Fort Worth ISD is considering major changes to its school footprint, with 48 proposed options aimed at reducing the number of school buildings while making necessary investments in those that remain. During a Feb. 11 board workshop, officials reviewed recommendations from a resident-led committee that could reshape school feeder patterns across the district.
How This Affects Benbrook & Western Hills
The proposed changes could significantly impact families in the Western Hills and Benbrook pyramids, which outline the path students take from elementary to high school.
Western Hills Pyramid
- Elementary enrollment is expected to drop from 2,000 to 1,800 over the next four years.
- Middle school enrollment is projected to remain steady at 800-900 students.
Proposed Changes:
- Option 1: Close Western Hills Primary and build a new 900-student Luella Merrett Elementary.
- Option 2: Close Western Hills Primary without additional changes.
Benbrook Pyramid
- Elementary enrollment is expected to rise from 1,200 to 1,600 students in four years.
- Middle school enrollment is projected to increase from 1,300 to 1,500 students.
Proposed Changes:
- Elementary Option 1: Adjust attendance boundaries, moving 60 students from Ridglea Elementary to Benbrook Elementary.
- Elementary Option 2: Build a new 750-student Benbrook Elementary, with the same boundary change as Option 1.
Middle-High School Options:
- Option 1: Build a new 2,000-seat high school and convert Benbrook Middle-High School into a middle school-only campus.
- Option 2: Build a new 900-student middle school and transition Benbrook Middle-High School into a high school-only campus.
Looking Ahead
While these proposals focus on short-term solutions, a consultant recommended that the district plan for the next 10 years, considering additional high school and middle school changes for Arlington Heights, Benbrook, and Western Hills.
For a full breakdown of long-term options and full story, visit Fort Worth Report.
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