Best Elementary Schools
in Dallas, Texas
We ranked all 279 elementary schools in Dallas. The top 25 scored between 8.3 and 9.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
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.
GOLDEN RULE
CEDAR CREST EL
C A TATUM JR EL
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GOLDEN RULE Charter GOLDEN RULE CHARTER SCHOOL | 9.4 |
| 2 | CEDAR CREST EL DALLAS ISD | 9.4 |
| 3 | C A TATUM JR EL DALLAS ISD | 9.3 |
| 4 | TOM C GOOCH EL DALLAS ISD | 9.2 |
| 5 | TRINITY HEIGHTS GIFTED AND TALENTED SCHOOL DALLAS ISD | 9.2 |
| 6 | JACK LOWE SR EL DALLAS ISD | 9.2 |
| 7 | JOHN W CARPENTER EL DALLAS ISD | 9.1 |
| 8 | JAMES BOWIE EL DALLAS ISD | 9.0 |
| 9 | BRADFIELD EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 8.9 |
| 10 | MICHAEL M BOONE EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 8.9 |
| 11 | BRENTFIELD EL RICHARDSON ISD | 8.9 |
| 12 | LAKEWOOD EL DALLAS ISD | 8.8 |
| 13 | UMPHREY LEE EL DALLAS ISD | 8.8 |
| 14 | LIDA HOOE EL DALLAS ISD | 8.7 |
| 15 | DAN D ROGERS EL DALLAS ISD | 8.7 |
| 16 | MARK TWAIN SCHOOL FOR THE TALENTED AND GIFTED DALLAS ISD | 8.7 |
| 17 | RUFUS C BURLESON EL DALLAS ISD | 8.6 |
| 18 | EVERETTE LEE DEGOLYER EL DALLAS ISD | 8.6 |
| 19 | WILMER-HUTCHINS EL DALLAS ISD | 8.6 |
| 20 | ARMSTRONG EL HIGHLAND PARK ISD | 8.6 |
| 21 | WHITE ROCK EL RICHARDSON ISD | 8.6 |
| 22 | BAYLES EL DALLAS ISD | 8.5 |
| 23 | MOCKINGBIRD EL DALLAS ISD | 8.4 |
| 24 | FREDERICK DOUGLASS EL DALLAS ISD | 8.4 |
| 25 | CLARA OLIVER EL DALLAS ISD | 8.3 |
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, GOLDEN RULE is the top-rated elementary school in Dallas with a composite score of 9.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.2/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.