting the positive impact of improved curriculum and teaching methods. As the region moves forward, a commitment to fostering educational choices and maintaining high standards will be crucial for ensuring continued success in serving students from diverse backgrounds.
The recent accolades and performance assessments not only highlight the progress made in North Texas schools but also serve as a testament to the ongoing efforts to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their economic circumstances.
