David Wendel Carter High School is a public high school located in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas, United States. The school is a part of the Dallas Independent School District and is classified as a 4A school by the UIL. In 2015, the school was rated "Met Standard" by the Texas Education Agency.
Serving 1,097 students in grades 9-12, David W Carter High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 24% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,097 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 74% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
David W Carter High School's student population of 1,097 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,097 students
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Year Founded
1966
Colors
Red, Columbia blue
School Rankings
David W Carter High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of David W Carter High School is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7854 out of 8096 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
40%
54%
Black
57%
13%
White
2%
24%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
74%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
89%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Dallas Independent School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cowboy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David W Carter High School's ranking?
David W Carter High School is ranked #7854 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of David W Carter High School?
The graduation rate of David W Carter High School is 74%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend David W Carter High School?
1,097 students attend David W Carter High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
57% of David W Carter High School students are Black, 40% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of David W Carter High School?
David W Carter High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does David W Carter High School offer ?
David W Carter High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is David W Carter High School part of?
David W Carter High School is part of Dallas Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is David W Carter High School located?
David W Carter High School is located in the Wolf Creek neighborhood of Dallas, TX. There are 11 other public schools located in Wolf Creek.
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