Waxahachie Schools Guide: What Relocating Families Need to Know - Waxahachie Buyers Agent
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Waxahachie ISD serves 11,052 students across 19 schools with a 94% graduation rate and boasts one of Texas's top-ranked STEM/early college programs. This comprehensive guide covers every school, specialty programs, enrollment requirements, and insider tips for families relocating to Waxahachie, Texas.
Why Families Choose Waxahachie Schools
For families relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Waxahachie Independent School District offers something increasingly rare: quality education, diverse program options, and a community that truly knows its students—all at a fraction of the cost of northern DFW suburbs.
What makes Waxahachie ISD stand out:
94% graduation rate — Top 10% in Texas
Top-ranked STEM school — Waxahachie Global High ranks #24 in Texas, top 5% statewide
Free early college program — Students can earn an Associate's degree at no cost
15:1 student-teacher ratio — Equal to state average with smaller feel
Award-winning fine arts — State recognition in band, choir, dance, theatre, and visual arts
Strong athletic programs — UIL competition across all sports
$62,931 average teacher salary — Above state average, attracting quality educators
Waxahachie ISD at a Glance
Metric | Data |
Total Students | 11,052 |
Total Schools | 19 |
Elementary Schools | 10 |
Junior High Schools | 3 |
High Schools | 3 |
Graduation Rate | 94% (96.1% on-time) |
Dropout Rate | 0.8% |
Student-Teacher Ratio | 15:1 |
Spending Per Student | $11,006 |
Average Teacher Salary | $62,931 |
Average Teacher Experience | 12.5 years |
Average SAT Score | 1025 |
Average ACT Score | 19.7 |
District Rankings
Category | Ranking |
Texas School Districts | #495 of 1,196 (Top 50%) |
Graduation Rate | Top 10% in Texas |
Diversity | Top 1% in Texas |
Student Body Size | Top 1% in Texas |
Student Demographics
Ethnicity | Percentage |
White | 40% |
Hispanic | 36% |
Black | 19% |
Two or More Races | 4% |
Asian | 1% |
The Crown Jewel: Waxahachie Global High School
If there's one school that puts Waxahachie on the educational map, it's Waxahachie Global High School—a nationally recognized T-STEM Academy and Early College High School that rivals any magnet program in DFW.
Rankings and Recognition
What Makes Global High School Special
T-STEM Academy Designation:
One of only 91 STEM academies in Texas
Partnership with University of Texas at Tyler for STEM courses
Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Technology and Engineering courses required for all students
Early College High School Program:
Partnership with Navarro College
Students begin dual credit courses freshman year
95% of students earn an Associate's Degree before high school graduation
Up to 60 college credit hours available
All tuition, books, and fees paid by the district — completely free to families
Academic Excellence:
72% math proficiency (vs 41% state average)
82% reading proficiency (vs 51% state average)
95% graduation rate
13:1 student-teacher ratio
Global High School Details
Feature | Details |
Grades | 9-12 |
Enrollment | ~369 students |
Student-Teacher Ratio | 13:1 |
Location | Billy R. Hancock Building |
Admission | Application and interview required |
Eligibility | Waxahachie ISD residents (siblings of current students may apply from outside district) |
College Partnerships
Partner | Programs |
Navarro College | Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, dual credit courses |
UT Tyler | STEM-based college courses, Texas T-STEM Center |
Application Process
Complete online application (opens January each year)
Submit enrollment documents to front office
Schedule interview with principal (student and parents)
Complete TSI (Texas Success Initiative) testing
Receive acceptance letter
Important: Due to Waxahachie's population growth, Global High School no longer accepts out-of-district students unless they have a sibling currently enrolled.
Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)
Waxahachie ISD operates 10 elementary schools, each with distinct characteristics. Here's what relocating families need to know:
Top-Performing Elementary Schools
Simpson Elementary
Rating: Top Performer in District Students: 679 Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Why families choose Simpson:
Consistently outperforms district and state averages
Strong reading and math scores
Well-established neighborhood school
Felty Elementary
Rating: High Performer Niche Grade: B+ Students: 528 Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Math Proficiency: 59%
Why families choose Felty:
Above-average test scores
Strong parent involvement
Engaging, child-centered environment
Parent Review: "Felty is a fabulous school where my son has thrived. The teachers truly care about each student, and they provide engaging lessons."
Wilemon STEAM Academy (Choice School)
Rating: High Performer Niche Grade: Highly Rated Students: 430 Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Math Proficiency: 52% | Reading Proficiency: 67%
Why families choose Wilemon:
STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
Third school in the nation with all teachers National Institute of STEM Education Certified
National NISE Campus Certification
Makerspaces throughout building
Growth mindset culture
Lottery admission for district-wide access
Special Features:
Project-based learning
Innovation labs
Career awareness integration
"Failure is a First Attempt In Learning" philosophy
Admission: Zone-plus choice campus with lottery system. Contact school directly for admission details.
Dunaway Elementary
Rating: Strong Performer Niche Grade: B Students: 465 Student-Teacher Ratio: 12.5:1 (lowest in district) Science Proficiency: 50.65% (5th grade) — highest among several WISD schools
Why families choose Dunaway:
Exceptional science program
Lowest student-teacher ratio in district
Caring administration
Strong community feel
Staff Review: "Dunaway Elementary is an amazing school that truly cares for kids. The administration is second to none and provides a welcoming environment for students, parents, and staff alike."
Clift Elementary
Rating: Average Niche Grade: B Students: 608 Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Why families choose Clift:
Caring teachers and supportive staff
Diverse student population
Focus on helping each student succeed
Staff Review: "The teachers and staff are incredibly caring and supportive of their students, doing everything they can to help each and every student succeed academically and socially."
Complete Elementary School Directory
School | Students | Ratio | Strengths |
Simpson Elementary | 679 | 15:1 | Top academic performer |
Felty Elementary | 528 | 15:1 | Strong scores, parent involvement |
Wilemon STEAM Academy | 430 | 13:1 | STEM certified, innovation focus |
Dunaway Elementary | 465 | 12.5:1 | Science excellence, small ratios |
Clift Elementary | 608 | 15:1 | Caring staff, diverse |
Shackelford Elementary | 441 | 15:1 | Community-oriented |
Wedgeworth Elementary | ~500 | 15:1 | Established neighborhood school |
Northside Elementary | 497 | 15:1 | Pre-K available |
Marvin Biomedical Academy | 491 | 15:1 | Biomedical focus, zone-plus choice |
Ray Elementary | ~450 | 15:1 | Growing community |
Specialty Elementary Programs
Wilemon STEAM Academy — District-wide lottery school focusing on STEAM education with certified NISE teachers and makerspaces.
Marvin Biomedical Academy — Zone-plus choice campus with biomedical curriculum focus. Admission through lottery system.
Pre-K Programs Available at:
Turner Prekindergarten Academy
Marvin Biomedical Academy
Northside Elementary
Ray Elementary
Junior High Schools (Grades 6-8)
Waxahachie ISD has three junior high schools serving grades 6-8, all rated B or B+ by Niche.
Eddie Finley Junior High
Niche Grade: B+ Texas Ranking: #735 Best Public Middle Schools Students: 838 Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Math Proficiency: 45% | Reading Proficiency: 53%
Why families choose Finley:
Great fine arts programs
Strong athletic programs
Helpful, engaged teachers
Student Review: "I loved all of my teachers; they were very helpful, and classes were fun. There are great fine arts and athletic programs."
Robbie E. Howard Junior High
Niche Grade: B+ Texas Ranking: #754 Best Public Middle Schools Students: 786 Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Math Proficiency: 44% | Reading Proficiency: 55%
Why families choose Howard:
Excellent theatre department
Inclusive environment
Efficient, supportive teachers
Student Review: "The teachers work very efficiently and always help the students when they need it. They have a very good theatre department. There's always a place for everyone to fit in."
Evelyn Love Coleman Junior High
Niche Grade: B Texas Ranking: #888 Best Public Middle Schools Students: 814 Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Math Proficiency: 48% | Reading Proficiency:** ~53%
Why families choose Coleman:
Earned 3 distinction designations (post-secondary, student progress, closing gaps)
Strong gifted and talented program (12.65%)
Experienced teaching staff (average 13.4 years)
Junior High Comparison
School | Grade | Students | Ratio | G/T Program | Fine Arts |
Finley JH | B+ | 838 | 15:1 | 11.58% | Strong |
Howard JH | B+ | 786 | 14:1 | 14.76% | Excellent Theatre |
Coleman JH | B | 814 | 14:1 | 12.65% | Strong |
High Schools
Waxahachie High School (Traditional)
Texas Ranking: #835 National Ranking: #9,278 Students: 3,100+ Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 AP Participation: 26%
Programs and Opportunities:
Full UIL athletic program
Advanced Placement courses
Career and Technical Education pathways
Award-winning fine arts (band, choir, theatre, dance, visual arts)
JROTC program
Facilities:
Lumpkins Stadium (football, track)
Richards Park
State-of-the-art athletic facilities
Waxahachie Global High School (STEM/Early College)
(See detailed section above)
Best for: Academically motivated students seeking STEM focus and/or early college credits
Waxahachie High School of Choice
Type: Alternative/Flexible Learning
Best for: Students needing flexible scheduling or alternative learning environments
High School Comparison
School | Type | Students | Focus | Best For |
Waxahachie High | Traditional | 3,100+ | Comprehensive | Athletics, fine arts, traditional experience |
Global High | STEM/Early College | 369 | Academics/College | High achievers, STEM-focused students |
HS of Choice | Alternative | Varies | Flexibility | Students needing alternative paths |
Private School Options
For families seeking private education, Waxahachie offers several options:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Grades: PK-8 Students: ~139 Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Affiliation: Catholic (welcomes all faiths)
Programs:
STREAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math)
Small class sizes (average 10 students)
15 sports offered
Mass Buddies and service projects
Theatre and athletics
Why families choose St. Joseph:
Faith-based education with academic excellence
30+ year history in Waxahachie
Family-like atmosphere
Welcomes families of all faith backgrounds
Parent Review: "Both my children have attended for several years. This school not only has a great curriculum, but it also has a loving family atmosphere that focuses on raising Christian leaders."
First Christian Day School
Grades: K-6 Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm Affiliation: Christian
Best for: Elementary families seeking Christian education foundation
Waxahachie Preparatory Academy
Grades: PK-12 Students: ~167 Average Class Size: 14 students Sports: 7 | Extracurriculars: 6
Best for: Families seeking small private school with full K-12 pathway
Life School Waxahachie (Charter)
Grades: PK-12 (separate elementary, middle, high campuses) Type: Tuition-free public charter High School Students: ~143 Middle School Students: ~585
Why families choose Life School:
Character-based education
Strong academics
No tuition (public charter)
Partner with families in education
Admission: Lottery-based enrollment; applications open each year
Enrollment Guide for Relocating Families
Required Documents for New Students
Document | Notes |
Birth Certificate | Official copy required |
Immunization Records | Must be current; exemption documentation accepted |
Proof of Residency | Utility bill (electric, water, gas), lease agreement, or mortgage statement |
Parent/Guardian Photo ID | Required for enrollment |
Proof of Guardianship | If enrolling student is not your biological child |
Previous School Records | Report card, transcript, STAAR/EOC scores, withdrawal grades |
Proof of Residency Options
Accepted documents:
Current utility bill (electric, water, or gas)
Lease agreement
Mortgage statement
If you don't have these yet:
A contract on a home or apartment lease will suffice temporarily
Current utility bill required before first day of school
Living with a WISD resident:
Complete and notarize the Legal Residency Form
Submit to campus with other enrollment documents
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Online Enrollment
Available year-round at wisd.org
Complete all forms online
Upload required documents
Step 2: Document Submission
Upload documents during online enrollment, OR
Email to district registrar's office, OR
Present copies directly to campus
Step 3: Campus Assignment
Students assigned based on home address
Exceptions: Global High School and High School of Choice (application required)
Wilemon STEAM and Marvin Biomedical are "zone-plus" lottery schools
Step 4: Schedule Pickup
Elementary: Classroom assignments at "Bring Your Supplies Night"
Secondary: Schedules via Skyward or in-person pickup
Important Enrollment Contacts
Purpose | Contact |
Elementary Enrollment Help | PEIMS office: (469) 383-7590 |
Secondary Enrollment | Contact campus directly |
District Administration | 411 N Gibson St, Waxahachie, TX 75165 |
Online Enrollment Issues |
Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrollment
Pre-K Locations:
Turner Prekindergarten Academy
Marvin Biomedical Academy
Northside Elementary
Ray Elementary
Pre-K Qualifications: Visit the WISD Pre-K page for eligibility requirements and enrollment details.
Kindergarten: Must be 5 years old by September 1 of enrollment year.
Specialty Programs and Opportunities
Gifted and Talented Program
Available at all campuses with varying percentages:
Howard JH: 14.76% enrolled
Coleman JH: 12.65% enrolled
Finley JH: 11.58% enrolled
Special Education Services
Comprehensive services available district-wide:
Coleman JH: 21.25% served
Howard JH: 18.45% served
Finley JH: 17.30% served
Bilingual/ESL Programs
10% of district students enrolled in bilingual/ELL programs
Available at multiple campuses
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Available at Waxahachie High School:
Multiple career pathways
Industry certifications
Work-based learning opportunities
Fine Arts Programs
State-recognized programs in:
Band
Choir
Dance
Theatre Arts
Visual Arts
Athletics
Full UIL athletic program including:
Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball
Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Golf
Track and Field, Cross Country, Swimming
And more
School Calendar Highlights (2025-2026)
Event | Typical Timing |
First Day of School | Mid-August |
Fall Break | October |
Thanksgiving Break | November |
Winter Break | Late December - Early January |
Spring Break | March |
Last Day of School | Late May/Early June |
Note: Verify exact dates at wisd.org for current school year calendar.
Comparing Waxahachie to Other Districts
Waxahachie ISD vs. Northern DFW Districts
Factor | Waxahachie ISD | Frisco ISD | Prosper ISD |
Median Home Price | $378,000 | $550,000+ | $650,000+ |
Student-Teacher Ratio | 15:1 | 15:1 | 15:1 |
Early College Program | Yes (Free) | Limited | Limited |
STEM Academy | Yes (#24 in TX) | Yes | Yes |
Graduation Rate | 94% | 97% | 98% |
Class Sizes | Smaller feel | Larger campuses | Growing rapidly |
Why Choose Waxahachie Schools
Advantages:
Access to top-5% STEM school (Global High) open to all district residents
Free Associate's degree through Early College program
Lower home prices = lower property taxes
Smaller community feel with strong traditions
Award-winning fine arts programs
Strong athletic programs
Considerations:
Some schools performing at average levels
Fewer AP course options than largest districts
Growing district means some growing pains
Tips for Relocating Families
Before You Move
Research school zones — Use WISD boundary maps to understand which schools serve your potential neighborhoods
Tour schools — Schedule visits to see campuses firsthand
Understand specialty programs — If interested in Global High or Wilemon STEAM, check application timelines
Gather documents — Collect all enrollment requirements before moving
Choosing Your Neighborhood by School
If You Want... | Consider Neighborhoods Zoned To... |
Top elementary scores | Simpson Elementary, Felty Elementary zones |
STEAM focus (elementary) | Any zone (Wilemon is district-wide lottery) |
Newer communities | North Grove, Saddlebrook areas |
Historic charm | Downtown/Historic District (various zones) |
Lake proximity | Lake Waxahachie area |
Timeline for Enrollment
Timeframe | Action |
3-6 months before move | Research schools, tour if possible |
2-3 months before | Gather enrollment documents |
1 month before | Begin online enrollment |
2 weeks before | Complete document submission |
First week | Finalize campus registration, attend orientation |
Questions to Ask During School Tours
What programs or resources are available for new students?
How does the school handle mid-year transfers?
What extracurricular activities are available?
How do you communicate with parents?
What support services are available (tutoring, counseling)?
What technology does the school provide?
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How do I find out which school my child is zoned for? Use the school boundary maps on wisd.org or contact the district administration at (972) 923-4631.
Can my child attend a school outside our zone? Global High School and High School of Choice accept applications regardless of zone. Wilemon STEAM and Marvin Biomedical are "zone-plus" lottery schools open to all district residents. Traditional transfers may be available—contact the district for current transfer policies.
What if we move mid-year? Waxahachie ISD accepts new students year-round. Complete online enrollment and submit required documents to begin the process.
Global High School Questions
How do I apply to Global High School? Applications open in January for the following fall semester. Visit global.wisd.org for the application link and requirements.
Does my child have to pass the TSI test to attend Global? Students must take the TSI test before acceptance but don't have to pass on the first try. The test is required to begin college-level coursework.
Is there really no cost for college courses at Global? Correct—tuition, books, and fees are covered by the district while students are enrolled at Global High School.
Can students from outside Waxahachie attend Global? Due to population growth, Global High no longer accepts out-of-district students unless they have a sibling currently enrolled.
Enrollment Questions
What immunizations are required? Texas requires specific vaccinations for school enrollment. Visit the WISD immunizations page for current requirements. Exemption documentation is accepted.
Do you offer Pre-K? Yes, at Turner Prekindergarten Academy, Marvin Biomedical Academy, Northside Elementary, and Ray Elementary. Eligibility requirements apply.
How do I access my child's grades and information? Waxahachie ISD uses Skyward Family Access for grades, schedules, and enrollment. Parents receive login credentials after enrollment.
Ready to Make Waxahachie Home?
Waxahachie ISD offers a compelling combination: a nationally ranked STEM school, free early college opportunities, award-winning fine arts, and strong athletics—all in a community where families can afford to buy homes and put down roots.
Whether you're drawn to Global High School's academic excellence, Wilemon STEAM Academy's innovative approach, or the traditional experience at Waxahachie High, there's a place for your family in Waxahachie schools.
Take the next step:
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All information is believed accurate but should be independently verified. School data, ratings, and programs change periodically. Contact Waxahachie ISD or individual schools directly for the most current information.
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