The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is the second-largest school district in Texas and the twelfth-largest in the United States. With over 158,000 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, DISD serves a diverse population of students from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. In recent years, DISD has seen a steady increase in enrollment, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. This growth is due in part to the district’s strong academic programs, its commitment to equity and inclusion, and its focus on providing a well-rounded education for all students.
One of the most important factors contributing to DISD’s growth is its strong academic programs. The district offers a wide range of academic programs, including magnet schools, gifted and talented programs, and career and technical education programs. These programs provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their skills in a supportive and challenging environment. DISD also has a strong track record of academic success. In 2019, the district’s graduation rate was 92%, which is well above the state average. Additionally, DISD students consistently perform well on standardized tests.
Another factor that is contributing to DISD’s growth is its commitment to equity and inclusion. The district is committed to providing all students with a high-quality education, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. DISD has a number of programs and initiatives in place to support students from diverse backgrounds, including English language learner programs, special education programs, and programs for students who are economically disadvantaged. The district is also working to address the achievement gap between different student groups.
Dallas ISD’s Enrollment Surges to Record Highs
Enrollment Growth
Dallas ISD (DISD) has witnessed a remarkable surge in enrollment, reaching record-breaking levels for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. According to official figures, the district has enrolled a staggering 155,123 students, representing an increase of over 2,000 students from the previous year. This exceptional growth is attributed to several factors, including population growth within the district boundaries and the district’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences.
The increase in enrollment has been consistent across all grade levels, with elementary schools experiencing the most significant growth. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten enrollment has surged by over 5%, while middle and high school enrollment has increased by approximately 2%. This surge in student population poses both opportunities and challenges for DISD, necessitating strategic planning and resource allocation to ensure continued success.
To accommodate the influx of students, DISD has implemented a comprehensive plan that includes expanding facilities, hiring additional teachers, and providing targeted support to students.
Furthermore, DISD has partnered with local organizations to offer wrap-around services, such as after-school programs and community outreach initiatives, to support the holistic development of its students.
| School Year | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 153,092 | |
| 2024-2025 | 155,123Factors Contributing to the Enrollment Increase———-Dallas ISD has witnessed a steady increase in enrollment over the past several years, and projections indicate that this trend will continue in the 2024-2025 school year. Several factors are attributed to this enrollment surge.#### Growing Population in the Dallas Area ####Dallas is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. An influx of new families and young professionals has contributed significantly to the growth in school-aged children.#### Improved School Performance and Academic Programs ####In recent years, Dallas ISD has made significant investments in improving school performance and expanding academic offerings. The establishment of specialized schools, such as magnet and STEM academies, has attracted students seeking diverse educational experiences.#### District-Wide Initiatives ####The district has implemented several initiatives to enhance the overall student experience, including: | Initiative |
| Initiative | Impact | |
| Universal Pre-K | Provides free, high-quality preschool to all 4-year-olds in the district, increasing access to early childhood education. | |
| Dual Language Program | Offers students the opportunity to become proficient in two languages, expanding their educational and career options. | |
| School Choice | Allows parents to select the school that best meets their child’s needs, creating more competitive enrollment. | |
| School Type | Enrollment | |
| Traditional Public Schools | Approximately 120,000 | |
| Charter Schools | Approximately 20,000 | |
| Early Childhood Education Programs | Approximately 6,000 | |
| Grade Level | Projected Enrollment 2024-2025 | |
| Pre-K | 12,500 | |
| Kindergarten | 13,000 | |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | 55,000 | |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 30,000 | |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | 55,000 | |
| Year | Enrollment | Change |
| 2020-2021 | 156,057 | - |
| 2021-2022 | 147,759 | -5.5% |
| Year | Projected Enrollment | Capacity |
| 2024-2025 | 165,000 | 160,000 |
| 2025-2026 | 170,000 | 165,000 |
| 2026-2027 | 175,000 | 170,000 |
| School | Expansion | |
| Bryan Adams High School | New gymnasium, weight room, and locker rooms | |
| Carter High School | New science labs, classrooms, and library | |
| Hillcrest High School | New career and technical education center | |
| Lake Highlands Elementary School | New cafeteria, gymnasium, and playground | |
| North Dallas High School | New fine arts center, including a theater, music room, and art studio | |
| Reverchon Elementary School | New library, computer lab, and classrooms | |
| Silers Elementary School | New gymnasium, playground, and classrooms | |
| Year | Teacher Turnover Rate | |
| 2020-2021 | 10.5% | |
| 2021-2022 | 8.7% | |
| Service | Description | |
| After-school programs | Provide academic support, enrichment activities, and meals. | |
| Health and dental care | Offer basic health screenings, immunizations, and dental care. | |
| Housing and financial assistance | Provide referrals to housing programs and financial assistance. |