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The GISD Difference
Our family of three cities shares a vision that serves to provide an exceptional education to all students.
About us
Garland ISD educates over 51,000 students across 68 campuses, making it the second-largest district in Dallas County, the fifth-largest in Dallas-Fort Worth, the 15th-largest in Texas, and one of the 100 largest in America. With a rich 100-year tradition of excellence, GISD boasts a diverse population that speaks more than 72 languages. The district also features technology-driven campuses, magnet programs, and 250+ Career and Technical Education courses.
Quick look
Choice of School
Choose your school
In Garland ISD, families have the opportunity to select the campus their children will attend through our Choice of School program.
- Attend your neighborhood school, a school across town or apply to attend a magnet school.
- Transportation is provided in designated transportation zones for neighborhood schools and for students accepted to magnet schools.
- Students living outside of the district have the opportunity to attend Garland ISD schools through our Open Enrollment program.
College for All
Get a head start on your career
We provide opportunities for all students to earn at least 12 hours of college credit or an industry certification alongside their high school diplomas. Courses like these saved parents $4 million in tuition in 2024 alone.
Academics & CCMR
Customize your education
Selective magnet schools, innovative programs and student-focused support services give each student the power to create a customized education based on personal strengths, talents and interests. There's something for everyone, from 3 years old to 12th grade.
Student Safety
Safe and supportive schools
Here at GISD, we provide the best learning environment possible for our students. Here are just a few of our features:
- local police officers, known as School Resource Officers, provided to teach and protect students
- registered nurses provided at every school
- licensed mental health professionals available to help counsel students (known as Responsive Services counselors)
- secure vestibules entry areas and ADA compliance for all of our buildings
- state-of-the-art dispatch center that runs 24/7 year-round
- water safety classes as part of our 2nd-grade curriculum
College Readiness
Free college prep
GISD helps to cover the cost of your student's success. We offer:
- free AP Exams to all high school students enrolled in AP courses
- free PSAT/SAT exams for students in eighth through 11th grade
- financial awards for students with qualifying AP performance
- free college tuition through our Dallas County Promise and Texas A&M-Commerce Pledge partnerships
In 2024, families saved $549,681 from AP and IB exams and $349,935 in PSAT/SAT costs.
Programs & Services
Innovative instruction
GISD meets the needs of the 21st-century learner through our future-focused curriculum. Our district:
- provides free Chromebooks for secondary students
- uses a STEAM framework implemented at all schools
- maintains distinctive facilities such as our Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center, planetarium and natatorium
- is a Google for Education Reference District
District Accolades
100-year standard of excellence
GISD stands out above the rest:
- 15 Best Community for Music Education awards, 2024 TAEA District of Distinction, and 2024 Premiere Community for Theatre Education
- National Blue Ribbon schools, National PTA Schools of Excellence, U.S. News & World Report's Best Schools, TEA's Systems of Great Schools Network, and Texas Honor Roll distinctions
- repeated National Merit and Advanced Placement Scholar student recognition
- 11.2 years average teacher experience and a student/teacher ratio of 15.5:1
- AAA rating by Moody's for financial excellence
- Texas Comptroller Transparency Star Awards
- 64 campuses Energy Star certified
Pictured: Rhodes Trust scholar and GISD Alumni Evan Walker
Employee Benefits
Valued employees
Here are just a few of the perks that come with joining the GISD team:
- competitive salaries
- comprehensive benefits package including an employee assistance program
- students of nonresident employees can attend GISD schools
- a two-year 1-on-1 new teacher mentorship
- a low-cost employee clinic for non-emergency medical needs
#ChooseGarlandISD
Be a part of the #GISDEffect! Join our diverse community today.