Best Elementary Schools
in Dallas, Texas
We ranked the 260 elementary schools in Dallas with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.7 and 9.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Dallas for 2026 are Michael M Boone EL (9.8/10), Lakewood EL (9.6/10), and Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School (9.6/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 260 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Dallas?
Every elementary school in Dallas is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Michael M Boone EL
Dallas, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Lakewood EL
Dallas, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School
Dallas, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Dallas ranks 224 elementary schools, giving parents one of the broader school landscapes to navigate in Texas. The average composite score across those schools sits at 6.2/10, but the top tier pulls well ahead — Golden Rule and Cedar Crest Elementary both reach 9.4/10, the highest marks in the metro. C.A. Tatum Jr. Elementary, Tom C. Gooch Elementary, and Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School follow close behind at 9.2–9.3/10. The spread matters when you're choosing. Eighty-one schools — 36% of the ranked total — score 7 or above, meaning strong options exist across multiple neighborhoods rather than clustering in one area. The table below lets you sort by score, location, or other factors to find the schools that fit your priorities. Start with the top-rated performers or filter by your zip code to narrow the field quickly.
Michael M Boone EL
Lakewood EL
Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Dallas's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 260 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael M Boone EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 9.8 |
| 2 | Lakewood EL DALLAS ISD | 9.6 |
| 3 | Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School DALLAS ISD | 9.6 |
| 4 | George B Dealey Montessori Academy DALLAS ISD | 9.6 |
| 5 | University Park EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 9.6 |
| 6 | Golden Rule Charter GOLDEN RULE CHARTER SCHOOL | 9.5 |
| 7 | Solar Preparatory School for Girls at Bonham DALLAS ISD | 9.4 |
| 8 | Armstrong EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 9.4 |
| 9 | Brentfield EL RICHARDSON ISD | 9.4 |
| 10 | Jack Lowe SR EL DALLAS ISD | 9.3 |
| 11 | Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez EL DALLAS ISD | 9.3 |
| 12 | Solar Prep for Boys at John F Kennedy DALLAS ISD | 9.3 |
| 13 | Hyer EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 9.3 |
| 14 | Dan D Rogers EL DALLAS ISD | 9.2 |
| 15 | Mark Twain School for the Talented and Gifted DALLAS ISD | 9.2 |
| 16 | Spring Creek EL RICHARDSON ISD | 9.2 |
| 17 | Annie Webb Blanton EL DALLAS ISD | 9.1 |
| 18 | White Rock EL RICHARDSON ISD | 9.1 |
| 19 | Mockingbird EL DALLAS ISD | 9.0 |
| 20 | Golden Rule Southwest Charter GOLDEN RULE CHARTER SCHOOL | 8.9 |
| 21 | Bradfield EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 8.9 |
| 22 | Bowie EL RICHARDSON ISD | 8.9 |
| 23 | Moss Haven EL RICHARDSON ISD | 8.9 |
| 24 | Richard J Lee EL COPPELL ISD | 8.8 |
| 25 | Margaret B Henderson EL DALLAS ISD | 8.7 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Dallas
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Dallas's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Dallas
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Dallas's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 279 schools spanning 35 school districts, plus 43 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Dallas, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Michael M Boone EL is the top-rated elementary school in Dallas with a composite score of 9.8/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Dallas, Texas?
Dallas has 279 elementary schools, including 43 charter schools. Of these, 264 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Dallas?
The average composite score for Dallas elementary schools is 6.5/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Texas, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Texas, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Dallas elementary school rankings?
Yes. Dallas has 43 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.