High School and Beyond
An11YearJourney
Thirty students climb aboard the bus on the first day of eighth grade in Fort Worth. They chatter about their summer adventures. Each seat holds a name, a hope, and a future waiting to unfold.
WHY IT MATTERS
For five years, we have released reports on how students who attend public schools in Fort Worth are doing relative to their grade level in our annual City of Fort Worth Academic Performance Report The findings have been consistent and sobering: across our community, most of our students are not mastering critical academic content nor reading on grade level
Sharing this with the community isn’t about test scores It’s about what meeting grade-level standards means for the life outcomes of our Fort Worth students. Students who are on grade level by 3rd grade are far more likely to go on to earn a two- or four-year degree, a milestone that remains one of the most reliable gateways to a living wage and long-term economic stability.1
This report presents data collected annually by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It chronicles the paths of Fort Worth students for 11 years, beginning in 8 grade. Specifically, it tracks 8th graders from public middle schools in the City of Fort Worth through high school and six years after high school graduation
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We can all think of examples of individuals who achieved success and secured jobs that provide a living wage without education beyond a high school diploma, but for young adults without a degree, those examples are an exception, and increasingly rare Young adults without a certification, credential, or degree within six years of finishing high school have just a 12% chance of earning a living wage. In contrast, students who earn a credential dramatically increase their chances of building stability In Texas, bachelor’s degree holders are four times more likely, and associate’s degree holders nearly twice as likely, to earn a living wage In Tarrant County, a single adult needs at least $48,200 a year to cover basic expenses, and a family of four with two working parents requires more than $108,600. For many of our students, the difference between struggling to get by and achieving economic security often comes down to whether they receive the education that leads to a living wage and success beyond high school. 2 3
Contrary to much of the present conversation, the college wage premium is at a historic high. The median bachelor’s degree holder earns $32,000 more annually than the median worker with only a high school diploma This 68% premium compounds over time as degreed workers see faster wage growth and more career advancement And by 2031, 66% of jobs paying a living wage will require at least a bachelor’s degree, an increase of 7% since 2021 Accordingly, the number of jobs that pay a living wage for workers with only a high school diploma is projected to decline by 600,000
The bottom line is clear: without a post-high school credential, most Fort Worth students are not on a path to reach a living wage in their lifetime By ensuring our students receive a K–12 education that prepares them to be successful on a higher education pathway, we will dramatically improve their chances of lifelong stability and upward mobility
We share these outcomes not as data points, but as a call to action for our community’s future.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Every student in Fort Worth deserves the chance to build a bright future, regardless of their zip code Using data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, this report follows the nearly 30,000 students who were enrolled in 8th grade in Fort Worth from 2011 through 2013, from middle school through high school, and beyond The results show both that our students aspire for success in higher education and the sobering reality that most of our students are not reaching their goals
ASignificantShareofOurStudentsAreNotFinishingHighSchool
Of the nearly 30,000 Fort Worth students who were in the 8th grade from 2011-2013, only 78% went on to graduate from a Texas public high school within six years That means approximately one in five students never reached this critical milestone, putting long-term educational opportunities and the benefits of those opportunities out of reach.
MostHighSchoolGraduatesAspiretoHigherEducation
The data shows that most students who graduated aspired to pursue higher education. Among Fort Worth middle schoolers who graduated from a Texas public high school, 58% enrolled in a Texas higher education institution, while another 9% pursued higher education out of state. Our students clearly demonstrate their intent to pursue the degrees and credentials that can lead to a living wage, higher earning potential, and expanded possibilities
Two-YearCollegesaretheFirstStopforManyFortWorthStudents
When Fort Worth students pursue education after high school, most begin at a community college
More than half of the Fort Worth students who pursued higher education in Texas started at a two-year college (27% of the original 8th-grade cohorts, compared to 18% at four-year colleges).
FewStudentsAchieveTheirHigherEducationAspirations
Despite their strong aspirations, most students who pursued higher education did not receive a degree Six years after high school, only 14% had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 5% had earned an associate's degree This means fewer than one in five students who attended Fort Worth middle schools secured a degree from a Texas institution within six years after their graduation from high school.
This report charts the path of our students along their educational journey. It is a wake-up call. We want our community and our young people to thrive, achieving a living wage and more To make that vision a reality, we must ensure that every student has the academic foundation necessary to not only graduate from high school, but also pursue their dreams after high school - and achieve them. It is our civic and moral responsibility
Youngadultswhodonotearna certification,credential,ordegree withinsixyearsoffinishinghigh schoolhavejusta12%chanceof earningalivingwage.2
CityofFortWorth
Mayor: Mattie Parker
CityofFortWorth
29,567 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
78% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools.
45% (13,446 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
9% (2,659 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
8,026 (27% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 5,420 (18%) enrolled in a four-year college. Six years after graduation, 4,205 (14%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, 1,348 (5%) had earned an associate’s degree, and 147 had earned a certificate. 11
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school 12
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the
HighSchoolGraduation
By high school graduation, six seats on the bus are empty.
Elena steps off to care for her younger brother full-time.
Marcus hops off to work, helping his parents cover their bills.
John never learned to read well, and over time that struggle made school feel impossible. 24classmatescrossthestageincapsandgowns.
By2031,66%ofjobspayinga livingwagewillrequireatleasta bachelor’sdegree,anincrease of7%since2021. 7
CityCouncilDistrict2
Councilmember: Carlos Flores
CityCouncilDistrict2
3,713 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011to 2013 Of that group: th
77% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools.
39% (1,464 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
8% (312 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state.
970 (26% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 494 (13%) enrolled in a four-year college
Six years after graduation, 383 (10%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 204 (5%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school
CityCouncilDistrict3
Councilmember: Michael Crain
CityCouncilDistrict3
2,928 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011to 2013. Of that group: th
76% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
46% (1,343 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
Another 10% (293 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
790 (27% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 553 (19%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 455 (16%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 113 (4%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school.
GradersToandThroughHigherEducation
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013 th
CityCouncilDistrict4
Councilmember: Charles Lauersdorf
CityCouncilDistrict4
3,097 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
85% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
58% (1,784 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
10% (314 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
1,039 (34% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 745 (24%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 705 (23%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 178 (6%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school
FollowingthePathof8 GradersToandThroughHigherEducation th
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013 th
CityCouncilDistrict5
Councilmember: Deborah Peoples
CityCouncilDistrict5
1,699 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
68% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
36% (606 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
8% (131 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
334 (20% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 272 (16%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 106 (6%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 51 (3%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school.
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013 th
CityCouncilDistrict6
Councilmember: Mia Hall
CityCouncilDistrict6
2,348 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
82% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
56% (1,310 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
7% (171 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
768 (33% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 542 (23%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 402 (17%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 120 (5%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013 th
PursuingHigherEducation
Thirteen students stay on the bus for college in Texas. Eight decide to start at community college, and five start at a four-year university. Three switch to a bus headed to college out of state.
Skylar arrives at community college, with a fashion sketchbook under her arm Luis settles into university as an education major, determined to teach in his old neighborhood.
Amani balances nursing labs and babysitting shifts, saving every scholarship dollar
Eightquietlysteppedoffthebus,weighingwork, thecostoftuition,andformany,iftheyweretruly preparedforcollege.
Themedianbachelor’sdegreeholder earns$32,000moreannuallythanthe medianworkerwithonlyahigh schooldiploma. This68%premium compoundsovertimeasdegreed workersseefasterwagegrowthand morecareeradvancement. 5 6
CityCouncilDistrict7
Councilmember: Macy Hill
CityCouncilDistrict7
2,033 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
81% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
51% (1,029 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
7% (149 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
664 (33% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 365 (18%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 295 (15%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 120 (6%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school.
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 2011-2013 th
CityCouncilDistrict8
Councilmember: Chris Nettles
CityCouncilDistrict8
3,022 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
75% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
38% (1,135 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
8% (241 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
670 (22% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 465 (15%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 284 (9%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 96 (3%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013 th
CityCouncilDistrict9
Councilmember: Elizabeth Beck
CityCouncilDistrict9
3,867 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
78% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
43% (1,644 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
Another 9% (353 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
990 (26% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 654 (17%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 492 (13%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 188 (5%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school
GradersToandThroughHigherEducation th
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 2011-2013 th
CityCouncilDistrict10
Councilmember: Alan Blaylock
CityCouncilDistrict10
4,025 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
85% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
56% (2,240 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
12% (464 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
1,190 (30% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 1,050 (26%) enrolled in a four-year college. Six years after graduation, 909 (23%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 198 (5%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school
FollowingthePathof8 GradersToandThroughHigherEducation th
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013 th
CityCouncilDistrict11
Councilmember:
Jeanette Martinez
CityCouncilDistrict11
2,835 students were enrolled in 8 grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: th
70% went on to graduate from Texas Public High Schools
31% (891 students) pursued higher education in Texas.
8% (231 students) enrolled in colleges out of state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board does not report on outcomes for students who left the state
611 (22% of the original cohort) enrolled in a two-year college, while 280 (10%) enrolled in a four-year college.
Six years after graduation, 174 (6%) had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 80 (3%) had earned an associate’s degree.
HighSchoolEnrollmentProgression
High school enrollment progression shows the number of students in the 2011-2013 8th-grade cohorts that went on to enroll in each subsequent grade in a Texas public school.
Students attended 8 grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 2011-2013 th
ComparingFortWorthCityCouncil
EducationalOutcomesBeyondHighSchool
SixYearsLater
As the bus approaches its final stop, seven who started college in Texas got off somewhere along the way without a degree.
Two disembark at the Associate’s Degree stop. Skyler’s is in fashion-merchandising, and she launches her first online boutique.
Four ride all the way to the Bachelor’s Degree Terminal. Luis hugs his diploma as he plans to start working as a teacher in his old elementary school.
Amani completed her nursing program and is ready to support her family on a stable living wage.
Sixoftheoriginal30rodeallthewaytoan Associate’sorBachelor’sDegreeinTexas.
The low number of Fort Worth young adults who are attaining a 2or 4-year degree represents a civic and a moral crisis.
It’s a civic crisis because of what this means for our city. If we don’t address this now, there are huge, long term, citywide consequences for things like workforce, economic development, poverty, and public health.
It’s a moral crisis because of what this means for the kids themselves.
Most of our children in Fort Worth will not progress their education beyond high school; and many will not even make it to high school graduation. That means the door is closing on the opportunities available to them to access the lives they want and deserve.
EmptySeats
The bus finishes its route with 21 empty seats. 21 of the original 30 Fort Worth 8 graders got off the bus somewhere along the way. th
Where does their story go?
EducationalOutcomes ofLocalHighSchool Graduates
The table shown below follows the public 8 grade class of 2013 after graduation from Tarrant County Public High Schools
EducationalOutcomes ofLocalHighSchool Graduates
The table shown below follows the public 8 grade class of 2013 after graduation from Tarrant County Public High Schools th
Mansfield
EducationalOutcomes ofLocalHighSchool Graduates
The table shown below follows the public 8 grade class of 2013 after graduation from Tarrant County Public High Schools
Methodology
The 8th-grade cohort data found in this report were obtained from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) The Texas Talent Trajectory Dashboard Singular high school cohort data were obtained through a released data file from a Public Information Request to THECB Middle schools were identified and mapped to Fort Worth city and council district boundaries by overlaying addresses from the TEA School Locator Map. Schools that were designated as alternative education schools were removed from this report. As reported by the THECB, in-state enrollment and completion records are prioritized over out-of-state records. If a student enrolls out of state and later enrolls at a Texas institution of higher education (IHE) within the 6-year timeframe, they are counted in the Texas IHE results All definitions included below come from THECB 8 9,10 8
Texas Public High School Graduates: This indicates the total number of 8th-grade cohort students who graduated with a diploma from a Texas public high school
Enrolled in Texas Higher Education: Indicates the number of 8th-grade cohort students who were found enrolled in Texas public or private higher education within 6 years of high school graduation
Enrolled in 2-Year College: Indicates the number of 8th-grade cohort students who were found enrolled in a 2-year Texas public or private college within 6 years of high school graduation
Enrolled in 4-year College: Indicates the number of 8th-grade cohort students who were found enrolled in a 4-year Texas public or private university within 6 years of graduation
Enrolled in Out-of-State Higher Education: Indicates the number of 8th-grade cohort students who were found enrolled in an out-of-state higher education institution within 6 years of high school graduation.
Did Not Enroll in Higher Education: Indicates the count of 8th-grade cohort students who were not found enrolled in a Texas or out-of-state IHE within the 6-year timeframe.
th th
8 Grade: Cohort of students who were enrolled in 8 grade in the TEA enrollment snapshot, fall collection
9th Grade: The number of students from the 8th-grade cohort who enrolled in 9th grade or above in the TEA enrollment snapshot, fall collection, one year after the initial cohort 10th Grade: The number of students from the 8th-grade cohort who enrolled in the 10th grade or above in the TEA enrollment snapshot, fall collection, two years after the initial cohort year 11th Grade: The number of students from the 8th-grade cohort who enrolled in the 11th grade or above in the TEA enrollment snapshot, fall collection, three years after the initial cohort year 12th Grade: The number of students from the 8th-grade cohort who enrolled in the 12th grade in the TEA enrollment snapshot, fall collection, four years after the initial cohort
Texas Education Agency (2019) Predictive power of grade 3 TAKS and STAAR on future academic success https://tea texas gov/student assessment/reports/
1 Lone Star P3 (2024) Pathways Agenda https://lonestarp3 org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/09/LRP3- Pathways-Agenda-digital pdf
2 Commit Partnership (2024) Ensuring Living Wage Attainment Among High School Graduates https:// www commitpartnership org/insights/data-dashboards/living-wage-dashboard
3 MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025). Tarrant County, TX. https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/48439
4 Federal Reserve Bank of New York (2025). Is College Still Worth It? https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2025/04/is-college-still-worth-it/
5 NBER Working Paper No 31373 (2023) Occupational Sorting and the Life-Cycle Growth of the College Wage Premium https://www nber org/system/files/working papers/w31373/w31373 pdf
6 Georgetown University CEW (2024) The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031 https://cew georgetown edu/cew-reports/projections2031/
7 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board The Texas Talent Trajectory (T3) DataBridge: THECB Data https://databridge highered texas gov/the-texas-talent-trajectory/
8 City of Fort Worth (2025). City of Fort Worth GIS Apps. https://gisapps.fortworthtexas.gov/Html5Viewer/?viewer=cityservices
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9 Texas Education Agency (2025). School District Locator. ArcGIS Online. https://gisapps.fortworthtexas.gov/Html5Viewer/?viewer=cityservices
Every Fort Worth student deserves access to a high-quality education.