Private schools | Higher education

Education

Lancaster Independent School District

The mission of Lancaster Independent School District (LISD) is to produce students who are equipped to realize their full potential and self worth. With a dedicated staff and faculty, learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. The integration of technology and learning, along with outstanding athletic, academic, and service organizations, help our students grow, think, and become whole human beings.

Through programs that build self-esteem, promote understanding of cultural diversity, and encourage maximum involvement by parents/guardians and community, students learn equally through community and campus involvement. The Lancaster Independent School District operates nine campuses – a high school, a middle school, seven elementary schools, and an alternative school. Additionally, there is the Parent Teacher Resource Center, an extensive computer lab, athletic facilities, and a transportation and maintenance complex. In fall 2005, LISD opened a new football/sports complex. In the fall of 2006 students and staff moved into a new high school, and other campuses were renovated.

As a 4A school district, accredited by The Texas Education Agency and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, LISD students have the opportunity to participate in many UIL-sanctioned events and have earned regional or state honors. Students are challenged through many types of extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, Journalism, Merit Scholar Pathway Program, Best Southwest Scholars, and the Math Club. The Key Club is a service organization initiated by the students and is an affiliate of Kiwanis International. The Merit Scholar Pathway Program is designed to prepare students from all socio-economic backgrounds to complete Advanced Placement courses and qualify as National Merit Scholarship finalists. Students may participate in an active Junior ROTC program that won national competition in 2006 at both the junior high and high schools. High school students earn community service honors upon graduation. This honor is bestowed on those who commit over 100 hours to help others.

The students in the Lancaster Independent School District begin learning computer-based strategies in the elementary grades. At the high school level, these same students are exposed to computerized self-paced instruction. High school students are required to take computer courses for graduation and are encouraged to pursue the use of technology as a research tool or a supplement to regular coursework. College credits are earned by taking advanced courses in technology. Additionally, students participating in the Advanced Placement examinations earn credit for college following testing. Many colleges actively recruit students who have followed an advanced path.

Younger students enjoy participating in the Merit Scholar Pathway Program that prepares them for challenging academic programs in high school. Students enrolled in the concurrent courses while in high school actually earn college credit. The credits easily transfer to most colleges and universities.

For students choosing a graduation route that includes a career path, they participate in “earn while they learn” programs through cooperative work experiences with area employers. These programs give students the opportunity to understand the world of work from a first-hand perspective. 

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Private Schools

Lancaster has several private schools including Berne Academy, Life School, Cedar Valley Christian Academy, Victory Christian Academy, and Canterbury Episcopal School. Each offers a varied selection of private educational options from preschool through 12th grade, generally providing specialized or religious environments for students.

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Higher Education

Several public and private institutions serve Lancaster’s higher education needs. Three colleges in the area offer students day or night opportunities to get the education they need. Providing accessible, accredited, affordable, quality education along with technology and job skills training, Cedar Valley College, located at the northern city limits, is a center of lifelong learning. The University of North Texas Dallas Center offers junior- and senior-level courses in nine programs. Northwood University located in Cedar Hill offers four-year and graduate degrees in business-related fields.