James Madison High School, formerly Forest Avenue High School, is a public secondary school in Dallas, Texas. Madison High School enrolls students in grades 9-12 and is a part of the Dallas Independent School District. The school is a Dallas Landmark which serves Cedars.
Serving 349 students in grades 9-12, James Madison High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 349 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Madison High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
James Madison High School's student population of 349 students has declined by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
349 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1956
Colors
Green, Gold
School Rankings
James Madison High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Madison High School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7882 out of 8096 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
38%
54%
Black
59%
13%
White
1%
24%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Madison High School's ranking?
James Madison High School is ranked #7882 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are James Madison High School often compared to?
James Madison High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln Humanities/communications Magnet High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of James Madison High School?
The graduation rate of James Madison High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend James Madison High School?
349 students attend James Madison High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of James Madison High School students are Black, 38% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Madison High School?
James Madison High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does James Madison High School offer ?
James Madison High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is James Madison High School part of?
James Madison High School is part of Dallas Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is James Madison High School located?
James Madison High School is located in the South Dallas neighborhood of Dallas, TX. There are 9 other public schools located in South Dallas.
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