For families relocating to Plano, Texas, top-tier schools are one of the biggest reasons to choose this city. Plano is home to some of the highest-rated public and private schools in Texas, making it an ideal place for families who prioritize academic excellence, college prep, and extracurricular activities. Here’s a guide to the best schools near Plano, including public, private, charter, and Montessori options.
1. Best Public Schools in Plano (Plano ISD & Frisco ISD)
Plano is primarily served by Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD) but also includes areas zoned to Frisco ISD, Allen ISD, and Prosper ISD, all of which are highly ranked school districts.
Top Elementary Schools Near Plano
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Hedgcoxe Elementary | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Strong STEM & gifted student programs |
Skaggs Elementary | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | High test scores, strong parental involvement |
Barksdale Elementary | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Focus on literacy & advanced math |
Anderson Elementary | Frisco ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Dual-language & honors programs |
Why It Matters: Plano’s elementary schools provide advanced academic programs that prepare students for middle school honors and high school AP/IB tracks.
Top Middle Schools Near Plano
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Renner Middle School | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Advanced math, science, and leadership programs |
Rice Middle School | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | High test scores & strong STEM curriculum |
Fowler Middle School | Frisco ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Competitive fine arts & academic programs |
Murphy Middle School | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Gifted & talented program, strong athletics |
Top High Schools Near Plano
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Plano West Senior High School | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | IB & AP programs, top-ranked in Texas |
Plano Senior High School | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Strong business & arts programs |
Liberty High School | Frisco ISD | ★★★★★ (9/10) | Excellent STEM & robotics teams |
Jasper High School | Plano ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Ranked among Texas' top high schools |
Why It Matters:
Plano West Senior High is consistently ranked as one of the best public high schools in Texas, known for its IB, AP, and college prep programs.
Frisco ISD schools in Plano offer competitive STEM and business programs, making them great choices for students pursuing careers in tech and finance.
2. Best Private Schools Near Plano
Plano offers a wide selection of elite private schools, providing faith-based, Montessori, and advanced academic options.
School Name | Grade Levels | Religious Affiliation | Notable Features |
Greenhill School | Pre-K – 12 | None | Highly-ranked academics, arts & athletics |
The Hockaday School (Dallas) | K – 12 | None | Elite all-girls prep school, ranked nationally |
Prestonwood Christian Academy | Pre-K – 12 | Christian | Strong STEM & college prep programs |
Prince of Peace Christian School | Pre-K – 12 | Christian | Leadership & academic excellence |
Why It Matters:
Greenhill School and The Hockaday School are among the most prestigious private schools in Texas, offering Ivy League-level college prep.
Prestonwood Christian Academy is ideal for families seeking a strong Christian-based education.
3. Best Charter Schools Near Plano
Charter schools provide tuition-free, specialized education, and many in Plano offer IB, STEM, and classical education programs.
School Name | Grade Levels | Focus Area | Notable Features |
Imagine International Academy of North Texas | K – 12 | International Baccalaureate (IB) | Ranked among top IB schools in Texas |
Founders Classical Academy | K – 12 | Classical Curriculum | Emphasis on Latin, philosophy, and logic |
Harmony Science Academy (Plano) | K – 12 | STEM | Nationally recognized robotics & engineering programs |
Why It Matters:
Imagine International Academy is ideal for families seeking an IB curriculum similar to top international schools.
Founders Classical Academy offers a challenging liberal arts education, ideal for students interested in philosophy, history, and debate.
4. Best Montessori Schools Near Plano
For families looking for a self-paced, hands-on learning approach, Plano has several top-rated Montessori schools.
School Name | Grade Levels | Notable Features |
Pebblecreek Montessori | Pre-K – 6 | STEM-integrated Montessori curriculum |
Carpe Diem Private Preschool | Pre-K | Individualized learning, strong early literacy program |
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 |
Willow Bend | Plano ISD | Families seeking luxury homes & top-rated schools. |
Lakeside on Preston | Plano ISD | Gated community with top private & public schools nearby. |
Kings Ridge | Frisco ISD | Families wanting strong STEM-focused education. |
Whiffletree | Plano ISD | Established community with high-ranking 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, gifted programs, or advanced placement options.
Final Thoughts: Why Plano is Ideal for Families
✅ Top-ranked public high schools, including Plano West Senior High.
✅ Prestigious private schools like Greenhill School & The Hockaday School.✅ Excellent charter & Montessori school options.
✅ 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 Plano based on school district rankings?
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Plano real estate!
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