For families relocating to Southlake, Texas, top-tier schools are a major draw. Southlake is home to Carroll Independent School District (Carroll ISD), one of the highest-ranked public school districts in Texas, as well as several elite private schools and specialized charter schools. If academic excellence, college prep, and extracurricular activities are priorities, Southlake is one of the best places in North Texas to raise a family.
1. Best Public Schools in Southlake (Carroll ISD)
Southlake is primarily served by Carroll Independent School District (Carroll ISD), a top-ranked district in Texas with a strong reputation for academic achievement, athletics, and college readiness.
Top Elementary Schools in Southlake
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Walnut Grove Elementary | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Advanced STEM & gifted programs |
Old Union Elementary | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | High test scores, dual-language options |
Rockenbaugh Elementary | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Emphasis on leadership & literacy |
Carroll Elementary | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Highly ranked for reading & math excellence |
Why It Matters: Southlake’s elementary schools provide challenging coursework, advanced placement programs, and strong extracurriculars that set students up for future success.
Top Middle Schools in Southlake
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Carroll Middle School | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Advanced math & science tracks |
Dawson Middle School | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Gifted & talented program, strong athletics |
Top High Schools in Southlake
School Name | District | GreatSchools Rating | Notable Features |
Carroll High School (Grades 9-10) | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | AP & Dual Credit programs, championship athletics |
Carroll Senior High School (Grades 11-12) | Carroll ISD | ★★★★★ (10/10) | Top college prep school in Texas |
Why It Matters:
Carroll Senior High School consistently ranks among the best public high schools in Texas for its AP, Dual Credit, and college readiness programs.
Carroll ISD is known for its high SAT/ACT scores and Ivy League college acceptances.
2. Best Private Schools Near Southlake
For families looking for smaller class sizes, faith-based education, or advanced academic options, Southlake has several elite private schools.
School Name | Grade Levels | Religious Affiliation | Notable Features |
The Clariden School | Pre-K – 12 | None | Ranked for STEM & gifted programs |
Grapevine Faith Christian School | Pre-K – 12 | Christian | Competitive athletics, strong academic rigor |
Westlake Academy | K – 12 | None | International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum |
Fusion Academy Southlake | 6 – 12 | None | One-on-one personalized learning |
Why It Matters:
The Clariden School is one of the top-rated private STEM schools in Texas.
Westlake Academy offers an IB program, making it an excellent choice for expat families or international students.
3. Best Charter Schools Near Southlake
Charter schools in Southlake offer tuition-free education with specialized curricula, making them great alternatives to traditional public schools.
School Name | Grade Levels | Focus Area | Notable Features |
Westlake Academy | K – 12 | International Baccalaureate (IB) | Globally recognized IB curriculum |
Founders Classical Academy | K – 12 | Classical Curriculum | Emphasis on humanities & leadership |
Why It Matters:
Westlake Academy is one of the only IB charter schools in Texas, offering a rigorous, internationally recognized program.
Founders Classical Academy is ideal for students who excel in a structured, liberal arts-focused curriculum.
4. Best Montessori Schools Near Southlake
For families looking for a self-directed, hands-on learning approach, Southlake has several top-rated Montessori schools.
School Name | Grade Levels | Notable Features |
The Montessori School of Southlake | Pre-K – 6 | STEM-based Montessori curriculum |
Xplor Preschool & School Age Care | Pre-K | Early childhood literacy & STEM integration |
The Clariden School | Pre-K – 12 | Montessori-inspired, project-based learning |
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 |
Timber Lake Estates | Carroll ISD | Families seeking luxury homes & top-rated schools. |
Southlake Woods | Carroll ISD | Gated community with top private & public schools nearby. |
Monticello Estates | Carroll ISD | High-end homes with award-winning schools. |
Westwyck Hills | Carroll ISD | Large estate homes with excellent school access. |
How to Check School Zones
Use the Tarrant County or Denton County Appraisal District website to check school zoning by address.
Contact Carroll ISD directly to ask about transfers, gifted programs, or advanced placement options.
Final Thoughts: Why Southlake is Ideal for Families
✅ Carroll ISD is consistently ranked the #1 school district in Texas.
✅ Top-rated public schools with AP, Dual Credit, and college prep programs.
✅ Prestigious private schools like The Clariden School and Westlake Academy.
✅ Safe, family-friendly communities with high-end homes and strong school district zoning.
✅ Excellent college acceptance rates and SAT/ACT scores.
Would you like help finding a home in Southlake based on school district rankings? Please call us at 469-269-6541 for more details about Southlake and available homes!
About us: Southlake Luxury Real Estate Experts
As a Top Real Estate Professional in Southlake, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a luxury home in Southlake.
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Whether you are a first time buyer in Southlake looking to buy a home in Southlake or whether you are relocating to Southlake from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a luxury home in Southlake. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
What is most important to you in your new home in Southlake? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Southlake that you can use to help make your home buying decision.