Top School District Choices For California Families
Here’s the breakdown of some of the top highly-rated school districts where out-of-state families are landing
The Strategic Decision Framework for California Families
Tier 1: “We’re Not Compromising on Education” ($600K-$1M)
Best Choices: Lovejoy ISD, Carroll ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
You’re Getting: Elite 10/10 education, affluent community, Palo Alto/Manhattan Beach equivalent outcomes
You’re Saving: $800K-$1.5M vs. California equivalent
Best For: Executives, high-income families, those who need “best of the best” validation
Tier 2 "We Want Elite Education + Smart Value" ($400K-$650K)
Best Choices: Frisco ISD, Plano ISD, Allen ISD, Keller ISD, Wylie ISD, Argyle ISD
You’re Getting: Elite 9/10 education, proven outcomes, established communities
You’re Saving: $500K-$1M vs. California equivalent
Best For: Strategic families who want top-tier education without overpaying, comfortable with “excellent but not flashy”
Tier 3 "We're Playing the Long Game" ($280K-$450K)
Best Choices: Midlothian ISD, Waxahachie ISD, Red Oak ISD, Rockwall ISD (lakeside value)
You’re Getting: Good 7-8/10 education, great homes, actual land, massive financial freedom
You’re Saving: $700K-$1M+ vs. California equivalent
Best For: Families prioritizing wealth building, financial freedom, space/land, small-town lifestyle
North DFW - The Bay Area/OC Equivalents
North #1: Lovejoy ISD
California Equivalent: Palo Alto Unified ($2.5M median), Irvine Unified University Park area ($1.8M)
Rating: 10/10 – top-tier everything
Academic Performance: 99%+ graduation, SAT averages 1280+ (top 10% nationally)|, Regular Ivy League and top UC placements
What You’re Actually Getting:
-4,000 students total vs. 30,000+ in comparable California districts.
-Truly personal education.
-15:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
The Culture:
Small-town Texas feel meets academic excellence. Friday night lights exist here, but academics come first.
Your California Advantage: Palo Alto-level outcomes at 40-60% of the cost, with 2-3X the house size.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking:
Lovejoy’s enrollment management keeps class sizes optimal even as the area grows. They’re expanding infrastructure strategically, not frantically. You’re getting boutique education at scale that works. This is your “we’re absolutely not compromising” play, with $800K-$1.5M in cash left over from your California equity for investments, college funds, or lifestyle.
Reference the chart below for the latest Lovejoy ISD home prices
North #2 Carroll ISD
California Equivalent: Manhattan Beach Unified ($2M+ median), Palos Verdes Peninsula schools ($1.8M+)
Rating: 10/10 Legendary Texas district
Academic Performance: Mid-90s TEA accountability, elite university placement rates rival top California privates
What You’re Actually Getting: Championship-level everything: academics, athletics, arts, you name it. This is Friday Night Lights meets Ivy League prep.
The Culture: Affluent, competitive, deeply involved parents. You’ll recognize this energy, it’s California achievement culture with Texas’ football intensity.
Your California Advantage: Manhattan Beach education and lifestyle at half the price, with actual yards where your kids can play.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Southlake is where executives from Apple, Google, Facebook land when they relocate. You’re paying a premium even by Texas standards, but it’s still 40-50% less than California equivalents. The football culture here is real and intense. If you embrace it, you’ll love it. If you need something more academically focused without the Friday night spectacle, I’d point you toward Lovejoy instead.
Reference the chart below for the latest Carroll ISD home prices
North #3 Frisco ISD
California Equivalent: Irvine Unified main areas ($1.1M-$1.4M), Cupertino Union ($2M+)
Rating: 9/10 – elite at scale
Academic Performance: 75 campuses, 60,000+ students, multiple high schools with specialty programs
What You’re Actually Getting: Scale advantages: multiple competitive high schools, diverse academic paths, extensive AP/dual credit, state-of-the-art facilities (Texas actually spends big money on schools)
The Culture: Master-planned community feel. This is where 40% of California relocators land. High transplant population means you won’t be the “California family”—you’ll be one of many.
Your California Advantage: Irvine-equivalent education at 40-60% discount, newer construction, actual community amenities.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Frisco is the fastest-growing district in Texas. Prices are rising but still highly accessible compared to California. The district manages growth well, new schools open proactively, not reactively. Multiple high schools mean if your kid doesn’t thrive at one, you have options within the same district. This is the “balanced choice” – elite academics, proven outcomes, family-friendly communities, and you’re not sacrificing anything except California pricing.
Reference the chart below for the latest Frisco ISD home prices
North #4: Plano ISD
California Equivalent: San Ramon Valley Unified ($1.2M median), Walnut Creek districts
Rating: 9/10 – established excellence
Academic Performance: 48,000 students, 20+ AP courses, strong college-prep metrics across multiple high schools
What You’re Actually Getting: Decades of proven results, deep community roots, economic and cultural diversity (feels more “real” than some homogeneous districts)
The Culture: Established neighborhoods (not all new construction), genuine community history, less flashy than Frisco but equally strong outcomes
Your California Advantage: Established Bay Area suburb equivalent at 60-70% discount.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Plano is “old money Texas” (relatively speaking). Established, stable, proven. If you liked the established feel of Walnut Creek or San Ramon but want better value, this is your play. The district has multiple high schools, so you have options. Some neighborhoods are older, which means better tree canopy and established infrastructure, but you’re not getting the shiny new construction feel of Frisco. Depends what you value.
Reference the chart below for the latest Plano ISD home prices
North #5: Allen ISD
California Equivalent: San Clemente Unified ($1.1M), Carlsbad Unified ($1.2M)
Rating: 9/10 – balanced excellence
Academic Performance: “A” TEA rating, high graduation and college-readiness scores, modern facilities
What You’re Actually Getting: Strong town identity, balanced priorities (academics, athletics, arts), slightly better value than Plano/Frisco
The Culture: Eagle Stadium (Google it—this is Texas high school football). Strong community identity. Less transplant-heavy than Frisco, more “Texas” feel.
Your California Advantage: North County San Diego education at 60% of the cost.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Allen flies under the radar compared to Frisco/Plano but delivers comparable academic outcomes at better pricing. If you’re comfortable being 10-15 minutes farther from Dallas proper, you’re gaining $50K-$100K in home value advantage. The trade is you’re slightly more isolated. Allen is still developing with a smaller town feel, whereas Frisco/Plano blend into the broader northern corridor.
Reference the chart below for the latest Allen ISD home prices
West DFW: The San Diego North County Equivalent
West #1: Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
California Equivalent: Encinitas Unified ($1.3M), Del Mar Union ($2M+)
Rating: 10/10 – A+ across all metrics
Academic Performance: 98%+ graduation, top-tier university placement, above-average SAT/ACT scores
What You’re Actually Getting: DFW Airport proximity (if you travel), between Dallas and Fort Worth, established affluent community
The Culture: More laid-back than Southlake, less flashy than Frisco, but absolutely top-tier outcomes. This is the “California vibe” district—coastal-casual-but-excellent energy.
Your California Advantage: Del Mar-level schools at 60% discount, with DFW airport convenience for business travel.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: GCISD is where California families land when they want excellence without flash. Some neighborhoods feature older homes (well-maintained, established), but you’re getting genuine community feel. If you valued Encinitas’ coastal-casual-but-excellent vibe, this is your Texas translation. Airport proximity is major if you travel for work.
Reference the chart below for the latest Grapevine-Colleyville ISD home prices
West #2: Keller ISD
California Equivalent: Poway Unified ($900K), Scripps Ranch area
Rating: 9/10 – big district resources
Academic Performance: 34,000 students, A/A+ profiles, extensive AP and extracurricular programs, acclaimed fine arts
What You’re Actually Getting: Fort Worth side of metroplex (not Dallas side), modern campuses, big-district resources without big-district dysfunction
The Culture: Balanced community, academics matter, but so do arts and athletics. Less intense than some northern districts.
**Your California Advantage:** Poway-level education at 60% cost, with Fort Worth’s lower cost of living baseline.
**Strategic Intel I’m Tracking:** Keller is where smart California money goes when they want top-tier education without paying the North DFW premium. You’re saving $100K-$200K vs. Frisco/Plano for virtually identical academic outcomes. The trade is you’re on the Fort Worth side—farther from Dallas employment centers if that matters. But if you’re remote or working Fort Worth side, this is pure value.
Reference the chart below for the latest Keller ISD home prices
West #3 Argyle ISD
California Equivalent: Las Virgenes Unified (Calabasas/Agoura, $1.2M+)
Rating: 10/10 – elite boutique district
Academic Performance: 100% graduation, A accountability rating ~92/100, under 5,000 students
What You’re Actually Getting: Small-town Texas with elite education. Everyone knows everyone. Friday night lights, community events, genuine small-town culture.
The Culture: This is TEXAS small-town. If you want cosmopolitan, look elsewhere. If you want the “small town we can’t afford in California anymore” experience, this is it.
Your California Advantage: Boutique private-school-level attention at public school pricing, Calabasas community feel at half the cost.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Argyle is growing fast but maintaining its small-town character through careful planning. You’re getting elite academics with genuine community connection. The trade is you’re embracing Texas culture fully—this isn’t a transplant-heavy district. If you’re ready for that, you’ll love it. If you need more cultural diversity or cosmopolitan feel, I’d point you elsewhere.
East DFW: The Smart Money Value Play
Top-tier education at mid-tier pricing, where savvy California buyers bank $200K+ in savings
East #1: Wylie ISD
California Equivalent: Temecula Valley Unified ($650K), Murrieta schools
Rating:** 9/10—A TEA rating (~96/100)
– **Academic Performance:** Top Texas district rankings, strong AP/dual credit, caring staff reputation, proven college placement
– **What You’re Actually Getting:** Small-town Texas that’s growing smart, genuine community feel, 35-40 minutes from Dallas (but that’s nothing compared to your Bay Area commute)
– **The Culture:** More “Texas” than North DFW transplant districts. Genuine community, less flashy, strong values.
– **Home Prices:** $350K-$500K
**Your California Advantage:** Save $200K-$400K vs. North DFW, get equivalent education, bank serious wealth-building capital.
**Strategic Intel I’m Tracking:** Wylie is the “smart money” play. You’re getting 90% of Frisco/Plano outcomes at 60% of the price. If you’re willing to drive an extra 15 minutes, you’re banking capital that compounds over time. The district manages growth well—new schools, modern facilities, but maintaining that small-town culture. Self-motivated kids thrive here without the pressure-cooker intensity of some northern districts.
East #2 Rockwall ISD
California Equivalent: Lake communities (but actually nice), Folsom-area schools ($700K)
Rating:** 9/10—upper-tier statewide
– **Academic Performance:** 18,000+ students, praised for academics and extracurriculars, relatively new facilities
– **What You’re Actually Getting:** Lakeside living (Lake Ray Hubbard), water sports, recreation, growing amenities
– **The Culture:** “On a lake in Texas”—embrace the boat/lake lifestyle. Less intense than North DFW, more lifestyle-focused.
– **Home Prices:** $350K-$550K
**Your California Advantage:** Lakeside living with elite schools at prices California families can’t fathom. Think Lake Tahoe accessibility with Texas pricing.
**Strategic Intel I’m Tracking:** Rockwall is for families who value lifestyle + education equally. You’re getting lakeside recreation plus top-tier schools. Values are appreciating as more people discover this. The trade is you’re farther east—45 minutes to Dallas proper. But if lifestyle matters and you’re remote/flexible, this is where California outdoor families find their fit.
South DFW: The Strategic Wealth-Building Play
This is where savviest California families are making life-changing financial moves
South DFW #1: Midlothian ISD
California Equivalent: Temecula Valley outer areas ($600K), better than Yucaipa/Beaumont-area schools
Rating: 8/10 – high-B TEA score, A-rated campuses
Academic Performance: Solid B+/A- district, balanced college/career pathways, strong growth trajectory
What You’re Actually Getting: Fastest-growing Ellis County district, modern facilities, genuine affordability, good schools (not elite, but GOOD)
The Culture: Small-town Texas that’s growing. More diversity than you’d expect. Real community connection.
Your California Advantage: $350K buys you 3,500 sq ft on half an acre with $500K-$700K left from your California equity for investments/college funds.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Midlothian is where savvy California families bank serious money. You’re getting good schools (not elite, but genuinely good), great homes, actual land, and building wealth instead of burning it. The district is growing fast, new schools, improving infrastructure, increasing home values. If your kids are self-motivated, they’ll thrive here. And you’ll retire with an extra $500K in the bank because you didn’t overspend on housing.
South #2: Waxahachie
California Equivalent: Better than High Desert communities, nothing like Hesperia/Victorville
Rating: 8/10 – solid B+/A- district, improving facilities
Academic Performance: Good schools with notable programs (Global High School for early college), genuine community investment
What You’re Actually Getting: Historic Texas downtown you’ll actually want to spend time in, small-town culture, maximum affordability with good education
The Culture: This is MY hometown. Genuine Texas small-town living. Friday night football. Community events. Real relationships.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Waxahachie is for California families who are DONE with the rat race. You want good schools (not elite, but good), genuine community, historic charm, and to actually build wealth. Your kids will get a solid education. You’ll be mortgage-free or close to it. And you’ll have capital to invest in their future instead of burning it on housing.
South #3 Red Oak
Your California Advantage: $320K buys you 3,000+ sq ft, you pocket $600K-$800K+ from California equity for investments/college/lakehouse/financial freedom.
Rating: 7/10 – solid growing district
Academic Performance: Good schools, growing community, improving infrastructure
What You’re Actually Getting: This is where you get 2-5 acre properties with great homes. Land. Space. Financial freedom.
The Culture: Small-town Texas for families who prioritize space and land. 40 minutes to Dallas, but you’re living on actual property.
Your California Advantage: $350K buys you 3,500 sq ft on 3 acres. Try finding that in California for under $1.5M.
Strategic Intel I’m Tracking: Red Oak is for California families who want the “I remember when California had space” lifestyle. You’re getting good schools, great homes, actual LAND, and banking massive wealth. This isn’t for everyone, but for the right family, this is life-changing financial freedom. The growth corridor south of Dallas is expanding. Red Oak is positioned to benefit from spillover growth as prices in closer-in areas rise.
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## The Honest Answers to Questions California Families Actually Ask
### **“Is Texas education actually good?”**
**Short Answer:** Yes. Top Texas districts compete nationally with top California districts.
**Real Answer With Data:**
– Carroll, Lovejoy, Frisco, Plano students place into Ivy League, Stanford, top UCs at rates comparable to Palo Alto and Irvine
– Texas public schools spend $13,317 per student vs. California’s $12,500 median
– Teacher pay in top Texas districts is competitive with California (Frisco ISD: $60K+ starting, with lower cost of living)
– Facilities in Texas are typically newer and better than California equivalents (Texas builds schools proactively)
– Class sizes in top districts are comparable or better than California
**The Catch:** Texas has more variance. Top districts are EXCELLENT. Lower-tier districts are actually lower-tier. Do your homework—which is exactly what you’re doing right now.
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### **“Will my kids get into good colleges from Texas schools?”**
**Short Answer:** Absolutely yes.
**Real Answer:**
– Top Texas districts send kids to every elite university annually
– Texas has automatic admission to UT-Austin (top 6%) and Texas A&M (top 10%)—guaranteed elite public university access with strong academic performance
– Your kid from Carroll/Lovejoy/Frisco has BETTER odds at top schools than from mid-tier California districts due to geographic diversity (elite schools want Texas students)
– Texas students are less burned out from California achievement pressure cooker—they’re competitive but not broken
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### **“What’s the catch? Why is it so much cheaper?”**
**Real Answer:**
– **Land availability:** Texas has it, California doesn’t
– **Property taxes:** Higher (2-2.5% vs. 1%) but total housing costs are still 30-40% lower
– **No state income tax:** Saves 9-13% of your income immediately
– **Lower regulation:** Faster building = more supply = lower prices
– **No Prop 13 dynamics:** Texas hasn’t created artificial scarcity through tax policy
**Net Result:** Even with higher property taxes, you’re saving $3,000-$5,000/month in total housing costs.
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### **“Will we fit in culturally?”**
**Honest Answer:** Depends on the district.
**High California Transplant Districts (you’ll feel at home immediately):**
– Frisco (40%+ from out of state, large California population)
– Allen (diverse transplant community)
– Prosper (California families everywhere)
– Wylie (growing transplant base)
**“You’ll Need to Embrace Texas Culture” Districts:**
– Carroll/Southlake (Texas football culture is REAL and intense)
– Argyle (small-town Texas, embrace it fully)
– Waxahachie/Midlothian (genuine small-town Texas)
**The Reality:** Most California families adapt within 6-12 months and wonder why they didn’t move sooner. The cost of living difference creates quality of life improvements that outweigh cultural adjustments. Your kids make friends. You find your community. And the financial freedom changes everything.
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## Your Strategic Next Steps
This isn’t a rankings list you found on Google. This is strategic intelligence for the biggest financial decision your family will make.
Every week I talk to California families making $500K-$1M decisions based on incomplete information. They’re getting generic “best schools” lists that don’t account for:
– Their specific financial situation and equity position
– Their actual priorities (prestige vs. value vs. lifestyle)
– The California-to-Texas translation that actually matters
– The strategic timing opportunities I’m tracking
– The hidden factors that impact long-term satisfaction
**I track this market every single day.** I live in Ellis County. I work across North Texas. I’ve helped dozens of California families make this exact transition.
And I can tell you with certainty: The families who approach this strategically—who understand they’re not making a compromise but a strategic upgrade—are the ones calling me two years later saying “this was the best decision we ever made.”
### **Let’s Talk Strategy**
If you’re seriously considering the North Texas relocation, don’t make a $750,000 decision based on Google searches and generic agent advice.
Let’s have a strategic conversation about:
– Your specific equity position
– Your actual priorities (be honest with yourself)
– The districts that match YOUR situation
– The market intelligence I’m tracking that creates advantage
– The execution plan that gets you from California to Texas with confidence
**This is what strategic real estate intelligence looks like.**
*Helping California families make strategic relocation decisions with confidence—not compromises.*
For more information on the best school districts for Californians read our comprehensive Guide.
Bobby Franklin
Realtor®
Serving DFW | Ellis County
16 Northgate Dr. Ste 100
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Ready To Move To Texas?
Move Planning | Strategic Market Insights