Mansfield ISD Schools: The Complete 2026 Guide for Home Buyers
Mansfield ISD is the #1 reason families pay premium prices in this market. The district has a B rating in the upper 80s, the #1 ranked high school in Texas by SchoolDigger (Frontier STEM Academy), and 35,000+ students. Here's what you need to know before buying.
Quick Cheat Sheet: Top MISD Campuses
| School | Level | TEA Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier STEM Academy | High (9-12) | 99/100 (A) | #1 in Texas (SchoolDigger), application required |
| Early College High School | High (9-12) | 99/100 (A) | Earn college credits, application required |
| Lake Ridge High School | High (9-12) | A | #204 in Texas (U.S. News), traditional zoned |
| Timberview High School | High (9-12) | A | #364 in Texas, traditional zoned |
| Mansfield High School | High (9-12) | A | Oldest HS in district, traditional zoned |
| Summit High School | High (9-12) | A | #448 in Texas, traditional zoned |
| Legacy High School | High (9-12) | B | #439 in Texas, traditional zoned |
District Overview
Mansfield ISD serves parts of Mansfield, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and unincorporated Tarrant County. The district spans 94 square miles with 49 campuses.
School Structure
- 24 Elementary Schools (K-4)
- 7 Intermediate Schools (5-6)
- 7 Middle Schools (7-8)
- 5 Traditional High Schools (9-12)
- 2 STEM Academies (6-12, application required)
- 1 Early College High School (application required)
- 1 Career & Technology Academy
- 1 Early Learners Academy (Pre-K)
TEA Rating History
MISD received an A rating in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Ratings paused during COVID. The district returned at B in 2022-23 and has stayed in the upper 80s since. Superintendent Kimberley Cantu has stated the district is working toward regaining A status.
High Schools: What You Need to Know
Frontier STEM Academy
- Ranked #1 high school in Texas by SchoolDigger (rankings vary by source)
- 100% proficiency on STAAR EOC exams
- 13:1 student-teacher ratio
- Grades 9-12 (also has 6-8 program)
- Application required - not open enrollment
- Math proficiency: 60-79% (state avg: 37%)
- Reading proficiency: 95%+ (state avg: 51%)
Early College High School at Timberview
- Students can earn associate's degree while in high school
- Partnership with Tarrant County College
- Ranked #10 in Texas by SchoolDigger
- Application required
- Smaller class sizes than traditional high schools
Traditional High Schools (Zoned by Address)
- Lake Ridge HS: A-rated, 2,772 students, 18:1 ratio, #204 in Texas
- Timberview HS: A-rated, #364 in Texas
- Mansfield HS: A-rated, oldest in district, strong athletics tradition
- Summit HS: A-rated, #448 in Texas
- Legacy HS: B-rated, 2,537 students, 17:1 ratio, #439 in Texas
Four of five traditional high schools earned A ratings (TEA 2024-25). Legacy is the only B. Your zoned school depends on your home address.
Elementary and Intermediate Schools
MISD operates 24 elementary schools (K-4) and 7 intermediate schools (5-6). Performance varies by campus, but standouts include:
- Nancy Neal Elementary: 5-star rating, strong test scores
- Cora Spencer Elementary: 5-star rating
- Cross Timbers Intermediate: Feeds to Howard Middle, then Lake Ridge/Frontier
Elementary school determines your intermediate, middle, and high school pathway. Check zones carefully before buying.
Attendance Zones: How It Works
Your home address determines which school your child attends at each level. MISD updated zones for 2025-26, so verify current boundaries before purchasing.
How to Check Your Zone
- Go to mansfieldisd.org
- Use the "Find My Bus" tool with your address
- Or download the attendance zone maps (Elementary, Intermediate/Middle, High School)
Recent Zone Changes (2025-26)
- D.P. Morris Elementary now feeds to Cross Timbers Intermediate and Howard Middle
- Martha Reid Leadership Academy now feeds to Asa Low Intermediate and Wester Middle
- Roberta Tipps now feeds to Summit High School (was Mansfield HS)
These changes can affect home values. A home that fed to Lake Ridge might now feed to Summit. Verify before you buy.
Magnet and Choice Programs
MISD offers limited school choice options:
- Frontier STEM Academy: Application-based, grades 6-12
- Early College High School: Application-based, earn college credits
- Open Enrollment (K-4 only): Limited seats at non-zoned schools
- Career & Technology Academy: Vocational training for HS students
Most students attend their zoned neighborhood school. Magnet programs are competitive and not guaranteed.
Who is Mansfield ISD NOT For?
- Families wanting class sizes under 20 students. Traditional high schools run 17-18:1 ratios. Elementary classes can reach 22+.
- Those seeking guaranteed magnet placement. Frontier STEM and Early College require applications. Acceptance is competitive.
- Buyers who can't afford $400K+ homes. Mansfield proper has limited inventory under $400K. MISD extends into Arlington where prices are lower, but neighborhoods vary.
- Families wanting walkable schools. Most campuses require driving. Few neighborhoods are within walking distance of schools.
- Those prioritizing private school alternatives. MISD is public school. Private options exist but are separate from the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mansfield ISD a good school district?
What is the best high school in Mansfield ISD?
How do I find which MISD school my address is zoned for?
Does Mansfield ISD offer school choice?
Buying in Mansfield ISD?
School zones directly impact home values. I'll show you which neighborhoods feed to which schools.