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 388 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 41%). 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 10:1 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 75% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 388 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (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 388 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
388 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
1956
Colors
Green, Gold
School Rankings
James Madison High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,188 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Madison High School is 0.47, 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
#7699 out of 8188 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
46%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
32%
53%
Black
66%
13%
White
1%
25%
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
94%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Madison High School's ranking?
James Madison High School is ranked #7699 out of 8,188 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?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% 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?
388 students attend James Madison High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of James Madison High School students are Black, 32% of students are Hispanic, 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 10:1, 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 10 other public schools located in South Dallas.
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