As the largest school district in Northeast Texas, Tyler ISD encompasses 193 square miles, maintains a total of 35 campus and auxiliary facilities, and serves an enrollment of approximately 17,500 students. The district is made up of two high schools, six middle schools, 16 elementary schools, two alternative schools, and one special education campus. The District's on-site management policy enables administrators and teachers at each campus to implement programs responsive to the particular needs of its individual student body.

With academic achievement as its primary objective, Tyler ISD takes strong measures to ensure a positive, safe and orderly learning environment, to instill self-discipline, and to enforce standards of excellence throughout the system. The beginning of the 2004-2005 school year was marked by a number of important district-wide initiatives. The district teamed up with the Princeton Review to offer high school students free preparatory courses and tutoring for college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT. After adding two new elementary magnet programs (Bell Elementary Global Communications Academy and Jones Elementary MST Academy) the district now offers four schools of choice, with existing magnet programs at Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy and Moore MST Magnet (Middle School).

The district’s Advanced Studies and International Baccalaureate Programmes have also achieved overwhelming success this year. The IB Programme, a gifted and talented curriculum, has expanded and is now offered at the following schools: IB Diploma Programme (John Tyler High School); IB Middle Years Programme (Hogg Middle School); IB Primary Years Programme (Griffin Elementary, Rice Elementary, and Woods Elementary).

Perhaps the most significant initiative was the successful passage of a facilities bond referendum. As a result of the bond, six elementary schools will be replaced with new facilities over the next three years, and an additional elementary campus is scheduled to be completed in 2006. This effort is in line with a continued focus on providing students with environments that are as conducive to learning as possible.

A wide array of programs and educational opportunities expand far beyond Tyler ISD in this culture-rich community. Located midway between Dallas and Shreveport, Louisiana, Tyler is a garden city of 84,000 known for its roses and scenic beauty. Community assets such as the Caldwell Zoo, The East Texas Symphony Orchestra, The Tyler Museum of Art, and the Hudnall Planetarium afford opportunities for field trips that expand learning beyond the normal classroom experience. In addition, Tyler ISD offers access to nationally recognized higher education programs through partnerships with the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College.