U.S. founding father Benjamin Franklin stated: “an investment in education gives the best returns.” Frisco pioneers must have gotten that memo.
Think back to 1903 when the Frisco Independent School District was founded. At that time, various activities and notable attention was being invested into the area's burgeoning agricultural and train-inspired community. During the same time period of the school district's origin, Frisco originally was named Emerson, but that name was rejected by the U.S. Postal Service as being too similar to another town in Texas. In 1904, the residents chose the name Frisco City in honor of the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway and later shortened it to its present name, Frisco.
Seeds of education were thoughtfully and deliberately planted, along with the city, 122 years ago! Current residents and businesses are reaping rewards from that initiative and strategic planning.
Prior to the Frisco ISD forming, there was Robertson School between 1850-1935; Bass School during 1869-1884; Bush and Hackberry schools until the late 1930s; Lebanon School 1875-1948; Howard School 1884-1902; Erudia School 1897-1920; and Frisco Public School 1902-1912.
Mike Waldrip, MEd, Frisco ISD Superintendent, says all involved with the district continually reflect on its mission of knowing each child’s name and need while encouraging them to embrace future-ready learning opportunities.
Frisco's public school district currently covers portions of Denton and Collin counties, including portions of Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm and Plano, as well as unincorporated land. In 1993, Frisco ISD had approximately 1,933 students who attended four schools. On a percentage basis, Frisco ISD representatives state no school district in the United States grew faster than Frisco ISD from 1987-88 to 2014-15. More than 66,700 students now are educated in 43 elementary schools, one intermediate school, 18 middle school locations, 12 high schools and three special program centers. Surrounding those students are at least 4,577 teachers and 8,799 staffers.
While Frisco ISD is no longer the fastest-growing district in Texas, the district's leaders indicate families from around the world continue to make Frisco ISD their home.
Partnerships with Collin College and the University of North Texas ensure FISD students have the opportunity to leave high school with college credits, certifications or even an associate’s degree, states Dr. Waldrip.
"And with our student opportunity model, students have a greater opportunity to participate in fine arts, athletics and academics, developing leadership skills and talent," he adds.
To ensure the ongoing engagement of stakeholders within Frisco ISD, district officials made FISD a 'District of Innovation' on Feb.13, 2017, following board adoption of a Local Innovation Plan. The plan was developed by a committee of parents, staff and community members during November 2016 and was approved by the District Improvement Team during February 2017. The plan was renewed by the board on Jan. 11, 2022. Amendments are approved by the board and added to the plan each year.
Frisco ISD School Board of Trustees President Dynette Davis says it's a privilege to work alongside individuals committed to improving the education and future of local students. "Our success as a district is because of the dedicated education professionals that show up every day for our students and families. Our forward-thinking innovation makes us No. 1."
Dynette recalls that since moving to Frisco in 2012, she's seen Frisco ISD flourish into a destination district. "Thanks to FISD’s focus on strong academics and outstanding opportunities for students, families specifically move here from around the world to send their children to Frisco ISD schools. People want to work in FISD and travel from all over North Texas to do so, bringing their kids into the district, too."
In the nearly four years Dynette has been a FISD Trustee, she says she's been fortunate to get to know many of these students’ and teachers’ stories. "I've been so impressed by their hard work and dedication to excellence."
Dynette continues: "From the high number of students taking fine arts, to having the most National Merit Semifinalists in Texas in 2023, Frisco ISD is ensuring every student has a well-rounded, robust education that can carry them into college and beyond. The time and effort that educators invest in FISD students empowers them to become agents of positive change in the world. We're so proud of the students of Frisco ISD and of the educators who support them."
