With its family-friendly feel, booming economy, low crime rate, and excellent schools, it’s no wonder Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Each year, thousands of families relocate to Frisco drawn by the exceptional public schools and abundance of high-performing high school options.
With nine comprehensive high schools across three different school districts plus several smaller charter and private schools, choosing the right high school for your teen can be an overwhelming decision.
This comprehensive guide examines Frisco’s high school options—their culture, academic strengths, extracurricular activities, facilities, and more—to help you determine the best high school for your child.
Frisco ISD High Schools
As the largest school district not only in Frisco but across Collin County, Frisco ISD offers an impressive selection of comprehensive high school campuses. Their high schools boast strong academic performance, top-notch facilities, championship-winning athletic programs, and abundant extracurricular activities.
Here’s an overview of Frisco ISD’s six comprehensive high schools:
Frisco High School
Opened in 1993 as Frisco’s first high school, this 5A school strives for excellence in athletics and academics. It offers a wide array of academic programs including career pathways in healthcare, IT, and more. Frisco HS is home to several art academies and supports diverse extracurriculars from robotics to fashion design.
Notable Features:
- Oldest high school in Frisco with lots of traditions
- Strong music program including award-winning band
- Offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
- Great culinary arts program and student-run cafe
- State-of-the-art Performing Arts Center
Wakeland High School
Wakeland HS opened in 2006 and has enjoyed tremendous growth, earning a “Recognized” rating from TEA. This 5A school follows a ledgendary mascot and prides itself on school spirit and community. Wakeland offers students 16 different AP courses and career pathways in IT, manufacturing, and biomedical sciences.
Notable Features:
- Ledgendary ‘Wolverine’ mascot with strong school spirit
- Partnership with Project Lead the Way engineering program
- Nationally recognized choir program
- Array of student clubs, organizations and activities
- Consistently high academic performance
Liberty High School
Established in 2006, Liberty HS values tradition, unity and excellence. As a 5A school, Liberty offers opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics. Students can choose from 16 AP courses and career pathways in IT, education, criminal justice and more. The school motto is “All In.”
Notable Features:
- One of the top schools in Texas for football championships
- Award-winning marching band
- Partners with UNT’s distinguished high school music program
- Great opportunities in engineering and technology
- Modern library with media production studio
Centennial High School
As Frisco’s newest high school, founded in 2018, Centennial hit the ground running with academic and extracurricular excellence. This 5A school focuses on building community and sparking student potential. Centennial offers 18 AP courses, career pathways, and a Collegiate Academy.
Notable Features:
- New modern campus with latest amenities
- Collegiate Academy for college-level learning
- Student TV network and daily live news show
- Partnership with Penland School of Craft for artisan workshops
- Cutting-edge classroom technology
Heritage High School
Established in 2009, Heritage HS embraces history along with academic innovation. This 5A school immerses students in American heritage while preparing them for the future. Heritage offers 18 AP classes, career concentrations, and a STEM Academy.
Notable Features:
- STEM Academy with engineering and biomedical science
- Renowned band program
- Partnership with Texas’ Institute of American History
- Nationally ranked Constitutional Academic Team
- Award-winning student publications
Lone Star High School
Home of the Rangers, Lone Star HS opened in 2010 and promotes academic excellence. This 5A school offers extensive AP and dual credit options along with career concentrations in IT, education, healthcare, and more. The school has an impressive 99% graduation rate.
Notable Features:
- Engineering and bioengineering career pathways
- Partnership with University of Texas at Dallas
- Consistently high academic performance
- Vibrant fine arts program including orchestra, choir, dance, and theatre
- State-of-the-art technology integrated throughout
Prosper ISD High Schools
While only one high school falls within Frisco city limits, Prosper ISD is a popular school district option for many Frisco families.
Prosper High School
Prosper High School first opened in 1998 and moved to a new, larger campus in 2018. This 6A school has earned numerous accolades for its strong academic performance and extracurricular programs. Prosper HS offers 24 AP courses along with career concentrations and dual credit options.
Notable Features:
- Nationally ranked academic performance
- Extensive AP, dual credit, and career prep options
- Partnership with Dallas Cowboys for sports medicine program
- Outstanding band program
- Consistently produces National Merit Scholars
Lebanon Trail High School
Set to open in 2021, Lebanon Trail HS will be Prosper ISD’s second comprehensive high school campus built to accommodate fast district growth. The school is currently under construction but plans to open with full academic and extracurricular programs.
Notable Features:
- New modern campus scheduled to open in 2021
- Second high school in highly regarded Prosper ISD
- Plans to offer a full array of academics, athletics and activities
- Will relieve overcrowding at Prosper High School
Charter & Private High Schools in Frisco
In addition to Frisco’s excellent public school options, the city offers smaller charter and private high schools. These provide alternative learning environments focused on specific approaches and specializations.
Notable charter and private high school options in Frisco include:
- Pinnacle Classical Academy – public charter high school focused on classical education using a Socratic method.
- Career and Technology Education Center – public charter high school with pathways in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and more.
- Alcuin School – private coed high school focused on mentoring relationships and individualized learning.
- Heritage Christian Academy – private Christian high school emphasizing faith-based learning and service.
Picking the Right High School in Frisco
With so many standout high schools to choose from, how do you select the right fit for your teen? Here are key factors to consider:
- Academic Offerings – What Gifted & Talented, AP, career pathways or academy programs appeal most to your child?
- Extracurriculars – Which schools offer the athletics, clubs, and activities your teen is interested in?
- Culture & Environment – Find a school with an environment where your teen will feel comfortable and engaged.
- Facilities – Modern school facilities with amenities like stadiums, theaters, gyms and technology can enhance your teen’s experience.
- Location – Convenience may be a factor so your teen doesn’t have an excessive commute.
- Cost – If considering private schools, compare costs with your budget.
Take time to research each school’s website, attend open houses, schedule campus tours, and connect with current students or alumni to get insights. As you weigh options, involve your teen so they feel invested in the decision.
By choosing the high school that best matches their interests, goals, and learning style, you can set your teen up for an outstanding high school experience.
The Best High Schools in Frisco
While every Frisco high school is impressive in its own right, a few stand out for exemplary academics, coveted programs, top-tier facilities and more. Here are picks for the top high schools in Frisco, TX:
- Liberty High School – Between its first-rate academic performance, state champion athletics, and stunning $59 million campus, Liberty lands at #1. From STEM to arts, Liberty provides one of the most well-rounded high school experiences in Frisco ISD.
- Heritage High School – With its STEM Academy, award-winning publications, and outstanding band, Heritage offers premier programs. Combined with rigorous academics and service clubs, Heritage is a top choice.
- Wakeland High School – This Frisco favorite shines with school spirit, enriching electives like craftsmanship and engineering, and an amazing Performing Arts Center that hosts professional shows.
- Prosper High School – Prosper ISD consistently ranks among the top districts in Texas and Prosper High delivers excellence with esteemed academics, arts and athletics to match.
- Lone Star High School – Between STEM concentrations, 100+ student organizations, top-notch fine arts and winning athletics programs, Lone Star provides incredible opportunities.
No matter which high school you choose, you can feel confident your teen will receive a top-tier education. With so many flourishing options, there’s never been a better time to be a high school student in Frisco!
