Top Schools Near McKinney: A Guide for Families Relocating to Dallas
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
For families relocating to McKinney, Texas, top-rated schools are a major draw. The city is home to highly ranked public schools, prestigious private schools, and excellent early education programs, making it one of the best places in North Texas for families. Here’s a guide to the best schools near McKinney, including public, private, and charter options.
1. Best Public Schools in McKinney (McKinney ISD & Frisco ISD)
McKinney is primarily served by McKinney Independent School District (McKinney ISD), but some neighborhoods fall under Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, and Allen ISD, all of which are highly rated school districts in Texas.
Top Elementary Schools Near McKinney
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Glen Oaks Elementary | McKinney ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Top-rated for academics & gifted programs |
Walker Elementary | Frisco ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Strong STEM curriculum & extracurriculars |
Johnson Elementary | McKinney ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Dual-language & advanced placement programs |
Wilmeth Elementary | Prosper ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Small student-teacher ratio, high test scores |
Why It Matters: Families moving from Singapore or other competitive academic environments will appreciate the high academic performance and rigorous curriculum at these elementary schools.
Top Middle Schools Near McKinney
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Dowell Middle School | McKinney ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Advanced math & science tracks |
Cockrill Middle School | McKinney ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Competitive fine arts & athletics |
Scoggins Middle School | Frisco ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | STEM and gifted student programs |
Rogers Middle School | Prosper ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | College prep & leadership programs |
Top High Schools Near McKinney
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
McKinney Boyd High School | McKinney ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | AP, IB programs & top sports teams |
McKinney High School | McKinney ISD | ★★★★★ (8/10) | Strong arts, theater, & business programs |
Heritage High School | Frisco ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | High-ranking STEM & robotics programs |
Prosper High School | Prosper ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Large campus with high graduation rates |
Why It Matters:
McKinney Boyd High School is ranked among the best in Texas for its AP, IB, and college prep programs.
Frisco and Prosper ISD schools are highly sought-after due to their strong STEM and business programs.
2. Best Private Schools Near McKinney
For families looking for smaller class sizes, faith-based education, or specialized learning environments, McKinney has several top-rated private schools.
School Name | Grade Levels | Religious Affiliation | Notable Features |
Legacy Christian Academy (Frisco) | Pre-K – 12 | Christian | Elite college prep, small class sizes |
McKinney Christian Academy | Pre-K – 12 | Christian | AP programs, leadership training |
The Goddard School of McKinney | Pre-K | None | Early STEM learning, structured play |
Coram Deo Academy | K – 12 | Christian | Classical curriculum, rigorous academics |
Why It Matters:
Legacy Christian Academy and McKinney Christian Academy have excellent college placement rates.
The Goddard School is a top choice for early childhood education.
3. Best Charter Schools Near McKinney
Charter schools offer tuition-free, specialized education and are a great alternative to traditional public schools.
School Name | Grade Levels | Focus Area | Notable Features |
Imagine International Academy of North Texas | K – 12 | International Baccalaureate (IB) | Top IB program in Texas |
Founders Classical Academy | K – 12 | Classical Curriculum | Emphasis on logic, rhetoric, and humanities |
Leadership Prep School (Frisco) | K – 12 | Leadership & Business | Project-based learning & entrepreneur programs |
Why It Matters:
Imagine International Academy is a great fit for expat families who want a globally recognized IB curriculum.
Founders Classical Academy provides a rigorous, discussion-based education similar to elite private schools.
4. Best Montessori Schools Near McKinney
For families who prefer a self-paced, hands-on learning approach, Montessori schools provide a great alternative to traditional education.
School Name | Grade Levels | Notable Features |
Montessori New Beginnings Academy | Pre-K – 6 | STEM-focused, individualized learning |
Heritage Montessori Academy | Pre-K – 6 | Spanish immersion, outdoor learning |
The Montessori School at StarCreek (Allen) | Pre-K – 5 | Science-based, hands-on projects |
Why It Matters:
Montessori education is ideal for younger children who thrive in exploratory, independent learning environments.
5. School District Boundaries & Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Your home address determines school zoning, so choosing the right neighborhood is important.
Neighborhood | School District | Best For |
Stonebridge Ranch | McKinney ISD | Families wanting large homes in a master-planned community. |
Craig Ranch | Frisco ISD | Families prioritizing top-rated schools & golf course living. |
Tucker Hill | McKinney ISD | Families looking for a small-town, charming neighborhood. |
Trinity Falls | McKinney ISD | Families who want new construction homes with great schools. |
How to Check School Zones
Use the Collin County Appraisal District (CCAD) website to check your school district by address.
Contact schools directly to ask about transfers or advanced academic programs.
Final Thoughts: Why McKinney is Ideal for Families
✅ High-ranking public schools with AP, IB, and STEM programs.
✅ Top private and charter schools for specialized education.
✅ Safe, family-friendly communities with strong school district zoning.
✅ Affordable luxury homes compared to other top-ranked school districts in Texas.
Would you like help finding a home in McKinney based on school district rankings?
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about McKinney real estate!
FIND A LUXURY HOME IN MCKINNEY, TEXAS WITH NITIN GUPTA, BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR®.
When purchasing a luxury home in McKinney, Texas, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, architectural style, security, and amenities to ensure the home meets both lifestyle and investment needs. By selecting a property in a prestigious neighborhood with numerous amenities and security measures, buyers can ensure they’re making a valuable and rewarding investment in the vibrant McKinney market.
For those looking to invest in luxury homes in McKinney, Texas, Nitin Gupta is an expert real estate professional ready to assist. Known for his extensive experience, market insights, and numerous awards, he is committed to finding his clients the best properties in the area.
Contact Nitin Gupta at 469-269-6541 or send a message today to explore exclusive listings and secure your ideal luxury residence in one of McKinney elite communities.
