Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (Isd)

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (ISD) in Texas serves 38 schools, including 24 elementary, 6 middle, and 7 high schools, and is ranked in the 57th percentile statewide with a 3-star rating.

For parents, the standout schools are clear. McCoy Elementary is the district's top performer, ranking in the 97th percentile with exceptional test scores, while Las Colinas Elementary and Kent Elementary also earn 5-star ratings. At the high school level, Early College High School leads with a 100% graduation rate and top test scores, despite serving a high-poverty population. Among traditional high schools, Creekview High School stands out with a 97.8% graduation rate and the highest state ranking. In contrast, Sheffield Elementary and McWhorter Elementary face significant challenges with low proficiency rates, while Polk Middle and Long Middle struggle in math. Notably, middle schools like Perry Middle and Blalack Middle excel in Algebra I, even as their grade-level math scores lag, revealing a "barbell" approach to math instruction.

Key metrics show a strong link between poverty and performance, with top elementary schools having low free/reduced lunch rates (21-25%) and struggling schools having high rates (79-91%). Spending varies widely, from $9,036 per student at La Villita Elementary (a high-performing school) to over $12,000 at high-poverty schools like Carrollton Elementary, suggesting that how money is spent matters more than the amount. A concerning trend is the declining performance at Turner High School and Smith High School, which have dropped in state rankings over recent years. Overall, the district offers a mix of excellent options like Early College High School and McCoy Elementary, but families should be aware of significant disparities in performance and resources across schools.