Schools in and Around Cockrell Hill, Texas
Schools in and around Cockrell Hill, Texas reflect the city’s small size, diverse families, and strong ties to west Dallas. Cockrell Hill (population around 3,800) is primarily served by the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), with some southern edges touching nearby districts such as DeSoto ISD and Duncanville ISD. There are no campuses physically inside the one-square-mile city, but students attend a wide range of public, charter, and private schools within a short drive.
This guide pulls together nearby options based on data from public sources as of late 2025. Zoning and programs can change, so always confirm assignments with the appropriate district before you enroll.
Quick Snapshot of School Options
- Public K–12: Primarily Dallas ISD, with some areas near DeSoto ISD and Duncanville ISD.
- Charter & magnet: Several college-prep and specialized campuses within a few miles.
- Private & faith-based: Catholic and independent schools in nearby Oak Cliff and west Dallas.
- Early childhood: Preschools, daycares, and a dual-language Bezos Academy site close by.
- Higher education: Dallas College – Mountain View Campus about a mile from Cockrell Hill.
Public Schools (Dallas ISD – Primary)
These campuses represent the core public options most commonly associated with Cockrell Hill addresses. Exact zoning depends on your street, so use the official DISD boundary tool for final confirmation.
| School Name | Level | Approx. Distance | Key Notes / Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr. Elementary | PK–5 | ~2 miles | Bilingual programs, diverse student body (rating: B-). |
| L.O. Donald Elementary | PK–5 | ~1.5 miles | Strong community ties, after-school clubs (rating: C+). |
| Anson Jones Elementary | PK–5 | ~1 mile | Focus on literacy and parent involvement (rating: B). |
| L.V. Stockard Middle | 6–8 | ~2.5 miles | STEM electives, arts programs (rating: C). |
| Zan Wesley Holmes Middle | 6–8 | ~1 mile | Counseling support, athletics (rating: C-). |
| Quintanilla Middle | 6–8 | ~2 miles | AVID college-prep focus, bilingual support (rating: B-). |
| Moisés E. Molina High School | 9–12 | ~3 miles | Dual-language academy, AP courses (rating: B). |
| Justin F. Kimball High School | 9–12 | ~1.5 miles | Health professions magnet, strong athletics (rating: B-). |
| Sunset High School | 9–12 | ~2.5 miles | Fine arts focus and diverse clubs (rating: B). |
What to Know About DISD Options
Within Dallas ISD, families often weigh several factors: bilingual and dual-language programs, advanced academic options, extracurriculars, and campus culture. Some households choose to stay with their zoned campus, while others apply to specialized magnets or choice schools elsewhere in the district.
When comparing these schools, look beyond letter ratings. Consider class sizes, teacher experience, principal stability, available electives, and the level of communication between school staff and parents.
Nearby Public Schools (Other Districts)
A few schools in neighboring districts sit within roughly five miles of Cockrell Hill and may serve portions of the area or be considered by families exploring transfer options.
| School Name | District | Level | Key Notes / Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockrell Hill Elementary | DeSoto ISD | KG–6 | Linguistics magnet feel, small class ratios (~16:1), rating: A-. |
| Curtis Elementary | Duncanville ISD | PK–5 | Technology-integrated curriculum, strong parent reviews (rating: B+). |
| Ambassador High School | Dallas ISD | 9–12 | Alternative campus for credit recovery and additional support (rating: C). |
Charter & Magnet Schools Within a Short Drive
Charter schools and specialized magnet programs add more choices for Cockrell Hill families. Many of these schools use lottery-based admissions and may serve a broad geographic area, so it is important to check eligibility and application deadlines early.
| School Name | Level | Key Focus / Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Uplift North Hills Preparatory | PK–12 | College-prep charter with high test scores (rating: A). |
| Golden Rule Charter School | PK–5 | Small class sizes and character education (rating: B). |
| Universal Academy | PK–12 | STEM emphasis and accessible tuition options (rating: B-). |
| Rangel Young Women's Leadership School | 6–12 | All-girls leadership-focused program with strong academics (rating: A+). |
Choosing Between Zoned, Charter, and Magnet Routes
Families considering charter or magnet schools often weigh commute time, program fit, and admissions criteria against the convenience of neighborhood campuses. It can help to tour both zoned and choice schools, attend information nights, and ask current parents about their experience with communication, homework load, and school culture.
Private Schools & Faith-Based Options
Private schools near Cockrell Hill include Catholic campuses, independent academies, and specialized programs. Tuition ranges widely but often includes smaller class sizes, religious education, and structured learning environments.
| School Name | Level | Key Notes / Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Saint Michael Catholic | PK–8 | Catholic curriculum, small enrollment (~140 students), rating: A-. |
| St. Cecilia Catholic | PK–8 | Strong academics with an arts focus (rating: A). |
| The Kessler School | PK–5 | Progressive, nature-based learning environment (rating: A+). |
| TDA Academy | 6–10 | Therapeutic day school focused on special needs (specialized program). |
| Fellowship Christian Academy | PK–12 | Christian values, flexible scheduling, rating: B+. |
Early Childhood, Preschool & Bezos Academy
For families with young children, early childhood and preschool options are an important part of the decision to move into the area. Near Cockrell Hill, you will find a mix of daycares, Montessori-style programs, and school-based pre-K offerings.
- Bezos Academy Dallas – Cockrell Hill: Free dual-language preschool located at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus, with lottery-based admissions and a waitlist for future years.
- Private preschools and Montessori centers within several miles of Cockrell Hill.
- Daycare centers that provide full-day care with structured learning components.
Higher Education: Dallas College – Mountain View Campus
Just about a mile from Cockrell Hill, Dallas College – Mountain View Campus offers associate degrees, workforce certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. It serves as the closest higher-education hub for residents who want to continue their studies without a long commute.
In-district tuition is typically much more affordable than four-year universities, making the campus a strong option for recent high school graduates and adults returning to school.
How to Evaluate Schools When You Visit
Whether you’re relocating or already live in the area, a few steps can make school decisions clearer:
- Use official district tools (such as DISD’s boundary finder) to confirm your zoned campuses.
- Tour two or three schools at each level to compare environments.
- Ask about academic support, extracurricular options, and communication with families.
- Check how long administrators and key teachers have been at the campus.
Combine this school research with neighborhood and cost-of-living information to get a full picture of what daily life would look like in and around Cockrell Hill.
Use the moving and living guides to compare commutes, costs, and neighborhoods alongside your school list.
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