Pinkston High achieves A rating, becomes top Dallas ISD comprehensive high school

By Angel De La Cruz, Pathway Ambassador and Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School senior

Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School achieved a historic academic milestone by earning an overall A rating with a 92 scaled score in the latest Texas Education Agency accountability report. 

This accomplishment builds on years of steady progress, jumping up from last year’s 84-point B rating. The eight-point jump places Pinkston as the top comprehensive high school in Dallas ISD, outperforming other local neighborhood schools in the district, shared principal Dr. Tameca Ward during a campus celebration on Friday, August 14. 

For Dr. Ward, this milestone is about much more than just a letter grade. She noted that it gives the West Dallas community a chance to show others what Pinkston students can be. 

“Our kids can do it just like anyone else, and if you could do this, you can do whatever is necessary, whatever it is that you want to do,” Ward shared. 

The boost was driven by huge progress shown in academic growth, according to the TEA data. Pinkston earned special state distinctions thanks to major improvements in subjects like U.S. History, where teachers helped raise state testing scores by building custom study guides and offering daily tutoring.

Ward explained that the improvement did not come from one major change, but from continuing the practices that were already helping students succeed. She explained that listening to students, setting high standards for the whole building, including staff, and making sure students have a positive high school experience are all part of the school’s approach. 

“I think it was doubling down on the things we know are successful and just being consistent,” Ward said. 

This progress extends throughout the entire West Dallas feeder pattern. Middle schools and learning centers across the community saw huge improvements on their TEA report cards, with West Dallas Junior High improving from a D to a B, Eladio R. Martinez Learning Center rising from a C to a B, and Raul Quintanilla Sr. Middle STEAM Academy moving from a C to a B.

As Pinkston celebrates its progress, Ward emphasized that keeping this momentum will require everyone to continue doing their part.

“It takes all of us, and it takes protocols, it takes systems, and it takes commitment,” Ward added. 

This story has been updated from its original version to include comments from Dr. Ward. 

View the entire gallery of the A-rated pep rally at Pinkston here.