in “community-based problem solving,
grassroots civic engagement and joint
efforts on the part of the public, private,
and nonprofit sectors.”
Rustic Roots
Like Dallas, Forth Worth has rustic roots as
the city “Where the West Begins.”
Originally established as an army outpost
in 1849, it eventually served as the last
major stop on the legendary Chisholm
Trail – the road where wranglers drove
millions of herds of Longhorn cattle north
to market in Kansas.
The city earned the nickname “Hell’s Half
Acre” after the red light district teeming
with gambling parlors, saloons, and
dance halls sprang up to entertain the
wild cowboys who frequently visited as
they passed through town. Today,
residents still call it “Cowtown” because
of its proximity to the drovers’ trail and its
rowdy cowboy roots.
All Business
Cosmopolitan and chic in its own right,
Fort Worth‘s long and storied history still
reigns - but so does its designation as a
national business, educational, and
cultural destination. Big D’s thriving
smaller neighbor is equally rich in
commerce as the headquarters of Fortune
500 companies such as American
Airlines, Radio Shack, BNSF Railway,
and XTO Energy – as well as many other
smaller companies.
It’s also an attractive destination for moving
families according to CNBC who has
ranked it among the “best cities to relocate
to in America” thanks to its affordable
housing, low unemployment rate, and
thriving arts and culture scene – which
includes one of the best zoos in the country.
Today, more than 777,992 residents are
proud to call “Cowtown” home.
Multiple Attractions
Today, the city holds true to its early
beginnings with a thriving nightlife and
the Fort Worth Stockyards - a premier
livestock center, and still, the city’s
centerpiece. But it’s also become known
for internationally famous art museums,
ballet, opera, symphony, renowned
concert venues, and high culture – and
has now garnered a more apropos
nickname, “The City of Cowboys and
Culture.”
DALLAS AND FORT WORTH:
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Between its universities, colleges, trade
schools, public, private, and parochial
schools, there’s no shortage of
educational resources for those relocating
to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
According to data from the City of Dallas
Office of Economic Development, over
30 percent of the D/FW area’s
workforce has at least a college degree,
and more than 80 percent have at least a
high school education.
Together, the K- 12 public school systems
in Dallas and Fort Worth educate several
hundred thousand students and have both
received accolades for their education
programs, resources, and diversity.
Public, Private and Higher Education
The Dallas Independent School District is
the 12th largest school district in the U.S.
with more than 20,000 employees and a
diverse population of more than
159,000 students who speak more than
70 different languages. The district
currently has 224 schools, and voters
approved a $1.35 billion building
program that is adding 14 new schools
and various renovations over the next
several years. According to The
Washington Post, DISD is home to two of
the top ten public high schools in the
country. Several of the district’s schools
have been designated as Blue Ribbon
schools and scores more rated as
exemplary or recognized. DISD also
boasts a progressive dual language
immersion program benefiting both native
English and Spanish speakers, along with
three “early college” high schools.
Nearby Tarrant County (which includes
such major communities as Arlington, Fort
Worth, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Grapevine-Colleyville, and Keller) includes 21
school districts. The largest is the Fort
Worth Independent School District, which
is the fifth largest in the state with more
than 86,000 students in 83 elementary
schools, 29 middle schools and sixth-grade centers, 18 high schools, and 16
special campuses.
There are also many smaller school
districts across other DFW counties that
offer a wealth of education options for
families. (See the Public Education section
for more detailed information about the
area’s largest school districts, including
enrollment numbers, test scores, student-teacher ratios, and much more). The area
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WELCOME TO DFW
