David W Carter High School

David W Carter High School in Dallas, TX, is a large comprehensive high school serving 1,097 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Dallas Independent School District (Isd), where over 91% of students come from low-income households. The most remarkable story here is the school's dramatic turnaround: after ranking in the bottom 10% of Texas high schools just a few years ago, Carter has surged to the 66th percentile in the 2025-2026 school year, earning a 3-star rating—one of the most significant year-over-year improvements in the state.

This academic growth is especially impressive when compared to nearby schools. While Justin F Kimball High School remains in the 13th percentile and South Oak Cliff High School sits at the 61st percentile, Carter's rapid rise stands out. Even more striking is how Carter now outperforms Uplift Hampton Prep High School, a nearby charter school with a similar demographic profile, in key subjects like Algebra I (61.96% proficiency vs. 25%) and Biology (85.56% vs. 68.35%). The school excels in serving its most vulnerable students, ranking in the top 20% statewide for African American students, low-income students, special education students, and English language learners—all earning 4-star ratings.

However, there are important nuances for parents to consider. Despite the impressive test score gains, Carter's graduation rate has actually declined to 75.3%, well below the district average of 84.4%, and the dropout rate has risen to 5.6%. Additionally, the school's Gifted and Talented program ranks in the bottom 23rd percentile, suggesting that while the school has focused effectively on foundational skills and remediation, it may not yet be providing enough enrichment for its highest-achieving students. This creates an interesting contrast with elite magnet schools like Booker T Washington Spva Magnet (98th percentile) and Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy (91st percentile), which maintain top rankings but serve more selective populations.