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Education

With a current enrollment of just under 8,900 students, the DeSoto Independent School District is a small, suburban district 15 miles south of Dallas. The 23-square-mile district serves students in the communities of DeSoto, Glenn Heights and Ovilla with 12campuses. The district enjoys small town support of academics and athletics, along with taxpayer support for upgraded facilities, technology and instructional support.

Mission Statement
“We provide experiences for young men and women so they learn and practice the values of high academic and professional achievement as well as wholesome individual and civic character.”

The district’s mission, values, goals and objectives are clearly defined. The district and community have bonded to develop a system of schooling where all students are expected to graduate with character, intellectual preparedness and personal leadership as outlined in the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.

To that end, all campus, department and district improvement plans provide opportunities for students to achieve for academic excellence. Every school provides outstanding academic instruction supported by pyramids of instructional intervention, enrichment, behavior intervention and privileges.

Facilities and Growth 2011 DeSoto Schools
Seven Elementary Schools (PreK–5)—Amber Terrace, Cockrell Hill, The Meadows, Frank D. Moates, Northside, Woodridge, Ruby Young Three Middle Schools (6–8)—East, Curtistene S. McCowan, West One Freshman Campus—DHS Freshman Campus One High School (Alternative Education Program within High School)—DeSoto High SchoolCampuses are maintained at the highest standard for learning to be the “main thing.” While we continue to grow and build new campuses, we also enhance existing schools with current technology and facility improvements for security and energy efficiency.

DeSoto ISD continues to grow at a steady pace, adding approximately 300–500 students per year. The district structure was modified during the summer of 2007 to transition the previous two intermediate campuses into elementary campuses, expanding the number to seven elementary schools with grades PreK–5. Both current junior high schools were reconfigured to include sixth graders, and with the addition of McCowan Middle School, the district has three middle schools serving students in grades 6–8. Two new elementary schools and additional space for grades 9–12 will follow.

State and Federal Ratings
Based on the 2009-2010 school year, DeSoto ISD is rated recognized by the Texas Education Agency, and is the only recognized district in the Best Southwest.

• Three campuses are rated Exemplary by TEA

• Six campuses are rated Recognized by the TEA

• Three schools received the Acceptable rating

• The DeSoto ISD is rated RECOGNIZED by the TEA

• District and 10 schools met Federal Adequate Yearly Progress as outlined by No Child Left Behind

• Eight schools received one or more Gold Performance Acknowledgements for improvement in math and/or reading through the TEA

• Freshman campus one of 12 top transitional Texas High Schools and Top 500 schools in Texas

Excellence Achieved
• Freshman Campus and Woodridge Elementary named 2009 Higher Performing Schools by the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCES) as part of the 2009 Just 4 Kids Campaign

• DHS JROTC Eagle Battalion awarded GOLD STAR, Honor Unit With Distinction by the United States Army

• Ruby Young Elementary named a Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) Exemplary Campus

• District-wide Positive Behavior Support Initiative (PBSI)

• Two TCU Texas Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists

• State Champions: 2009 Boys Basketball; Girls Track and Field

• Several organization awards including Peacemakers, Business Professionals of America, Eagle Eye Newspaper Staff, ROTC, EAGLE Marching Band, Choir and Eaglettes Drill Team

• Basketball and Football advanced into the playoffs

Private Schools
DeSoto also offers a wide selection of private schools for children in preschool through 12th grade. These educational options generally provide specialized or religious environments for students.

Private schools available in DeSoto include: Cambridge Square Private School, Canterbury Episcopal School, Cross of Christ Lutheran School, DeSoto Private School and nearby Trinity Christian School (Cedar Hill).