Disclaimer :: This guide contains sponsored content provided by Great Hearts Texas charter schools.
More than any other question, moms ask our Fort Worth team about education choices. The options can be overwhelming! To help get you started in the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of pubic and charter schools in the Fort Worth area.
But first, let’s define a couple things: Schools of Choice are select public schools in a district that offer college credit and/or innovative courses of study covering a variety of student interests and learning styles. Programs of Choice are similarly designed but exist within a traditional school.
If your district offers such opportunities, you’ll need to apply for admission. Make sure to check for the different requirements and deadlines, as they vary by school.
Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of the public school system. They are free to attend and funded by the government, but are generally more flexible than traditional public schools (and are more like the schools of choice mentioned above).
Click on your city for more information and links to schools in your district!
For even more resources to help you make the best school decisions for your family, check out our “Ultimate Education Round-Up” which includes our “Guide to Homeschool Co-Ops, Private Schools, & University Model Schools” and “Guide to Preschools & Parents’ Day Out.”
Get this and many more useful resources delivered to your email inbox! Click here if you would like to join the Fort Worth Moms subscriber list. We do not send out spam or bombard your email, but send out content info and event updates. You can also join one or more of our community groups for moms. Be sure to follow Fort Worth Moms on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter! Fort Worth Moms also produces Momfessions Podcast. Listen today!
Public & Charter Schools in Fort Worth Area
Aledo ISD includes all or part of the communities of Aledo, Annetta, Annetta North, Annetta South, Cresson, Fort Worth, Hudson Oaks, and Willow Park. Read more about its career and technical education for high schoolers.
Note: At time of publishing, there are no charter schools in Aledo proper.
Great Hearts Arlington is a tuition-free, classical liberal arts public charter school in the Great Hearts Texas school district — the second highest-rated charter network among larger charter districts in Texas. Next year, Great Hearts Arlington will serve grades k – 9th, expanding each year until fully serving grades k – 12th.
It offers an outstanding opportunity for families who want the very best in a college preparatory institution, without the cost of tuition. Great Hearts Arlington believes the highest aim of education is to become good, intellectually and morally, and that each student has the innate potential to comprehend the rich tradition of Western civilization and to grow in the virtues that mark a profound, philosophical life.
Class begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Great Hearts Arlington offers the Great Hearts Athenaeum after-school program, which focuses on liberal arts and promotes learning by providing students dedicated homework time in addition to a diverse array of culturally enriching, academically oriented activities beyond the classroom. But it’s not all academics! Athenaeum scholars also enjoy time for recreation, games, socializing, and just plain fun.
Athenaeum runs daily from the dismissal bell (even on early release days) until 6:00 p.m. Flexible and affordable options are available to fit any family’s after-school needs. Great Hearts Arlington will be accepting new students during open enrollment November 7, 2022 – December 9, 2022. Great Hearts Arlington will offer k – 9th for the 2023 – 24 school year.
Arlington ISD (AISD) offers universal free pre-k for four year olds, meaning you don’t have to qualify to attend. It also offers free half-day pre-k for three year olds, only for those students who qualify. See more details on pre-k here.
In addition to traditional public schools, AISD has a handful of specialized programs and academies for children in k–12th. Here’s a great resource for the special programs offered. Be sure to check out the FAQs for any you are interested in — application deadlines vary and so do acceptance policies. Generally, the application period is late October through January.
Click the drop-down buttons below for AISD programs and charter schools near you!
Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language | k – 5th
Crow Leadership Academy | pre-k – 6th
Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy | 6th – 8th
Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language | k – 5th
Percy STEM Academy | k – 6th
Wimbish World Language Academy | pre-k – 6th
Arlington College and Career High School | 9th – 12th
P-TECH at Bowie High School | 9th – 12th
P-TECH at Lamar High School | 9th – 12th
STEM Academy at Martin High School | 9th – 12th
Arlington Classics Academy | k – 8th
Brazos River Charter School | 9th – 12th
Great Hearts Arlington | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th)
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
International Leadership of Texas | k – 12th | multiple locations
Jean Massieu Academy | pre-k – 12th
Manara STEM Academy | pre-k – 8th
Newman International Academy | pre-k – 12th
Premier High School | 9th – 12th
Uplift Summit International Preparatory | pre-k – 12th
Burleson ISD offers pre-k to students who qualify based on at least one of the TEA criteria outlined here.
Along with traditional public schools, Burleson ISD has a variety of Schools of Choice and Programs of Choice. Find out more about Burleson schools and programs of choice here and see a list of options in the drop-down section below. These FAQs are extremely helpful, too!
Students will need to apply for acceptance, which is determined by lottery (and in some high school cases, an interview).
Note: At time of publishing, there are no charter schools in Burleson proper.
Burleson High School | 9th – 12th | career & technical education
Centennial High School | 9th – 12th | career & technical education
Crossroads High School | 9th – 12th | alternative school
Another option for kids entering 9th grade is Burleson Collegiate High School, which offers students the opportunity to earn their Associate of Liberal Arts degree from Hill College (up to 60 college credit hours) while earning their high school diploma, at no cost to you.
Academy of Leadership and Technology at Mound | pre-k – 5th
Academy at Nola Dunn | k – 5th
Burleson Collegiate High School | 9th – 12th
Game Development Design School | 6th – 8th; 9th – 12th (the high school program is currently accepting applications for grade 9 only)
Norwood Environmental Science Academy | pre-k – 5th
STEAM Academy at Stribling | k – 5th
STEAM Middle School | 6th – 8th
The Academy of the Arts at Bransom | k – 5th
Great Hearts Lakeside is a tuition-free, classical liberal arts public charter school in the Great Hearts Texas school district — the second highest-rated charter network among larger charter districts in Texas. Next year, Great Hearts Lakeside will serve grades k – 8th, expanding each year until fully serving grades k – 12th.
It offers an outstanding opportunity for families who want the very best in a college preparatory institution, without the cost of tuition. Great Hearts Lakeside believes the highest aim of education is to become good, intellectually and morally, and that each student has the innate potential to comprehend the rich tradition of Western civilization and to grow in the virtues that mark a profound, philosophical life.
Class begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Great Hearts Lakeside offers the Great Hearts Athenaeum after-school program, which focuses on liberal arts and promotes learning by providing students dedicated homework time in addition to a diverse array of culturally enriching, academically oriented activities beyond the classroom. But it’s not all academics! Athenaeum scholars also enjoy time for recreation, games, socializing, and just plain fun.
Athenaeum runs daily from the dismissal bell (even on early release days) until 6:00 p.m. Flexible and affordable options are available to fit any family’s after-school needs. Great Hearts Lakeside will be accepting new students during open enrollment November 7, 2022 – December 9, 2022. Great Hearts Lakeside will offer k – 8th for the 2023 – 24 school year.
Great Hearts Prairie View is a tuition-free, classical liberal arts public charter school in the Great Hearts Texas school district — the second highest-rated charter network among larger charter districts in Texas. Next year, Great Hearts Prairie View will serve grades k – 8th, expanding each year until fully serving grades k – 12th.
It offers an outstanding opportunity for families who want the very best in a college preparatory institution, without the cost of tuition. Great Hearts Prairie View believes the highest aim of education is to become good, intellectually and morally, and that each student has the innate potential to comprehend the rich tradition of Western civilization and to grow in the virtues that mark a profound, philosophical life.
Class begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Great Hearts Prairie View offers the Great Hearts Athenaeum after-school program, which focuses on liberal arts and promotes learning by providing students dedicated homework time in addition to a diverse array of culturally enriching, academically oriented activities beyond the classroom. But it’s not all academics! Athenaeum scholars also enjoy time for recreation, games, socializing, and just plain fun.
Athenaeum runs daily from the dismissal bell (even on early release days) until 6:00 p.m. Flexible and affordable options are available to fit any family’s after-school needs. Great Hearts Prairie View will be accepting new students during open enrollment November 7, 2022 – December 9, 2022. Great Hearts Prairie View will offer k – 8th for the 2023 – 24 school year.
Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) serves Fort Worth, Benbrook, Westover Hills, and Westworth Village. It also covers parts of Forest Hill and Haltom City and the unincorporated parts of Tarrant County.
FWISD offers universal free pre-k, meaning you don’t have to qualify to get a spot! More pre-k details here.
You can also consider specialized FWISD schools of choice and programs of choice for your children. These require applications, and admission is determined by computer-generated lottery. Students will be given weighted ranking according to factors like living within the school’s attendance zone, if siblings are already enrolled, district employee children, etc.
Click the drop-down lists below for FWISD schools of choice, programs of choice, and charter schools near you!
The application period opens November 4, 2022 and ends January 6, 2023.
You’ll find tons of info on the FWISD site including FAQs and the 2023 – 2024 Programs and Schools of Choice catalog. And you can always see if other moms have personal experience in your FWM Community Group.
Amon Carter-Riverside | 9th – 12th | P-TECH collegiate academy for IT/cloud technologies and networking
Arlington Heights | 9th – 12th | agriculture, fine arts, AP Capstone academy (collegiate)
Benbrook Middle-High | 9th – 12th | AP Capstone academy (collegiate)
Diamond Hill-Jarvis | 9th – 12th | P-TECH for architecture, construction management, supply chain/logistics; veterinary medical assistant, welding
Dunbar | 9th – 12th | automotive, aviation, collegiate academy, cosmetology, P-TECH for manufacturing
Eastern Hills | 9th – 12th | P-TECH for IT/cybersecurity
North Side | 9th – 12th | automotive, cosmetology, culinary & hospitality, medical P-TECH, mariachi
O.D. Wyatt | 9th – 12th | automotive, construction, culinary, collegiate academy, medical P-TECH
Paschal | 9th – 12th | AP Capstone academy (collegiate), IT/computer science
Polytechnic | 9th – 12th | automotive, culinary, IT/computer support, P-TECH for education
South Hills | 9th – 12th | computer service & maintenance, culinary, video game design, welding, P-TECH for web applications programming
Southwest | 9th – 12th | broadcast journalism & media technology, music & sound design, welding
The Applied Learning Center at J.T. Stevens | k – 5th (program of choice within a traditional school)
Western Hills | 9th – 12th | applied learning program, computer support & services
Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center | k – 5th
Applied Learning Academy | 6th – 8th
Dagget Montessori | k – 8th
FWISD Collegiate High School | 9th – 12th
I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA | 9th – 12th
Marine Creek Collegiate High School | 9th – 12th
Riverside Applied Learning Center | pre-k – 5th
Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences | 9th – 12th
Trimble Technical | 9th – 12th
World Languages Institute | 6th – 12th
Young Men’s Leadership Academy | 6th – 12th
Young Women’s Leadership Academy | 6th – 12th
Chapel Hill Academy | pre-k – 8th
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts | k – 5th
Great Hearts Lakeside | k – 7th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th)
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
Great Hearts Prairie View | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th)
High Point Academy | k – 12th | multiple locations
IDEA Public Schools | pre-k – 12th | multiple locations
International Leadership of Texas | k – 12th | multiple locations
Richard Milburn Academy | 9th – 12th
Texans Can Academy | 9th – 12th | multiple locations
Texas School of the Arts | k – 5th
Trinity Basin Preparatory | pre-k – 8th | multiple locations
Uplift Education | pre-k – 8th | multiple locations
Along with traditional schools, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD offers a variety of specialized programs for kindergarten through high school.
It also offers both free pre-k to qualifying students and a tuition-based pre-k for those who don’t qualify. More details here.
If you don’t live in the attendance zone, entry processes are available (i.e., application, transfer, etc.), but admission is not guaranteed.
Note: At time of publishing, there are no charter schools in Grapevine or Colleyville.
Arts Integration | pre-k – 5th
ASPIRE Academy | 1st – 12th
AVID | 6th – 12th
Career & Technical Education | 6th – 12th
Collegiate Academy | 9th – 12th
Dual Language | k – 5th; 6th – 8th
Experience Design | pre-k – 5th
iUniversity Prep | 5th – 12th | virtual
Leader in Me | pre-k – 5th
No Excuses University | pre-k – 5th
STEM | k – 12th
Learn more about applying to any of the learning opportunities here!
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD is comprised of both traditional and specialized public schools and programs. They offer free pre-k to students who qualify and a tuition-based pre-k to those who don’t. More pre-k details here.
Find out more info on HEB Schools of Choice here and in the drop-down list below. The application period is typically in January/February for admission the following August.
Elementary World Languages & International Business Initiative (IBI) | 1st – 6th; 9th – 12th
International Baccalaureate (IB) | 9th – 12th
Spanish Immersion & Advanced Spanish | 1st – 6th; 7th – 12th
STEM | 7th – 12th | computer science, cybersecurity/networking, or engineering/robotics
Suzuki Strings & Secondary Orchestra | k – 6th; 7th – 12th
Visual & Performing Arts: Theatre | 7th – 12th
Chapel Hill Academy | pre-k – 8th | Hurst
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
Harmony School of Innovation | k – 5th | Euless
Harmony Science Academy | 6th – 12th | Euless
Treetops School International | k – 12th | Euless
Lower School: 469-759-3030
Upper School: 469-725-0014
Lower School: 3350 W. Story Road, Irving, Texas 75038
Upper School: 3520 World Cup Way, Irving, Texas 75038
Great Hearts Irving is a k – 12, tuition-free, classical liberal arts public charter school in the Great Hearts Texas school district — the second highest-rated charter network among larger charter districts in Texas.
It offers an outstanding opportunity for families who want the very best in a college preparatory institution, without the cost of tuition. Great Hearts Irving believes the highest aim of education is to become good, intellectually and morally, and that each student has the innate potential to comprehend the rich tradition of Western civilization and to grow in the virtues that mark a profound, philosophical life.
Class begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Great Hearts Irving offers the Great Hearts Athenaeum after-school program, which focuses on liberal arts and promotes learning by providing students dedicated homework time in addition to a diverse array of culturally enriching, academically oriented activities beyond the classroom. But it’s not all academics! Athenaeum scholars also enjoy time for recreation, games, socializing, and just plain fun.
Athenaeum runs daily from the dismissal bell (even on early release days) until 6:00 p.m. Flexible and affordable options are available to fit any family’s after-school needs. Great Hearts Irving will be accepting new students during open enrollment November 7, 2022 – December 9, 2022. Great Hearts Irving will offer k – 12 for the 2023 – 24 school year.
Keller ISD serves Keller and portions of Colleyville, Fort Worth, Haltom City, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Watauga, and Westlake.
It offers free pre-k to students who meet at least one of the qualifying criteria and a tuition-based pre-k for those who don’t qualify. See details on both here.
Parents and teens looking for more specialized learning opportunities might consider the Keller Center for Advanced Learning or the Keller Collegiate Academy (both high schools).
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
Note: Westlake Academy (k – 12th) is in nearby Westlake and accepts students who live within the “secondary boundary.”
Mansfield ISD (MISD) serves Mansfield and sections of Arlington, Grand Prairie, Burleson, Fort Worth, Venus, Alvarado, and Kennedale.
They offer free pre-k to qualifying students and tuition-based pre-k for those who don’t qualify. See more details here.
MISD also has Power of Choice programs that give you the opportunity to choose a different educational pathway, even one located outside of your designated attendance zone. All of the specialized programs in the drop-down list below have an application process, so be sure to check for details and deadlines.
STEM Academies
Alma Martinez STEM Academy | 5th – 6th
Brenda Norwood STEM Academy | 3rd – 4th
Charlene McKinzey STEM Academy | 7th – 8th
Frontier STEM Academy | 9th – 12th
Jerry Knight STEM Academy | 6th – 8th
Fine Arts Academies
Cross Timers Fine Arts Academy | 5th – 6th
Davis Fine Arts Academy | 3rd – 4th
Martinez Fine Arts Academy | 5th – 6th
Norwood Fine Arts Academy | 3rd – 4th
Leadership and STEAM Academies
Donna Shepard Leadership Academy | 5th – 6th
Elizabeth Smith Innovative Learning Academy | pre-k – 4th
Martha Reid Leadership Academy | pre-k – 4th
Tarver-Rendon School of Agricultural Leadership | pre-k – 4th
Roberta Tipps STEAM Academy | pre-k – 4th
Willie Brown Academy of Young Scholars | k – 4th
Louise Cabaniss Academy of Young Scholars | k – 4th
Additional Special Programs
Two-Way Dual Language | k – 4th
Early College High School | 9th – 12th
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
Newman International Academy | pre-k – 12th
North Richland Hills is part of Keller ISD, HEB ISD, and Birdville ISD (BISD). BISD also serves Richland Hills and parts of Colleyville, Fort Worth, Haltom City, Hurst, and Watauga.
Keller ISD offers free pre-k to qualifying students and a tuition-based option for those who don’t qualify. More details here.
HEB ISD also has both a free and tuition-based pre-k. More details here.
Birdville ISD offers free pre-k to qualifying students and a tuition-based pre-k program for three-year-olds (limited availability). More details here.
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
International Leadership of Texas | k – 8th
Idea Achieve | k – 10th | Haltom City
Winfree Academy | 9th – 12th
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD offers pre-k to children who meet at least one of the criteria outlined here.
High schoolers may be interested in more specialized education available at the Hollenstien Career & Technology Center.
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
International Leadership of Texas | k – 8th | Saginaw
International Leadership of Texas Keller-Saginaw | 9th – 12th | Fort Worth (technically)
Carroll ISD is the largest school district serving Southlake. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Keller ISD, and Northwest ISD serve portions of Southlake, too.
Carroll ISD offers pre-k to students meeting at least one of the criteria outlined here.
Keller ISD offers free pre-k to students who meet at least one of the qualifying criteria. FYI, it also offers a tuition-based pre-k for those who don’t qualify. Read up on both here.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD offers free pre-k to qualifying students and a tuition-based pre-k for those who don’t qualify. More details here.
Northwest ISD also offers both state-funded and tuition-based pre-k. It uses a lottery for tuition-based pre-k acceptance. More details here.
Note: At time of publishing, there are no charter schools in Southlake proper. Westlake Academy (k – 12th) is in nearby Westlake and accepts students who live within the “secondary boundary.”
Great Hearts Online is a full-time, classical virtual academy serving students in k – 9th grade with plans of expanding into high school by 2023 – 24. This is not pandemic learning. This is engaging, hands-on instruction by top talent from across the nation. Students are thriving, building friendships throughout the state, and enjoying being kids while receiving a rich, classical education from the comfort and safety of home.
Did you know it’s TUITION-FREE? Simply apply, receive an offer, submit all necessary documentation, and you’re all set! Students also have access to optional community events, virtual clubs, and microschools. Great Hearts Online offers rolling enrollment for the current year, and open enrollment has begun for the 2023 – 24 school year. Choose from two learning models: live instruction or flexible week to fit your family’s needs.
School hours: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Weatherford ISD (WISD) offers pre-k for children who meet at least one of the qualifying criteria set forth by the TEA. Find out more here.
High schoolers might consider applying to Grizzard Regional Institute of Technology, a new WISD learning opportunity in partnership with Weatherford College.
Crosstimbers Academy | 9th – 12th
Great Hearts Online | k – 8th (expanding each year to reach k – 12th) | virtual
I don’t understand what “virtual” means. I thought Great Hearts in south Fort Worth was a regular school? We are moving to FW for the 2023 school year and just applied to Great Hearts. But I do not want a virtual school for my children. Can anyone clarify?
Great Hearts Online is a virtual school, but you are correct, Great Hearts has brick and mortar schools in the area too. Great Hearts Lakeside is probably the one you applied to — it’s not virtual!