August 15, 2025

Texas Schools Receive A-F Accountability Ratings

News Summary

The Texas Education Agency has announced the A-F ratings for public school districts for the upcoming academic year. With over 1,200 districts evaluated, ratings varied significantly, reflecting the performance of schools statewide. While many districts improved their ratings, concerns remain about the fairness of the A-F system, particularly for poorer areas. Notable changes include Dallas ISD’s rise from a C to a B. The ratings serve as a crucial tool for parents and stakeholders in assessing educational performance.

Texas – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced the A-F accountability ratings for public school districts and campuses for the 2024-2025 school year, covering a vast network of 1,208 school districts and 9,084 campuses statewide. The ratings are pivotal for parents and stakeholders to assess educational performance and are categorized into three main areas: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps.

Each district received a rating from A to F. Notably, several of the largest school districts in North Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Frisco Independent School Districts (ISDs), received ratings that varied from A to C. This marks a significant evaluation period for school performance amidst ongoing discussions regarding the efficacy and fairness of the rating system.

The A-F rating system was initially implemented in 2018. However, in the 2022-2023 school year, the methodology was revised to enhance the accuracy of performance measurements. This change comes after a lengthy legal dispute that delayed the release of the previous year’s ratings, which were only confirmed in April 2025 due to a court ruling.

According to the latest TEA report, 24% of districts and 31% of campuses showed improvement in their letter grades from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in educational performance across Texas. However, 15% of campuses experienced a rating decline. Among the notable changes, Dallas ISD succeeded in raising its overall rating from a C to a B, ending a three-year streak at the C level. Meanwhile, Fort Worth ISD maintained its C rating but significantly reduced the number of schools rated F, lowering it from 31 to 11.

Despite some districts showing improvements, the A-F rating system continues to face criticism. Many superintendents and education advocates argue that the system may disproportionately affect poorer districts. Several districts have voiced concerns over perceived unfair grading practices, suggesting that the system does not accurately reflect student needs and challenges.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath has emphasized that the accountability ratings are essential for ensuring transparency and driving improvement within schools. The ratings also serve as a vital communication tool for parents, helping them gauge their children’s schools’ performance relative to others in the area.

Performance assessments are based on various factors, including student outcomes on the STAAR test, graduation rates, and college or career readiness, particularly for high schools. However, specific campuses have drawn significant attention due to their consistent low ratings. For example, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak 6th Grade within Fort Worth ISD has received a failing grade for five consecutive years, placing it at risk of state intervention due to its ongoing performance issues.

In addition, Arlington ISD is currently planning to appeal its rating, citing various issues with the scoring, particularly related to their STAAR tests that were evaluated using artificial intelligence scoring methods. Such appeals highlight ongoing conversations about the rating process’s validity and reliability.

The 2024-2025 ratings emerge after a prolonged legal struggle over the TEA’s evaluation standards, with the current release providing a clear picture of school performance and accountability in Texas. The A-F rating system aims not only to clarify school effectiveness but also to assist school administrators in making informed decisions to enhance academic results.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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