Nichols Elementary

Nichols Elementary in Frisco, TX, is a top-performing school serving 635 students in grades PK through 5 as part of the highly-ranked Frisco Independent School District (Isd).

Nichols Elementary stands out as an academic powerhouse, consistently ranking in the 99th percentile of Texas elementary schools for the past three years and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for ten consecutive years. Its STAAR test scores are exceptional across all subjects and grades, significantly outperforming both district and state averages. For example, 5th-grade reading proficiency reached 95.12%, compared to the district's 80.51% and the state's 58.47%. The school also excels in science, with 76.12% of 5th graders proficient, far exceeding nearby high-performing schools like Fisher Elementary (67.86%) and Sparks Elementary (57.14%). Remarkably, Nichols achieves these results with the lowest per-student spending among its Frisco ISD peers ($7,643), while schools with higher spending like Fisher ($10,265) and Carroll Elementary ($9,846) have significantly lower state rankings and test scores.

This efficiency and consistent upward trajectory—from the 96th percentile in 2015-2016 to the 99th percentile today—point to strong leadership and effective teaching practices. The school also demonstrates outstanding performance for all student subgroups, including special education and Hispanic students, with many ranking in the 99th percentile statewide. In contrast, D H Brent Elementary, located just 2.21 miles away in the Little Elm Independent School District (Isd), ranks in the 32nd percentile with 5th-grade reading proficiency at 43.06%, highlighting how school performance can vary dramatically within a short distance. While a slight dip in 4th-grade math (80% proficiency) is worth monitoring, it remains a minor concern in an otherwise stellar profile.