When it comes to well-known school districts in Dallas, Highland Park and University Park are at the top of the list.

These two cities are independent municipalities completely surrounded by the city of Dallas, collectively known as Park Cities.

The Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) oversees both cities and is recognized as one of the best and most financially stable public school districts in Texas.

Highland Park High School is the only high school in HPISD, located at 4400 Emerson Ave, University Park, TX 75205. The school has approximately 2,200 students and consistently ranks among the top in Texas for academic achievement and college admission rates.

It regularly appears in the top rankings of best high schools in Texas by US News & World Report. Unlike DISD magnet schools, which excel in national rankings, Highland Park competes for the top spot among general public schools in Texas.

Highland Park High School (HPHS)

Location: Located at 4400 Emerson Ave, University Park, TX 75205.

Student Population: As the only high school in the district, it has around 2,200 students.

Performance Metrics: It maintains a top ranking among Texas public general high schools according to US News & World Report. Unlike selective magnet schools in DISD, it is recognized as an excellent school for academic achievement and college readiness among general public schools based on residency criteria.

Highland Park High School excels not only in academics but also in sports and extracurricular activities.

The football team is one of the most successful high school teams in Texas, with a tradition of winning state championships multiple times.

It also shows strength in various sports such as swimming, golf, tennis, and lacrosse. The band, orchestra, and theater programs are also of high quality.

The school facilities are well-maintained and up-to-date, featuring spacious athletic fields, a swimming pool, and an indoor gym.

School Life and Essential Academic Costs

School Supplies: Each year, students must individually purchase the essential school supplies list provided by the school (notebooks, writing instruments, binders, calculators, etc.).

Digital Devices and Textbooks: Even if the school provides Chromebooks or iPads, there may be insurance or management fees, and costs for supplemental materials or online learning program licenses may be incurred by the student.

Lunch Costs: If not eligible for free lunch as a low-income student, there will be costs associated with using the school lunch program or bringing a packed lunch.

To send a child to Highland Park, families must reside in either Highland Park or University Park.

Housing prices in this area are among the highest in the Dallas metro, making it a significant financial burden to find a home in this district for educational purposes.

Nevertheless, many families willing to invest in a good public school district often move here despite the high housing costs.

The Korean community in Dallas is also well aware of the Highland Park school district, with some families prioritizing this area when looking for homes.

Graduates of Highland Park High School often attend prestigious Texas universities such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, and Rice University, and they also gain admission to Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford each year.

The alumni network is strong, with HPHS graduates actively participating in Dallas' business, legal, and medical fields.

As a representative of the affluent school district in Park Cities, Highland Park High School exemplifies high standards in public education in Dallas.