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Schools in Waco, TX

Public Schools

Waco is served by several school districts, with the largest being the Waco Independent School District (WISD).

Waco ISD Schools

  • High Schools: Waco High School (new $157.1 million campus), University High School
  • Middle Schools: Cesar Chavez Middle School, G.W. Carver Middle School, Indian Spring Middle School, Lake Air Montessori Magnet, Tennyson Middle School
  • Elementary Schools: Numerous elementary schools, including Bell's Hill, Brook Avenue, Cedar Ridge, and the newly opened Kendrick Elementary (1801 Kendrick Lane, Waco, TX 76711 — new $47.4M campus, opened August 13, 2025; part of the 2021 $355M bond package).

Other Public School Districts Serving Waco

  • Midway Independent School District (MISD)
  • China Spring Independent School District (CSISD)
  • Robinson Independent School District (RISD)
  • Connally Independent School District (CISD)
  • La Vega Independent School District (LISD)

Charter Schools

  • Harmony Science Academy
  • Rapoport Academy Public School

Ratings and Information

  • Ratings for schools vary significantly by district. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) issues annual accountability ratings (A–F) for all public schools and districts in the state.
  • Waco ISD received a D (63) from the TEA in 2025 — down one point from the prior year. Of 20 rated schools, 9 improved their overall score. Lake Air Montessori School had the highest campus rating at 78. 13 of 15 elementary schools received failing marks for student achievement. South Waco Elementary has four consecutive years of failing grades and is under a state turnaround plan. The district did receive an A in financial accountability. Community support is expanding through the Communities in Schools program, now active on all WISD campuses.
  • Midway ISD consistently earns A or B ratings and is one of the highest-performing districts in the region. It is a strong draw for families settling in the southwest Waco/Hewitt/Woodway area.
  • China Spring ISD, Connally ISD, and Robinson ISD typically earn B ratings and are well-regarded options for families in those corridors.
  • Waco ISD has a number of magnet schools and special programs, including the ATLAS Academy for gifted and talented students and the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy (GWAMA), which prepares students for technical careers.
  • For the most current TEA ratings, visit tea.texas.gov.

June 2026 Updates

Updated June 2026 — Additional WISD administrative changes and MCC recognition.

  • Waco ISD Administrative Shuffle (June 2026): Waco ISD announced a further round of principal and administrator reassignments at the district level in preparation for the 2026–27 school year. This follows the May 2026 appointments of Dr. Barbara Page (Kendrick Elementary) and Bamma Moore (G.W. Carver Middle School). Source: Waco Tribune-Herald.

  • MCC President Rising Leader Award: Dr. Chad Eggleston of McLennan Community College was selected for the 2026–27 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, recognizing outstanding emerging community college leadership. Source: Waco Tribune-Herald.

  • Texas Tuition Freeze (June 2026): Governor Abbott ordered Texas colleges to freeze tuition, and McLennan Community College was noted as already ahead of the curve on affordability. Source: KXXV.

Spring 2026 Updates

Updated May 2026 — Major governance changes and leadership announcements at Waco ISD.

  • Charter Operator Contract (March–April 2026): Waco ISD approved a 3-year contract with Third Future Schools to take over operations at South Waco Elementary and Dean Highland Elementary beginning fall 2026. South Waco Elementary has received five consecutive failing state accountability grades; Dean Highland has received three — a record that triggered the district to act preemptively to avoid a state takeover under Texas law. The partnership is structured under Senate Bill 1882, shielding the district from state intervention for two years and providing additional funding. Third Future Schools was founded by Mike Miles, the former Dallas ISD superintendent. Teachers at managed campuses are recruited externally and start at approximately $75,000 annually (vs. $54,000 standard starting pay in Waco ISD). The district expects to spend approximately $11.7 million annually on the arrangement. Sources: Texas Tribune, KWTX.

  • New Principals (May 2026): Dr. Barbara Page named Principal of Kendrick Elementary (May 19); Bamma Moore named Principal of G.W. Carver Middle School (May 22).

  • 2026 Graduation Moved Indoors: Waco High School's 2026 graduation ceremony relocated to Baylor University's Ferrell Center.

  • Dual Degree Milestone: 37 Waco ISD seniors completed a dual degree program, earning college credit alongside their high school diplomas (May 2026).

  • Midway ISD Aviation: Midway ISD students completed a two-year hands-on plane build program, culminating in a "First Flight Celebration" at the James T. Connally Aerospace Center.

Private Schools

Waco has a wide variety of private school options:

  • Vanguard College Preparatory School (6-12): A highly-rated private school with a strong academic reputation.
  • Live Oak Classical School (PK-12): A Christian school with a classical education model.
  • Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School (PK-12): A Catholic school serving the Waco area.
  • Eagle Christian Academy (PK-12)
  • St. Paul's Episcopal School (PK-6)
  • Waco Montessori School (PK-6)

Homeschooling

Waco has a large and active homeschooling community with numerous resources:

  • Greater Waco Christian Home Educators (GWCHE): A large Christian homeschool support group.
  • Brazos Valley Co-op: A Christian homeschool co-op that meets weekly.
  • Alpha Omega Homeschool Co-op: A homeschool co-op with campuses in Lacy Lakeview and Robinson.
  • Waco Area Inclusive Homeschoolers: A secular and inclusive homeschool group.
  • Numerous other groups and co-ops for various interests and needs.

Sources: GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, Wikipedia.org, and other web search results.