You got some great information from Monica, Naima and Bruce.

Yes, Realtors are people, too. Their opinions are based on dealing with hundreds of clients and customers who actually express opinions about the school districts and schools. If a Realtor expresses an opinion about schools, you should trust that over some blogger or random website that comes up on Google.

It makes little sense to believe someone who says "don't trust Realtors" from one side of his mouth and "call me, I'm a Realtor" from the other side.

You can also go to the state's website http://www.tea.state.tx.us to see what officials think of the various school districts and how they compare to each other. Of the two districts you mention, Highland Park is without a shadow of a doubt, the better.

I would recommend that you do some research on some school websites before you take the advice of any Realtor. If you have any questions - dont hesitate to call me. Go to google - type in School Districts in Dallas and see what results you get.

Per D Magazine that publishes info. yearly Highland Park would have top school district. Nationally recognized. If we can offer assistance contact my office.
OTHER OPTIONS PER ARTICLES AUTHORED ARE:
Coppell, Colleyville, Southlake, Trophy Club, Highland Village, University Park (which many homes located in HISD), Plano, Frisco, McKinney.

Determine on your budget, personal/professional lifestyle

972-699-9111
http://www.lynn911.com http://www.homes-for-sale-dallas.com

I have a nice guide from one of the title companies I can email to you. Everyone has different opinions about how to qualify what is the "best" school. The list I have is the TAKS rankings, but ask any principal and they will tell you that those rankings are not without flaws. As one of the other realtors mentioned it might be helpful to know your price range too if you are thinking of buying. Park Cities schools and Southlake schools are known to be good, but if you only have $100,000 to spend, those might not be the best options. Some other options are Frisco, Grapevine-Colleyville, Coppell, Plano, McKinney and I'm sure there are many others.

Take a look at http://www.greatschools.net

Without a doubt, Highland Park ISD is the best of the 2 and around actually. Very small class environment, most teachers have Master's degrees etc... However, the cost of living is very high when you are in the district... starting around 700K There are 7 schools in the district and ALL are rated exemplary.

Richardson has very good schools too but it has a larger population too. There are 53 schools in Richardson of which:

27 are exemplary (all elementary)
19 are recognized
7 are academically acceptable

Also note that school districts in the DFW area overlap cities, so for example, you can live in the city of Garland but be zoned for the Richardson ISD... the same all over.

Let me know if I can help.

Naima
214-289-8555
naima@sumner-realty.com

Depending on what you can afford in a home, Highland Park and Southlake are probably the best schools- and most expensive areas. Allen, Frisco, and McKinney are excellent as well. Richardson and Plano are very good, and home prices there are affordable. Lake Highlands is a great neighborhood inside the 635 loop that is in Richardson school district. I'd love to help you further. You can get school and community reports thru the Market Snapshot on my website. Simply type in your criteria and a zip code. I'd love to help you! Best, Monica Grosz 214-762-1515

Tim, I have a copy of the TAKS Ratings, I will be glad to scan and email them to you. Feel free to look at our profile. Our contact information is on there.
Kind Regards,
Kathleen

I am sure that some of these realtors here can point you to some good data.... But I am really impressed with Plano Schools. Now, as in every district, you can have good and not so good schools.
Plano is also a top city to live per many studies.
Good luck!!