North Dallas High School: Historic Urban Bulldog Campus

Quick summary: North Dallas High School (NDHS) is a historic Dallas ISD public high school (grades 9–12) in Oak Lawn/Uptown, founded in 1922. ~1,119 students (2025–26). 2025 TX accountability: C (79/100); graduation rate 81.5%. Home to North Dallas P-TECH — up to 60 tuition-free college credits or an associate degree via Dallas College Brookhaven.
North Dallas High School (NDHS) is one of Dallas’s oldest continuously operating public high schools — a comprehensive neighbourhood campus that also hosts collegiate and P-TECH pathways for students who want college credit and career experience before graduation. Families comparing Dallas options often weigh NDHS against elite magnets like the School of Science and Engineering (SEM); NDHS offers a different model: open-enrolment neighbourhood access plus tuition-free dual-credit opportunities.
North Dallas High School at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School name | North Dallas High School (NDHS) |
| Type | Public comprehensive high school + P-TECH pathway |
| District | Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) |
| Grades | 9–12 (co-educational) |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Enrollment | 1,119 students (2025–26, official) |
| Mascot / colors | Bulldog; orange and white |
| Address | 3120 N Haskell Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 |
| Phone / Fax | (972) 925-1500 / (972) 925-1501 |
| Principal | Jennifer Scott (2025–26) |
| P-TECH lead | Dr. Tamika Stevenson (P-TECH Administrator) |
| Official site | northdallas.dallasisd.org |
Historic campus and location
Opened in 1922 for what was then Dallas’s northern edge, NDHS is now a City of Dallas historic landmark — recognised for its classic 1920s architecture and civic importance. Renovations have modernised classrooms, science labs, technology, and athletics while preserving the main façade and auditorium.
The campus sits at 3120 N Haskell Avenue, northeast of downtown Dallas, serving Oak Lawn, Uptown, Old East Dallas, and nearby inner-city neighbourhoods. NDHS partners with community organisations, businesses, and higher-education institutions for mentoring, service-learning, dual-credit classes, and career-readiness experiences.
Schedule: Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; classes begin at 9:10 a.m. NDHS uses an A/B block schedule Monday–Thursday (four extended classes per day) and a Friday “C-day” when all eight classes meet — balancing deeper instruction with weekly contact in every course.
Academics, collegiate academy and P-TECH
NDHS offers the full Texas high-school curriculum — English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, fine arts, and career/technical education — with honours and Advanced Placement (AP) options in core subjects.
North Dallas P-TECH program
The campus hosts North Dallas P-TECH, partnered with Dallas College Brookhaven Campus. Through this pathway, students can:
- Earn a high school diploma and up to 60 tuition-free college credit hours
- Complete an associate degree in four years — at no personal tuition cost
- Gain work-based learning and industry mentor connections
- Build college readiness before leaving high school
Applications are submitted through Choose Dallas ISD (choose.dallasisd.org). Eligible applicants receive a phone call to schedule an on-campus interview at the P-TECH building across Haskell Avenue from the main campus. For assistance, call (972) 925-1506 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Mon–Fri).
The P-TECH pathway is especially valuable for first-generation college students seeking a structured bridge from high school to higher education or skilled careers — without the selective admission requirements of Dallas magnets.
2025 accountability and performance
| Metric | North Dallas HS |
|---|---|
| Overall accountability rating | C (79/100) |
| Student Achievement | 75 (C) |
| School Progress | 83 (B) — 70% of overall rating |
| Closing the Gaps | 50 (C) — 30% of overall rating |
| College, Career & Military Readiness | 94 (A-level component) |
| Four-year graduation rate | 81.5% |
| Identified for state improvement? | No |
NDHS shows relative strength in student progress and college/career readiness — the latter boosted significantly by P-TECH and dual-credit participation. Proficiency in core STAAR subjects remains an area of ongoing focus, with campus teams working to raise reading and math outcomes alongside ninth-grade “on track” supports.
Enrollment and demographics
| Group | Approximate share |
|---|---|
| Total enrollment | 1,119 (2025–26) / ~1,170 (state data) |
| Hispanic | ~69% |
| African American | ~24–25% |
| White | Small minority |
| Economically disadvantaged | ~74% |
| Emergent bilingual (English learners) | ~45–50% |
The student body reflects the diversity of central Dallas. Bilingual, ESL, and targeted academic supports are central to the school’s mission — nearly half of students are emergent bilingual learners.
Staff, supports and school culture
NDHS employs 80+ classroom teachers plus counselors, instructional coaches, and support staff. Average teaching experience is roughly 7–8 years, with about 5–6 years at NDHS — a mix of veteran and newer educators.
Support services include:
- Academic counseling and college/career advising
- Bilingual and ESL services
- Special education programs
- Interventions for at-risk students
- P-TECH workplace learning coordination (Mr. Dulani Masimini)
Students and families often describe the campus as welcoming and community-oriented. Alumni pride runs deep — the historic Bulldog identity, recent facility upgrades, and growing P-TECH program are frequently cited as sources of campus pride.
Leadership note: Gerardo Hernandez served as principal from 2023–2025, contributing to improved college/career readiness indicators, before transitioning to West Dallas Junior High for 2025–26. Jennifer Scott is the current principal.
Athletics, arts and student activities
The Bulldogs compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) sports including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, and track and field.
- Fine arts: Band, choir, theatre, and visual arts — with district-level recognition and school-board commendations.
- Leadership: JROTC, National Honor Society, student council, cultural and service clubs.
- Academics: UIL academic teams and competitive programs.
Notable alumni include animator Tex Avery (class of 1926, Bugs Bunny creator), U.S. District Judge Barefoot Sanders (class of 1942), and other civic and creative leaders — reflecting the school’s century-long role in Dallas history.
NDHS vs Dallas ISD magnets — which suits your family?
| Factor | North Dallas HS | SEM / other magnets |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Neighbourhood + P-TECH application | Selective testing and GPA requirements |
| College credit | Up to 60 free credits via P-TECH | AP-heavy; no associate degree pathway |
| Student body | ~1,119; diverse, majority economically disadvantaged | ~505; highly selective STEM focus |
| Accountability | C (79/100) — improving | A (99/100) |
| Best for | Dual-credit, neighbourhood access, first-gen college paths | Elite STEM acceleration and top SAT scores |
Frequently asked questions
Where is North Dallas High School located?
3120 N Haskell Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 — in the Oak Lawn/Uptown area, northeast of downtown Dallas.
When was North Dallas High School founded?
NDHS opened in 1922 and is one of Dallas’s oldest continuously operating high schools. The building is a City of Dallas historic landmark.
What is North Dallas P-TECH?
North Dallas P-TECH is a tuition-free pathway partnered with Dallas College Brookhaven. Students can earn up to 60 college credit hours or an associate degree while completing high school. Apply through Choose Dallas ISD and complete an interview.
How many students attend North Dallas High School?
Official 2025–26 enrollment is 1,119 students across grades 9–12.
What is North Dallas HS’s Texas accountability rating?
For 2025, NDHS received an overall rating of C (79/100) from the Texas Education Agency, with a graduation rate of 81.5% and a strong college/career readiness score of 94.
Who is the principal of North Dallas High School?
Jennifer Scott is the principal for 2025–26. Dr. Tamika Stevenson leads the P-TECH program as Administrator and Dean of Instruction.
Last updated: June 2026. Enrollment from NDHS official quick facts; accountability from Texas Education Agency (2025); P-TECH details from Dallas ISD. Confirm current leadership and program requirements before applying.
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