DENTON ISD: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Located at the top of the ``golden triangle’’ of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Denton Independent School District is part of the growing metropolitan area. It is the second fastest-growing school district in North Texas.

However, Denton ISD’s unique ``small town community’’ environment separates it from the growing, larger suburban school districts within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

 With two universities and one community college, along with a strong community involvement and dedicated staff, Denton ISD is able to offer all the programs available from larger school districts, but maintains “a small school climate.”

It maintains that “small town” flavor because the community is dedicated to keeping its schools “small” in population. The goal of the district is to maintain the following numbers:

§   Maximize elementary enrollment from 650 to 700

§   Maintain middle schools at a 1,000 capacity with a “Team” concept at each grade level so students will have the same group of teachers.

§   Keep high schools at enrollments of about 2,000

 No. 1 in Academics, Arts, Athletics

     Denton ISD’s quest for excellence extends beyond the classroom. The district is large enough to offer the top academic, athletic and artistic programs available.  Students consistently triumph in the classroom, upon the stage and on the athletic fields. For example, students have brought home top honors in almost every UIL event in:

• Academics
• Athletics
• Fine Arts

Plus, students consistently reach new heights every year. Test scores continue to exceed state and national averages.

Geographical area

     Denton ISD has been committed to providing a quality education since it was founded in 1882. The district – located about 25 miles north of Dallas and Forth Worth - encompasses 180 square miles and contains all or parts of the following cities, communities or major developments:

·        Denton

·        Bartonville

·        Cross Roads

·        Double Oak

·        Lantana

·        Corinth

·        Oak Point

·        Copper Canyon

·        Shady Shores

·        Providence   

·        Savannah

·        Robson Ranch

·        Paloma Creek

·        Cross Oaks Ranch

Growth

As a fast-growth district, the student enrollment is increasing by more than 1,000 students annually. With this growth, the district is opening 1 to 3 facilities a year. In 2000, the district had 13,541 students. The district anticipates about 18,000 students for the 2005-06 school year. During the next five years, the district is anticipated to grow to almost 25,000 students.

District facilities

 Higher Education facilities

       Within its boundaries, Denton ISD has the following higher education institutions:

            *   University of North Texas

Learning is fun!

Students quickly discover that learning is fun in the Denton Independent School District because its diverse curriculum - combined with outstanding fine arts and athletic programs - inspire students to do their best.

The school district is committed to providing a quality education program. However, it’s the people of the Denton community who embrace the students that set the school district apart from other districts.  For example:

·        University students majoring in education volunteer in the schools while professors from the University of North Texas’ prestigious music program often inspire young musicians to produce their own CDs.

·        Many university employees often serve on the district’s numerous advisory boards and task force committees.

·        Community volunteers spend more than 310,000 hours in the schools every year! Mentors from local businesses and agencies help students at every level.

·        Every child can find his or her niche whether its athletics, art, music, computer technology or just reading a good book.

 With its high academic standards, state-of-the art technology classes, exemplary fine arts programs, rigorous athletic teams and numerous extra-curricular activities, DISD students graduate with the skills they need to lead successful lives.

 Denton ISD ACADEMICS

            In Denton ISD, the curriculum is aligned from pre-K through 12^th grade, which has raised the academic standards at each grade level. This curriculum alignment insures that no student misses any critical academic skills. 

            The district also has incorporated an ``interactive, activity-base’’ instruction, plus computer technology into every classroom.

            With Texas Woman’s University, the University of North Texas and a branch of North Central Texas Community College all within the district’s boundaries, the district constantly works with all three groups on numerous projects

·        Professional development where teacher education candidates work directly with the students to enhance one-on-one instruction.

·        High school students can enroll in college classes through several different programs