About Birdville ISD

Accomplishments are imprints of excellence. And educational excellence is the standard being lauded across Birdville Independent School District.

The community of Birdville formed its pioneer beginnings on the Texas frontier long before the Civil War. Birdville became the first seat of Tarrant County in 1851. It was named for Jonathan Bird, who had established a ranger outpost a few miles down the West Fork of the Trinity River in 1841.

On the location known as Birdville Hill (where the Griggs High School stands today), a school was opened in 1858. An official Texas Historical Marker commemorates the site. (Open the "history" section for additional details.)

That pioneering spirit continues today. During the 1994-95 school year, Birdville surpassed many of its records and achieved ambitious goals set by the Birdville ISD Board of Trustees in the areas of academics, athletics, career and technology, staff achievements, parental involvement, fine arts and computer technology.

The board, named The Outstanding School Board in Texas in 1995, is facilitating its vision of Birdville student success in the international marketplace with the adoption of a new mission statement adopted in 1995.

To facilitate that global vision, students are provided access to some of the greatest minds in the world and innovative programs have been initiated.

Birdville sets itself apart from other school districts by being known for its active partnership with the community. BISD works hand-in-hand with its 125 business partners, The Northeast Tarrant Chamber, more than 5,500 volunteers at its 32 campuses, numerous community leaders and parents.

The Tech Prep Program provides opportunities for students to receive college credits for certain Career and Technology Education courses as part of a Tech Prep degree plan. Internships have been established with business/industry partners.

All Birdville campuses have computer labs and library multimedia stations. More than 400 classrooms are equipped with technology. To date, 380 campus classroom presentation systems and 310 student workstations have been installed.

BISD was one of the first districts in the state to obtain a direct connection to the Internet--commonly called the "electronic information superhighway." The district was the second in the state to develop its own home page (an electronic description of the district).

BISD has also added programs to support students who are not performing well at traditional campuses. In addition, innovative activities are planned at the elementary level and curriculum is being expanded in the areas of mathematics and World Geography at the secondary level.

Birdville is increasing participation in more academic programs, and greater emphasis is being placed on Advanced Placement courses for high school students.

Birdville ISD’s (BISD) vision of “Excellence, Integrity and Service” is the foundation for continued student and staff excellence in its 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools, and one career and technology campus.

The mission of BISD is to ensure that all students position themselves to excel with integrity in an ever-changing global society through innovative and responsive learning environments.

BISD is continuing its Schools with a Specialization (SWAS) initiative. These programs go above and beyond the state–required curriculum. SWAS campuses are:

• Birdville Elementary (grades K–5) has a Fine Arts Specialization;
• West Birdville Elementary (grades K–5) is a Community-Based Education Center;
• Haltom Middle School (grades 6–8) is a No Excuses University campus;
• North Richland Middle School (grades 6–8) is a nationally STEM-certified middle school (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics);
• North Ridge Middle School (grades 6-8) is an Innovation Entrepreneurship Academy campus;
• Richland Middle School (grades 6–8) has a specialization in Leadership; and
• Smithfield Middle School (grades 6–8) is an Advanced Learning and College Prep campus.

Birdville ISD is one of the largest school districts in Northeast Tarrant County, with more than 23,500 students. The District’s 33 campuses serve the community of Richland Hills and portions of Haltom City, Hurst, North Richland Hills, Watauga, Colleyville and Fort Worth. 

Instruction: The Birdville Independent School District provides a comprehensive educational program to over 23,500 students in grades pre-K through 12.  A strong foundation of language arts, math, science and social studies form a core curriculum which is tightly aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in all grade levels. Birdville ISD students continue to score above average on state and national tests. In addition, secondary students participate in a variety of college-level, pre-AP, and AP courses. Other programs include world languages, fine arts, physical education/athletics, military science, and career and technology, where students have an opportunity to graduate with one or more endorsements, including Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Public Services, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Multidisciplinary Studies. Quality instruction is also provided for students who are served in special programs such as special education, dual language/ESL, gifted and talented, and alternative educational options.

Career and Technology Education: BISD's career and technology education program is recognized both statewide and nationally for its exemplary programs. The district offers innovative programs with business and industry partners in the BISD community.

Athletics: The athletics program offers a full range of sports activities. The district competes in 13 sports in the University Interscholastic League, Class 5A and 6A, in Texas.

Fine Arts: The program includes an elementary art and music program, as well as band, choir, art, theatre arts, dance and music history for secondary students. BISD Fine Arts programs have been recognized across the state and nation.

Vision

All students excel through innovation and responsive learning environments.

Mission

The mission of Birdville ISD is to ensure that all students position themselves to excel with integrity in an ever-changing global society through innovative and responsive learning environments.

Strategic Objectives

1. All students will realize their full potential and apply themselves to academic excellence without self-imposed limitations.
2. All students will own their learning and aspire to achieve high academic goals.
3. All students will demonstrate personal responsibility and integrity reflective of noble character.
4. All students will be fully equipped and motivated to contribute to the greater good by unleashing their unique talents and gifts.

Beliefs

We believe that …

1. Human beings are complex with unique intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs.
2. Every person is unique by design, with abilities, gifts and talents.
3. Every person has inherent value and unique potential.
4. All people are innately curious.
5. Relationships are an inherent human need.
6. Personal responsibility is essential and noble for all.
7. Family profoundly impacts who we become.
8. Character is developed through life experiences.
9. With a privilege comes responsibility and accountability.
10. A physically and emotionally safe environment encourages learning.
11. Learning is not limited by time or space.
12. Freedom is a universal desire to be promoted and preserved.
13. Values drive choices.
14. Change is constant.

Strategies

1. We will craft a system of innovative learning approaches, patterns, and practices that respond to the unique needs, interests, and talents of all students.
2. We will ensure a culture of integrity, service, and community committed to excellence, innovation, and responsiveness.
3. We will leverage the use of time, resources, and space to address the needs and learning goals of our students and community.
4. We will expand and enhance unique learning opportunities through strategic partnerships both in and outside the district.

Parameters

In accordance with our beliefs, mission and objectives:

1. We will make decisions in the best interest of students.
2. We will treat all people with dignity and respect.
3. We will model and expect personal responsibility.
4. We will practice responsible stewardship of our resources.
5. We will not compromise our commitment to excellence with integrity.
6. We will not give up on any student.

The strategic mission of Birdville ISD is to ensure that all students position themselves to excel with integrity in an ever-changing, global society. Embedded in this mission is the commitment to provide students with innovative and responsive learning environments where graduates are empowered learners, responsible citizens, global competitors and innovative entrepreneurs.

To be prepared for success in college and the workplace, a Birdville ISD graduate is a/an:

Empowered Learner

• Applies knowledge and skills mastered through well-rounded, comprehensive, rigorous and relevant learning experiences
• Communicates effectively for different audiences and purposes through authentic reading, writing, listening and speaking
• Seeks opportunities to learn and grow in response to an ever-changing world

Responsible Citizen

• Collaborates effectively with teams, both as a contributor and a leader, to accomplish a common goal with a commitment to service
• Balances physical, mental and emotional health through reflection, self-evaluation and selfadvocacy
• Demonstrates ethical behaviors exhibiting integrity, respect and accountability

Global Competitor

• Demonstrates knowledge of and empathy for cultural, economic, environmental and social issues across the world
• Values the importance of diversity in life and careers
• Exhibits academic, technological and workplace competence within a global environment Innovative

Entrepreneur

• Solves problems through collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and innovation
• Takes calculated risks, learns from mistakes and is resilient in the face of challenges
• Embraces and applies passions to execute plans and accomplish career and life goals

 Download Birdville ISD Local Innovation Plan 2022-2027 

What is a "District of Innovation?"

A District of Innovation is a concept passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, effective immediately, that gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas' open-enrollment charter schools. To access these flexibilities, a school district must adopt an innovation plan, as set forth in Texas Education Code chapter 12A.

Board Resolution

May 26, 2016

 Approved the resolution indicating BISD's desire to look into becoming a district of innovation.

>> View Resolution

 

 

> View District and Campus Improvement Plans

Throughout the years, the district has heard jokes about its peculiar name. Past school boards and administrators have even considered changing the district's identification to something more geographically representative, but community historians expressed staunch disapproval.

So, why Birdville? Contrary to popular opinion (typically by newcomers to the area), Birdville has nothing to do with bird-watching. Rather, Birdville ISD continues a tradition it began on the Texas frontier long before the Civil War.

The community got its start in the 1850s. Settlers took the name Birdville for their town as they pushed westward from the original settlement of Bird's Fort, built by Jonathon Bird in 1841 and fortified by a small group of Texas Rangers. Birdville became the first seat of Tarrant County in 1851.

Unfortunately for Birdville, in 1856, enthusiastic backers of nearby Fort Worth managed to get the county seat moved after a controversial election that brought shootings and a lingering bitterness to the county. The Birdville community survived, however, and boasted several businesses, houses and churches through the years.

As with most pioneer institutions, it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact time at which the Birdville schools began. Classes are estimated to have started in 1855, when Birdville was well-established and large enough to have thriving business houses and a newspaper. On the site known as Birdville Hill, located north and east of the present intersection of Carson and Belknap streets, a school opened in 1858. Operated by Professor William E. Hudson, the school was named Birdville Academy .

By 1864, Birdville's student body had grown enough that two teachers were needed. In that year, Mary Mugg taught the primary children while Professor Hudson taught the upper grades. During these and earlier years, students from Dallas , Denton , and Parker counties came to Birdville to attend classes. They boarded with Birdville families during the school terms.

By the 1869-1870 term, the school had grown to such an extent that three teachers were needed. By the fall of 1881, 48 students were attending classes. An important school reform law was passed by the Texas legislature in 1884. Following its provisions, on April 17, 1884, the Tarrant County Commissioners instructed the school communities in the county to define their attendance areas exactly and to send a map to the county commissioners. Birdville's boundaries were set by its trustees.

The 20th century has seen steady progress in the Birdville schools. Each decade has witnessed educational milestones and growth. The year 1916 signalled the beginning of major growth. In that year, trustees rode horseback over the community seeking names on a petition to get a bond issue for expansion. In the spring of 1919, a bond issue was approved so the district could erect a new brick building. The new building was first occupied during the 1920-1921 term. It contained four classrooms and an auditorium. Birdville's enrollment stood at 156 and the state apportionment was $14.50 per student.

During the 1924-1925 term, a mother's club was formed. In 1925, the Birdville's first formal PTA operated a booth at the Fat Stock Show, raised $125, and used the money to buy library books for the school.

In 1926, under the direction of Superintendent W. T. Francisco, the Birdville ISD was incorporated. An expansion program was approved the same year. A second red brick building was ready for occupancy by the beginning of the 1926-1927 term.

Birdville's campus gradually grew larger and employed 13 teachers. In 1932, an 11th grade was added. In 1939, Birdville completed a large brick building on the southwest corner of its property. After it burned in 1947, it was replaced at once. The new building served as the nucleus of Haltom High School .

A century after its founding, Birdville's enrollment reached 6,867 students. More than 300 staff members were on the payroll and the annual budget totaled nearly one- and one-half million dollars.

Until 1961, the high school located on the first Birdville school site was named " Birdville High School ." In that year, with the opening of a second high school in the district, Richland High School , the original campus was named Haltom High School . In May 1986, another bond election authorized the purchase of a new site and the construction of a new facility to house Haltom High School . The original building was converted into an educational center for special student programs and services.

The Texas Historical Commission authorized an official Texas Historical Marker on the original site of the pioneer Birdville schools. The marker was dedicated on Aug. 12, 1989, at 3120 Carson Street in Haltom City .

Today, Birdville ISD is the fourth largest school district in Northeast Tarrant County, with 32 campuses, and serves a growing population of 120,000 residents and more than 22,400 students. The district spans 40 miles and is located at the "hub" of the Fort Worth-Dallas metroplex. The entire community of Richland Hills and parts of Colleyville, Fort Worth , Haltom City , Hurst , North Richland Hills and Watauga are within its boundaries.

Note: The following link will redirect you to an external website that is provided for your convenience and is not under accessibility monitoring by Birdville ISD; we are not responsible for its content or inaccessibility.

> Visit the Birdville Historical Society website