Top-rated schools
in Northlake, TX.
Northlake sits within the boundaries of two highly rated school districts: Northwest ISD and Argyle ISD. With schools located directly inside master-planned communities, modern facilities, and a strong commitment to student success, families choose Northlake for the education their children deserve.
Education at the center
of community life.
School quality is one of the top factors for families choosing where to live in the DFW metroplex, and Northlake delivers on that front. The town sits within the boundaries of two of Denton County's highest-performing districts: Northwest ISD, which holds an "A" rating from the Texas Education Agency, and Argyle ISD, which is consistently ranked the number one school district in Denton County by Niche.
What makes Northlake especially attractive for families is the proximity. Many of the area's schools are located within or directly adjacent to the master-planned communities where families are moving. Johnie R. Daniel Elementary, one of the newest campuses in Northwest ISD, serves Pecan Square families right in their own neighborhood. Argyle ISD schools are similarly accessible from nearby communities like Canyon Falls and Harvest.
This guide walks you through both districts, the specific schools serving Northlake families, private and charter options in the broader Denton County area, and why these schools matter when choosing a home in Northlake.
TEA Rating
Denton County Rank
School Districts
Communities
One of the fastest-growing
districts in Texas.
Northwest Independent School District holds an overall "A" rating from the Texas Education Agency and is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state. NISD serves communities across a wide swath of western Denton County and into northern Tarrant County, including Northlake, Justin, Haslet, and parts of Fort Worth.
The district is known for strong academics across all grade levels, robust fine arts and athletics programs, and a commitment to innovation in the classroom. As the population along the 35W corridor continues to grow, NISD is investing in new campuses and expanded facilities to meet demand while maintaining the quality families expect.
For Northlake families, this means access to modern, well-resourced schools that are actively expanding to serve the community. The district's proactive approach to growth is a key reason families feel confident choosing Northlake for their children's education.
Johnie R. Daniel Elementary
One of the newest campuses in Northwest ISD, located directly in the Northlake community. This school serves families in Pecan Square and surrounding neighborhoods, offering strong academics, modern facilities, and a welcoming environment for students in their early years.
- Located within Northlake
- Serves Pecan Square families
- New campus with modern facilities
- Strong community involvement
Floyd Barksdale Middle School
Built directly within the Pecan Square community, this middle school gives families the rare convenience of having a quality campus within walking or biking distance. The school offers a full range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.
- Located within Pecan Square
- Walking/biking distance for many families
- Full athletic and fine arts programs
- Part of NISD growth plan
Northwest ISD High Schools
Northwest ISD operates several high schools serving the broader area, including Eaton High School and Northwest High School. The district has plans for additional high school capacity to accommodate the rapid growth along the 35W corridor.
- Strong athletics and fine arts
- Career and technical education programs
- AP and dual-enrollment options
- New campus planned for growth
Smaller by design,
top-rated by results.
Argyle ISD is a smaller but highly regarded district consistently ranked as the number one school district in Denton County by Niche. Known for personalized education, strong community involvement, and high academic standards, Argyle ISD serves families in Argyle, parts of Northlake, and the surrounding communities.
The district's smaller size is an advantage: families often describe a sense of connection with teachers and administrators that larger districts struggle to replicate. Students benefit from strong academics, competitive athletics, and a campus culture that prioritizes individual student growth.
For Northlake families in areas served by Argyle ISD, including sections near Canyon Falls and Harvest, the district offers an excellent educational experience with a community-oriented feel.
Argyle High School
Consistently ranked among the top high schools in Denton County, Argyle High School is known for strong academics, competitive athletics, and a campus culture that fosters leadership and community involvement.
- #1 rated in Denton County
- Strong academic programs
- Competitive athletics
- Active campus life
Argyle Middle School
Serving students in grades 6 through 8, Argyle Middle School provides a strong academic foundation with a focus on preparing students for the rigor of high school. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and athletic programs.
- Strong academic foundation
- Extracurricular and athletic programs
- Preparation for Argyle High School
- Supportive learning environment
Hilltop Elementary
Part of the Argyle ISD elementary system, Hilltop Elementary serves younger students with a focus on building strong fundamentals in reading, math, and science within a caring and engaged school community.
- Strong fundamentals focus
- Engaged school community
- Part of Argyle ISD
- Caring learning environment
Additional choices
in Denton County.
Beyond the public school districts, families in the broader Northlake area have access to several private and charter school options that offer specialized curricula, faith-based education, and alternative learning environments.
Liberty Christian School
A well-established private school in Argyle offering college-preparatory academics, fine arts, and athletics in a faith-based environment.
Founders Classical Academy
A classical charter school offering a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with an emphasis on Western civilization, great books, and Socratic discussion.
Denton ISD Academies
Denton ISD operates several magnet and academy programs offering specialized tracks in STEM, fine arts, and leadership for students across the district.
School ratings and rankings are based on Niche.com and Texas Education Agency data. District boundaries and school assignments should be verified for specific addresses.
I know these schools
because I live here too.
As a Northlake resident who is building a home in Pecan Square, I have firsthand experience with the schools and the community that surrounds them. I know which campuses are within walking distance, how the districts are growing, and what matters most to families when they are evaluating school options.
Whether you are drawn to Northwest ISD's innovative approach and modern facilities, or Argyle ISD's personalized education and small-town feel, I can help you find the community and the home that puts your children in the right school.
My recommendation: Come visit the schools, tour the communities, and see the difference for yourself. I will set up a school-focused consultation to help you compare districts, understand assignments for specific addresses, and make a confident decision about where your family should be.
Communities served by these schools.
Northlake City Guide
Explore everything Northlake has to offer, from master-planned communities to local amenities.
Pecan Square
Northwest ISD schools, resort-style amenities, and village-center living in Northlake.
Harvest
A 1,200-acre agrihood with three on-site elementary schools and family-focused amenities.
Canyon Falls
Nature-focused living served by both Argyle ISD and Northwest ISD.
Common school questions.
What school district serves Northlake TX?
Northlake is primarily served by Northwest Independent School District (NISD), which holds an "A" rating from the Texas Education Agency. Sections of the town also fall within Argyle ISD and Ponder ISD boundaries. The specific district depends on your address within Northlake.
How do Northwest ISD and Argyle ISD compare?
Both are top-rated districts. Northwest ISD is larger and one of the fastest-growing in Texas, with strong academics, athletics, and fine arts programs. Argyle ISD is smaller and more personalized, consistently ranked #1 in Denton County by Niche. Both offer excellent educational opportunities for Northlake families.
Are schools located within master-planned communities in Northlake?
Yes. Several schools are located directly within or adjacent to Northlake's master-planned communities. Johnie R. Daniel Elementary serves Pecan Square families, and Floyd Barksdale Middle School was built within the Pecan Square community itself. This proximity is a major draw for families choosing Northlake.
What private and charter school options are near Northlake?
Families in the Northlake area have access to several private and charter options, including Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Founders Classical Academy in the Lewisville/Argyle area, and Denton ISD magnet programs. I can help you explore all options based on your family's needs.
Should I verify school assignments for a specific address?
Yes. School district boundaries and individual campus assignments can vary by address. I recommend verifying your specific assignment through the district's website or by contacting them directly. I'm happy to help you confirm which schools serve any property you're considering.
Let's find the right community
for your family's education.
Whether you're comparing school districts, exploring specific campuses, or trying to understand which community puts your children in the right school, I'll guide you through every step.