Education at all levels is a priority for Plano citizens.  One of the most compelling concerns of relocating families with school-aged children is the quality of education in the area they are moving.  Plano offers a highly acclaimed school system which is committed to meet and exceed the standards of the most discerning parents.   Plano ISD was selected by SchoolMatch, a national educational research firm, as a 1997 Sixth Annual award-winning school system for its results in a "What Parents Want" survey.  Criteria included competitive test scores, accreditation, recognition for excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, above average teachers' salaries and quality "end product" (high school graduate).

Tremendous growth in all areas of Plano has been met with millions of dollars in bond money to accommodate expansion and development.  Special programs are in place for all learning levels, with community and school collaboration giving unprecedented advantages to area students of all ages.  In the bond election of 1996, three new elementary schools, three new middle schools and a third senior high school were funded, along with renovations planned for four older elementary schools and two middle schools.   In addition to numerous updates in parking, fire systems, carpet and more, there was an increase in technological equipment in elementary and secondary schools.  A fall 1997 bond issue funded three more elementary schools.

Enrollment requirements may included the following: birth certificate, proof of immunizations, and in some cases, proof of residence and a transcript from a previously attended school.

In keeping with the tradition of quality services, Plano provides its youth with outstanding opportunities to achieve in a scholastic environment.  Designed to produce educational excellence, the Plano school system credits its success with the unique cooperative efforts of its students, their families, its dedicated staff and the support of the business community.  Through state-of-the-art programs, technological assistance and social, political and environmental awards, students are empowered to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Plano ISD serves the residents of approximately 100 square miles in the southwestern corner of  Collin County, encompassing the cities of Plano and Parker, part of the city of Murphy and the northern portions of the cities of Dallas and Richardson.  The district currently operates 34 elementary school programs, 16 secondary school programs, a science learning center, a special programs center, and administrative office complex, a maintenance center and a transportation center.  Students attend classes in modern, attractive and air-conditioned buildings complete with food service facilities, library/media centers and gymnasiums.  Many of the schools have attracted national attention in their planning and design in which the classrooms foster flexible arrangement for teachers to provide individual, small group or large group instruction. Plano ISD teaching professionals are among the best trained in the nation with more than 60 percent holding master's degrees and averaging 11 years of teaching experience.The district's goals are clear and unwavering - achievement at or above anticipated achievement level for every child, an increase in critical thinking skills of each student, the development of positive citizenship and character, and the preparation and graduation of each student for higher education or successful job placement.

Out of 286 schools across the United States, 19 schools within Plano ISD have been recognized as "Blue Ribbon" exemplary schools by the United States Department of Education.  They are Plano Senior high School (twice); Plano East Senior High School; Clark High School; Armstrong, Carpenter, Renner, Schimelpfenig and Wilson middle schools; and Carlisle, Davis, Dooley, Forman, Hedgcoxe, Huffman, Saigling, Shepard, Meadows, Brinker and Wells elementary schools.  Student test scores are among the highest of the 50 largest Texas school districts on state-mandated tests in math, reading and writing and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores.  Plano ISD was also recognized by the Texas Education Agency as one of eight districts with students who demonstrate mastery of higher-level cognitive skills.

Elementary schools concentrate on the mastery of basic academic skills with kindergarten available half-day throughout the school year.  Middle school programs are exploratory and offer a wide variety of courses to develop special interests.  At the high school level, freshmen and sophomores will complete more than half of their required credits with two units each of English, math, science, social studies, one of physical education or health, and two units of electives.  Senior high school students at the junior and senior levels attend large campus Senior High Schools, where they receive special attention toward academic and career skills to prepare for higher education and/or employment.  There are three different plans for graduation:   the Regular Program, the State Board of Education Recommended High School Program and the Distinguished Achievement Program, each requiring 24 units of credit for graduation.  More than 90 percent of graduating seniors continue their education at the college and university level.