This is the story of a family that almost signed a contract for a home in Fort Worth. They were convinced by the school name and the perfect score of 10 they saw on a real estate website, but just before closing, they called the school district and found out that the assigned school was not the one listed on the site, but a different one. The score for that school was much lower. Fortunately, they found out before signing the contract and were able to renegotiate the terms, but if it had been after the contract, it would have been difficult to reverse the situation.

This happens because the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has recently changed its assignment boundaries. As of December 2024, 105 students from Clifford Davis Elementary will be moved to Carter Park Elementary as the boundary shifts from Sycamore Creek to the Fort Worth and Western Railroad tracks. Some students in the West Handley area will also be reassigned to Sagamore Hill Elementary if they live south of Lancaster Avenue and west of Tierney Road. In simple terms, this means that an address that was assigned to School A last year could be assigned to School B this year.

Therefore, instead of blindly trusting the school names listed on real estate websites, it is safer to directly search for that address on the official district's boundary map. If the terminology is unfamiliar, think of it this way: a school boundary is a line that divides the addresses eligible to attend that school, and this line can change every few years based on student numbers or the opening of new schools.

When comparing actual scores side by side within Fort Worth, the differences are clear. Walsh Elementary has a score of 10, while MH Moore Elementary has a score of 3, and Carter Park Elementary has a score of 4. Lowery Road Elementary and Worth Heights Elementary both received a score of 6. Even within the same school district, there can be significant variations between schools.

These scores are assigned by GreatSchools, which evaluates test scores, student growth, and equity indicators. Since the scores reflect not only test results but also how much improvement has been made compared to the previous year, it is difficult to conclude that a school with a low score is necessarily lacking.

The student-to-teacher ratio is also an important factor to consider. This number can be found on the GreatSchools school profile page, and even schools with the same score can have quite different classroom environments if their ratios differ. Reviews are similar. While scores focus on test results, reviews contain information that isn't captured in numbers, such as safety during commutes or after-school programs, so reading them can be helpful.

For families moving to Fort Worth from out of state, it's important to note that not only school assignments but also property taxes and insurance rates may differ from those in their previous state. Texas has no state income tax, but property tax rates are relatively high, so if you base your monthly budget solely on your previous area, your actual holding costs may be higher than expected.

A school with a low score is not necessarily one to avoid. If the growth indicators are consistently improving, a school that currently has a low score may be on the right track for future improvement. Such schools can be seen as an opportunity to buy at a relatively lower price while also having the potential for future enhancements, but this is merely a possibility and not a guaranteed outcome.

• Check the assigned school directly on the district boundary map with the address
• Inquire with the district about any boundary changes in recent years
• Look at the student-to-teacher ratio and reviews in addition to scores

In areas like Fort Worth where school reassignments are ongoing, this verification process seems particularly important. Be sure to call the district directly to confirm before signing any contracts. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting a professional before finalizing any contracts is recommended.