District Overview
The Waco Independent School District is a mid-sized district serving the many different needs of more than 15,000 students throughout the city. Waco ISD schools offer a family-like atmosphere and small school feel for students ages three through high school.
Students may attend their neighborhood school or choose to apply for random lottery selection to one of five magnet schools that encompass all grade levels. Magnet campuses provide a broad range of curriculum including technology, science, fine arts, Montessori, business and engineering. Each school has a unique atmosphere with programs of interest for students.
- Nationally Certified teachers
- Professional Development Schools with Baylor University
- Professional Development Schools with Tarleton State University
- Magnet schools
- Differentiated Instruction
- Montessori education
- Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program with Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
- Education Foundation classroom grants
- More than 200 Adopt-A-School partnerships
- State-of-the-art athletics complex
- Performing arts centers
- High-speed Internet access in every classroom
- Educational access high definition cable television channel
- After-school programs
Academic and extracurricular programs include:
- AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
- International Baccalaureate PYP Elementary School (K-5th)
- Academy of Information Technology
- Academy of Environmental Technology
- Academy of Finance
- Academy of Engineering
- Early childhood education
- Character education
- English Language Learners classrooms
- Gifted & Talented elementary program
- Gifted & Talented middle school program
- Advanced Academics
- Advanced Placement courses
- Articulated and Dual Credit courses with local colleges
- Credit Recovery Program
- Career and Technology Education
- Award-winning fine arts programs
- Award-winning JROTC battalions
- UIL Class 4-A Athletics