Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Public High Schools in Dallas-Fort Worth
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Public High Schools in Dallas-Fort Worth
Direct Answer
The Best Overall public high school in Dallas-Fort Worth is the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) in the Dallas ISD's Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, a magnet that routinely ranks No. 1 in Texas and among the top public high schools nationally with near-universal AP success and a graduation rate at or near 100%.
The Best Value pick is Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, a tuition-free comprehensive school in one of the metro's strongest districts that delivers elite academics and athletics to every zoned family without a magnet application. This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll across the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from TEA, U.S. News, and Niche.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families tell counselors they actually care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the College Board. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP/IB): 25%
- College and post-grad outcomes: 20%
- Value and cost: 15%
- Teachers and resources: 15%
- Environment and safety: 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit: 10%
A school that posts elite scores but graduates few students, or wins on reputation but offers thin programs, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public Magnet | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: High-achieving students seeking the top-ranked public school in Texas
Part of the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in Dallas ISD, the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) enrolls roughly 450 students and is repeatedly ranked the No. 1 public high school in Texas and among the top few nationally by U.S. News.
TAG posts a graduation rate at or near 100% and one of the highest AP participation and pass rates in the country, with every student required to take a heavy AP load. Average SAT scores land near 1400, and the small enrollment supports seminar-style classes. Matriculation skews to UT Austin, the Ivies, and other selective universities.
Admission is competitive and based on academic record and test performance.
Pros:
- Ranked the No. 1 public high school in Texas
- Graduation rate at or near 100%
- Nation-leading AP participation and pass rates
- Strong matriculation to selective universities
Cons:
- Admission is highly competitive and academically selective
- Very small school means limited athletics and electives
Verdict: TAG wins on balance, the deepest academic program in DFW with outcomes that lead the state.
2. School of Science and Engineering (SEM)
Type: Public Magnet | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: STEM students targeting the metro's top science and engineering magnet
Also housed in the Townview Center in Dallas ISD, the School of Science and Engineering (SEM) enrolls about 440 students and consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Texas and nationally. SEM posts a graduation rate near 100%, exceptional AP results in math and science, and average SAT scores near 1380.
The magnet emphasizes engineering, computer science, and research, and graduates routinely enroll at UT Austin, Texas A&M, MIT, and other STEM-strong universities. Admission is competitive and based on academic merit.
Pros:
- Top-ranked STEM magnet in Texas
- Graduation rate near 100%
- Exceptional AP math and science results
- Strong engineering and research focus
Cons:
- Selective, merit-based admission
- Narrow STEM focus may not suit all students
Verdict: The best STEM magnet in DFW, ideal for science and engineering-minded students who can earn a seat.
3. Carroll Senior High School 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Southlake families wanting elite academics and athletics without a magnet application
Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Carroll ISD, enrolls about 1,300 students in grades 11 and 12 and anchors one of the metro's strongest districts. Carroll posts a graduation rate near 99%, broad AP offerings, and average SAT scores around 1280, all delivered tuition-free in an open-enrollment setting any zoned family can access without a competitive test.
The school is also a perennial state football and athletics powerhouse with deep extracurriculars. Its strong funding and experienced faculty make it an outstanding outcomes-per-dollar choice.
Pros:
- Free, open-enrollment access to top-tier outcomes
- Graduation rate near 99%
- Broad AP catalog and strong SAT averages
- State-caliber athletics and extracurriculars
Cons:
- Attendance-zone housing carries a steep price premium
- Large, high-pressure peer environment
Verdict: The value champion, elite Southlake outcomes free of charge to every zoned family.
4. Highland Park High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a top comprehensive school with strong academics and athletics
Highland Park High School in Highland Park ISD, just north of downtown Dallas, enrolls about 2,200 students and is one of the metro's most consistent high performers. Highland Park reports a graduation rate near 99%, a deep AP catalog, and average SAT scores around 1290.
The school pairs strong academics with renowned athletics, including multiple state football titles, and a well-resourced attendance zone funds broad electives. Graduates enroll heavily in four-year colleges, including UT Austin, SMU, and selective out-of-state schools.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 99%
- Deep AP offerings and strong SAT averages
- Renowned athletics and extracurriculars
- Open enrollment with no admission test
Cons:
- Affluent zone limits socioeconomic diversity
- Housing premium to enter the attendance zone
Verdict: A balanced comprehensive powerhouse, elite academics paired with the metro's deepest athletics.
5. Liberty High School (Frisco)
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Frisco families seeking top comprehensive outcomes in a fast-growing district
Liberty High School in Frisco ISD enrolls about 2,100 students and is regularly among the highest-rated comprehensive schools in the booming northern suburbs. Liberty posts a graduation rate near 98%, high AP participation, and average SAT scores around 1250.
Frisco ISD's strong funding supports broad electives, competitive academics, and well-regarded athletics. Graduates enroll heavily in four-year colleges, including UT Austin, Texas A&M, and University of North Texas. The student-teacher ratio sits near 15:1.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- High AP participation and strong outcomes
- Well-funded, fast-growing district
- Open enrollment for zoned families
Cons:
- Rapid growth can strain capacity
- Less specialization than the Dallas magnets
Verdict: A top comprehensive school in Frisco, strong academics backed by a well-resourced district.
6. Coppell High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting strong academics and diversity in a mid-cities district
Coppell High School in Coppell ISD enrolls about 3,000 students and is one of the most respected comprehensive schools in the mid-cities between Dallas and Fort Worth. Coppell reports a graduation rate near 98%, broad AP and dual-credit offerings, and average SAT scores around 1260.
The school is known for academic competition teams, strong STEM programs, and a diverse student body. Graduates enroll heavily in Texas flagships and selective out-of-state universities, and the district's funding supports deep electives.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Broad AP and dual-credit catalog
- Strong STEM and competition teams
- Diverse, well-resourced student community
Cons:
- Large enrollment yields sizable core classes
- Popular electives fill quickly
Verdict: A diverse, high-performing comprehensive school, strong academics in a central DFW location.
7. Westlake Academy / Keller Central area standout: Keller High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: North Tarrant County families wanting strong comprehensive outcomes
Keller High School in Keller ISD, in north Tarrant County, enrolls about 2,800 students and is among the strongest comprehensive schools on the Fort Worth side of the metro. Keller reports a graduation rate near 98%, a solid AP program, and average SAT scores around 1230.
The school pairs strong academics with competitive athletics, band, and STEM clubs, and the district's funding supports broad electives. Graduates enroll heavily in Texas universities, including UT Arlington, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Solid AP catalog and strong extracurriculars
- Competitive athletics and band programs
- Open enrollment for zoned families
Cons:
- Smaller AP catalog than the Dallas magnets
- Limited specialized magnet programming
Verdict: The best comprehensive option on the Fort Worth side, dependable academics with strong activities.
8. Plano West Senior High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Plano families wanting a large, high-performing comprehensive school
Plano West Senior High School in Plano ISD enrolls about 2,700 students in grades 11 and 12 and is a longtime high performer in one of the metro's largest districts. Plano West reports a graduation rate near 97%, a deep AP catalog, and average SAT scores around 1250.
The school is known for competitive academics, strong athletics, and a wide range of electives, and graduates enroll heavily in Texas flagships and selective out-of-state schools. The district's scale supports extensive program options.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 97%
- Deep AP offerings and broad electives
- Strong athletics and activities
- Large, well-resourced district
Cons:
- Very large enrollment means big classes
- Upperclassmen-only campus limits four-year continuity
Verdict: A large comprehensive standout in Plano, breadth of programs with strong outcomes.
9. Lebanon Trail High School (Frisco)
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Frisco families wanting a newer, fast-rising comprehensive school
Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco ISD enrolls about 2,000 students and has quickly risen among the metro's top comprehensive schools since opening. Lebanon Trail reports a graduation rate near 98%, strong AP participation, and average SAT scores around 1240.
The school benefits from Frisco ISD's strong funding, modern facilities, and competitive academics, with graduates enrolling heavily in Texas universities. The student-teacher ratio is near 15:1, and STEM and fine-arts programs are well regarded.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Strong AP participation and modern facilities
- Well-funded, fast-rising program
- Open enrollment for zoned families
Cons:
- Newer school with a shorter track record
- Rapid district growth can strain capacity
Verdict: A fast-rising Frisco comprehensive school, modern facilities and strong outcomes in a top district.
10. Lovejoy High School (Lucas)
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Collin County families wanting a small, top-performing comprehensive school
Lovejoy High School in Lovejoy ISD, in Lucas near Allen, enrolls about 1,400 students and is one of the highest-rated smaller comprehensive schools in the metro. Lovejoy reports a graduation rate near 99%, a solid AP catalog, and average SAT scores around 1250.
The small district is known for strong academics, competitive athletics, and high college-going rates, with graduates enrolling heavily in Texas flagships and selective out-of-state universities. Its size supports a close-knit, supportive culture.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 99%
- Strong academics with a close-knit culture
- Competitive athletics for a small district
- High four-year college enrollment
Cons:
- Smaller AP catalog than the largest districts
- Attendance-zone housing premium
Verdict: A small-district standout, top outcomes and a supportive culture in Collin County.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School
- Graduation and college-going rates: A school that graduates 95%+ of students and sends most to four-year colleges signals consistent outcomes, not just high scores from a few.
- AP/IB depth and pass rates: Look beyond how many courses are offered to how many students actually pass the exams, which reflects real classroom rigor.
- Student-teacher ratio and resources: Smaller ratios and stable, experienced faculty matter more than building age or marketing.
- Magnet vs. Open enrollment: Magnets like TAG and SEM offer depth but require competitive admission; top comprehensive schools like Carroll and Highland Park deliver elite outcomes to all zoned families.
- Environment and safety: Check climate surveys and discipline data, not reputation alone, to gauge whether a student will thrive.
- Program fit: A STEM magnet may serve one student far better than a higher overall ranking, while another thrives in a large comprehensive school with deep athletics.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's national ranking number, its newest building, or its average SAT alone. Fit, program access, and a supportive teacher relationship affect outcomes far more than a single headline figure.
FAQ
Which public high school is the best overall in Dallas-Fort Worth? The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) in Dallas ISD earns the top spot for its near-universal AP success, a graduation rate at or near 100%, and its standing as the No. 1 public high school in Texas.
What is the best value public high school in DFW? Carroll Senior High School in Southlake is our best value, delivering a graduation rate near 99% and elite academics and athletics tuition-free to every zoned family, with no competitive magnet application required.
Which DFW public high school is best for STEM? The School of Science and Engineering (SEM) in Dallas ISD is the most rigorous STEM magnet, with exceptional AP math and science results; TAG and Coppell are also strong STEM choices.
Do the top DFW public high schools require an application? The Dallas magnets, TAG and SEM, require competitive admission, while comprehensive schools like Carroll, Highland Park, Coppell, and Liberty are open to families in their attendance zones.
Which DFW suburb has the best public high schools? Southlake (Carroll ISD), Highland Park, Frisco, and Coppell consistently rank among the strongest, with Dallas ISD's Townview magnets leading on specialized academic rigor.
Is an AP-heavy school or a magnet better in DFW? It depends on the student. A magnet like TAG or SEM offers the deepest, most selective rigor, while a strong comprehensive school like Carroll or Highland Park pairs broad AP options with athletics, arts, and open enrollment.
Bottom Line
For DFW families, the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) is our Best Overall public high school, its near-universal AP success and graduation rate at or near 100% lead the state. Carroll Senior High School is our Best Value, delivering elite academics and athletics tuition-free to every zoned family in Southlake.
If your priority is specialized STEM or a large comprehensive school with deep athletics, use the decision tree above to route yourself to SEM, Highland Park, or Frisco instead. Choose on program fit, outcomes, and access, not a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best Texas High Schools rankings
- Niche - Best Public High Schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area
- GreatSchools - Texas school ratings
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) - TXschools.gov report cards
- College Board - AP program data
- Dallas ISD - Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
- Carroll ISD - Carroll Senior High School
- Highland Park ISD
- Frisco ISD
- NCES - National Center for Education Statistics school search
*Public high schools in Dallas-Fort Worth review - best public high schools DFW, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*