5 Essential Facts About Leila P. Cowart Elementary: What Dallas ISD Parents Need To Know For The 2024-2025 School Year
Leila P. Cowart Elementary School, a cornerstone of the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) since 1927, continues to serve the community with a rich educational tradition and a focus on nurturing young minds from Pre-K through 5th grade. As of today, December 19, 2025, the school is actively preparing for the upcoming academic year, operating under its 2024-2025 School Profile, which highlights its commitment to a low student-teacher ratio and a comprehensive curriculum.
This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at Cowart Elementary, detailing its historical significance, current administration, academic standing, and what prospective families can expect in the current educational landscape. Located at 1515 S Ravinia Dr, Dallas, TX 75211, the institution is a vital part of the Molina Feeder Pattern, guiding students toward successful secondary education within the district.
The Enduring Legacy of Leila P. Cowart: A Biography
The elementary school is named in honor of Ms. Leila Patience Cowart, a pioneering educator whose dedication left an indelible mark on the Dallas public school system. Understanding her life provides context for the school's long-standing commitment to education.
- Birth and Origin: Leila Patience Cowart was born in or near Atlanta, Georgia, in 1852.
- Move to Dallas: She relocated to Dallas, Texas, in the early 1880s, a period of significant growth for the city.
- Educational Career: Ms. Cowart began her teaching career in Dallas shortly after her arrival. Her professional life was characterized by a deep devotion to her students and the advancement of public schooling.
- School Inauguration: Leila P. Cowart Elementary School was formally inaugurated in September 1927, dedicated to her memory and legacy.
- Pioneering Achievement: The school holds a unique place in Dallas ISD history as the first school in the district to implement and teach music education, a tradition that continues to this day.
Ms. Cowart's spirit of innovation, particularly in integrating subjects like music into the core curriculum, set a precedent for holistic education that the school strives to maintain. Her influence underscores the school's historical significance within the broader Dallas community.
2024-2025 School Profile and Current Administration
The operational framework and leadership at Cowart Elementary are key factors for its success. The school currently serves approximately 515 students across grades Pre-K through 5, maintaining a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
Meet the Cowart Leadership Team
The school's administration is led by experienced Dallas ISD professionals, ensuring continuity and a commitment to district standards. The current leadership team includes:
- Principal: Christina Rodriguez-Dimanh. Principal Rodriguez-Dimanh is a dedicated educator and a proud K-12 product of Dallas ISD. She is an alumna of the School of Education & Social Services Magnet at Townview Center and the daughter of Dallas ISD educators, bringing a deep, personal understanding of the community to her role.
- Assistant Principal: David Jasso-Rodriguez.
- School Counselor: Leticia Malena. The counseling department is focused on supporting the social and emotional well-being of all students.
The 2024-2025 School Profile confirms that Cowart Elementary is part of the Molina Feeder Pattern, meaning its students are typically zoned to attend Stockard Middle School and then Molina High School.
Academic Performance and Current Ratings (2024 Updates)
Evaluating an elementary school requires looking at both standardized test results and overall community ratings. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Leila P. Cowart Elementary's performance data offers a mixed, but improving, picture of its academic standing.
Standardized Test Scores (STAAR 2024)
Recent data from the Spring 2024 STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) results provides the most current measure of student proficiency. While the full raw data is complex, a key metric from early 2024 indicated that approximately 46% of Cowart students were proficient in math and 43% were proficient in reading. These scores, while a starting point, highlight the ongoing focus on improving core subject mastery in alignment with Dallas ISD's academic goals.
Independent School Ratings
Parents often rely on independent organizations for a holistic view of school quality. Cowart Elementary’s ratings from key platforms are as follows:
- Niche Grade: The school holds a Niche grade of B-, based on student reviews, test scores, and other data points.
- GreatSchools Rating: The school has a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10.
- Children at Risk Ranking: In the 2023 North Texas Elementary School Rankings by Children at Risk, Cowart Elementary received a C+ rating.
It is worth noting that Cowart Elementary has historically been ranked within the bottom 50% of all public schools in Texas, according to some metrics, which underscores the challenges faced by the Dallas ISD and the ongoing efforts by Principal Rodriguez-Dimanh and her team to drive continuous improvement.
Programs and Community Engagement
Beyond core academics, Cowart Elementary is recognized for its commitment to a well-rounded education and strong community ties, a tradition dating back to its founding.
The Music Education Tradition
As the first Dallas school to teach music education, Cowart Elementary maintains a strong focus on the arts. This tradition ensures that students receive exposure to creative development alongside their core subjects, fostering a more complete educational experience.
The Molina Feeder Pattern Connection
Being part of the Molina Feeder Pattern means the school coordinates its curriculum and student support services with the middle and high schools its students will attend. This alignment ensures a smoother transition for students as they advance through the Dallas ISD system.
Current Programs and Support
The school’s comprehensive approach includes various support structures:
- Early Childhood (EC) and Pre-K Programs: Cowart offers programs for Early Childhood and Pre-K, providing a crucial foundation for its youngest learners.
- After-School Programs: The school has historically hosted CDBG–Funded Out-of-School (After-School) Programs, which provide extended learning and enrichment opportunities for students outside of regular school hours.
- Counseling Services: The counseling department, led by Leticia Malena, is dedicated to the social and emotional needs of the student body, offering guidance and resources to students and families.
For parents considering the Cowart Elementary attendance zone, the current 2024-2025 school calendar and school hours (8 a.m.–3:20 p.m.) are available through the Dallas ISD website, providing the necessary logistical information for the upcoming year.
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