Johnie Daniel Elementary Opens in Pecan Square by Hillwood
Northlake, Texas residents were delighted when the new Johnie Daniel Elementary School officially opened this fall on the grounds of Pecan Square by Hillwood, welcoming nearly 400 students for the 2023-2024 school year. Total enrollment is expected to climb to 550 by the end of the year and be at its 850-student capacity in two to three years. The new Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth grade primary school was built to accommodate the growing number of children whose families have moved into the area in recent years. The school, part of the Northwest Independent School District (ISD), is located off FM 407 near Cleveland Gibbs Road in Northlake.
Jessica McDonald, the former principal of Hughes Elementary School who has been with Northwest ISD since 2009, serves as principal on the new campus. Superintendent Mark Foust joined McDonald to greet students on their first day. The school already has an active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which has been keeping families and students engaged through regular activities, including Grandparent Day, game dress up days, and a trunk or treat event co-hosted by the Pecan Square community.
Johnie Daniel Elementary School is named after the late Johnie Daniel, a local land developer whose work significantly influenced Northwest ISD’s growth. A founding member of Hillwood’s AllianceTexas – a world-class aviation, office, industrial, retail development located in Denton and Tarrant Counties – he frequently partnered with Hillwood on projects in the region. Daniel’s wife worked for Northwest ISD, and their children and grandchildren graduated from district schools.
Johnie Daniel Elementary School’s mission is to provide “a nurturing environment that educates the whole child and instills a ‘growth mindset’ to achieve personal excellence.” The school mascot is the “The Dogs” and the school colors are blue and green.
Johnie Daniel Elementary School is Part of Tremendous Northwest ISD Growth
Northwest ISD, which spans from northern Fort Worth to Denton, is the fastest growing school district in Texas, with families flocking to new home communities in the area, including Pecan Square in Northlake.
Northwest ISD is known for its competitive athletics, distinguished arts program, academics, and outdoor learning centers. Named one of the best school districts in the country for music education, Northwest ISD is also one of only 23 school districts in Texas named to the Advanced Placement Honor Roll by the National College Board. The district has a 95% parent satisfaction rating.
Daniel Elementary is just one of three new elementary schools Northwest ISD has in the works for the area. Other projects include a new high school, four early childhood centers, and two new stadiums for existing high schools. The district also announced plans to build a middle school in Pecan Square in time for the 2026 school year, followed sometime later by a new high school in Pecan Square.
Our Focus on Education Yields Multiple Benefits
It’s no accident that Johnie Daniel Elementary School was built within Pecan Square, and that there are more neighborhood schools on the way. Hillwood Communities place a huge emphasis on education. In fact, empowering lifelong learning is one of our guiding principles.
From each community’s inception, education is a priority. Hillwood looks for land in areas with good school districts for several reasons. Parents want the best possible education for their children, and good school districts are often associated with higher academic performance, well-qualified teachers, and access to a wide range of extracurricular activities and resources. A strong education can set children up for success in the future.
Homes located in good school districts tend to have higher property values and appreciate more over time. This means that homeowners can potentially build wealth through their real estate investment. When it’s time to sell, homeowners in these districts often have an advantage. There is a larger pool of potential buyers willing to pay a premium for access to quality schools, which can lead to quicker and more profitable sales, which makes homes in good school districts desirable to families without children, as well.
A study by RAND Education also found that higher-quality school districts impact both local and larger communities by increasing civic participation, which can be seen in election turnout, participation in cultural events, and improved news literacy.
This helps create a stronger sense of belonging and attachment to the community. Parents and students have the opportunity to walk or bike with their child to school. This also fosters relationships with other students and parents and strengthens parental participation in the PTA and school activities.
Make Pecan Square and Northlake Your Home
Is your family in the market for a new place to call home? Pecan Square by Hillwood in Northlake, Texas combines excellent schools with the relaxed charm of a small-town atmosphere. Designed to be more than just a neighborhood, Pecan Square is a true community where neighbors become friends and lasting memories are made.
With a wide range of community-focused amenities for residents of all ages, from parks and playgrounds to a fitness center, swimming pools, and more, there’s always something to do right in your backyard. Pecan Square’s lifestyle program further ensures there’s never a dull moment. Enjoy more than 300 yearly community events, activities, and classes that cater to all interests, bringing residents together to enjoy life to the fullest. Plus, our innovative Canopy technology bundle makes your life more convenient and integrated.
Nestled in Northlake, Texas, Pecan Square offers the perfect balance of a serene environment and easy access to the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. You’ll have the best of both worlds, with the city’s conveniences just a short drive away.
To learn more about Pecan Square, stop by The Greeting House for a tour! Our new construction builders have available inventory, and many are offering incentives. Browse for your home online then visit the builder’s models to learn more about special offers. Come by The Greeting House today – we’d love to show you around!