News Summary
Both the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) have achieved significant academic milestones, as noted in the Texas Education Agency’s recent ratings. HISD saw a remarkable 10-point increase, marking no failing schools for the first time, while DISD improved to a ‘B’ rating, with over 70% of schools earning A or B grades. Despite differing enrollment trends, both districts demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for their diverse student populations.
Houston and Dallas Independent School Districts (ISDs) have made significant strides in their academic performance, achieving some of the highest ratings documented in recent history according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The 2025 accountability ratings indicate substantial improvements, with both districts celebrating their advancements amid diverse challenges.
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) experienced a notable increase of 10 points in its overall score from 2023 to 2025, now documented as a historic achievement by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. For the first time, HISD reported no failing schools in its annual A-F ratings, signaling a remarkable turnaround in academic performance. Morath acknowledged the district’s progress as the largest academic improvement recorded in U.S. history at that scale.
In the 2025 ratings, HISD scored a 79, with around three-quarters of its campuses graded A or B. Comparatively, the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) improved its rating to a ‘B’ in 2025, with nearly 93% of its schools receiving passing scores. This shift comes after DISD saw a significant increase in schools rated A, doubling the number from previous years, resulting in over 70% of schools attaining A or B ratings and a drastic reduction in F-rated schools from 24 to two.
Despite the academic improvements, the two districts reflect different trends in enrollment. HISD serves approximately 35,000 more students than DISD and boasts over 30 additional campuses. However, HISD’s enrollment has decreased by more than 30,000 students since the 2019-20 school year, exacerbating a decline that accelerated to about 4% annually following a state takeover. Conversely, DISD experienced a slight increase in enrollment between 2023-24 and 2024-25, recovering from a decrease of around 14,000 students since the 2019-20 academic year.
Both districts serve a large population of economically disadvantaged and emergent bilingual students, also characterized by a history of hosting some of Texas’ highest and lowest-rated schools. DISD has a larger percentage of these student groups compared to HISD. In the recent assessments, HISD outperformed DISD regarding the percentage of students who approached, met, or mastered grade level on state assessments.
HISD’s appointed superintendent, Mike Miles, previously held the same position at DISD, influencing the collaborative nature of improvements seen in both districts. HISD has implemented new marketing strategies and partnerships with non-profit organizations to bolster its Pre-K programs in an effort to stem the enrollment decline, demonstrating a proactive approach to attract and retain students.
Dallas ISD is also focusing on enrollment strategies, particularly targeting early grades, as a method to bolster its numbers in the coming years. Both districts’ commitment to addressing educational challenges amidst enrollment fluctuations illustrates a shared determination to enhance academic outcomes and improve the educational environment for their diverse student populations.
The ongoing developments in HISD and DISD reaffirm their respective commitments to improving educational results even with the backdrop of ongoing complexities, particularly related to student demographics and enrollment trends. The dedication demonstrated by both administrations serves as a model for other districts facing similar challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: HISD and Dallas ISD Test Scores
- Wikipedia: Houston Independent School District
- Dallas News: HISD’s Good News
- Google Search: Texas education system
- Star-Telegram: Local Education News
- Google Scholar: Texas Independent School Districts
- Chronicle: HISD State Takeover
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas education
- Statesman: Texas Cell Phone Ban
- Google News: Texas education policy
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
