About West Dallas

The Issue: In the 11.5 square mile area that comprises West Dallas, poverty and unemployment are more than double that of the city of Dallas. Fewer than 50% of residents have a high school diploma. Ten public schools serve the area; five elementary schools are or have been rated Exemplary or Recognized, but despite gains at the high school level, the academic performance of many students at middle and high school levels remains poor. 

Background: In 2009, the West Dallas Education Task Force – a joint effort between community- based organizations and faith groups, West Dallas principals, DISD, DCCCD, SMU, other educators, the Dallas business community and concerned citizens engaged in education reform at the local and national level - committed to a collaborative transformation initiative built upon open dialogue, volunteerism and community engagement. A set of strategies was developed by the Task Force and is now known as The School Zone.

The Community: The 2010 census reported 24,063 West Dallas residents, most of whom are Hispanic (72 percent) and more than a third (37.5 percent) of whom live in poverty. Among adults age 25 and older, 67.1 percent did not complete high school. One quarter (27 percent) of West Dallas residents are foreign born (a majority from Mexico) and 63 percent speak Spanish at home.^[1]