Best High Schools
in Dallas, Texas
We ranked all 85 high schools in Dallas. The top 25 scored between 7.2 and 9.0 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
Dallas ranks 68 high schools across one of Texas's largest metro areas, with scores ranging from well below average to a 9.0/10 at the top. Highland Park H S leads the list, followed closely by Uplift Education-North Hills Prep H S and School for the Talented and Gifted, both at 8.9/10. The metro average sits at 6.5/10, which means the strongest schools pull well ahead of the pack. Families looking for consistent quality have real options here: 30 schools — 44% of all ranked high schools — score 7.0 or higher. That spread signals meaningful differences between schools, so location alone shouldn't drive the decision. The table below lets you sort by composite score, school type, and other key factors to find the best fit for your student.
HIGHLAND PARK H S
UPLIFT EDUCATION-NORTH HILLS PREP H S
SCHOOL FOR THE TALENTED AND GIFTED
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Dallas's High 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
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 85 schools spanning 35 school districts, plus 28 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 high school in Dallas, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, HIGHLAND PARK H S is the top-rated high school in Dallas with a composite score of 9.0/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Dallas, Texas?
Dallas has 85 high schools, including 28 charter schools. Of these, 78 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Dallas?
The average composite score for Dallas high schools is 6.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Dallas has 28 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.