High School and Beyond: Tracking the Life Outcomes of Fort Worth Students

High School and Beyond Tracking the Life Outcomes of Fort Worth Students

An 11 Year Journey 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.

2

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 8th 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.

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.2 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.3 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 $108,600.4 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.

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.5 This 68% premium compounds over time as degreed workers see faster wage growth and more career advancement.6 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 600,000.7 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.

3

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.

A Significant Share of Our Students Are Not Finishing High School 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.

Most High School Graduates Aspire to Higher Education 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-Year Colleges are the First Stop for Many Fort Worth Students 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).

Few Students Achieve Their Higher Education Aspirations 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.

4

Young adults who do not earn a certification, credential, or degree within six years of finishing high school have just a 12% chance of earning a living wage.2

5

City of Fort Worth Mayor: Mattie Parker

6

City of Fort Worth 29,567 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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 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

96%

81% 77% 72%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

45%

Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

78%

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

9%

24% 22%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

1,170 178

5% Earned Associate Degree

974

14%

3,231

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

11

This report does not show certificate completions for each council district due to low numbers of certificate completions and masking issues.

Data varies slightly for 12th-grade enrollments from the high school graduate numbers shown, due to 12th-grade enrollment reflecting those who enrolled 4 years after the initial cohort year and high school graduates capturing early, on-time, and delayed high school graduations.

12

7

High School Graduation 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.

24 classmates cross the stage in caps and gowns.

8

By 2031, 66% of jobs paying a living wage will require at least a bachelor’s degree, an increase of 7% since 2021. 7

9

City Council District 2 Councilmember: Carlos Flores

10

City Council District 2 3,713 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

96%

81% 75% 70%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

39%

Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

77%

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

8%

29% 23%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

184 20

5% Earned Associate Degree

98 285

10% Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

11

City Council District 3 Councilmember: Michael Crain

12

City Council District 3 2,928 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

95%

79% 75% 69%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

46%

Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

76%

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

96 17

4% Earned Associate Degree

103

Enrolled in 4Year College

24%

10%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

20%

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

16%

352

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

13

City Council District 4 Councilmember: Charles Lauersdorf

14

City Council District 4 3,097 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

97%

87% 83% 81%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

58%

Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

85%

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

15%

10%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

18%

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

154 24

6% Earned Associate Degree

159

23%

546

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

15

City Council District 5 Councilmember: Deborah Peoples

16

City Council District 5 1,699 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

94%

71% 67% 60%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

68% Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

Texas Public High School Graduates

36%

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

8%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

25%

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

3%

41 10

Earned Associate Degree

16 90

6% Earned Bachelor’s Degree

32% Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

17

City Council District 6 Councilmember: Mia Hall

18

City Council District 6 2,348 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

95%

86% 82% 76%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

56%

Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

82%

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

105 15

5% Earned Associate Degree

91

17%

311

18%

7%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

19%

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

19

Pursuing Higher Education 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.

20

Eight quietly stepped off the bus, weighing work, the cost of tuition, and for many, if they were truly prepared for college.

The median bachelor’s degree holder earns $32,000 more annually than the median worker with only a high school diploma.5 This 68% premium compounds over time as degreed workers see faster wage growth and more career advancement.6

21

City Council District 7 Councilmember: Macy Hill

22

City Council District 7 2,033 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

90%

84% 79% 74%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

51% 81% Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 2011-2013

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

6%

103 17

Earned Associate Degree

82

Enrolled in 4Year College

19%

7%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

23%

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

15%

213

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

23

City Council District 8 Councilmember: Chris Nettles

24

City Council District 8 3,022 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

95%

78% 75% 69%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

38% 75% Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

8%

29% 25%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

80 16

3% Earned Associate Degree

65

9%

219

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

25

City Council District 9 Councilmember: Elizabeth Beck

26

City Council District 9 3,867 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

97%

79% 76% 71%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

43% 78% Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 2011-2013

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

9%

26%

22%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

5%

161 27 Earned Associate

Degree

111

13%

381

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

27

City Council District 10 Councilmember: Alan Blaylock

28

City Council District 10 4,025 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

96%

90% 85% 81%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

56%

85% Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 20112013

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

5%

182 16 Earned Associate

Degree

206

Enrolled in 4Year College

15%

12%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

17%

Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

23% 703

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

29

City Council District 11 Councilmember: Jeanette Martinez

30

City Council District 11 2,835 students were enrolled in 8th grade in a public middle school in the City of Fort Worth from 2011 to 2013. Of that group: 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.

High School Enrollment Progression 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.

95%

73% 70% 64%

Following the Path of 8th Graders To and Through Higher Education

3%

31% 70% Students attended 8th grade at Public Middle Schools in the City of Fort Worth from 2011-2013

Texas Public High School Graduates

Enrolled in 2-Year College

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in 4Year College

8%

Enrolled in Out of State Higher Education

64 16 Earned Associate

Degree

43

6%

131

Earned Bachelor’s Degree

31% Did Not Enroll in Higher Education

30% Did Not Graduate from a Texas Public High School

31

Comparing Fort Worth City Council Educational Outcomes Beyond High School Graduated Enrolled in Enrolled in Enrolled in a Enrolled in a from a Texas Out of State Texas Higher 2-Year 4-Year Public High Higher Education College College School Education

Earned Associate Degree

Earned Bachelor Degree

City of Fort Worth

78%

9%

45%

27%

18%

5%

14%

City Council District 2

77%

8%

39%

26%

13%

5%

10%

City Council District 3

76%

10%

46%

27%

19%

4%

16%

City Council District 4

85%

10%

58%

34%

24%

6%

23%

City Council District 5

68%

8%

36%

20%

16%

3%

6%

City Council District 6

82%

7%

56%

33%

23%

5%

17%

City Council District 7

81%

7%

51%

33%

18%

6%

15%

City Council District 8

75%

8%

38%

22%

15%

3%

9%

City Council District 9

78%

9%

43%

26%

17%

5%

13%

City Council District 10

85%

12%

56%

30%

26%

5%

23%

City Council District 11

70%

8%

31%

22%

10%

3%

6%

32

Six Years Later 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.

Six of the original 30 rode all the way to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Texas.

33

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.

BRENT BEASLEY FORT WORTH EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

34

Empty Seats The bus finishes its route with 21 empty seats. 21 of the original 30 Fort Worth 8th graders got off the bus somewhere along the way.

Where does their story go?

35

Educational Outcomes of Local High School Graduates

36

Educational Outcomes of Local High School Graduates

The table shown below follows the public 8th grade class of 2013 after graduation from Tarrant County Public High Schools.

High School

District

HS Graduates

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in TX 2-Year College

Enrolled in TX 4-Year College

Enrolled Outof-State

Earned Associate Degree

Earned Bachelor Degree

Arlington H S

Arlington ISD

602

342

57%

194

32%

148

25%

64

11%

33

5%

126

21%

Arlington Heights H S

Fort Worth ISD

364

241

66%

142

39%

99

27%

45

12%

18

5%

76

21%

Azle H S

Azle ISD

348

193

55%

135

39%

58

17%

32

9%

18

5%

58

17%

Bell H S

Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD

615

381

62%

210

34%

171

28%

72

12%

24

4%

136

22%

Birdville H S

Birdville ISD

412

278

67%

173

42%

105

25%

40

10%

27

7%

97

24%

Boswell H S

Eagle Mt-Saginaw ISD

327

238

73%

152

46%

86

26%

22

7%

37

11%

83

25%

Bowie H S

Arlington ISD

642

422

66%

246

38%

176

27%

61

10%

39

6%

134

21%

Brewer H S

White Settlement ISD

375

224

60%

138

37%

86

23%

28

7%

25

7%

68

18%

Burleson Centennial H S

Burleson ISD

325

241

74%

135

42%

106

33%

18

6%

24

7%

103

32%

Burleson H S

Burleson ISD

332

226

68%

147

44%

79

24%

21

6%

23

7%

75

23%

Byron Nelson H S

Northwest ISD

504

333

66%

161

32%

172

34%

96

19%

32

6%

142

28%

37

Educational Outcomes of Local High School Graduates

The table shown below follows the public 8th grade class of 2013 after graduation from Tarrant County Public High Schools.

High School

District

HS Graduates

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in TX 2-Year College

Enrolled in TX 4-Year College

Enrolled Outof-State

Earned Associate Degree

Earned Bachelor Degree

Carroll Senior H S

Carroll ISD

582

386

66%

128

22%

258

44%

172

30%

0

0%

246

42%

Carter-Riverside H S

Fort Worth ISD

248

105

42%

69

28%

36

15%

32

13%

8

3%

25

10%

Castleberry H S

Castleberry ISD

180

95

53%

72

40%

23

13%

16

9%

20

11%

21

12%

Central H S

Keller ISD

547

392

72%

225

41%

167

31%

67

12%

37

7%

166

30%

Chisholm Trail H S

Eagle Mt-Saginaw ISD

396

246

62%

148

37%

98

25%

28

7%

28

7%

84

21%

Colleyville Heritage H S

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

453

333

74%

158

35%

175

39%

75

17%

26

6%

181

40%

Crowley H S

Crowley ISD

432

245

57%

161

37%

84

19%

45

10%

11

3%

60

14%

Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS

Fort Worth ISD

172

65

38%

47

27%

18

10%

18

10%

5

3%

18

10%

Dunbar HS

Fort Worth ISD

155

71

46%

28

18%

43

28%

19

12%

0

0%

9

6%

Eastern Hills H S

Fort Worth ISD

211

107

51%

58

27%

49

23%

27

13%

6

3%

14

7%

Everman H S

Everman ISD

263

146

56%

86

33%

60

23%

26

10%

10

4%

38

14%

38

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in TX 2-Year College

Enrolled in TX 4-Year College

Enrolled Outof-State

Earned Associate Degree

Earned Bachelor Degree

High School

District

HS Graduates

Fort Worth Academy Of Fine Arts

Fort Worth Academy Of Fine Arts

51

36

71%

11

22%

25

49%

15

29%

0

0%

16

31%

Fossil Ridge H S

Keller ISD

471

286

61%

178

38%

108

23%

51

11%

34

7%

98

21%

Grapevine H S

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

424

286

67%

115

27%

171

40%

97

23%

11

3%

152

36%

Haltom H S

Birdville ISD

474

293

62%

188

40%

105

22%

44

9%

41

9%

71

15%

Keller H S

Keller ISD

569

387

68%

193

34%

194

34%

132

23%

19

3%

210

37%

Kennedale H S

Kennedale ISD

205

144

70%

80

39%

64

31%

18

9%

5

2%

55

27%

Lake Worth H S

Lake Worth ISD

144

84

58%

51

35%

33

23%

13

9%

7

5%

19

13%

Lamar H S

Arlington ISD

540

314

58%

158

29%

156

29%

61

11%

28

5%

130

24%

Mansfield Frontier H S

Mansfield ISD

111

82

74%

50

45%

32

29%

16

14%

9

8%

36

32%

Mansfield H S

Mansfield ISD

494

372

75%

189

38%

183

37%

66

13%

29

6%

185

37%

Mansfield Lake Ridge H S

Mansfield ISD

400

279

70%

126

32%

153

38%

54

14%

20

5%

136

34%

39

Educational Outcomes of Local High School Graduates

The table shown below follows the public 8th grade class of 2013 after graduation from Tarrant County Public High Schools.

High School

District

HS Graduates

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in TX 2-Year College

Enrolled in TX 4-Year College

Enrolled Outof-State

Earned Associate Degree

Earned Bachelor Degree

Mansfield Legacy H S

Mansfield ISD

387

290

75%

135

35%

155

40%

32

8%

22

6%

135

35%

Mansfield Summit H S

Mansfield ISD

363

266

73%

129

36%

137

38%

39

11%

19

5%

110

30%

Mansfield Timberview H S

Mansfield ISD

321

241

75%

137

43%

104

32%

30

9%

33

10%

89

28%

Martin H S

Arlington ISD

696

494

71%

234

34%

260

37%

81

12%

26

4%

213

31%

North Crowley H S

Crowley ISD

489

315

64%

184

38%

131

27%

56

11%

30

6%

104

21%

North Side H S

Fort Worth ISD

328

161

49%

101

31%

60

18%

39

12%

21

6%

34

10%

Northwest H S

Northwest ISD

619

403

65%

201

32%

202

33%

61

10%

35

6%

154

25%

O D Wyatt H S

Fort Worth ISD

201

77

38%

42

21%

35

17%

32

16%

6

3%

11

5%

Paschal H S

Fort Worth ISD

444

286

64%

160

36%

126

28%

59

13%

23

5%

115

26%

Polytechnic H S

Fort Worth ISD

250

118

47%

72

29%

46

18%

15

6%

6

2%

21

8%

Richland H S

Birdville ISD

401

260

65%

176

44%

84

21%

57

14%

45

11%

76

19%

40

Enrolled in Texas Higher Education

Enrolled in TX 2-Year College

Enrolled in TX 4-Year College

Earned Associate Degree

Earned Bachelor Degree

8%

25

7%

76

20%

62

9%

27

4%

53

8%

30%

30

8%

18

5%

73

20%

68

18%

39

10%

8

2%

49

13%

30%

76

27%

28

10%

0

0%

30

11%

11

14%

49

61%

15

19%

0

0%

32

40%

63%

202

31%

210

32%

109

17%

32

5%

186

28%

202

51%

127

32%

75

19%

53

13%

26

7%

63

16%

643

386

60%

218

34%

168

26%

96

15%

42

7%

161

25%

Fort Worth ISD

279

146

52%

93

33%

53

19%

35

13%

25

9%

38

14%

Westlake Academy

Westlake Academy Charter School

60

43

72%

9

15%

34

57%

***

***

0

0%

24

40%

Young Women'S Leadership Academy

Fort Worth ISD

35

25

71%

***

***

***

***

8

23%

0

0%

12

34%

District

HS Graduates

Saginaw H S

Eagle Mt-Saginaw ISD

376

250

66%

160

43%

90

24%

31

Sam Houston H S

Arlington ISD

656

282

43%

188

29%

94

14%

Seguin H S

Arlington ISD

371

251

68%

139

37%

112

South Hills H S

Fort Worth ISD

385

180

47%

112

29%

Southwest H S

Fort Worth ISD

282

162

57%

86

Texas Academy Of Biomedical

Fort Worth ISD

80

60

75%

Timber Creek H S

Keller ISD

655

412

Trimble Technical H S

Fort Worth ISD

394

Trinity H S

Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD

Western Hills H S

High School

Enrolled Outof-State

41

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.8 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. 9,10 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 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.

8th Grade: Cohort of students who were enrolled in 8th 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.

42

Sources 1

Texas Education Agency. (2019). Predictive power of grade 3 TAKS and STAAR on future academic success. https://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/reports/ 2

Lone Star P3 (2024). Pathways Agenda. https://lonestarp3.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/09/LRP3- Pathways-Agenda-digital.pdf 3

Commit Partnership (2024). Ensuring Living Wage Attainment Among High School Graduates. https:// www.commitpartnership.org/insights/data-dashboards/living-wage-dashboard 4

MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025). Tarrant County, TX. https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/48439 5

Federal Reserve Bank of New York (2025). Is College Still Worth It? https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2025/04/is-college-still-worth-it/ 6

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 7

Georgetown University CEW (2024). The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031. https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/projections2031/ 8

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Texas Talent Trajectory (T3). DataBridge: THECB Data. https://databridge.highered.texas.gov/the-texas-talent-trajectory/ 9

City of Fort Worth (2025). City of Fort Worth GIS Apps. https://gisapps.fortworthtexas.gov/Html5Viewer/?viewer=cityservices 10

Texas Education Agency (2025). School District Locator. ArcGIS Online. https://gisapps.fortworthtexas.gov/Html5Viewer/?viewer=cityservices

43

Every Fort Worth student deserves access to a high-quality education.