Hello friends, welcome to Tigerjek! Today, we’re going to talk about something really important for parents, students, and families — the Best Schools in Fort Worth. Fort Worth is not only known for its rich culture and history, but also for having some of the finest schools in Texas. Whether you’re looking for top-rated public schools, outstanding private academies, or innovative charter schools, Fort Worth has plenty of options that provide excellent academics, extracurricular activities, and strong support for student success.
Top 10 schools of Fort Worth
Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth
Harmony School of Innovation Fort Worth – High is a 7th–12th grade public charter school dedicated to providing students in the surrounding areas with a high-quality education. The school is part of the state-wide Harmony Public Schools system, which operates 64 public charter schools across Texas, all with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The mission of Harmony Public Schools is to prepare every student for college and career success by fostering a safe, caring, and collaborative learning environment. The schools emphasize a student-centered approach to education with a strong commitment to STEM disciplines.
Harmony’s vision is to guide students from the classroom into the wider world as productive, responsible, and engaged citizens.
- High Expectations: Every student will learn and grow into a successful, productive citizen.
- Dedicated Staff: Teachers and staff are committed to doing whatever it takes to help students achieve their goals.
- Working Together: Students, parents, and staff collaborate to create a strong community of success.
- Character Matters: Integrity, respect, and responsibility are central to student development.
- STEM for All: Every student graduates with a strong understanding and appreciation of STEM and its real-world applications.
Harmony’s rigorous and relevant school model prepares students for higher education while promoting a growth mindset and lifelong learning. A strong culture for learning is evident across campuses, supported by close student-teacher relationships. The curriculum, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), is developed by a team of Curriculum Directors and teacher-writers.
The Instructional Framework is based on Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching and includes:
- Setting instructional outcomes
- Managing classroom procedures
- Using questioning, prompts, and discussion
- Engaging students in learning
- Using assessment in instruction
Professional Learning (PL) at Harmony Public Schools aligns with curriculum, instruction, assessment, and strategic improvement priorities. It is job-embedded, data-driven, and personalized to meet the needs of districts, campuses, and individual teachers. PL is continuously evaluated based on its impact on teaching practices and student achievement.
Harmony uses a multi-tiered, data-driven Response to Intervention (RtI) approach to identify and support students with academic or behavioral needs. This ensures that all students receive timely, high-quality interventions tailored to their individual learning paths, with caregiver involvement as a key component.
Blended learning classrooms integrate adaptive learning technologies in math and reading. These tools use artificial intelligence and adaptive algorithms to adjust lesson difficulty based on student needs. Teachers then use the data to form flexible groups and provide remediation, review, and enrichment through small-group instruction.
As a public charter school, Harmony School of Innovation Fort Worth operates with greater autonomy than traditional public schools. Each charter serves as a performance contract that outlines the school’s mission, program, goals, assessment methods, and accountability measures. This model allows Harmony schools to design unique educational programs, hire staff independently, and manage their own budgets—while remaining accountable to parents, the public, and state authorities.
Fort Worth Academy
Fort Worth Academy (FWA), established in 1982, is a co-educational day school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Unlike traditional schools, FWA reimagines K–8 education by blending innovation, leadership, and real-world readiness into every aspect of learning.
With class sizes capped at just 15 students, the school ensures that every child is seen, heard, and valued. This intentionally small setting allows for stronger connections, deeper engagement, and personalized attention. Students benefit from meaningful relationships and authentic collaboration, helping them grow in confidence while developing the ability to lead themselves and others.
At Fort Worth Academy, middle school is not a waiting period—it is a launchpad. Through cross-grade mentorships, hands-on projects, and bold real-world learning experiences, students are challenged to stretch their skills and thinking. By the time they graduate in 8th grade, FWA students are not only prepared for high school but actively sought after by the top schools in the region.
The school is nationally recognized for its Project-Based Learning (PBL) model. In every grade, students engage with real-world problems, think critically, and build meaningful solutions. This approach allows children to learn by doing—thinking, experimenting, creating, and leading on a daily basis.
One of FWA’s most distinctive features is its signature ELI Initiative—Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Innovation. Through this program, students develop entrepreneurial mindsets, take creative risks, and cultivate leadership skills. The ELI Initiative is designed not just for academic readiness but for life readiness, equipping students with the confidence and adaptability to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Graduates of Fort Worth Academy leave with more than strong academic preparation. They emerge as courageous, creative, and self-driven individuals—Trailblazers who are ready to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. With a foundation built on advanced academics, fine arts, athletics, and authentic leadership opportunities, FWA students step into the future with curiosity, confidence, and purpose.
Often referred to as the “FWAmily,” the Fort Worth Academy community is built on strong relationships between students, families, and educators. This nurturing environment supports every child’s unique journey and empowers them to discover their strengths while cultivating lifelong passions.
Great Hearts Lakeside
Great Hearts Lakeside, located on Harris Parkway in Fort Worth, is a public charter school that serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Part of the Great Hearts Texas network, the school follows a classical liberal arts model designed to cultivate both the heart and the mind. Its mission centers on guiding students toward Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, with an academic approach that emphasizes depth, character, and a love for learning.
The curriculum at Great Hearts Lakeside stands out for its focus on classical education. Students are introduced to great books, primary sources, and the Socratic method, encouraging thoughtful discussion and critical thinking. Mathematics is taught using the Singapore Math approach, which moves from concrete to pictorial to abstract concepts, while Latin is a core subject beginning in the earlier grades. Art, music, physical education, and hands-on science are also integral parts of the program, offering students a well-rounded and rigorous education.
With an enrollment of more than 1,100 students, Great Hearts Lakeside reflects a diverse community, where nearly half of the student body identifies as minorities. The school’s academic performance consistently exceeds state averages, with higher proficiency rates in both math and reading. Despite a larger student-teacher ratio compared to many Texas schools, the academic outcomes and strong sense of community contribute to its reputation for excellence.
Beyond academics, Great Hearts Lakeside provides a supportive environment that values character as much as knowledge. Students wear uniforms to foster a sense of equality and school pride, and families can access assistance with uniform costs when needed. Breakfast and lunch programs are available daily at affordable prices, ensuring accessibility for all students. The school also emphasizes inclusion, offering specialized services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy for students with individualized needs.
Great Hearts Lakeside has become a sought-after choice for families in Fort Worth who value a classical education paired with high expectations and character development. Its unique approach prepares students not just for high school but for a lifetime of thoughtful learning, leadership, and personal growth.
River Trails Elementary – Best Schools in Fort Worth
River Trails Elementary opened in the fall of 2002, in the heart of the River Trails subdivision of east Ft. Worth, along the Trinity River. Students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade attend River Trails Elementary and receive an excellent, well-balanced, academically-challenging curriculum in a positive, safe environment conducive to learning. River Trails Elementary’s success is the collaborative effort of school, home, and community working together to meet the needs of the students. A supportive staff, an active PTA, and an informed community all working together will create an exemplary school for the children of River Trails.
If you are moving out of the River Trails attendance zone, please give the school at least 24 hours notice to begin the withdrawal process for your student. You will need to come to the school and sign the withdrawal paperwork and inform the registrar of your new home location. We will prepare paperwork and grade sheets, collect any borrowed school property (like text books and library books), and make this process as smooth and easy as possible for you and your child.
Mission: River Trails Elementary will inspire lifelong learning, advanced knowledge, and strengthen our community by providing a safe environment where all students can excel.
Westcliff Elementary School
Westcliff Elementary School opened in September 1954. It was designed by John W. Floore and constructed by Cain & Cain. The mostly 2-story building was constructed of orange brick with overhangs above the first and second story windows. An addition designed by Jones and Maples and erected by Quisle Construction Company was completed in 1957. The large expanses of metal hopper windows have been partially infilled. Under Phase 3 of the 1999 Bond Program, the school received a relocated and expanded kitchen and cafeteria and other renovations.
Upon further assessment of its integrity, the school was potentially eligible for the National Register in 2007 for its association with public education in Fort Worth.
Key School and Training Center
Founded in 1966, Key School and Training Center began as an after-school and summer program that focused on tutoring students with dyslexia. The founders, Mary Ann Key and Mildred Gardner, through encouragement and support from Dr. John M. Richardson, a prominent Fort Worth pediatrician, designed the individualized program on the training they received at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children’s Language Therapy program. As word spread of this new, specialized way of teaching, demand exceeded what was offered in the summer program. To meet this need, a traditional nine-month school was added.
Key School gained its nonprofit status in 2005 and has served over 8,000 students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. In 2018, the organization expanded to include a dyslexia therapy training program and community outreach services.
With a bright outlook for the future, Key School and Training Center successfully completed a capital campaign that allowed for the renovation of a new facility. The school and training center was relocated to the John M. Richardson Campus in September 2021, which provided opportunities for school growth and expansion of training and professional development services
Tanglewood Elementary School
Tanglewood Elementary School, located at 3060 Overton Park West in Fort Worth, is part of the Fort Worth Independent School District and serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. Established in 1960, the school was built on land donated by Cass Edwards with the condition that it be used for public education. Since then, Tanglewood has become known for its strong academic performance, dedicated teachers, and highly engaged parent community.
The school enrolls around 550 students each year and consistently performs well above state averages in both reading and math. Recent data shows that roughly three out of four students meet or exceed proficiency in math, while more than 80 percent do so in reading and language arts. Much of this success can be attributed to experienced teachers—on average with nearly 15 years in the classroom—who use data-driven instruction and specialized training in gifted and talented education to meet students’ individual needs.
Parental involvement plays a significant role in the school’s culture. The Tanglewood Parent-Teacher Association raises substantial funds annually to provide programs and resources that extend beyond the district’s budget. These contributions support STEM labs, Spanish language classes, after-school enrichment opportunities, playground upgrades, and special events such as the popular Artapalooza festival.
The school also emphasizes student safety and has become unique within the district for employing armed security officers during school hours. This initiative, funded by parent and community donations, reflects the school’s commitment to creating a secure learning environment.
With its combination of strong academics, experienced staff, and an active parent community, Tanglewood Elementary has established a reputation as one of Fort Worth’s standout elementary schools. It continues to embody the vision set forth more than 60 years ago, offering a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous foundation for young learners.
Bette Perot Elementary School
Bette Perot Elementary School, located at 9345 General Worth Drive in Keller, Texas, is a public elementary school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade. Part of the Keller Independent School District, the school is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, student growth, and community involvement.
The school enrolls approximately 546 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1, allowing for individualized attention and support. Bette Perot Elementary’s faculty includes experienced educators, averaging over 18 years of teaching experience, which contributes to a rich and engaging learning environment. The student body is diverse, representing a balanced mix of genders and ethnic backgrounds.
Academically, Bette Perot Elementary consistently performs above the Texas state average. In the 2023–2024 school year, about 76% of fourth-grade students were proficient in reading, and 65% met proficiency standards in mathematics. The school offers a Gifted & Talented program to challenge advanced learners and provides a variety of educational opportunities aimed at preparing students for long-term success.
Led by Principal Gary Mantz, Bette Perot Elementary emphasizes a positive and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to learn, explore, and develop their potential. The school’s mission focuses on educating, inspiring, and challenging students to grow into productive, engaged members of their community.
For families seeking a strong academic foundation combined with a supportive and welcoming environment, Bette Perot Elementary stands out as a school that prioritizes both learning and personal growth.
RMA Fort Worth Public School
RMA was founded on the premise that all students, regardless of previous setbacks, race, or socio-economic status, can graduate and achieve at the highest levels of college and career. RMA is helping students reimagine public high school in Texas. Today, with 9 schools in operation serving 2,000 students throughout Texas, RMA Texas public schools are living proof that different outcomes are possible when students are given every opportunity to be successful.
RMA Fort Worth Public School provide learners with a high-quality, personalized education that prepares them to compete in the global marketplace and give back to their communities. Through enrichment opportunities, individualized instruction, and innovative curriculum, RMA educate the entire child, teaching more than just the textbook. While RMA is designed to assist all students, we also specialize in Credit Recovery and Dropout Recovery offerings.
Mission: Empowering students to graduate, prepared to exceed all expectations.
Vision: Every student will be empowered to make CHOICES for lifelong success.
Hill School of Fort Worth
Hill School of Fort Worth is a distinguished private K–12 college-preparatory institution located at 4817 Odessa Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas. Established in 1961, the school began as a tutorial service and gradually evolved into a full-service educational institution dedicated to supporting students who learn differently. Hill School focuses on a holistic approach, nurturing not only academic growth but also the social and emotional development of each student, ensuring they are equipped to reach their fullest potential.
The school is organized into three academic divisions: the Lower School for Kindergarten through 5th grade, the Middle School for 6th through 8th grade, and the Upper School for 9th through 12th grade. With a remarkably low student-teacher ratio of approximately 5:1, Hill School provides highly personalized attention, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Tuition at Hill School varies by grade level, starting at $23,400 for Kindergarten and reaching $28,700 for 12th grade. Additional fees include a non-refundable registration fee, technology fees for the 1:1 technology program, and classroom supply fees.
Hill School also prides itself on strong college preparation. About 85% of its graduates go on to attend four-year colleges, with an average SAT score of 1080 and an average ACT score of 23.
For more information, Hill School can be contacted via phone at (817) 923-9482 or visited online at www.hillschool.org. The campus is located in Fort Worth, providing a nurturing and focused environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
Lily B Clayton Elementary School
Lily B. Clayton opened in February 1922 as Mistletoe Heights Elementary School with 79 students and three teachers. The first principal, Lulu Parker, was also the first woman to lead a Fort Worth school. The school was named after another remarkable teacher, Ms. Clayton, whose teaching career started in 1885 and lasted for 50 years.
Lily B. Clayton Elementary School fosters a strong sense of community. Parents, teachers, grandparents, and community friends are encouraged to join the Lily B. PTA online. The school also maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Lily B. Clayton Elementary School is a public elementary institution located in the Mistletoe Heights neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas. Established in 1922, the school has a rich history and continues to serve the community with a commitment to excellence in education.