Northwest ISD reached a significant milestone this year by welcoming over 30,000 students on its first day of classes.
Enrollment numbers for the 2023-2024 academic session surpassed last year by approximately 1,500 students, according to a news release from the district.
As the self-described fastest-growing school district in North Texas, Northwest ISD expects its growth to continue and has pursued a bold expansion campaign. Northwest ISD serves the northwestern portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including portions of Denton, Tarrant, and Wise counties.
Three new schools were opened in the district this year — Carter Elementary School, Johnie R. Daniel Elementary School, and Worthington Middle School. Two others — Hatfield Elementary School and Seven Hills Elementary School — were given new buildings.
Moreover, in May, residents greenlit a bond package amounting to nearly $2 million that will add 12 new schools in the coming years, alongside various facility and technological improvements.
Future forecasts of enrollment numbers are staggering, with the district expected to hit 37,000 by August 2026 and reach as high as 46,000 by August 2031.
While some nearby ISDs are seeing similar levels of growth, such as Frisco ISD, as previously reported in The Dallas Express, others, like Fort Worth ISD and Dallas ISD have seen declining student enrollment numbers.
Student achievement outcomes have been lackluster in both shrinking districts. On STAAR exams for the 2021-2022 school year, only 41% of Dallas ISD students and 32% of Fort Worth ISD students scored at grade level.
By comparison, 57% of Northwest ISD students scored at grade level on these same exams.
In a statement, Northwest ISD Superintendent Mark Foust suggested that the district was handling its growth well.
“While visiting our schools on the first day, I witnessed the genuine excitement of our students and teachers to be back in school,” said Foust. “We feel blessed that we get to meet students where they are and have the opportunity and responsibility to change the trajectory of their lives. We had a great first day and expect many more to come in the 2023-2024 school year.”
