Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
🏫 32 Campuses · ~24,100 Students · TEA B (87/100)Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD at a Glance
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District (EMS ISD) serves the northwest corner of Tarrant County, primarily Saginaw, Blue Mound, and large stretches of unincorporated land near Eagle Mountain Lake and northwest Fort Worth. The district has grown steadily alongside the broader DFW population surge and now operates 32 campuses for roughly 24,100 students.
EMS ISD earned a B rating (87/100) from the Texas Education Agency in 2024, placing it comfortably above average among Tarrant County districts. Its dedicated career-tech campus (Hollenstein) and five high school options give students meaningful pathways beyond the standard college-prep track.
TEA Accountability Rating
The Texas Education Agency issues annual A–F ratings based on three domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. EMS ISD scored 87/100 (B) in 2024.
| Domain | Score | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Student Achievement | 91/100 | STAAR performance, graduation rate, college/career readiness |
| School Progress | 85/100 | Year-over-year growth and relative performance vs. similar districts |
| Closing the Gaps | 80/100 | Equity across student subgroups (ELL, economically disadvantaged, SpEd) |
Four individual campuses earned an A rating in 2024. Your assigned campus rating may differ from the district average, check individual campus accountability at the TEA website.
Niche.com District Grade
Niche rates EMS ISD a B overall, with a B+ for teachers and an A- for sports & extracurriculars. Diversity scores a B. These grades aggregate surveys, test scores, and demographic data and generally align with the TEA picture.
Academic Performance
EMS ISD participates in the Texas STAAR assessment program. District-wide proficiency rates in 2024:
| Subject | EMS ISD Proficiency | Texas Average |
|---|---|---|
| Math (all grades) | 39% | ~40% |
| Reading/ELA (all grades) | 54% | ~48% |
| Science | 52% | ~49% |
| Social Studies | 58% | ~53% |
EMS ISD's reading and science scores outpace the state average. Math is roughly on par with Texas. These are district-wide averages, campus-level performance varies meaningfully, particularly between Boswell, Saginaw, and Chisholm Trail high schools.
Graduation & College Readiness
The 4-year graduation rate is 94%. Approximately 68% of graduates meet TSI (Texas Success Initiative) college readiness benchmarks in math or English, reflecting the impact of the district's dual credit and AP programs.
Schools & Campuses
EMS ISD operates 32 campuses: 5 high schools, 4 middle schools, 22 elementary schools, and 1 career & technology center. Key campuses by level:
High Schools
Middle Schools
The district's 22 elementary schools serve pre-K through grade 5. Specific elementary assignments depend on your home address, use the campus locator at emsisd.com before purchasing.
Programs & Special Offerings
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Hollenstein Career & Technology Center is one of EMS ISD's biggest differentiators, a dedicated facility offering industry certifications in health science, information technology, business, law enforcement, culinary arts, cosmetology, and more. Students earn certifications and workplace experience alongside their high school diploma.
Dual Credit Pathways
EMS ISD offers three formal dual credit tracks:
- Tarrant County College (TCCD), Primary dual credit partner via formal MOU. Available at all five high schools. TSI assessment scores required.
- OnRamps (UT Austin), Dual enrollment taught by trained EMS ISD teachers in core academic subjects.
- Premier Pathway / Tarleton Today (Tarleton State University), College credit through Tarleton State, available at participating campuses.
Advanced & Gifted Programs
- Advanced Placement (AP), AP courses available at all high schools across major subjects.
- Gifted & Talented (G/T), Identified students receive enrichment services through district-run G/T programs beginning in elementary school.
- UIL Academics & Athletics, EMS ISD competes in UIL across academic, athletic, and performing arts categories.
Special Education & Support Services
EMS ISD provides a full continuum of special education services. Families transferring with an existing IEP should contact the receiving campus special education coordinator before moving, Texas law requires an ARD meeting within 30 days of transfer to review and adopt or revise the plan.
Fine Arts & Athletics
The district has a strong fine arts culture, band, choir, orchestra, and theater programs at multiple campuses. Athletics are competitive at the 5A and 6A UIL classification level.
Enrollment & Demographics
Economically disadvantaged students make up approximately 42% of enrollment. English Language Learners account for roughly 16%. These demographics influence the district's "Closing the Gaps" TEA domain score and reflect the socioeconomic diversity of northwest Tarrant County.
Enrollment Process
EMS ISD enrolls online through the Skyward portal at emsisd.com. Required documents include:
- Two proofs of residency (utility bill, lease, or closing disclosure)
- Birth certificate
- Texas-compliant immunization records
- Most recent transcripts or report card
- Any existing IEP or 504 documentation
Mid-year enrollment is accepted at any time. Call (817) 232-0880 for assistance.
District Boundary & Communities Served
EMS ISD covers approximately 73 square miles in northwest Tarrant County. Primary communities include:
With 32 campuses spread across 73 square miles and ongoing rezoning as new neighborhoods grow, never assume a subdivision's "school association" is current. Verify directly with the district.
School Finance & Tax Rate
Sample Tax Estimate
| Home Value | Taxable Value (after $100K TX homestead exemption) | Annual EMS ISD Tax | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $200,000 | ~$2,491 | ~$208 |
| $400,000 | $300,000 | ~$3,737 | ~$311 |
| $500,000 | $400,000 | ~$4,983 | ~$415 |
| $600,000 | $500,000 | ~$6,229 | ~$519 |
These are estimates only. Texas' $100,000 homestead exemption applies to school district taxes. Rates change annually, verify the current certified rate with Tarrant County Appraisal District or through emsisd.com before closing.
How EMS ISD Compares to Nearby Districts
| District | TEA 2024 | Niche | Tax Rate | Enrollment | Campuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS ISD | B (87) | B | $1.2457 | ~24,100 | 32 |
| Keller ISD | B | A- | ~$1.31 | ~35,000 | 43 |
| Northwest ISD | B | A- | ~$1.19 | ~27,000 | 36 |
| Azle ISD | B | B | ~$1.22 | ~6,800 | 9 |
| Fort Worth ISD | C | C+ | ~$1.06 | ~70,000 | 145+ |
EMS ISD vs. Keller ISD
Keller ISD typically posts higher STAAR proficiency rates and carries a higher Niche grade, homes in Keller ISD come at a price premium and a higher tax rate (~$1.31 vs. EMS ISD's $1.2457). EMS ISD's main advantages: lower tax rate, a dedicated CTE campus (Hollenstein), and strong community culture in a less-expensive market.
EMS ISD vs. Northwest ISD
Northwest ISD (serving Trophy Club, Roanoke, Justin, and parts of Fort Worth) is EMS ISD's closest academic peer, both earned B ratings in 2024. Northwest ISD has a slightly lower tax rate and a higher Niche district grade. Your choice between them will typically come down to geography and which communities fit your budget and commute.
Living in the EMS ISD Community
EMS ISD's footprint puts families within reach of DFW's northwestern growth corridor, quick access to Alliance Town Center, the Alliance Airport employment hub, Keller, and Fort Worth. The area appeals to families who want more house for the money compared to Southlake or Colleyville, with a genuine community feel.
New Construction & Growth
Northwest Tarrant County is one of the faster-growing areas in DFW. Builders including D.R. Horton, Lennar, and LGI Homes are active in Saginaw and surrounding communities. Growth means new campus openings and redistricting, always verify your address's current zoning at emsisd.com before signing a contract on a new build.
Home Price Range (2025)
Saginaw and EMS ISD-served communities typically range from the mid-$200s for existing homes to the low-$400s for new construction, depending on the neighborhood and builder. This represents meaningful savings compared to Keller ISD zip codes, where median prices run $50,000–$100,000 higher for comparable square footage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Schedule a Free ConsultationSources & Data References
- Texas Education Agency, 2024 Accountability Ratings & TAPR
- Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, emsisd.com (enrollment, programs, tax rate)
- Tarrant County Appraisal District, 2024–25 certified tax rates
- Niche.com, EMS ISD district and campus grades
- U.S. News & World Report, High school rankings 2024
- Texas Legislature Online, Education Code §48.005 (homestead exemption)
School district ratings and boundaries change. Data on this page reflects 2024–25 information available at time of publication. Always verify enrollment zones, tax rates, and campus assignments directly with Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD before making a real estate decision. Kristen Carpentier is a licensed Texas Realtor® (TREC #760457) brokered by eXp Realty. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.