Dallas ISD families compare more than 200 schools at Fair Park expo

Thousands of Dallas ISD families spent a Saturday at Fair Park this month weighing their choices for next year. The district's Discover Dallas ISD expo filled the automobile building with representatives from more than 200 schools, and the event is the largest school fair in North Texas, according to CBS News Texas. District leaders are using the day to show off the full range of programs they offer as they work to reverse a slide in enrollment.

Visitors could ask about extracurricular activities, specialized learning programs and schools that require an application. Interactive stations let younger students try robotics, drones and 3D printing, so the fair gave kids a hands-on look at what classes might feel like, not just a brochure to take home.

District spokesperson Anastasia Reed-Jones pointed families toward the timeline. Applications for the 2027-2028 school year opened Nov. 1, and they remain open through Jan. 31, 2027. "The time to start planning for next school actually starts now," she said.

Parent Brisa Guevara came to the expo still weighing where her son might attend high school. "I still want to see the options that I like but also see what he's leaning towards," she said.

New Tech High School was among the campuses drawing attention. Teacher Trenton Starks described pathways in film and digital marketing, animation and video game design, and noted that students design video games over roughly six weeks and can graduate with at least one certification.

Original reporting by CBS News Texas, with reporter Dawn White.