U.S. News used data available from the U.S. Department of Education to compare more than 81,000 public schools to rank the Best Elementary and Middle Schools for 2026 on the state and district levels. In addition to the No. 1 middle school spot for William B Travis Academy, its elementary school was ranked No. 4 statewide. Another school in the Dallas ISD, the Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy took the No. 3 spot among Texas middle schools and No. 5 among the state’s elementary schools.
Banner printing services provide schools with a way to spread the news and brag about any awards or honors they may receive.
In a press release, LaMont Jones, Ed.D. the managing education editor for U.S. News said:
"The 2026 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings highlight institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all. These rankings offer communities and families valuable insights into schools dedicated to preparing students for future success."
In order to be able to rank the schools, student proficiencies in reading and mathematics as well as performances on state assessments of each was analyzed. First overall proficiencies and then a lower student-teacher ratio were used as tiebreakers.